Overview:  Being the physically largest member of the salmon family, this species has historically played a major role in the social, economic, and even political lives of the people of Washington and the entire Pacific Northwest. Due to its size, Chinook salmon populations traditionally inhabit a variety of fresh water areas but normally spawn in larger rivers. According to NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) there are currently 7 distinct populations or ESUs (Evolutionary Significant Units) still remaining in Washington. Of these, the Upper Columbia River spring run has been listed as being Endangered.  The Lower Columbia River ESU has been listed as being Threatened.  The Puget Sound ESU has been listed as being Threatened.  The Snake River spring / summer / fall runs uphold the 1992 listing as being Threatened.  The other two populations within Washington State were deferred from listing as they were determined to not need ESA protection at this time. All Chinook salmon populations within Washington State are in decline and the Upper Columbia River spring run is estimated to be the lowest in 60 years with fewer that 100 individuals. Currently, NMFS is in the process of obtaining more data on all of these populations, as they will make final decisions on the two deferred ESUs by September 1999. They will also be making final critical habitat designations for all of Washington's ESUs by March 2000. For more information on Chinook salmon populations check out NMFS’ page @ http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/1salmon/salmesa/index.htm.Also, for weekly updates on the populations of these fish as they travel up Washington's waterways, check out the Fish Passage Center's page @  http://www.fpc.org.

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Distribution:  As shown in these distribution maps, many of Washington's waterways still contain chinook salmon runs.  Due to their spawning habits, chinook tend to be found spawning in larger rivers and streams.  These spring runs normally travel longer distances inland from the ocean and the largest populations can be found in the Columbia and Snake river basins.  Fall runs are found in higher concentrations in the Puget Sound area but also contain populations which travel inland to spawn.