We're excited to share that in our 2024 season we collected over 300 chum salmon — and planted our first ever eggs back into the river ecosystem! We will be able to provide more details and data in the coming months on the success of this effort.
Our mission, should you choose to accept it, will be collecting 300 male, and 300 female chums (yes, 600 chum collected in total) with the direct support of WDFW and the local hatcheries. Our permit runs through December 15th, and collection starts November 1st. We collect on the Skykomish River and bring the fish live to the Sultan boat launch for WDFW's Wallace River Hatchery.
We have fish bags, pens, and transport trucks since we will be supporting local fishermen and WDFW directly. Whether you're new to fishing, a seasoned angler, or just want to help — there's a role for everyone.
We have a critical need of seasoned boat captains who own boats and are willing to take anglers out.
To volunteer you are required to complete all of the following steps to receive your permit and coordinate trips.
Step 1: Sign up as a volunteer and complete orientation with WDFW (State Requirement). WDFW volunteer sign-up
Step 2: Sign up as a volunteer for the Skykomish/Wallace River Chum Collection on the WDFW website (State Requirement)
Not listed yet: WDFW hasn't added this project to its volunteer catalog. For now, do Steps 1 and 3, and if WDFW's sign-up asks you to pick a project, skip that part if it lets you. We'll update this step and email our volunteers once it's listed.
Step 3: Volunteer with Northwest River Restoration (Necessary to coordinate efforts — only boat captains need a permit. You can get a permit later if needed.) Volunteer sign-up form
Step 4: Once completed, we will send you additional information of pen locations and any coordinate days as well as an email requesting additional information to issue you your permits.
We cannot wait to see you out on the river, and together I know we can meet our targets!