2003 was a record return of 20,000 sockeye to the Baker River. The run size fluctuates quite a bit from year to year. I haven't heard what the run size forecast is for this year yet, but the brood year fry production and smolt passage were above average and good respectively. High ocean survival will be the determining factor, and it hasn't been way above average - like last year - two consecutive years before. The good news is that this run is gradually improving. Eventually, WDFW may allow a fishery in Baker Lake, similar to the one in Lake Washington, altho on a much smaller scale.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.