With Skamania hatchery summer runs on the west side, their timing is such that by the 4th of July, they are "in the river" in very fishable numbers. From this point on fresh arrivals may increase population density in the river, or it may stay about the same as anglers remove fish by harvest. If fish abundance is low at this point, it's not because the run is "late." The run is here.

The smolt plant was normal, then yes, it is "ocean conditions," as in ocean smolt to adult survival. It's only a problem with the Wynoochee if other rivers stocked with the same smolts are getting typical returns. I'm not hearing of great returns anywhere. The Sky and Cowlitz have gotten more fish back, but relative to the number of smolts stocked, I don't think bragging rights are in order.

Sg