BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A record number of hatchery Chinook salmon are expected to return to Whatcom Creek over the next two months.

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife says it’s forecasting that more than 7,000 Chinook will return to the creek in downtown Bellingham.

The hatchery-raised salmon eggs originate from the Samish River before they’re incubated by Bellingham Technical College (BTC) students and released into Bellingham Bay each spring.

“We have been working collectively and diligently to bring back salmon for all of our tribal people, as well as all Washington state residents and our future generations,” said Lisa Wilson, vice chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and a member of Lummi Nation leadership. “We created a 10-year, co-managed hatchery plan for these Chinook and we are now seeing the results of this hard work.”

Fish and Wildlife says the salmon provide prey for Southern Resident killer whales, support tribal and recreational fisheries and help train students at BTC.

Chinook begin arriving back at the mouth of Whatcom Creek in mid-August and will continue returning into October.

The state-managed salmon fishery is part of an ongoing collaboration with BTC, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, the Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Tribe.

Fishing for the Chinook is only open in lower Whatcom Creek on Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 14.