The Salmon Festival is a popular attraction in Rancho Cordova. Fishermen and families alike come out to attend the annual celebration of the salmon run.  Every year about this time thousands of salmon fight their way upriver to return to their place of birth where they will spawn and then die. This years’ festival lacked a major component- salmon.

State wildlife biologists are expecting an annual total of near 6,000 salmon to run the American River this year-compared to an average of 35,000 for past years. State and federal officials have essentially banned salmon fishing in the state to protect the few fish that will be spawning this year.

Some anglers see the new bans on salmon fishing as being too strict. “You start seeing a definite pattern, and that may be cause for concern. But I think right now it’s a knee jerk reaction”, says fisherman Wayne Webster.  Experienced anglers will tell you that a one year population decrease is not uncommon for salmon and that numbers will return to normal in the coming years.

The Rancho Cordova Salmon Festival came out in style regardless of the thousands of missing salmon.  Bands entertained, barbecued salmon was served and children delighted in coming face to face with salmon in the 4,000 gallon aquarium.  Festival veterans noticed that the crowds were smaller this year, though official numbers have not yet been posted. 

The fish ladder at Nimbus Hatchery was the most missed attraction of the Festival. The fish ladder guides spawning salmon in to holding tanks at the hatchery before their eggs can be harvested. The ladder remained closed during the festival to reduce stress on the few salmon that would be making their way up river.