Salmon surveys suggest best salmon count coming to area in years

This year's salmon count is expected to be the best we've seen in years, and a significant event is planned in Roseville to celebrate the arrival of this year's fish after their long and treacherous journey to our local waterways. A significant event is being organized in the Roseville area for the salmon arrival: the Dry Creek Conservancy and Placer Group-Sierra Club announced the first-ever Salmon Homecoming event in anticipation of the especially strong salmon run this year. The event will be a free family-friendly celebration of the arrival of the Chinook/King Salmon spawning run. Organizers will also introduce the recently completed 11x26-foot color mural of Dry Creek salmon's life cycle. Designed by professional graphic artist Lora Watts, the mural was funded and painted by volunteers. 2026 Salmon Homecoming takes place on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Royer Park, 190 Park Drive in Roseville. In case of rain on Nov. 8, the event will occur on Sunday, Nov. 15. The event is free and there is ample free parking available at Royer Park, adjacent Saugstad Park and two nearby multi-story parking structures on Oak Street. Sean O'Brien, Director of Dry Creek Conservancy said this year's salmon run is looking good."During our 2025 salmon survey, volunteers counted 254 King/Chinook salmon, our best count in 11 years," said O'Brien. "That inspires us to raise awareness in our community that these incredible fish continue to make the 100-plus mile journey from the Pacific Ocean back to our neighborhoods year after year, and to conduct creek clean-ups to help restore their habitat." 2026 Salmon Homecoming hopes to help the residents of Roseville, Lincoln and Rocklin realize that they live in a "salmon town" and have many "hands on" opportunities to help save the King of all salmon species from impending extinction. Event highlights include: Hear how local people-power created such a stunning work of art in the park, and chat with the volunteers that funded and painted the 11x26-foot salmon mural. Enjoy free guided walks to nearby Dry Creek to experience the world of urban wild salmon and understand the survival challenges they face. Learn from Citizen Conservationists how to be part of local Save the Salmon and other wildlife projects. All farmed salmon are an Atlantic Ocean species and cannot save Pacific Ocean Chinook/King Salmon that are threatened with species extinction. Re-wilding local streams is part of the long term solution, say organizers. Engage with city and Placer County planners and resource specialists to learn about their programs for critical wildlife habitat and watershed protection.