Local peamouth minnows
Countless peamouth minnows return to Bellevue's Kelsey Creek in the spring to spawn. For 24 to 48 hours, the stream is thick with this elusive lake fish.
Each spring thousands of peamouth minnows leave Lake Washington to spawn in Kelsey Creek.
About Mylocheilus caurinus
Peamouth minnows, Mylocheilus caurinus, quietly school in Lake Washington year-round. They are a freshwater fish from the family Cyprinidae, which includes carps and minnows. We usually think of minnows as a small fish, but our Lake Washington peamouth minnows are practically giants, with an average size of 12 inches.
These large minnows spawn in Bellevue’s streams during April through June. Each female can lay between 5,000 and 30,000 eggs in the gravel areas of our local streams. During spawning season, the stream is plastered with gazillions of sticky little eggs that only take about a week to hatch. After spawning, the peamouth minnows return to the lake. Unlike salmon, peamouth don't mind warmer water and lower stream levels typical of spring.
Peamouth minnow watching
The best spots to watch for a peamouth minnow spawning event are by Kelsey Creek, under the Wilburton Trestle, and at the Mercer Slough Fish Ladder. Watch quietly at these sites and, in addition to the peamouth, you may see other wildlife looking for dinner, including blue heron, wood ducks, river otters and bald eagles.
View the Kelsey Creek Wildlife Cam day or night - you may spot other fish, birds or animals.
Peamouth Patrol volunteer training
Volunteers with the Peamouth Patrol monitor Bellevue streams for the minnows' arrival, tracking dates and number of fish. Learn more about volunteering for the Bellevue Stream Team.
Storm drains vs. the sewer system
Storm drains deliver rainwater from outdoor surfaces to a series of connected pipes, streams, culverts and ditches called our stormwater system. Rainwater, or runoff, travels over hard surfaces picking up pollution we've left behind. The stormwater system, created to prevent flooding in our neighborhoods and community, delivers runoff directly into Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish without filtration or treatment.
The sewer system is a completely separate series of pipes connecting directly to homes and buildings that collects used water from our indoor drains and appliances, such as sinks, washing machines and toilets. The sewer system transports our used indoor water and sewage to a wastewater treatment facility where it is filtered and treated.
When you're outside, remember: Only Rain Down the Drain.
Report 24-hour emergencies and utilities maintenance
To report flooding, water main breaks, sewer overflows and pollutant spills, call our 24/7 hotline at 425-452-7840, or fill out the My Bellevue Customer Assistance Form on our webpage with the details. You can also download My Bellevue App to make a report and send us photos right from your phone.