Salmon run plankton. At this point the baby salmon are called "fry". At the end of the summer the fry develop into juvenile fish called "parr". Parr feed on small invertebrates and are camouflaged with a pattern of spots and vertical bars. They remain in this stage for up to three years. As they approach the time when they are ready to migrate out to the sea the parr lose their camouflage bars and undergo a process of physiological changes which allows them to survive the shift from freshwater to saltwater. At this point salmon are called "smolt". Smolt spend time in
Issaquah Salmon Days Issaquah Creek and windows that provide a view of the hatchery's fish ladder and holding pond. Although tours are not available during Salmon Days, docents from Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery are stationed throughout the hatchery to answer questions from visitors during the festival. Issaquah Salmon Days Issaquah Salmon Days is a festival held in Issaquah, Washington, United States, held from 10am to 6pm on the Saturday and Sunday of the first full weekend of October. It is initiated by a parade, celebrating the return of the salmon to their birth-waters, that embraces Issaquah's history, culture, and ethnic diversity.