An automatic procedure to identify the bed friction coefficient is tested on a 2D hydrodynamic model of the Gironde estuary (France). The proposed procedure involves an optimization algorithm based on evolution strategy, namely Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy. Without optimization, application of the same friction distribution to different hydrological conditions leads to significant relative error in water level prediction up to 20%–30%. For the tested configuration, 300 runs seemed to be sufficient to reach an optimal value whereas an additional 200 runs would help to gain an accuracy of a few millimeters (or 0.3%). In order to reach the same level of accuracy for the different hydrological configurations, it is necessary to adapt for each configuration of the bed friction coefficient. Such behavior tends to confirm a seasonal variation of the friction coefficient and this is particularly the case in the central part of the estuary. Different relationships of the friction coefficient according to the flowrate have been incorporated inside the 2D hydrodynamic model. These relationships effectively maintain an accurate prediction of the water levels close to 10% for a wide range of hydrological configurations.