Salmon River report mid-September

Well, if you haven't heard already, their here...  For the last week and a half the river has been recieving EXCELLENT numbers of salmon everyday and as of two days ago the cohos have been coming in good numbers.  Despite the water level, the salmon are going to spawn, I told you so.

I have been on the river several times in the last week and have to say in 24 years I can't remember a more steadier flow of fish this early in the season.  I'll take it!

I have fished mainly late afternoon to sunset and if you hit areas between deeper water, for example, Upper Compactor to Secret Pool, your going to have fish all over the area.  You are also going to have company.  I can't remember having to share these type of areas with so many fishermen this early before.  Areas like the Black Hole, Town Pool, Staircase, Trestle .... are crazy!  Sure, lots of salmon, but lots of anglers too.

Dead.  A common sight now due to the water temps, level
and fishing pressure

The only thing that is a downer right now is the amount of dead salmon already.  This is no doubt due to the low water AND the warm water temps.  The good thing is that the nights have been getting alot cooler lately and there has been some rain, not enough to raise the levels significantly, but enough to freshen the water and help keep the fish moving.

A lot of anglers release fish now with good intent.  But the truth is that after fighting a fish of this size in conditions the way they are many released fish end up like the one in this picture, dead.  If you are ever going to keep salmon for table fair now is when to do it.  They are fresh from the lake, solid meat and will most likely die when you release it anyways.  If the water were cooler by even a few degrees and the water level was say, 400cfs or better, then these fish may have a better chance at surviving at least your battle with them.  Not to say that they wont die after the next guy hooks and fights it. 

Here we are again, another salmon run upon us and when the moon is full the next time we will be in the peak of the salmon run.  Time flies.

More to come.

Tight lines.