"It's amazing that a fish this size can not only navigate its way up a narrow, shallow expanse of water, but do it with such purpose, and such certainty. There were times when I just watched as one fish after another scurried up the shallow riffles, their backs protruding as they darted from hole to hole, stopping only for a short time before moving on in quest of their destiny. I watched as they reorganized in each hole, seemingly taking a few moments as if to jockey for position, or to re-establish their direction. Then, as suddenly as they had arrived, one fish would take the lead and the rest would quickly follow on to the next pool of discovery. It's hard to imagine that for as many as 8 years ago these fish were swimming in these same pools, their size almost undetectable and their future uncertain.
As an angler one has to feel a certain awe for the tenacity of these fish. Carrying out a centuries old rhythm of dance with the currents, first directing them to the ocean, and then leading them home again. How incredible their story and sad their possible demise as humans struggle to help them master their own fate. I hope that as you embark on your quest to reel in one of these enduring creatures, you will also take time to applaud their effort, admire their courage, and to be inspired to advocate for their survival. Without mankind's intervention, we will be left just to rely on special circumstance or dumb luck to afford us one more glimpse at these awe-inspiring creatures. What a wondrous day it would be if we could see the return of the "King," as indelible to Idaho's landscape as the great mountains that shadow the South Fork of the Salmon River."
Lots of fish and lots of anglers! It's now or no more this year for these big fish. The season won't last much longer at the current rate of hatchery caught salmon, three hours per fish! Folks are using roe and bright colored yarn on a stout hook or small spinners.This year please pick up after yourself! Last year the banks were left in a terrible mess,.. and I for one did not appreciate it! In fact, I wasn't the only one! The Forest Service has come up with some new regulations as a result of some individuals lack of consideration for our resources,.. and I can't say as I blame them. Folks left behind all kinds of trash,.. to include: bottles, beer cans, pop cans, tons or egg sack material, disgarded yarn, empty plastic containers for roe, thousands of bits of fishing line, cigarette butts, gum rappers, toilet paper and of course the human refuse that follows! It was disgusting, so for *^&% sake pick up after yourselves. It's not that difficult, and the experience will be much better for all of us! Thanks
Chinook began turning up in significant numbers in the South Fork of the Salmon River a few days before the Fourth. As of July 3, at least 300 salmon showed up at the Fish and Game trap on the South Fork, an indication of the beginning of the main run of fish. Even early in the run, the river drew lots of interest from anglers and many of them were catching fish by the holiday. That fishery is set to end August 3 but usually ends sooner as quotas are reached.
Just prior to the holiday, salmon anglers on the Lower Clearwater River and on the North Fork of the Clearwater were catching fish at a rate of from three to five hours per fish. Pressure there was listed as "moderate" by Fish and Game biologists.
The South Fork of the Clearwater attracted the heaviest angler activity in that region. Anglers were averaging 10 hours per fish there, a rate considered quite good for anadromous fish. Pressure was light and few fish were being taken on the Lochsa River and on the Clearwater at Kooskia.
