Sunday, September 21, 2014

Salmon River Report for 09/21/14


I was just perusing through old fishing reports I've written, and came across this one from exactly two years ago...

Mid-September 2012
Currently the Salmon River is running at 185 cfs. Many folks can't imagine salmon running the river in these low-water conditions.  What I experienced this past weekend made me a believer! Hundreds upon hundreds of Salmon blasted up the river on the way to their natal spawning grounds. The action started at first light, and continued until the sun was setting. Sore arms, and big grins were the result, as our crew hooked fish after fish.  

We were using 9 foot, 9 weight rods with floating line, ten foot leader taped down to ten pound flourocarbon tippet. Size 6 "Bunny Speys" in black and olive with a chartreuse head were the top producing flies on the swing.

Fish are now spread through the entire river, but have yet to set up on gravel. There are still fish to come in, so it's shaping up to be a banner year!  On a side note, remember- the Lower Fly Zone has been CLOSED until October 31.  

Fast forward two years, to this weekend, and things are quite different. Here's my fishing report for Sunday, September 21, 2014:





Currently the Salmon River has a few salmon in it. By "few" I mean a few hundred at most.  These fish are all concentrated in select holes and holding water, which equals many fisherman around a few fishing spots..

Yesterday I walked a one mile stretch of the river without seeing a single King Salmon.  After deciding to stop my pursuit of Kings at 10:30am, I made the drive to Selkirk Shores to see where the boats on the Lake were fishing. While I'm not a Lake guy, I know enough to see the Salmon are still out in the Lake, and not coming in close yet.

The run will most definitely come- it is just going to start two to three weeks later than last year.  Yes, there have been a few Salmon "scouts" that have pushed up river. Yes, there are fifty or so in the Estuary- but mostly they are still feeding in the comforts of the Lake.

When the rain falls,  the West Wind blows, and the stars align, the Salmon will run. 

In the meanwhile- if you have ever wondered what the Salmon River looks like with minimal crowds, come up on a random Tuesday morning and go fishing... You just may have a shot at catching a scouting salmon, and experience the River all to yourself.

Enjoy!
Neil & Lori Sunday
The Good Luck Lodge Fishing Ambassadors