Glimpse Into The Secret Life Of Salmon

With many tributaries of local rivers alive with spawning chinook salmon, wildlife watchers now have a rare opportunity to peer into the secret life of salmon. Some of the yard-long, 15-pound-plus fish pair up and mate in streams so shallow, their travel-work backs often protrude above the surface. The crystalline water also makes for excellent viewing of this remarkable ritual from the streambank. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game offers the following tips to recreationists who want to observe chinook spawning activity: 1. Observe the fish from a distance, preferably downstream so you can see all the behavioral interactions without disturbing them. Wading is unnecessary and may scare the fish away. 2. Polarized sunglasses are a must on sunny days to cut surface glare. The same goes for photographers. A polarized filter can make the difference between a trophy picture and abstract art. 3. Salmon nests, called redds, which appear as light-colored patches of gravel on the stream bottom, should be avoided. The layer of gravel over the nest protects the salmon eggs from predatory fish and birds, but not from human or ATV traffic. IDFG reminds anglers that all tributaries to the Snake, Salmon and Clearwater rivers are closed to salmon fishing. It is also unlawful to molest any fish by building obstructions to catch them, shooting with gun, striking with objects or chasing fish in any manner.