The rains have come and will continue to come as we now enter the main time frame of the fall inland salmon fishing season.

The fish have definitely moved, and therefore the fishing itself has spread out on local rivers. Things were beginning to get somewhat crowded during October, especially in the estuary waters.

November also brings with it some regulation changes. For starters, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued a rules clarification for the Humptulips River. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers must release all Chinook salmon. This ruling affects the entire river open to salmon fishing from the mouth to the confluence with the east and west forks. Wild coho must also be released.

The Chehalis River at this time allows for the retention of six salmon, of which only two may be adults and of which only one may be a wild coho. All Chinook or kings must be released. Similarly, the Satsop River currently allows anglers a daily limit of six salmon of which one wild coho and up to two adults may be retained. It is mandatory to release all Chinook.

The Wynooche River permits salmon fishing from the mouth to the WDFW White Bridge Access Site. Within these parameters, anglers may retain six salmon daily with up to two adults. Only one may be a wild coho and all Chinook must also be released.

These rules are mirrored for our smaller rivers such as the Wishkah, Hoquiam and Copalis rivers. The rules and regulations are clear on other pertinent rivers in our area and anglers are responsible to know the rules or the rivers that they are fishing. For anglers fishing farther upstream, the approach and technique definitely changes.

Of course, water conditions dictate the tackle being used. Off-color water necessities the usage of larger lures whether plugs, spinner or corkies. Clearer water demands smaller terminal tackle and even the usage of bobbers to keep gear from hanging up in snaggy areas. Salmon will hold up in every nook and cranny that a river will afford them. Therefore, as anglers spread out, they are likely to find fish in pockets of water created by logs, rocks or even cut banks. Correctly applying the proper lure to these areas of a river can result in a salmon hook up.

Working around crowds of people doesn’t have to happen. When the fish spread out, then so do the anglers. However, there are popular areas that tend to draw the crowds. This is the case because of river access or even major fish holding areas. When the fish are in, everyone seems to be having fun and enjoying the moment. There are plenty of fish for everyone. The bottom line is that it doesn’t take much to make anglers happy. Simply catching fish.

So, we are now finding ourselves in the midst of such a fishing climate. If there ever was a time to catch a salmon, this is the opportunity. Anglers need to seize the moment.