By Larry Dublanko

For the Grays Harbor News Group

The weather is beginning to have a big time impact in the fall salmon fishery. It is true that temperatures have dropped significantly and large amounts of rain are beginning to move fish.

These rains will certainly cool down the water as well which is necessary for fish to migrate upstream. However, volumes of water are still needed for the schools of salmon to push their way to spawning areas.

Salmon will move during flood conditions so they are not hampered by an abundance of rain. However, the flood-like conditions make fishing virtually impossible for the anglers. Waters need to recede for ideal conditions which take time. During this time frame, salmon are known to have travelled many miles. They literally escape to safe-spawning locations.

The perfect scenario is for a steady rain over time causing rivers to rise a foot or two. This way enough water accumulates and salmon find holding locations. These are ideal spots for anglers to intercept these fish in their migration.

Another benefit of the rains is more fresh fish come through. They generally do so in volume which again is a plus for the sports fisherman.

As of today, anglers have crowded the banks and waterways of hosting rivers in estuary water. This holding area provides an ideal location for salmon to mill around until the optimum time for their next move. Anglers, on the other hand, are having to adapt to this situation. Usually, drift type dishing does not work in these locations. Those employing hardware either from the bank or boat are generally more successful.

The term “hardware” is a broad expression which includes spinners, plugs and jigs which are gaining more and more favor with anglers.

As soon as river conditions change, anglers are needing to be “quick on their feet” to transition to different holding water. Color adaption and presentation may need to change. Those who transition well are likely to be more productive in their fishing efforts.

This is one of the reasons fishers keep asking the question what is working. This is not only true for different parts of a river, but it is a fair question from river to river. Color, in particular, is an important matter when fishing different depths. Colors do change in appearance and appeal when applied at varied water levels. This is true for drifting as well as color choices for hardware.

Anglers who have learned to use color well will hook more fish. Of course, it is vitally important that these presentations are placed where fish are holding. Knowing why fish choose certain holding sections of a river is valuable information. This knowledge correctly applied is the reason why some anglers will have hook up after hook up while others have not had a bite all day.

When the weather changes to stormy conditions and fish begin to move in volume, anglers are going to have to make the adjustments. Positioning oneself now for the upcoming changes may be a prudent decision.