Spring Chinook (King Salmon)

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Spring Salmon)  

You hook one of these 50 pound plus fish and add that to heavy current and high water and you have the making's of a fight.  These fish will frequent the slow and back-water areas because of high river flows and debris in the river.  Because of these factors we recommend heavier tackle (30 Lb. Main Line) than for the same size fish in the fall (15 Lb.) when water levels are lower.  Chinooks (the Indian name) or King Salmon are identified by the black rim around the inside of the mouth.  Males often are smaller and have a hooked lower jaw.  I have been told that the hooked jaw helps the male to grab the females' tail and hold on to her during the courting process?!  It is widely believed that most Chinooks do not feed after entering fresh water to spawn.  This has been proven by an empty stomach in the fish that I have taken.  I believe that there are always exceptions, but in most cases, catching a fish on bait or lure is a instinct response or territorial response to the bait or lure.  

Because of lower visibility in the high water conditions, larger lures and baits are often used.  Fishing in the slower channels is often productive and very often you must get the bait or lure right in front of the fish.  

If you are waiting for the perfect river and fishing conditions, consider this: Once a fish enters a river you must be on his schedule to catch him!  The fish probably does not have the same criteria as you as to when he will travel through your fishing area.     

Some 50 percent to 60 percent of the Umpqua's spring-run Chinook will be in the North Umpqua by mid-May, according to Dave Loomis, the ODFW biologist for the Umpqua River. He expects a good fishery in 2004, based on a good return of jacks last year. "I saw about 80 springers spawning on one large gravel bar on the North Umpqua in the fall. This is indeed a healthy run of fish."

Anglers can keep native spring Chinook in the Umpqua, one of the few places left where such a luxury is allowed. Those fish will be mixed with hatchery fish.

Your Hostess:  Margaret Wardrope 541 389 2359

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