Salmon Runs (Seattle, Olympia, Issaquah: pools, best place, permits)

[Boboj]

Can anyone give any tips on where to view the Salmon Runs & what times of the Year are best ??

Either on teh Olympic Peninsula or further North towards Mt Baker would be great ??

Viewing only, we won't be Fishing..

Thank you..

[Andy]

Ballard Locks, Seattle.

Just about any major stream will have salmon.

[Boboj]

Thanks Andy..

So i'll literally be spolit for choice then ??

Aside from the Locks you mentioned, anywhere else that is generally better than another River/Stream or will most Rivers/Streams give me equal kind of chance of seeing them ??

[Hemlock140]

The best place is Issaquah, where they have a hatchery and harvest eggs. Not only do you see them in the creek, but in holding tanks and may be lucky enough to watch the guys processing them.

[Boboj]

Cool, sounds good..

Thanks Hemlock..

Do most Rivers on the Olympic Peninsula have them in & would there be ay particular suggestions on pretty spots ??

I'm looking to take Pictures & a pretty kind of backdrop, if possible, would add to it i'd guess..

[Fat Freddy]

Most rivers on the Olympic Peninsula have salmon runs, but you can't really see anything except where they congregate at the locks and ladders that are part of the hatchery system.

You may be able to see them from some bridges, but from the bank they are pretty much invisible.

[Hemlock140]

The rivers are deep and fast, at most you would see dorsal fins sticking up until you get to the shallow pools closer to the mountains. Those are less accessible, requiring permits and a good rough hike in. Some of the semi-urban creeks will allow for viewing but not in great numbers and you have to be very lucky to be at the right place when the fish are there.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Fat Freddy

Most rivers on the Olympic Peninsula have salmon runs, but you can't really see anything except where they congregate at the locks and ladders that are part of the hatchery system.

The smaller the stream, the easier they are to see. Percival Creek in Olympia for example is small enough that you can easily see all the salmon heading up to spawn. The problem with smaller creeks is that they may have blocked access (downed trees, brush, clogged culverts, etc.) while most rivers that aren't blocked by dams or major waterfalls will have a run.

[Boboj]

Thanks very much Guys, really appreciate your help..