Totally agree on the water management situation being the main culprit for low returns, impacting both hatchery and natural-origin fish. The sky-high stray rates of trucked hatchery smolts is another, more recent issue. Trucking results in high outmigration survival. But if the trucked Sac River fish don't actually return to the Sac as adults, then they don't count towards the escapement goal.

If we can't change the water management situation, then a more achievable goal is to reduce the stray rates of the trucked hatchery fish. There is a pilot project going on this year that involves rearing Chinook smolts in a net pen so they imprint on Sacramento River water (https://ncgasa.org/2025/02/28/bridge-group-proposed-tehama-colusa-net-pen-comes-to-fruition/). It'll be a couple of years before we see the results of the pilot project.

Smolt monitoring

https://www.facebook.com/reel/982510913616473

Quote from: LoletaEric on April 15, 2025, 10:37:53 PM

Shitshow.

Gonna put a roll of TP in my safety gear.  It’s big net season!   

Have to say you have some nicer in shore launch areas for salmon your way. 

With such specific windows I hope the swell and wind cooperate.  Get ready for thick foggy misty mornings with sharks everywhere.  I can’t believe I just adjusted my haircut book all the way through September 30th.  If my wife asks about what I’m thinkin’ bout, good chance “salmon” might be a common default.  How do I catch one?  I’m prolly gonna blow the whole season slow pitching or mooching when a slow troll seems to be the standard technique.  If you don’t get that chovy roll just right though you may as well watch fishing videos.😂  Hope I use the right color flasher or do I use a dodger?  How long should my leader be?  Can I gaff em’?  Do they like live bait?  Hmmmm….i better go catch some halibut so I don’t get confused.

I would imagine slow pitching up a salmon has to be a rush.

 My best (2) salmon catch was at , Abion. Yes, in my boat !  Down rigger with anchovie rotary killer. Best fighting salmon i have ever caught. Running up,down,side to side and so on. I remember, Akuma trying to pull up close to me in his kayak to watch the action. I was like, look out! This one is wild.

Hopefully see ya on the water this year eddie.

 What a great year for salmon

Meh. They should just leave it closed for the season.

Seems like it would create more chaos than anything. Welp. Looks like I will be launching at 4 am. 😂

Over rated. Wink!

Yikes! Are you fully recovered?

Unfortunately not ! My urine was a lovely red today. Hopefully lab tests tomorrow. I still have a stent near my kidneys. Was supposed to be out by the 12th . My removal is not till may 5th. I did a lot of yard work today involving my back. Hoping the stent was just irritating and no infection. Still loving life though.

Quote from: Bulldog---Alex on April 14, 2025, 10:23:13 AM

Quote from: AlsHobieOutback on April 14, 2025, 09:12:45 AM

Dang man sorry I didn't see this until now!  Super scary sounding and painful!  Glad you came out OK!

Thanks, Al. Looks like you had an awesome time in, Vietnam. Awesome !!

Be working on a post soon! 

Looked like you were really taking in the culture and history and some great food.