anyone know where to photograph salmon?

[Tom Reichner]

I was wondering if anyone knows where salmon can be photographed.  I don't have any under-water gear, so what I was thinking of is a place where they leap out of the water on their spawning runs.  A fish ladder was one thought I've had. 

As most of you know, I am new to the west (lived in PA until 2 years ago), so I really don't know much about salmon.  I'm wondering if any of the dams have fish ladders, and if at any of these ladders the public is allowed to access the area.  If there's a fish ladder somewhere that salmon use, and the public is able to walk right up to the ladder and photograph the salmon, that'd be perfect for what I'm looking to do. 

Thanks

[jeepasaurusrex]

Ballard locks.  They have a fish ladder with glass walls on one side so you can watch them swim by.

[Huntbear]

Bonneville Dam?  They have the fish ladders as well as the viewing room that is under the water.  You would just have to take pics through glass.

[jackelope]

aside from shooting through the glass the only view i have ever seen is looking directly down on fish ladders. probably not the best angle for real quality photos.
if you find a small stream somewhere that is a trib to a bigger river with kings in it that also has some skinny water, you might find some shooting up that skinny water throwing some rooster tails, but you might sit there all day waiting for 1 too but.
the raging river is one i can think of right off hand but the fish numbers are pretty low. i can't think of any waterfall type places that would make for the salmon jumping up the waterfall type shots.
you might wait for chums or even humpies to start their runs.
 

[Timberstalker]

Tom-

I have seen it a few times on the Yakima River in Richland Wa.  If you are familiar with this area there is a small spill over dam called Horn Rapids on the vantage highway.  The salmon will be in this area hard from the middle of September to Late October.  It is the only spot that i can think of right now.  some years there are a ton of fish in that run.

[bigdave]

Tom,

You might try wolf lodge creek in N. idaho. In the fall the salmon from Lake Coeur D' Alene go up and there are places where you can see them on reds. I don't know if you would find them jumping.  Idaho fish and game might give you some info....if not drop me a PM and I will ask around some of the locals.

Dave

[boneaddict]

The Methow river.  Look in the river from the Hi-way just north of carlton.  You should be able to spot their reds.  The water is real clear and you'll see em.  Its probably just a bit early but they will be there soon.  25-40 pound kings.  The URB were running bigger than normal this year.  They'll have some red on them but won't be too rotten if you catch them early.

[boneaddict]

There are some pretty good "sockeye" runs out of chelan in the summer.  Its been awhile.  You need a boat though to access the creeks on the lake.   You might catch some at 25 mile creek.....   You'll need more local intel for that one.  SORRY.

[Tom Reichner]

Thanks, everyone, for all the leads.  There're alot of possibilities listed here - I'll have fun researching them all.  Fortunately, August is a bit of a dead time for photographing most other wildlife, so I should be able to put some time into this.

[ICEMAN]

Pike Place Market. The salmon fly thru the air there every day of the year. 

[rasbo]

Pike Place Market. The salmon fly thru the air there every day of the year. 

Hi  my name is moonchild flairednostril,I'm with peta and you better stop throwing those dead fish now..Somewhere he has a brother that's ailing and missing him.And to think you want to photo these magnificent fish and exploit them for your own personall use,well, lets just say it raises the hair on my legs..you mean killers!

[boneaddict]

Well the Methow is 30 minutes from you or less, and I can surely think of worse places to spend my day.  Don't be discouraged if you see a couple of rotten ones.  THey are leftovers from this spring.  A fresh batch will be coming.

[boneaddict]

I was trying to think of who you could talk too about the sockeye in lake chelan.   Its the closest thing to AK that I have seen with them.

[Da stump]

Howdy, love the pics you take and you have inspired me to get a nice camera this next irs return if Obama gives us po folk any thing back.
    The little Naches river has a fish ladder on it and in the latter part of August to the first part of Sept  a fair run goes up it.  Great opportunity for fish going up rapids and jumping up falls.  The fish are a little rough but great for pics.  If you want more info as to where and such contact teacherman or myself and we will dial you in.  Great camping in the area as well.

[popeshawnpaul]

Bear Creek in Bothell/Woodinville has salmon that come up it and it's a tiny little creek where they are highly visible at times.  Might be worth checking out...