When Red Is Silver

                                                 Photo of Doug by Regis Pappert

 This week's fishing excursion to the Kenai River resulted in a limit of  "bright silver" sockeye salmon fresh from Cook Inlet.  The early run of "reds" (popular name) in the upper section of the river provided action typical of aggressive ocean caught fish.  The instinct of the early run is to move upstream with urgency to spawning waters.  

A second run will follow in July but generally with less urgency.   The slower advance upriver is evidenced by a reddish color acquired when in fresh water for a longer period.  Sockeye's eventual spawning color is a deeper red body with a greenish head.  The reference to sockeye salmon as "reds", however, includes also its prized red flesh.  -  Doug

For more information:  Alaska Cache Newsletter