See Salmon Run December 9, 2012

With each year, I ratchet my way closer to that moment when salmon ignite the Lagunitas Creek.  Last February, Annie and I missed the event – again – but at least caught the remnants of their redds near Shaftner Bridge.  I contacted the Marin Watershed to get a better grip on the timing of their run and was instructed to wait for the first major rain in December or January, then wait a few more days for the muddy water to clear, and then go have a look.

Two storms battered the Bay Area in early December, and on Sunday, I reckoned that now was the time.  I cajoled two friends to come take a look with me and we were not disappointed.  Joined by other salmon-seekers at the Bridge, we formed our own little migration, advancing up the path to spy a few spawning pairs along the creek bed.  One coho couple was particularly animated, as a second large red male attempted to intrude, triggering a vigorous display of muscle and splashing water.  Another neared the end of the creek, where it aborts at Kent Lake, and also neared exhaustion.  Magnificent, and fatal.