December 28, 2005
Sunshine Enlivens Winter Spawner Patrol
I headed out on our regular Wednesday Byrne Creek spawner patrol today under a dreary overcast sky. I wasn't expecting to see much, as the creek was high and dirty following a heavy rain.
As I walked along I saw blue sky on the horizon, and I wondered if it would clear. I was feeling glum at the poor return of spawning salmon to the creek this year, however the band of blue kept expanding and gradually my spirits rose. By the time I got to the bottom of the ravine, the cloud cover was completely gone.
I searched the spawning channel and habitat in vain, and saw no fish in the ravine either. I think we're probably done for the season, but I keep hoping that the rain we've had nearly every day for a week may entice a few wayward stragglers upstream.
Here's a shot of sunlight bouncing off the water near the footbridge in the ravine.
