Salmon!

That’s right, it’s almost summer chinook season. Time to enjoy that pink, wonderful salmon meat. Steaks, fillets, smoked, baked, broiled, grilled, wood planked, not cooked at all. So many ways to enjoy this treat that is native to the Pacific Northwest.

I love living here. How incredible that we have the salmon highway right in our own front yard. Yes,the Columbia River is kind enough to be the road of choice for these beautiful fish.

When does the season start?

Summer season for the chinook kicks off this Monday the 22nd of June. This particular 14 day season is for the downstream area of the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam. You will be allowed a 2 fish per day limit through July 5th, 2009. Another cool feature is all fish are fair for the catching this go around. Even the clipped adipose fin salmon are fair game!

Need a guide?

Maybe you want to head out but aren’t geared up to do so. Maybe you want a professional to take you out and hit the river in style? My friend Kevin Emerick owns Playing Hook E guide service and can handle all the arrangements for you. All you need to do is shoot Kevin a call at 360.513.7350 and tell him Dale sent ya. If you’ve never been out with a fishing guide before, you should give it a shot. It really is a fun way to fish!

Now, get out there and catch some fish and remember to get your favorite Realtor a chunk or two of some smoked salmon. ;)

(Photo courtesy of PetitPlat by sk_ under Creative Commons license)