RiverMan. I'd leave the db at home. The prime month for summer runs is July. Mid July being peak. The fall nooks ususally show up at the end of july, but not getting really good until September (coho show up that time, too). If slamon is your game, I'd stick with October, November and even December.

I'd go with the recommendation of hiring a guide who operates a sled. Boondogging is the name of the game on that river.

Not to say that you won't hit fish in the DB, but you if you want the action, boondogging is it.

Email Stlhdr1. If you don't book with him (he works full time but sometimes guides on his off days), he can refer you to other guides such as Sonny, Gabe, or John. You probably would need to fill a boat though, as the demand is high for a summer runs in July.

Heck, if you do bring your db, you can easily launch at the Meat Hole and get all the fish you want between there and Blood Rock. Or, add to that Johsonvillebrats Creek, and you have access to a ton of fish. You can take out at the Hapa launch. About a 1/4 mile float! Used cured prawns in the Meat Hole (by the water fall) or in Blood Rock and you will limit out so fast, that it is stupid.

Or, as other's have pointed out, make the longer float and pitch at the pods of fish you will see.

Have fun. Be patient as there will be a ton of sleds zooming around. It's a sledders river, so don't get too irked by waves, wakes, etc.