I have to agree with the tv hosts. Notice how many Chumkins came up in the last high water. Quite a few condisidering that it was a couple weeks ago. We had one litte rain squall since the rivers dropped and that got the fish to move a little but we can't base a run size on present numbers of fish this early in the season especially when the water is at near summer level. The last rain only brought the Sky up half a foot or less. That is not enough water to draw the big schools in from the salt at least not out of tidewater. Later in the season, sure, but not yet. Chums don't waste any time moving upstream as they usually spawn within about two weeks after entering fresh water. They'll have their tennis shoes on once it rains again.

As far as derby timing, I think that the earlier in the season the better. They could have it during the second week of November but then they would have to set it up as a "whose fish is darkest" derby instead of a biggest fish derby. There are bright Chums to be had later on but I seem to get the brightest Chums in the Snohomish system just about this time of year.

I am looking forward to this derby as I will get to meet new people from the board and from the Sky Valley TU. Good luck to the entrants as you'll need it with some of the heavy hitters who will be on the river.

Justin
CEO, Sauk River Steelhead Ranch