Salmon are migrating up Dry Creek and spawning in Roseville, California, this year.

They’ve been largely absent for the last few years.

I walk the creek trails on many days and I spotted a few big fish in 3-4 little rapids near deeper pools.

They need some riffles to keep sand and algae off the rocks so their eggs can stick, so only a few creek stretches are suitable.

Their spawning tail fin agitation gives away their location visually if the water level is low.

Splashing sounds can give clues too, like beaver tail slapping. If we were bears we could wade right in and eat them.

What surprised me was how long the fish lingered.

Several days for one fish I kept spotting in one particular rapid.

Cruising, making little rushes that left swirls on the surface. Or dead still, tails hardly moving. Hard to spot then.

Then they turn sideways and churn up the creekbed sediments with rapid vigorous tail flipping.

They deteriorate and get beat up, with white splotching in different spots so I knew it was the same fish.

They don’t eat and they burn lots of energy with the demands of mating so it’s heroic how long they can last, faithful unto death.

So, like several spots in California and the West, salmon are returning.

Though not a big Fall run, I’m happy to see these big fish swimming in [never] Dry Creek.

Gives me hope they’ll come back strong in the future.

Unless noted, all text and images by todgermanica.com.