The Goldstream Nature house suggests coming at the end of the month

A hungry gull picks away at a dead salmon on the banks of the Goldstream River, into which the fish presumably already spawned its eggs. This year, the Goldstream Nature House suggests residents stop closer to the end of the month, as they haven’t seen any salmon in the streams yet. (Gazette file photo)

Salmon will once again be returning to Goldstream Provincial Park this month in what is one of the most interesting natural history events on Vancouver Island.

As part of the annual Goldstream Salmon Run, thousands of chum salmon make their way to spawning streams. But it could be a couple more weeks before salmon start appearing, said the Goldstream Nature House.

The nature house has not seen any salmon yet, and recommend people come closer to the end of October. Salmon are typically seen for about nine weeks until early December.

Here are a few tips for salmon watchers:

– Keep all dogs on a leash and out of the water.

– Approach the river bank slowly and quietly.

– Don’t throw anything in the river.

– Try to find viewing sites that are up high, such as at the top of a bank or bridge to increase visibility, while staying on the trail.

– Avoid wearing bright coloured clothing, especially red, purple and pinks, which salmon see well.

For more information, visit naturehouse.ca.

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kendra.wong@goldstream gazette.com

Langford