Fish Tracks

Timothy Kusherets

Did you ever wonder why anadromous fish are found near the riverbed more than any other depth while they migrate? The depth of each species out in the open ocean varies greatly with a range of 15 to 65 feet on average but that all changes the moment they hit fresh water systems. They swim as deeply as they do to hide from predation, extreme currents, and debris that otherwise could easily be avoided in the open ocean.

Migrating anadromous fish leave tracks that anglers will be able to see on the riverbed. Disturbances along the riverbed run parallel to the banks can be seen each time a school of fish passes by indicating a run of fish.

In most cases, algae forms on gravel, sand, and rocks as rivers fall and stabilize but as fish travel over those stable areas they leave tell-tale signs that they’re in the area even if you can’t see salmon or steelhead. It is the undulations of the body and tail moving back and forth that create the tracks. It is the same movement that creates the tracks regardless of the river it’s in.

Fishermen can inadvertently move fish from those areas they would rather gravitate by pressuring them into deeper slots and holds; most of the time the easiest way to pressure them out is for fishermen to get in the water. Getting into water that fish want to hold in is just about the same as chasing fish. It doesn’t work.

The tracks fish leave behind can be seen from shore without the aid of polarized glasses so if you know what to look for, try fishing from the bank away from the water before getting into it.

© Timothy Kusherets, 2004/07