The early estimate of the run returning to the Cedar River this year could reach 800,000. This would be larger than the run of 1996, which was around 670,000 if memory serves me right. And you probably have guessed by now that the fish returning this year are the adult offspring of the 1996 run. So if you look into the crystal ball, you could expect another large run in 2004. But nothing is for sure.
Sockeye are interesting to catch in the lake.
It's pretty much like salmon fishing but without the bait. Believe it or not, they actually prefer a bare hook. And it has to be a red colored hook. My variation on the single hook is to tie two hooks as close together as possible. It's actually my favorite setup.