Tippy Dam - Next Year ?

[slyjap]

I haven't gone salmon fishing the last 2 years because of school and I hope I'll be able to go next year. Traditionally a group of us has always gone up the 1st weekend in October, but I think everybody else does too. I know the run is dependant on weather, water temps, etc., but what is the earliest that decent numbers of salmon show up at tippy? And are the crowds smaller? Do the early salmon behave any different than the salmon I see in early Oct.? None of the original group has gone the last 2 years, so I'm just going to make plans for myself. I figured maybe there is a better time to go, so I'm starting my research now. Thanks in advance.

[dinoday]

You're pretty unlikely to really beat the crowds much.
Fish show as early as late July to early August with "fishable" numbers in early September...usually.
That being said the crowds after the early fish have increased a lot, years ago if you went "early", you'd have the river to yourself,not anymore.
Fish do strike more readly earlier on than October,but you can find silver fish in October too;)
Just my personal opinion,and I have nothing at all against Tippy,find a smaller river if you want smaller crowds:)
Good luck.

[FlyDaddy]

Salmon fishing starts and ends last week in August for me. Not too crowded, fresh fish in general. Although not tons in the system this time of year, especially warmer and dry, I prefer it over the crowds. I am good to land one or two kings and then its back to trout fishing until the steel start showing up.

FD

[bobcolenso]

I've fished some piers over there from mid/late August 'til mid/late September. Most times I start fishing around midnight, and I have the whole pier to myself until about 5:00. There are few things that I love more than a drag screeming salmon heading for Wisconsin battle at 3:00AM on a moonless, cloudless, chilly night.

Actually I love it just a little bit more than going out there and getting skunked.

[slyjap]

Thanks guys. I'm still undecided but I may try a little earlier. Who knows, I might just have to make two trips up there.

[esp17]

Who knows, I might just have to make two trips up there.


Good idea!!:D