As I sit here, watching the rain pour down in early November, I’m reminded that the angler's view on weather is rarely simple. It wasn’t long ago that I was out on the water, reeling in fish after fish under moderately calm, clear skies. Last weekend was one of those weekends where everything felt dialed in. But when I see rain like this now, I know that this isn’t an end—it's a transition. And if you’re like me, you’re probably feeling that same tug of anticipation for what comes next: coho.
Coho have a special place in my heart, especially these big late-season B-run fish. They’re the full package—athletic, hard-fighting, unpredictable, and a sight to behold as they slash through the water. Don’t get me wrong; I love chum. They’re fighters, survivors, and they play a huge role in the ecosystem. But coho, especially this time of year, just check every box.
Here’s the thing about this rain: it’ll be the grand finale for chum season. I’m not a scientist but I do always observe, every year, like clockwork, the heavy rain arrives, and something shifts. Chum come flooding into the system, making it feel like the rivers are thick with them. It’s wild and chaotic. But as they spawn and reach the end of their journey, the chum start to change, turning into those white zombies, still purposeful but beginning to give themselves back to the river. Their final act is just as important as their fight; they’re leaving behind a legacy, infusing the entire ecosystem with nutrients, nourishing everything from insects to juvenile fish.
And the rain? It’s like nature’s reset button. It nudges those nearly-spent chum aside, spreading their nutrients far and wide, and with that, it opens up a new stage. Now, instead of contending with chum every cast, we get a fresh opportunity. The coho, no longer crowded out, become the main attraction. And it’s their time to shine.
This is when the magic happens. With the chum spawning mostly wrapped up, the river shifts, and it’s all about the coho. They’re eager, aggressive, and they have the river to themselves. They’re free to chase down flies, attack with abandon, and give you that unmatched thrill only coho can deliver. It’s a clean slate, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already gearing up.
So, yes, let this rain come. It may be the end of chum season, but it’s ushering in something even more exhilarating. For us anglers, every change in weather is a new angle, a new opportunity. And this rain, it’s the gateway to a season that promises hard hits, fast runs, and the thrill of the chase.
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