Fish – sockeye salmon – provide an incredible wildlife viewing spectacle 15km/9mi northeast of Chase. The Adams River sockeye run is known around the world as a true wonder of nature.
Adams River Sockeye Salmon Run
Protected through its full length within the boundaries of Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park, the lower 65ha/161ac of the Adams River is one of the richest natural spawning grounds in North America. Stand on the viewing platform or right on the gravel banks of the river to witness the culmination of one of the most heroic struggles in nature. Sockeye salmon that have lived for four or five years in the Pacific Ocean feel compelled to return to the streams of their birth to spawn and die. From the mouth of the Fraser River they battle horrific currents for about 18 days, eating nothing on their epic 400km/249mi journey. Their bodies change colour from silver-blue to bright red with green heads as they reach the spawning grounds. Many are caught or die along the way, but astonishing numbers reach their destination.
The sockeye run works in a four-year cycle. Every October there are fish to see, but the fourth year, known as the dominant year, sees the river run red with the struggling bodies of over two million fish. (Dominant years are 2010, 2014 and so on...)
For best photos of the sockeye, select underwater camera settings or use a polarizing filter.
More Wildlife Viewing
Get out the binoculars and watch for eagles attracted by the rich food source of dead sockeye. Bear sightings are also a possibility.
Salute to the Sockeye
Dominant years are marked by the three-week Salute to the Sockeye Festival in Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park. Displays cover everything from the sockeye life cycle to best recipes and cooking tips. The First Nations bannock stand is usually the busiest concession. Park naturalists and fisheries personnel are on hand to answer questions. Try to visit mid-week. The salute draws hundreds of thousands and the weekends are extremely busy.
Stop at the Chase Visitor Centre, 400 Shuswap Ave, for maps and brochures on Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park, the Adams River sockeye run and Salute to the Sockeye.