Downriver paddling is one of the best outdoor experiences, but paddling in a shallow river with the salmon migrating upstream to spawn is a special experience.   During the last big sockeye run, we paddled down the Shuswap River from the Skookumchuck to Enderby.

The river runs faster at the upper end and slowly at the lower end over a 35 km journey.   For the whole distance, there was a steady stream of red sockeye moving upstream, with an occasional large black colored spring salmon.   Fish jumped out of the water, surprising us each time.   In shallower sections, we had to be careful to avoid striking the salmon with our kayak paddles.  Eagles perched on tree limbs.   Seagulls, crows, eagles, and a number of small mammals scavenged dead fish on the shore.   The normally quiet river was abuzz with life.

We had timed the paddle to the peak of the salmon run and are looking forward to the next peak year in 2014.