Snorkeling with Salmon in the Puntledge River – Courtenay, BC

by Keith and Heather Nicol

      Every 2 years the run of Pink Salmon in the Puntledge River ramps up and we have been checking out the waters at Puntledge Park for the last few days to see what kind of numbers have begun to show up. On Monday, August 19 with our daughter Kristie and son Michael in tow we decided to show them what we have been seeing for the past few days and we were not disappointed.  They have never snorkeled with salmon so they were looking forward to experiencing this phenomenal sight.

Michael getting ready to dive into the water

   We tend to swim just below the rapids at Puntledge Park and above where Morrison Creek enters the Puntledge. The cool water of Morrison Creek is likely one reason why this area is so good for accumulating large numbers of fish. We normally walk out into the river just below the rapids and try to go about 1/3 of the way across the river before diving into the river. This sets you up for being swept down river right directly over 100’s of salmon swimming upsteam.

You swim over tons of pink salmon

On this day there must have been hundreds of pink salmon in this area alone! The current is strong in places and the rocks are slippery so you need to pay attention to avoid being swept down river. We always wear kayak booties or good water shoes to protect our feet from rocks. Beside that, all you need are a mask and snorkel! Be prepared to be amazed at what is lurking below the surface of the water. In other years we have normally not seen these numbers of fish until into September so with a few more warm days forecast you still have time to see this special natural phenomenon.  Just remember that water levels can change dramatically on the river and that currents can sweep unwary swimmers downstream very quickly so take care!

Its hard to believe so many salmon are lurking below the surface

 

Video of snorkeling with salmon