I’m back with some more salmon run photos, but with more photography experience and better conditions this time. Last year, I saw the most fish in Port Hope by the Ganaraska River, but I didn’t go back this time. Instead, I returned to Étienne Brûlé Park by the Humber River, which wasn’t very successful last year. This year was different; there were tons of fish trying to swim up the river. Ganaraska River still had more fish, but there was still plenty enough at the Humber. The trick is to wait for a day or two of early October rain, and then visit the river; you’re guaranteed to get a great run.

Étienne Brûlé Park is more accessible than Port Hope because it’s within Toronto, while the latter is in the middle of nowhere; you can actually go to other places after seeing enough of the Humber River. The view is much nicer as well; the fish ladder in Port Hope is small and results in a lot of crowding, and the bare concrete dam and small fish ladder are not very aesthetic. Meanwhile in Étienne Brûlé, the entire banks of the Humber River becomes a viewing spot and the weir is much more pleasing to look at. You can see the fish from up close enough to receive small splashes of water. Last year’s weather was overcast and somewhat dim, but the skies were clear this year, leading to nicer pictures.