Critter Corner

By: Bill Knauer

 This fish starts life in small tributaries to lakes in Alaska and western Canada. The following spring after hatching, it moves down into the lake where it spends 1 to 3 years before migrating to the ocean. There it feeds primarily on plankton, remaining in salt water for 2 to four years. Sport fishermen rarely hook this fish in salt water, but it is a major commercial species in Alaska. It returns to freshwater in it 4^th – 6^th year of life, weighing from 4 to 15 pounds. Scuba divers can easily see this fish in large numbers in Hidden Lake on the Kenai Peninsula in late July. Have you guessed yet that the fish I am talking about is the Sockeye or Red Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)? Spring is a great time to see critters when diving. The water is usually still fairly clear and many species are returning to shallower waters. Keep your eyes open for interesting creatures when diving in Alaska and elsewhere.