A salmon run for the ages

Salmon drift boat on the Klamath River .

By Peter Ottesen

October 17, 2007

Record Staff Writer

HORNBROOK - The first light of dawn in autumn is almost surreal on the Klamath River , illuminating the brilliant yellow of Ash leaves that reflect on the water. Only leaping salmon break the tranquility, interrupting the flows of the rushing river as it pushes some 140 miles toward the ocean.

This year's spawning salmon run is one for the ages. Forecasters believe at least 400,000 adult kings - 8 to 20 pounds - will return to the Klamath. The vanguard already has reached the upper end, literally filling every hole and deep run between Interstate 5 and Iron Gate Dam.

The run is later than usual because of a sandbar that closed the mouth and prevented salmon from migrating. A heavy rain last week allowed the Klamath to open up, and the fish responded. Indian gill netters caught their 21,000-fish allotment in short order, so now the salmon may move upstream, unimpeded.

Fish and Game officials believe the salmon will continue pouring into the system until Oct. 31, perhaps as long as mid-November.

On Friday, I joined Ole Tokheim of Manteca, who was given a two-day fishing trip with guide Dave Mierkey by his son, Joel, to celebrate his 90th birthday. Tokheim has an affinity for the outdoors and through his rich life - he has been retired from civil service for 35 years - has fished for steelhead in Washington, shot pheasants in Iowa and hunted deer in Utah. He has revelled in every moment.

"I just love getting out," Tokheim said, as we pushed away from the shore in a double-ended drift boat on the top end of the Klamath. "Being outdoors has meant so much to me and my family. Before my wife, Lorraine, defeated pancreatic cancer in 1990, we fished all over the country. These days, she's content to read, but she always travels with me, and we're together all the time."

Tokheim's attitude and outlook belied his 90 years. He hopped into the deep-hulled driftboat with ease, fished with intensity and fought a 14-pound salmon like a pro, using a single, barbless hook and skillfully bringing the king head-first into a waiting net.

"I wish all my clients had his verve and ability," Mierkey said. "His enthusiasm is the capstone to seeing the fall colors and catching salmon on this beautiful river."

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