Things have certainly turned to indicate the beginning of fall. For starters, the temperature has cooled somewhat and the days have shortened. School has started and the Labor Day weekend is behind us.

Football is in full swing. But, for the fishermen, the proof we have turned the corner of another season is the arrival of salmon in fresh water.

The fall salmon season is what a number of people wait for anxiously. It can mean sitting through the summer months with the idea of salmon fishing being lodged firmly in the back of our mind.

To clarify the point, anglers can still fish Marine Area 2-2, albeit only until Sept. 15. Then the season for the East Grays Harbor fishery opens on the 16th. Anglers will be permitted two (combined) adults daily. However, all wild coho must be released.

Marine Area 2-1, which is Willapa Bay, remains open until Jan. 31. There is a daily combined limit of six salmon. Up to three adults may be retained. However, all wild chinook must be released.

Anglers should bear in mind that the Westport and Ocean Shores boat basins are open to salmon fishing. The daily catch limit is six fish and no more than four adults may be retained.

Furthermore, all chinook must be released and the night closure and anti-snagging rule is strictly enforced. At these locations, only single-point barbless hooks may be used.

On the freshwater side of things, the Humptulips River opened Sept. 1 to salmon fishing. Anglers may retain two adults, of which only one may be a chinook. The release of wild chinook and wild coho is required through the end of October.

Most other rivers in our area will open Oct. 1 to salmon fishing. This would be a good time to read up on the rules and regulations and plot a course of action over the next several weeks.

Salmon fishing for adult fish opens on the Chehalis River on Sept. 16. The retention factor is directly related to where you are fishing.

The general thought is that all chinook will need to be released. Anglers will have the benefit of keeping one wild coho.

As the action mounts, so will the fishing traffic. The boat launches get crowded and vessels vary in size and description. Typically, anglers will follow the crowd. This usually indicates that fish are present.

Picking up a fish early in the fall season generally means that fish are fresh out of the ocean and great eating.

Every indication points to a productive season. The ocean did not disappoint too many. This may be a sign of good things inland.

Human preparation includes the studying of fishing options, setting time aside, equipment overhauls, license matters and boat attention where applicable.

It is definitely the time to make sure all matters are covered. Anticipation is running high. If the fish are present, there should be no letdowns.