Sockeye return to spawn in B.C.’s Adams River every year, but every fourth year, there is a dominant run in which the number of fish increases dramatically. In off years, sometimes only a few thousand fish return, but on a dominant year, three million or more can crowd into the river, triggering a Salute to the Sockeye festival that draws tourists from around the world.
Photographer John Lehmann takes his camera into the water to capture the sockeye.
Sockeye in B.C.’s Adams River.
Salmon in the spawning grounds along the banks of the Adams River.
Crowds gather on viewing platforms to watch salmon schooling or pairing up to mate.
A male and female salmon lie dead beside each other after spawning.
Every fourth year, there is a dominant run in which the number of fish increases dramatically.
The sockeye, which have bright red bodies and green heads, stand out vividly in the clear waters.