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Autumn leaves aren't the only thing that turns red in the fall.
Add kokanee salmon to that list. The fish turn a bright red when they spawn in the autumn.
The Division of Wildlife Resources will celebrate that fact Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sheep Creek, a tributary to Flaming Gorge located north of Vernal, as it holds its annual free Kokanee Salmon Day.
Sheep Creek is located six miles south of Manila on Route 44. Look for signs directing salmon watchers to the site.
DWR officials suggest that those attending make sure to bring binoculars or a spotting scope because there is a chance of seeing bighorn sheep as well.
"The viewing event is a little earlier this year than most years," says Tonya Kieffer, regional conservation outreach manager for the DWR, "but we're hoping to see really good numbers of kokanee in their bright red, spawning colors. In addition to the salmon, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, sandhill cranes, red-tailed hawks, song birds, squirrels and a variety of other wildlife have greeted visitors in the past."
Kieffer says she's looking forward to the kokanee migration.
"It's a great symbol of the changing seasons and an indication that autumn is here," she says. "These colorful and landlocked salmon run or spawn in several Utah streams in September and October after spending about four years maturing in downstream reservoirs. One of the most scenic kokanee runs takes place in Sheep Creek, which is a tributary to Flaming Gorge.
DWR biologists will offer visitors display materials that help see kokanee and interpret their behavior. A spotting scope will also be available to see bighorn sheep.
Though there will not be a formal viewing day Saturday, walking the stream near the Strawberry Reservoir visitor center off U.S. 40 this time of year is also a good place to see spawning kokanee.
Kokanee are a freshwater species.
DWR officials ask visitors to move quietly along banks and avoid disturbing the fish. Do not wade in the stream because it can disrupt the spawning run, destroy egg nests and cover the eggs with silt.