There aren’t huge numbers of summer run salmon coming over Rock Island Dam, but the ones that are showing up seem hungry. There was a surprising number of summer runs turned in at the Hooked on Toys derby last weekend. When I last checked there was a 27-pounder at the top of the board. You can bet that a lot of the fish being caught this early season are by anglers using the Brad’s Super Bait and Super Bait Plug Cut. These hard plastic lures that are hinged and filled with tuna and scent are bothered by the high currents that tear a normal plug cut herring off the hook. Many of the fish turned in for the derby were caught right in the Wenatchee area, and anglers that fished just below Wanapum Dam also turned in some fish. Summer run fishing is just going to get better and better. There are almost 92,000 expected to return to the upper Columbia this year. When the river currents subside the action is going to be the best in years. Don’t forget to log on to brewstersalmonderby.com and get your ticket before they sell out! This year’s derby is going to be the best ever!