Move over, Easter Bunny—Spring has officially sprung on Fort Peck, and it brought some scales with it.
Local legend Bill “The Salmon Slayer” Zarahdka reminded everyone this Tuesday why he carries the title. While most of us were probably debating whether it was finally safe to put away the heavy coats, Bill was busy wrestling a 15.7-pound Chinook salmon out of the depths.
Bill found the sweet spot by targeting the “middle-management” layer of the lake:
- Total Depth: 60 feet of water
- The Strike Zone: 30 feet down
- The Result: Pure silver.
The “Wait, There’s More” Moment: Because catching a trophy Chinook apparently wasn’t enough for the Slayer, Bill decided to turn a solo act into a duet. At the exact same time he was hauling in that 15-pounder, he also managed to bag a walleye.
Whether it was a case of perfect timing or just a very confused walleye trying to join the winning team, it’s a “two-for-one” special that some anglers only see in their dreams.
The Verdict: If the fish weren’t awake before, they are now. The water is moving, the Chinook are biting, and Bill Zarahdka is still the man on Fort Peck.
Spring has Sprung. The Slayer has spoken.