I've never seen it before. Usually I brace for the first week of June, buying an extra set of thermal Long Johns at the Wal-Mart before the ship sets sail. But here I am on the edge of Dixon Entrance with the water flat calm for as far as the eye could see. While I put on sunscreen I can make out the bright outlines of the Alaskan Islands, Prince of Wales and Dahl. Herring dimple the surface for miles in all directions, feeding on the tons of euphasid shrimp which choke the summer waters of Langara Island. Humpback whales fatten up, as do Chinook salmon. But nothing is moving, not even the tide or the wind or anything. Even my radio is silent. It's like a hot July day back home on the prairies.

Out of the corner of my eye I spot a swirl on the surface. No...can't be...is it? All of a sudden, Ka-Sploosh, a fish jumps out of the water. That's a Coho! A big Coho! Summer is coming early to Langara Island.

Cohoe Point is already alive with Chinook, a quick scan of the playground sees five bent over salmon rods. What is the date again? Wow, I can hardly wait till July rolls around. I can hardly wait till the next slack tide. It's going to be a good year.