The annual return of salmon to their natal streams in the Cowichan Valley inevitably spawns a second migration — people looking to witness one of nature’s great spectacles.

Question is: where to go?

A few days ago I drove up to Skutz Falls on the Cowichan River in hopes of seeing some activity. Standing near the top of the concrete fish ladders I saw nothing swimming in the water.

Then I spotted a couple of photographers with long camera lenses positioned at the base of the falls. Turns out that was the best spot to photograph the salmon leaping upstream.

One of those photographers, Doug Koke, suggested I also try my luck at Holland Creek in Ladysmith, where the waters are calmer and you stand a good chance of watching the spawning process.

I went twice to Holland Creek — the first time observing no salmon, and the second time finding several in the creek further downstream.