Will the sockeye show? USCG photoIn coming days we can expect to see the usual explosion of sockeye at Bristol Bay.
Alaska's most valuable salmon fishery typically reaches its harvest peak sometime around the Fourth of July.
The state has forecast a catch of 21.8 million sockeye this season, which is big but far from a record.
The fishing remains slow so far. The tally as of Thursday stood at just under 2 million fish.
Fishermen are suspended in a time of anticipation and anxiety. Will the run boom or bust? And how much will the processors pay?
Deckboss senses considerable worry over price. Global salmon supply reportedly has expanded, with production of farmed fish in Chile on the upswing.
As ever, Bristol Bay gillnetters are fishing on faith, not knowing what they'll be paid.
I'm sure they're hoping to be too busy, or too tired, to watch the fireworks.