Brown Bear Fishing (image heavy)

[NorthernFocus]

Coastal brown bears each have their own style of fishing. Some stand in the water or on the bank and wait for fish to swim by, some walk down the middle of the creek, some run through shallow water scaring the fish into motion, etc. This particular large male stood up and walked on his hind legs in the water in order to get a better view then lunged after the fish. It worked for him pretty well. He's a little goofy looking with all of his fur shed down to summer length except for the back of his head/neck.

It was a tough day of shooting with varying volumes of rain falling with corresponding changes in thickness of overcast. By the end of the day all of the rain gear had soaked through on both me and the equipment.

All shot on a rainy day with Nikon D850/200-500mm f5.6 handheld. Images are posted to fit the narrative and not necessarily in the same order that they were shot.

Uploaded large for viewing in the light box.

1) Here he is walking up at the creek to his favorite fishing spot.



2) His uncommon style of fishing, more specifically how he spots fish. Check out the muscles in his "arms".



3) Going for it.



4) Score.



5) Some bears eat the fish right there in the water. This guy preferred to take it onto the bank all the while looking around to make sure no one was going to try to take it from him. He has a chum salmon also known as a dog salmon because the natives dry them to feed sled dogs over the winter.



6) And a portrait opportunity albeit not of the most photogenic bear, what with the hair style.



7) And an action portrait. Unfortunately I clipped his hump. I've never been much good at zooming during action and it is even more difficult with the 200-500mm. This was shot at 410mm.

[FootLoose]

Good set, Dan. The expression on his face in the first shot makes me think of Bruce Willis for some reason. But the 2nd is the hollywood muscle actor.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[Digital]

Dan, very nice images, and narrative.


Bruce

[Tronhard]

Totally impressed and envious!!!

[Manfred M]

Another great series Dan. Every time I see one of your sets, getting back to that part of the world goes up in my "to do" list.

My previous trip was shortly after the bears got out of hibernation, well before the salmon were running. Watching bear fishing is definitely something I want to see and photograph.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for commenting, everyone. Glad you enjoyed the post. I've got a lot of culling and processing to do from that shoot. As time allows I'll post up a few more.

[John 2]

Having looked at your bear shots over a number of years Dan, it makes me think that you should include them all in a book. It would be an impressive read. Another nice set of captures.

[mugge]

They are all great captures.
Cheers Ole

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for commenting, John and Ole.

Having looked at your bear shots over a number of years Dan, it makes me think that you should include them all in a book...

I don't think I'd ever finish one. I can't even stick to a project long enough to make a calendar.

[Stagecoach]

Superb series Dan.

[rpcrowe]

Wonderful set of images as always...

[skitterbug]

Terrific shots! It always amazes me how close you are to these huge creatures! Much braver to do this than I'd ever be. I really appreciate your photo work! My favorites are always ones with water splashing in all directions but I'd hang any one of these on display in my home! Thanks for sharing!

[wilgk]

A highlight of my day indeed, when I see a thread from Dan with the label of 'image heavy' & this one is no exception.
It is a wonderful opportunity for this of us from down under, to witness the majestic creatures in your part of the world.

[NorthernFocus]

My goodness. Thanks for the kind comments, folks.

Sandy, there weren't many fish in the creek this year therefore far fewer shots in the water. Still got a bunch of them but nothing like last time I visited this location. But that was balanced by more variety this time.

Kay, it is interesting how the human mind works. We think the critters that you folks have down there are exotic.Not to mention the birds.

[billtils]

All good Dan - great narrative, super shots, and full of interest.

Love it!

[tbob]

I always look forward to your bears fishing. Consistently well done and fascinating.

I envy you the opportunity for these

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks, Guys. Glad you enjoyed the post.

[LePetomane]

Nicely done.