September 26, 2023
Otis Fishing Report

Otis Fishing Report for September 26, 2023: Just about 8:30 a.m. in the Land of Katmai, Otis strolls in from the Platform side toward the Sandbar on Brooks Falls cam. We’re not exactly sure from whence he came, but we’re thinking there may have been snoozles involved behind the Platform.
26-Sep-23 Otis Arrives at Brooks Falls | Copyright National Parks Service and/or Explore.org

He sniffs for scraps and then curves back toward the Near Bank, checks out the fallen tree to see whether there are any unwitting salmon hanging around. He didn’t have time for yoga class this morning, so Otis does a little Obstacle Course Water Yoga on his way to the fishing grounds.
26-Sep-23 Otis Doing Water Yoga | Copyright National Parks Service and/or Explore.org

Moments later, Otis picks up his first (on-cam) snacks of the day at Riffles!
26-Sep-23 Otis With Scraps at Riffles | Copyright National Parks Service and/or Explore.org

He crosses over the Riffles peninsula and heads to fishier waters to officially begin his fishy day of fishing.
26-Sep-23 Otis Heading Down River | Copyright National Parks Service and/or Explore.org

Twenty minutes later, we catch up to Otis near the Fish Cache in the Lower River on River Watch cam, like clockwork. Finding nothing stored (or swimming) in the Cache this moment, he sets off to Meander Fish. He hits the buffet at the bank, where Alices are waiting to serve him (or be served by him; one can never be sure), and grabs a snack. It’s not exactly what I’d want for breakfish, but Otis seems pleased with his find.
26-Sep-23 Otis Eating Fish Scraps | Copyright National Parks Service and/or Explore.org

He heads back to the Fish Cache and is off cams a few minutes. The cam spins around to Otis, and he’s *just* captured… something. With a very close look (and maybe a few rewinds), it *wiggles* — and we have our first full FISH of the day!
26-Sep-23 Otis Eating Fish in the River | Copyright National Parks Service and/or Explore.org

He grabs a snack out of the Salmon Cache refisherator, and then commences meandering again.

About 12:30 p.m., our bear appears at his Office, as if by magic portal (Alt text: We might have missed his arrival). We’re fortunate to get to see two faces of our sweet bear — Debonair Bear and Golden Otis Retriever Bear.
26-Sep-23 Debonair Otis In his Office on Brooks Falls Cam | Copyright National Parks Service and/or Explore.org
26-Sep-23 Otis In his Office on Riffles Cam | Copyright National Parks Service and/or Explore.org

But the fish aren’t jumping, and Otis knows his time is better spent elsewhere. Alice attempts to take his order as he passes by the Restaurant, but he’s not interested in the Salmon Latte today and keeps moving along.
26-Sep-23 Otis Passes by Alice's Restaurant | Copyright National Parks Service and/or Explore.org

He wanders across the river, Meander Fishing along the way, and then comes to the Near Bank, walks by the Platform, and heads Up the Fish Ladder. He continues Meander Fishing atop the Falls, until he is out of view of our prying eyes. Our boy is either off for naps or at another fishing hole.
26-Sep-23 Otis Atop the Falls Meander Fishing | Copyright National Parks Service and/or Explore.org

If you’re keeping count, that’s his 6th time Up the Ladder this season. While we’re waiting to witness his matching downward trot (to keep the balance in the accounting department), we’re totaling today’s fish count at 1 Fish + 1 Scrap + 1 DOA. Otis was off cams a LOT today, but there are live fish in that there River, and Otis knows where to find them. So worry not, my friends!

After a long snoozle for ourselves, we’ll be updating tomorrow, and in the meantime, we’re sending Wishes for Fishes and Fat Baby Bear Dreams your way! ♥

Remember to cast your vote for Fat Bear Junior beginning September 28th. Check out the competition here!

Bear cam images in this post are copyright National Park Service and/or Explore.org

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