
Each October, Taylor Creek becomes a point of focus for one of Lake Tahoe’s most exciting wildlife stories: the kokanee salmon run. As these bright red fish return to spawn, black bears emerge to feast before their winter hibernation. The salmon’s journey is brief but serves as a critical food source, for not only the bears but the entire riparian ecosystem. Watching a bear catch salmon here is more than a photo opportunity; it’s a glimpse into a seasonal pattern that makes this place so special.