Port Townsend, WA – Silas “Mac” MacMillan, 87, a lifelong resident of Port Townsend and renowned local fisherman, successfully landed a Chinook salmon weighing in at an estimated 128 pounds earlier this morning, marking what many are calling his final, and arguably most significant, catch. The event, witnessed by a small group of onlookers and documented by local news crews, has sent ripples of emotion through the tight-knit community and brought renewed attention to the dwindling salmon population in the Quinault River.

MacMillan, a man known more for his quiet demeanor and decades spent observing the river, reportedly began his pursuit just before dawn. Witnesses described him wading into the Quinault, utilizing a traditional fly rod and a hand-tied salmon lure – a technique he’s honed over a lifetime. The struggle, according to those present, was intense, lasting nearly two hours before the massive salmon finally surfaced. “He just… stared at it for a long time,” recounted local bait shop owner, Martha Olsen. “Like he’d been waiting for this moment his whole life. It was incredibly moving.”

Following the catch, MacMillan immediately contacted his son, Daniel MacMillan, who arrived at the riverbank shortly thereafter. The salmon was carefully secured and transported to the Port Townsend Fish Processing Plant for examination. Preliminary estimates confirm the weight and size, further cementing its place as a potential record-breaking catch.

Daniel MacMillan, visibly emotional, stated, “Dad’s always said he wasn’t chasing records. He just wanted to feel connected to the river, to understand it. This… this feels like he finally achieved that. It’s a beautiful ending to a long journey.”

The event has sparked renewed debate amongst conservation groups regarding sustainable fishing practices and the impact of climate change on salmon populations. The Quinault River, already facing challenges, could see increased scrutiny in the coming months. Local authorities have confirmed they will be increasing patrols to ensure responsible fishing practices are followed. As Silas MacMillan reportedly murmured to himself as he prepared to head home, “Just one more time. Just one more time to feel the pull.”