Hey Dorian,
I totally understand your frustration in trying to extract some helpful info for your fishing; If you are looking for somewhere accessible without a boat, I am afraid you will need to contend with crowd and the scale bar is a good bet. Sometimes the crowd might appear intimidating, but if you practice some etiquette and politeness, most times you will get a chance to be slotted into the line. Just don't barge into a spot when it is already tight quarters. At the same time, you need to be somewhat assertive, and disregard some nasty comments that might come your way..stay cool and always polite and you will get in. If the crowd is really bad, just sit and watch and wait for the opportunity to be slotted in because people do leave at various times. Of course if you want a sure spot, then sacrifice some sleep and be there way before dawn and you'll be okay; you can't have it both ways when the sockeye season is on. I am sure there are others who can add to this to help you more, but this is only my humble contribution.