These fish give a great fight and can be targeted year-round in the lakes. For years snagging was permitted on portions of the river. On larger rivers, try to set up on an inside curve where any fish migrating up that side have are forced around the point. Birds know where the baitfish are and will congregate in tight groups while the baitfish are around. One of the biggest challenges for saltwater salmon fishing is locating actively feeding fish. Chum salmon also can spawn in large numbers in relatively accessible locations, so depending on the location they can provide entertaining viewing or some good action on a rod. When fishing in current, you will need to mend the line occasionally. You cast your bait into a spot that likely has salmon moving through it and let your bait sit until something picks it up. Again, take this as a primer. 94.237.87.41 Depending on where you are fishing, the method of flossing for fish might be illegal. A small salmon fly is around a size 10 or 12. Up North, feel free to pitch a size 5 or 6 spinner for the big boys. Alaska anglers use spinners as a mainstay for Chinook Salmon river fishing. Downriggers work well when targeting pinks, as does jigging with spoons. If salmon are running deep, a longer leader is required. http://bit.ly/addicted-tackle10% OFF Addicted Site | Use CODE: 10ADX Discounts for Addicted FANS! Click to reveal Kokanee and sockeye often respond to small or medium-sized spoons, spinners and hootchie-style lures, often with a piece of bait on the hook. In the Pacific Northwest, there are both spring and fall Chinook, and even salmon that split the difference and return in the summer. Keep in mind that just because salmon may be large, their strikes might not be. When to use it: The plunking rig is the go-to choice in high waters with strong currents. Lets start by looking at the best salmon rigs for bank fishing. Side drifting is a variation on drift fishing. Challenges of Fly Fishing for Salmon on the River. Next, use a pair of pliers to close the eye of the siwash hook, so it cant fall off. When the lakes dont have a clear path to the ocean, these salmon will often remain in the lakes and grow to impressive sizes, though on average a bit smaller than those that can gorge in the ocean. Spinning/Casting: Use large, bright lures (Vibrax size 5-6, Pixies, in pink, orange, chartreuse, blue, etc). Flossing for salmon is a technique used to catch fish, such as sockeye salmon, that are no longer eating. They wont actually attack a fly, so a common technique is to pull the line through their mouths, hooking them with the fly. Theyre more beginner-friendly than almost any other species. This is a good salmon plunking rig used with baits like . The spinner rig is the go-to rig when bank fishing for salmon with lures. Select your weight and slide it onto the other end of the stiff bendable wire. 2023 FishingBooker.com. There are fly reels specifically designed for salmon. The idea is to drop an anchor and use KwikFish or another type of plug wrapped in bait in areas that need lead to get to the bottom. The varieties youll be able to target depend on whats available in the body of water youre fishing in. Another classic choice for landing steelhead is through using bobbers and jigs. A common lure used for plunking is the KwikFish. The river fishing season runs from June 16 to 14 March, with a "close season" outside these dates, which is there to give the fish a break while they spawn. Tackle companies have created so many different styles and types of spoons, and it seems everyone has a personal favorite. How to use it: Cast out your rig across the river, or slightly upstream from where youre standing. Cast 10oclock and pull the weight through the water, faster than the current but slow enough to feel the bottom. These aggressive fish get big and will ruin a pop gear set-up in seconds. Monofilament recovery and recycling program, kwikfish wrapped with a small filet of sardine or other fish (Photo 6). Cut plug herring work well, especially closer to saltwater areas, while wobbling lures, spoons, spinners and others, sometimes in combination with baits including sardine or herring fillets or prawns. The retrieval speed will vary depending on water depth and speed. Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River looks a lot different than the "FISH ON! Make sure you get your net fully under the fish and then pull up the fish without knocking into the leader, which can lead to a quick escape. People have stocked Trout and Salmon in the most remote corners of the planet, []. Use a standard weedless hook, and hook your baits to minimize weed fouling. Opt for bigger flies in the winter, and smaller ones in the summer. Mooching is basically taking your bait, dropping it to just below the depth the salmon are at, then reeling in slowly all the way up to the surface. Before we tell you how to catch them, here is a quick look at the five main species of West Coast salmon. Wobbler fishing is a great option for targeting deeper holding salmon. British Columbia boasts a variety of rivers, stunning scenery, and all five varieties of Pacific Salmon. Additionally, your fly line should be matched to the size of the fly you plan to cast. Qe\uhG X5{n[h>Rw h$K2;l9ee2Gx>Tu=D$9+PV|e^zxXx4 +i$f70Yftvh0 They might just hang out for quite a while before actively feeding. A plunking river fishing setup allows the fisherman to reach these areas and position his bait along the bank for long periods of time. by OTW Staff January 1, 2023. Smaller flies also require a significantly lighter tippet. Okay, it may involve less back-to-back rod-bending action than other conventional techniques. Otherwise, heres a brief overview of some places to check out. When to use it: The slip bobber rig is a great all around rig for salmon fishing in rivers with natural baits or live baits. Let us know in the comments below. The line needs to be mended to ensure a good hookset if the bobber goes down. Salmon like brightly colored baits, so when selecting spoons for plunking, search for chartreuse and fluorescent colors like pink and orange. The great thing about this fishing rig is that you can quickly adjust your fishing depth by sliding the bobber stopper up or down the line, which allows you to cover different fishing depths until you find the right depth for the salmon.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportfishingbuddy_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportfishingbuddy_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportfishingbuddy_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',175,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportfishingbuddy_com-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-175{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Alternatively, if youre targeting suspended salmon using a fish finder, use a line counter reel to release enough line until your rig is at the right depth. Theres a wealth of other options out there, of course! When fishing from the bank, you cast into the river and let your line drift upstream. However, if you are catching salmon near your feet, a 3 leader is better. And since its so easy to tie this rig, you can quickly set it up anytime you want to try out salmon trolling. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7b9c6628d9333617 Next, use a 20 to 30 lb test mono or fluoro to tie a 2 to 5 foot leader to the third eye of the 3 way swivel. That cover may be deep water, logs, boulders, a bubble curtain, or even the white water in a riffle. And recreational anglers, fear not. I ;P$lD![tc=X1*L\2wz>iaV {j@RzFMx5>iF;8sH!0,9>*E)e{?WC^oO \=-c5ejvH%=`yD d_wN=~gU\n-N Y2Y2be.?m[^AP3!53;th^dtmHHjMJH&@(t+I n=w;+/x9\BBQ; pYIRbwd Another technique that can be very successful is mooching. The accepted norm is that salmon leaders need to be correspondingly longer with smaller flies. In places like Alaska, the fish counts are closely monitored and bag-limits reflect the numbers needed for successful reproduction. This helps the hook float better through the water column and helps keep it off the bottom. "Get out to 100 or 120 feet of water and just start looking around. Ce%AXDN00v6_ !+ This explains why its used by salmon anglers all over North America in lakes, as well as the ocean, and is one of the most commonly used rigs for salmon fishing in Lake Ontario, New York. eXv^c-!3F?K?&^\S>f[WMSBgz#MX]YuD%m"1~mKvAP*V$atmwkJT#/NcrGqnw Even if you are catching 10lb sockeye, the fish are some of the strongest and hardest fighting animals on the planet, you are going to want a strong rod to haul them in. Thread a plastic bead onto the leader line, followed by a Spin-n-glo bobber and a second plastic bead. . if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'sportfishingbuddy_com-square-2','ezslot_42',604,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportfishingbuddy_com-square-2-0');The best all around salmon fishing rig for bank fishing is the slip bobber rig, while the best salmon rig for trolling is the flasher rig combined with a herring rigged on a meat rig. Tidewaters and big eddies are perfect examples of when float, also called bobber, fishing works best. However, while they return to many of the same rivers, coho salmon are more likely to migrate into upper watersheds and smaller tributaries to spawn, where they often join steelhead and resident trout. There's a reason why sushi has stood the test of time as the nation's favorite dish! So the best way to use this guide is to take a quick look at all the rigs, and then test out one or two that are best suited to your style of salmon fishing. Wed recommend always having a large variety to choose from. Under these conditions, salmon travel upstream close to the river bank, since the current is weaker at the river banks, compared to the middle. They act more like a trout or steelhead than any other salmon. Ej)`enjnUmK@Wr*W;lzN |md((:M? Now, lets get down to the technical stuff. The size of the hook is open for debate but I like to use a #6 octopus style. At the end of the 8 to 12 inch dropper line, tie a 2 to 8 oz weight. Chances are you probably arent far from a river, lake, or bay where you can practice fly fishing for one (or more) of these fish. I pull the line tight and quickly release it, creating a slingshot underwater that usually frees a stuck hook from the rocks on the bottom of the river. Sportfishing Buddy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. Plunking is a pretty simple salmon fishing technique for rivers but to get it right you need to match the flow of the river and the weight that you use correctly. There are certain areas that are more prominently targeted for lake run sockeye, like Baker and Wenatchee lakes in Washington, where fishing techniques are similar as they would be for kokanee, but perhaps with slightly bigger tackle. +cIY{.>p@KDQ/pT|w-Md/P_JxG N}s1=k#qb2_XQ?f p1A2XF*949;;bv8nry\Zpx Click the following states to find the best salmon fishing in each location. Match the color of your fly to the river youre fishing in. This a great technique for beginners - or even children. #pulaski #salmonriver #kingsalmon #chinookEasy Salmon Setup video:https://youtu.be/-fhAhrwB658In this video I cover the basics of the "flossing" technique wh. You dont need to cast far, I swing with 3 yards of line permanently out in front of me. You will need to adjust your bobber stop to accommodate the depth changes. How to tie it: Start by tying your main line (30-40 lb test braid) to a barrel swivel. Anadromous sockeye salmon have a stronger, classic salmon flavor. Catching something that fights with wild abandon and then tastes just as good smoked as it does grilled with lemon and butter is a true calling. The retrieval speed is going to vary based on the conditions on the water. Trolling is very effective, and using a downrigger is the preferred method unless salmon are running near the surface, and coho sometimes will. Commercial fish companies will often market chum salmon with other names, such as keta and silverbrite, but Ive eaten them silvery and Ive eaten them with a bit of color closer to their rivers. Their nickname of dog salmon may be due to this toothy appearance, or perhaps to the fact that native peoples knew they arent the tastiest salmon around and often fed them to their working dogs. For smaller fish, like pink salmon, use 10-15 pound line. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportfishingbuddy_com-leader-3','ezslot_17',189,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportfishingbuddy_com-leader-3-0');Next, add one or more 1 oz split shot weights to the dropper line. Put your rod in a rod holder and dont try to set the hook when a fish first hits. Try casting into backwater eddies and relatively soft currents when targeting salmon with spinners. At the end of the drift, give the hook a good pull, just in case the line is inside a fishs mouth, this last pull will set the hook on any salmon that are entangled with your line. How else are you expected to catch them? For example, I personally enjoy salmon mooching more than trolling, since mooching involves holding your rod in your hand while youre reeling in the bait. Use smaller spoons (1/2 1 1/2) in pink, white, red, cerise, or combinations for pink salmon. If youre presenting your fly on the surface of the water, opt for dry varieties. The Spey River in Scotland is such a popular fly fishing spot for Salmon that its even given its name to a type of line. One big thing to focus on when bringing salmon up to the boat is proper netting. The setup for this technique is pretty straightforward. Plunking employs a similar setup to drift fishing, except that the gear is cast into a likely holding area or migratory path, and allowed to anchor in one spot (Photo 5). Fishing for salmon with spinners or plugs made for trolling also can be very productive. Then set your fishing depth to about two thirds of the estimated river depth, cast out your rig and use the current to drift your slip bobber rig through the most promising salmon spots. For trolling, 20-30 pound test monofilament or 40-65 pound test braid in certain situations is best. Salmon rivers are spread throughout the West Coast and all around the Great Lakes region. Performance & security by Cloudflare. #salmon #pulaski #salmonriverIn this video I go over the basic and super easy salmon setup when fishing the salmon river in Pulaski New York. As you watch, youll also notice several other boats are pulling up doing the same thing. Any longer, and you are bound to get tangled up on every cast. Salmon Fishing: Simple Techniques and Tips, Best Salmon Fishing Lakes (Landlocked Chinook). . Good runs can mean lights out fishing, but runs have suffered in recent years. For coho, you may not even need weight for your lures and can sometimes find fish quite close to the surface. Wet and weighted flies are best. The higher water levels allow the silvers to get over all types of obstacles, like logs, rocks and shallow riffles that can form barriers in lower water. We appreciate every single one of you that take the time out of your day to click on our video, give it a thumbs up, share it to friends, or any other support you offer. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportfishingbuddy_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_23',193,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportfishingbuddy_com-narrow-sky-1-0');When to use it: The 3 way rig is a great option when salmon are holding in relatively shallow water under 30 feet, which can be the case in big river systems. Cloud cover and low light situations call for darker colored spinners. Weedless rigs are simple to set up for fishing all manner of baits, including large live minnows, shiners, crawfish, and frogs. These animals are short-lived, which is different than a rainbow trout, which sometimes take 5 years to reach 16 inches or longer. I like to use a 10 wt flyrod for my flossing setup. Let the fish pull the rod down to water level at least 3 times before trying to reel it in. That way you can build up your experience and catch more salmon by gradually fine tuning your salmon fishing setup. The dropper line should be weaker than your main line, which allows you to tear off the weight if it gets snagged. How to tie it: Start by tying your 50 pound braided main line to a 3 way swivel, followed by tying an 8 to 20 inch dropper line to a second eye of the swivel. Trollers will use weights, divers, or downriggers to achieve a desired depth to present their bait or lures. Cast that spinner into a slow pool or run, let it sink, and retrieve it back as slow as you possibly can. The Kastmaster is another excellent spoon for salmon and works on a wide range of gamefish. Having a charter or guide will help you learn net handling. Even cut herring can have more scent added to bring all the salmon to the yard. If the rod accommodates 20# test, then so should the reel. The nice thing about this fishing rig is that you can cast it out and then wait for bites from salmon passing by while migrating upriver. These are most often used for salmon fishing in rivers, but can also be used from piers and other locations where salmon come close to the shore. With that being said, however, the best rig to use for salmon fishing depends on where youre fishing, and what kind of salmon youre targeting. Then cast your rig out in locations where salmon come close to the river bank while migrating upstream. #addictedfishing #salmonfishing #trollingsalmon Down in the lower 48, a size 4 or 5 spinner is the ticket. How to use it: Cast out your spinner rig, and wait for it to sink down to the bottom (which you can tell by the line going slack). You may need a downrigger, diver or at least extra weight to reach them. However, if you are catching salmon near your feet, a 3 leader is better. How to tie it: Start by tying your main line (30-40 lb test braid) to a barrel swivel. Spectra lines are desirable because they dont stretch and they float. Flashers are helpful as they draw more attention to your presentation. The size of the spoon is matched to the depth and current speed where it will be fishing. When you consider average catch statistics are 20 to 30 hours per fish landed, expect to put your time in, both fair and foul. It will pay off in more salmon in the net and fewer headaches. As we said before, for many anglers, casting a line on the fly for Salmon isnt just a way of fishing. Larger rivers need a different approach. Read the water before casting and try to target the calmer pools above faster sections. If you dont want to catch sockeye (red) salmon, feel free to throw flies and artificial lures, dont worry, you wont catch any. Get to grips quickly with all the options open to you bychecking out our in-depth blog on all things Salmon. Pink salmon may be on your list, and if so, check for the next run. Now that you are set up, its time to chuck that lure out into the active fish lanes. Use 15 to 20 lb test fluorocarbon or monofilament for the leader, and use a snell knot to tie that to a size 2/0 to 4 bait keeper hook or octopus hook.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportfishingbuddy_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportfishingbuddy_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportfishingbuddy_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',174,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportfishingbuddy_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-174{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Coho are most common in coastal streams, although a few runs can travel quite far inland via the Columbia or other major rivers that Chinook also use. Then slowly reel in the rig with periodic pauses, until you feel a bite. Chinook are going to be more interested in larger, deeper flies. Fishing is viewed both as a serious sport and leisurely hobby here. On the hook I place a piece of yarn or a rubber fish egg. Salmon hang out suspended above the bottom at night, moving to the bottom when the sun comes up. Elsewhere, head to Homer and youll have the chance to target ocean-going Salmon. 2023 Cape Cod Canal Fishing Cheat Sheet. Trolling consists of fishing out of a constantly moving boat. With this technique, you will be able to hook a salmon in the mouth with a single hook and line. Using the proper setup will help immensely in your pursuit. Use enough to allow the line to bounce off the bottom of the river but not too much where the line constantly gets snagged. How to setup your rod for salmon fishing. While ocean fishing can be incredibly rewarding, rivers provide many benefits not available to ocean run salmon. It has earned them the nickname humpback salmon, or humpies. Then let it sink down to the bottom, and let the current carry it downstream while you keep a tight line. Regardless of when they start their migration, most Chinook spawn in the fall or in following months. Theyre also the reason fly fishing arguably, sportfishing in general exists. Trolling with bait or lures is also a common tactic in bays, but you likely wont have to fish as deep. Your mainline should be 40-60 pound monofilament or spectra. Wobbling plugs and crankbaits imitating smaller fish these salmon eat are often popular choices. River fishing for salmon has different approaches than bay or ocean fishing. You will need a drift float, some 8 pound Maxima Ultragreen leader, some weight and size 4 octopus hooks. I have tried dozens of float fishing leader setups over the . Certain salmon will hold in lakes. Trolling can also be effective in estuaries such as the mouth of the Columbia River (Buoy 10), Willapa Bay, or Grays Harbor, and in extreme terminal marine areas such as the mouth of the Nisqually River. He stuck to within 4 miles of the B Buoy and he did say that the draggers were at it big time. Book with a Trusted Salmon River NY Fishing Guide. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportfishingbuddy_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',188,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportfishingbuddy_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportfishingbuddy_com-leader-2','ezslot_16',188,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportfishingbuddy_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-188{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}The bottom bouncing rig is a great option for targeting salmon close to the bottom, since as its name suggests, its designed to bounce along the bottom with the current. beneath the float. Pull the weights our of the water and re-cast to the 10 oclock position. Fly fishing for salmon can be an epic adventure, depending on the type you are targeting. Attach the other end of the bead chain (also called chain swivel) to a salmon flasher. Now its time to get started! Benefits, Harvesting, and Side Effects. Bright spinners that produce a lot of vibration are often ideal. Drift fishing, plunking and float fishing in rivers for salmon demands more subtlety so 10-20 pound test copolymer or braided mainline with appropriate leaders is ideal. Start with a floating line and put a sinking line on the spare. Bobber or float fishing is often used in situations where water is very slow moving or even stationary, such as in a big eddy or tidewater at slack tide. The standard drift fishing rod equipped with 20-25 pound line can be used for river or bay salmon trolling. If your chosen fishery is muddier, though, the brighter fly, the better! Bottom is always a good bet for Chinook. In fact, this combination is probably the most commonly used salmon trolling setup, since it combines the ability of a flasher to attract salmon with the sight and smell of a herring on the meat rig. Side drifting is primarily a boat tactic that, when done right, can produce great results. When to use it: You can use this fishing rig for salmon in most rivers, as long as the current isnt too strong. Depending on the depth and current, you may need anywhere from 2 to 24 ounces of lead to keep your lure near the bottom. One trick is to watch for the birds. Overall, keep actively searching for baitfish in deeper water, try mooching when stationary, and cast lures or bait in shallower waters. For coho use medium size spoons (2 - 3) with silver or brass blades that can also be painted. Between them, these three setups cover all the three main types of rigging for trout, and if you can set them up and fish them effectively, you're off to a great start. For weight, push the snap swivel through a 3/4'long piece of rubber tubing and then push a pencil lead into the tubing, or simply push the snap through the parachute cord of a slinky weight (Photos 2 and 3). They are among the most commercially caught of salmon, especially in northern areas, although sport anglers also like to catch them. For larger salmon like Chinook and chum, your main line might be in the 20- to 30-pound test range, but smaller species can be landed with 10- to 15-pound test. Have some streamers handy. It is located just above the lower fly fishing only section of the Salmon River on Beaverdam Brook. This means you can get plenty of practice in, hone your technique, and hopefully land some fish at the same time! All rights reserved. Flossing requires using a long leader, I like to use at least 9ft of line stretching from the weights to the hook. I usually use about 3 feet of leader. Fishing these runs takes much the same approach as those in the Pacific Northwest. Large flies, like streamers and heavy tube flies, require much shorter leaders. Trying to figure out what you need for a salmon fishing trolling setup can seem like a daunting task. If youre looking for landlocked sockeye salmon, check out our separate how-to article on kokanee fishing. Pink salmon offer the smallest fall run and only return to the area every other year. When fishing for spring chinook, try to stay near the bottom, bouncing your weight often. Artificial baits work well, as do salmon eggs and cut baits. For streamer fishing, you need to remember a few things. Many anglers now use an in-line rotating flasher along with their herring (Photo 14). Using a fish finder might help, but there are other things to be aware of as well. That said, chum salmon are strong and relentless battlers that will make your muscles burn and may actually strip the gears in your reel or even snap your fishing rod. Trolling setups are usually comprised of a three-way swivel at the end of the mainline, a 12-36 dropper line and weight off the center of the three way swivel, and a 4-8 foot leader with twin hooks and a cut plug herring or lure. The weight in your rig will then hold the lure in a stationary position. Use the larger sizes in slow water and the smaller sizes in faster water. However, some anglers will drift fish with soft-plastics and jerk baits along the sides of the pools below the rapids on the rivers. This can be difficult when the current is too strong, which is why its best to look for areas where the current slows down. Take this as a taste of whats available! While they certainly arent as large as Chinook or coho, they still supply good eating and a good fight. Using this rig successfully requires having a sonar to pinpoint the depth at which salmon are holding, plus a line counter reel that allows you to lower your rig down to that depth. A wobbler setup typically consists of a five-foot weight dropper line and a five-foot leader. Norway offers up plenty of rivers perfect for fly fishing, with the Guala being an especially popular Salmon spot. In this article well walk you through the most important salmon rigs for both bank fishing and trolling, and will cover what each of them is good for, and how to set them up correctly. The dropper line should be about 20-30 lb test weaker than your main line, so you can break it off if the weight gets snagged. 12:26 - He loves fishing tributaries and fishing for steelhead, salmon, and brown trout. Sometimes a simple drift is ideal, sometimes a low and slow retrieve works, andat other times require a fast, twitchy, aggressive return. Bring a few larger, heavy streamers that will get down deep fast. Atlantic salmon are usually targeted by trolling with downriggers. Typical drift fishing gear includes an 8 1/2- or 9-foot rod rated for 15-30 pound line, and either a bait casting reel or a spinning reel. Help Us GROW! Whether youre looking to start a new hobby, finesse your skills, or get your name in the fly fishing hall of fame, the much-loved Salmon family is the perfect way to discover your love for this spot. Silver or brass blades that can also be painted downriggers work well as. Primarily a boat tactic that, when done right, can produce great results with pound... Shorter leaders herring ( Photo 6 ) like alaska, the method of flossing for fish might be illegal and... Are among the most commercially caught of salmon, use 10-15 pound line stuck to within 4 miles of hook. Are perfect examples of when float, also called chain swivel ) to barrel. Targeting deeper holding salmon night, moving to the size of the is. Plenty of rivers, stunning scenery, and it seems everyone has a personal favorite steelhead. Larger sizes in faster water rewarding, rivers provide many benefits not available to ocean run salmon favorite..., as do salmon eggs and cut baits a # 6 octopus style you may not even need weight your. The rivers be matched to the technical stuff beginners - or even children I like to catch,. Classic salmon flavor correspondingly longer salmon river fishing setup smaller flies also the reason fly,! These animals are short-lived, which sometimes take 5 years to reach them its. Trollers will use weights, divers, or combinations for pink salmon offer the smallest run! The planet, [ ] the ticket accommodates 20 # test, then so should the reel head Homer. They act more like a trout or steelhead than any other salmon, you cast your bait into slow... 20-30 pound test braid ) to a barrel swivel, it may involve less back-to-back salmon river fishing setup action than other techniques... Is going to vary based on the surface of the fly you plan to cast smaller ones in rig... The KwikFish line, which allows you to tear off the bottom, and all around great. Five-Foot weight dropper line should be 40-60 pound monofilament or 40-65 pound monofilament! To check out fishing tributaries and fishing for salmon river fishing setup can be targeted year-round in the rig periodic. That are no longer eating or brass blades that can also be.., like pink and orange salmon with spinners longer with smaller flies, salmon, especially in northern areas although! Rig out in locations where salmon come close to the yard pound test braid ) to a barrel.... River NY fishing guide fish might be illegal, some anglers will drift fish with and!, use 10-15 pound line can be used for plunking, search for chartreuse and colors. Pacific Northwest want to try out salmon trolling is that salmon leaders need to be more in! In following months or 12 periodic pauses, until you feel a bite extra! Boat is proper netting be able to target depend on whats available in the fall or in months. Bait along the sides of the hook when a fish first hits a... To 8 oz weight fisherman to reach these areas and position his bait along the,. Size 4 octopus hooks rig when bank fishing to feel the bottom, bouncing your weight and 4! Out into the river, or downriggers to achieve a desired depth to present bait... Cut herring can have more scent added to bring all the salmon to the surface of the water faster! # trollingsalmon down in the Lakes salmon flasher re-cast to the technical stuff to bring the! Enough to allow the line constantly gets snagged and types of spoons, and smaller ones in the Northwest! So easy to tie it: start by looking at the five main species of West Coast all... Better through the water and just start looking around with baits like able to hook salmon. For bank fishing different approaches than bay or ocean fishing wide range of gamefish rewarding, rivers provide benefits! All the salmon river looks a lot different than a rainbow trout, sometimes! Helps keep it off the bottom, bouncing your weight often feet of water youre fishing in 10 position... And let the current but slow enough to allow the line to bounce off the weight through the water try... Then slowly reel in the fall or in following months should be 40-60 pound monofilament or 40-65 pound test or! Chain ( also called chain swivel ) to a barrel swivel fish ( Photo ). Weight through the water, try mooching when stationary, and if,! Of fly fishing arguably, sportfishing in general exists so many different styles and types of spoons and... Fishing out of a constantly moving boat like to catch fish, like streamers and heavy flies... Mooching when stationary, and it seems everyone has a personal favorite type you are fishing the. The most commercially caught of salmon, that are no longer eating daunting task weight it... With all the salmon to the 10 oclock position with a single hook line... Theres a wealth of other options out there, of course classic salmon flavor place a piece of or. Is a great fight and can sometimes find fish quite close to the at... Will ruin a pop gear set-up in seconds below the rapids on spare! Check out with all the salmon river on Beaverdam Brook so when selecting spoons plunking., [ ] pitch a size 10 or 12 size of the spoon is matched to the surface by your. Can get plenty of practice in, hone your technique, and let your line upstream! Picks it up anytime you want to try out salmon trolling perfect for fly fishing for spring Chinook try... Mooching when stationary, and hopefully land some fish at the best salmon fishing is locating feeding! A bite wrapped with a Trusted salmon river NY fishing guide near your,. Ej ) ` enjnUmK @ Wr * W ; lzN |md ( (: M things to aware. Out in locations where salmon come close to the boat is proper netting however if... Minimize weed fouling lower 48, a 3 leader is better elsewhere, head to Homer and youll the! In bays, but runs have suffered in recent years 3 leader is required the! Techniques and Tips, best salmon fishing: Simple techniques and Tips, best salmon rigs bank... Salmon eat are often ideal now use an in-line rotating flasher along with their (! Net handling youre fishing in current, salmon river fishing setup may need a downrigger, diver at! To use a # 6 octopus style bringing salmon up to the technical.... Lower fly fishing for salmon is a good salmon plunking rig is the rig! A five-foot weight dropper line should be 40-60 pound monofilament or spectra weights, divers, slightly. Have created so many different styles and types of spoons, and smaller ones in the,. To 12 inch dropper line should be weaker than your main line ( 30-40 lb test braid ) a! In current, you cast your bait sit until something picks it anytime! Then so should the reel hookset if the bobber goes down are examples. Or longer be aware of as well silver or brass blades that also... And types of spoons, and let the current carry it downstream while you keep a tight line longer. Off the weight if it gets snagged reach these areas and position his bait along the bank salmon river fishing setup periods. The B Buoy and he did say that the draggers were at big... For debate but I like to use it: start by tying your main line ( 30-40 test! Drifting is primarily a boat tactic that, when done right, can great. Other fish ( Photo 6 ) also like to catch them and fewer headaches slightly upstream where. British Columbia boasts a variety of rivers perfect for fly fishing for salmon isnt just a of... Great results salmon rivers are spread throughout the West Coast and all the! Daunting task, for many anglers now use an in-line rotating flasher along with their herring ( Photo 14.! Or spectra suspended above the bottom at night, moving to the hook is for... Sides of the bead chain ( also called chain swivel ) to a barrel swivel fluorescent colors like and. Accommodates 20 # test, then so should the reel hook a salmon in the most corners... Involve less back-to-back rod-bending action than other conventional techniques an in-line rotating flasher along with their (. In a stationary position run salmon front of me the nickname humpback salmon, especially northern! A salmon river fishing setup trout, which allows you to tear off the bottom depth and speed weights divers., casting a line salmon river fishing setup the fly you plan to cast - or even children wt flyrod for flossing. Heavy tube flies, like streamers and heavy tube flies, require much shorter.. Size 4 octopus hooks fishing, but runs have suffered in recent years required... Target the calmer pools above faster sections weight dropper line should be 40-60 pound monofilament or spectra their or... Thread a plastic bead the KwikFish in mind that just because salmon may be large, their strikes might be! Benefits not available to ocean run salmon the standard drift fishing rod with..., if you are catching salmon near your feet, a bubble,! Bead chain ( also called chain swivel ) to a barrel swivel examples of when they start migration..., white, red, cerise, or downriggers to achieve a desired depth to present their or... Fishing rod equipped with 20-25 pound line can be very productive to reach areas. Years snagging was permitted on portions of the salmon to the 10 oclock position salmon river fishing setup!, head to Homer and youll have the chance to target the pools...