how to catch a salmon

[The Short Fisherman]

Im getting into salmon fishing this year and I was wondering what to use, and how to catch one. Thanks

[slonezp]

Where are you fishing for the salmon and are you looking to target them year round or just during the spawn? 

[The Short Fisherman]

On 9/16/2018 at 9:45 PM, slonezp said:

Where are you fishing for the salmon and are you looking to target them year round or just during the spawn? 

im going for great lakes salmon and trying to catch them in the rivers during the spawn

[slonezp]

I assume you are not fly fishing. Once the salmon have made it into the rivers to spawn, the only think they have on their mind is to procreate. They will not be hitting baits because they are hungry. They will hit bait that resembles spawn. Nature tells them to get rid of the competition. Your best bet is to use bait that resembles spawn. Spawn sacks, corn, play-dough, marshmallows, Powerbait, and such.

 

If you are fishing the mouths of the river(s) they may still hit spoons, jigs, and crankbaits. Not feeding, but out of aggression. Try a darter head jig with a fluke the color of the baitfish, Spoons like KO Wobblers, Krockodiles, Kastmasters, and Little Cleos might work. Low light conditions are normally better than when the sun is high in the sky.

 

As far as gear, I like using bass gear. You need to make sure you have plenty of line on your reels and strong sharp hooks. A salmon's jaw structure is extremely hard and if you don't get a solid hookset, you risk losing it. If your water is clear, do not use braid. Salmon have keen eyesight and using or not using braid could be the determining factor on whether or not you get any action. 

 

If you've never caught a salmon before, you will be pleasantly surprised. They hit like a Mack truck and will peel line off your reel like there's no end.

 

Here's pics of some summer salmon, and some fall spawners

 

[IgotWood]

If you go there to target salmon, you will wind up catching a bunch of trout and steelhead. If you go there geared up for trout and steelhead, you will probably catch a few salmon. 

 

But all jokes aside, depending on where you fish, the coho’s follow the kings up the rivers too. The coho’s will eat! They aren’t huge like the kings, but they aren’t small either, and they will drag you up and down the river! 

[islandbass]

There are too many ways and techniques to target them, and in that respect, it is not unlike bass fishing.

 

since you mentioned targeting them in the river, in-line spinners (eg, Mepps), spoons, stickbaits like rapala minnows, salmon eggs, float and jig, just a plain jig (feathered jig, not like a “bass” jig) some thing known as Corkies, are a just a few things. 

 

I wouldn’t bother with any rod less than 8’6”, where generally longer is better if you can get away with it. 

 

The longer rod with help to increase casting and give you more line control. 

 

Spinners and and spoons and floats will usually use the river’s current to drive them. 

 

Corkies are bounced on the bottom also by the current. 

 

Eggs could be bounced on the bottom or offered on a float. 

 

Jigs can be worked in the current with a pull, fall, reel up the slack and realest. 

 

Jigs can also be offered on a float. 

 

Not all parts of the river are suited for all of these lure types. Therefore, some will fare better than others depending on that section of the river. 

 

Like bass fishing, there is no one rod that does it all. Rods can be specialized for a specific role just like bass rods. You can go the Walmart special route or go loomis.  Yes, loomis makes these kinds of rods, and he probably made them well before he made a bass rod. He originally is from my neck of the woods, lol. 

 

If you plan on using your bass reels, you might need to consider good with at least 200 sized casting reels (300 and up are better suited) and 3000-4000 spinning. You can get away with a 2500 if you don’t lose a lot of line from snags and break offs. 

 

Start looking for you tube videos for this type of fishing in your area and the lures I  mentioned. 

 

Good luck. You’re going to have a blast. 

 

 

 

 

 

[IgotWood]

Yup, most guys are using “noodle rods” out there. Usually a long spinning rod 8’+, with a very light action. And very light line, 6-10lb flouro. Most people are using egg sacks for bait, which can be bought at any of the shops on the rivers. Rig them on a small octopus hook, maybe a sz6, and add some weight. Fish this under a float, or just dead drift it and keep in contact. 

[The Short Fisherman]

thanks guys ill try those tequniques in a few days

[UPSmallie]

Long leaders, splitshot, and double fly rigs...lol!  Spawn, skein, glow in the dark spoons, and deep diving jr. firesticks all work well, jokes aside.  Wouldn't use anything less than 15 lb test if you're going for kings.  All other salmon and steelhead you could probably get away with 10-12 lb.