Salmon and trout fishing - what gear and lures to use?

[Sherlock 60]

We are going to Alaska the last week of May. It is not, specifically, a fishing trip, but I plan to take a couple of rods and a few lures. We will be renting an RV for most of the trip, and if we camp next to a stream I couldn't possibly avoid the temptation.

What would you suggest I take? And what techniques and presentations would you suggest?

[Lund Explorer]

First thing you may want to do to is study what rivers/campgrounds you would be staying at.  While I have never have been lucky enough to get up there, a client of mine has gone quite a few times.

Fishing regulations are quite a bit different than in the lower 48.  Many rivers are controlled by the property owners, both bottom lands, the water above it, and anything swimming in it.  This can lead to very spotty fishing if you are limited to a small stretch of water.

Contacting the campground hosts should give you an idea of what to expect and what tackle to bring along.

[B A S S E R]

I went last year and am going back for three weeks this summer. Blue Fox Vibrax and Pixies are the best. I'm not sure what will be running in may though... try smaller sizes for rainbow and graylings maybe.

pm me for more info

[Sherlock 60]

The King Salmon start running in Mid-May. Dolly Varden are the most abundant species of trout in May.

[zero limit]

I would bring a 4000 size reel at the least , Kings can get really big 70+ lbs, on average probably 20lbs.

I fish them on Lake Michigan w/ stratic 4000 w/ 300 yards of braid #20 and an 8'6" med rod. these fish will run and peel a 100+ yards of line with no problem. here 3/4 oz. spoons, or large crankbaits do the trick.

I have been spooled perch fishing w/ perch gear not sure what It was though.  So be prepared to catch a giant.

Use the knife to gun fight theroy

[B A S S E R]

I would bring a 4000 size reel at the least , Kings can get really big 70+ lbs, on average probably 20lbs.

I fish them on Lake Michigan w/ stratic 4000 w/ 300 yards of braid #20 and an 8'6" med rod. these fish will run and peel a 100+ yards of line with no problem. here 3/4 oz. spoons, or large crankbaits do the trick.

I have been spooled perch fishing w/ perch gear not sure what It was though. So be prepared to catch a giant.

Use the knife to gun fight theroy

Average on the Kenai is 40-50#.

yeah the very beginning of the run will be in mid may. The record was caught in may (the 17th sounds right but I could be wrong). Like I said though 1oz pixies and size 5 or 6 vibrax. Less than 100 days till I go back.

[B A S S E R]

More info about my setups... Last year I brought along 2 spinning reels (smaller trout reel w/ 6# and a medium sized bass reel w/ 20# braid) and 3 baitcasts (Abu C4 w/ 20# mono, Browning with 15# flouro, and a BPS with 30# braid). I brought along 3 spinning rods (5'6 L, 6'6 ML, and 6'6 M) and 2 trigger rods (6'6 MH, 6'6 XH Musky Rod).

Well I go out on a small lake with some pike after I got in and my BPS BC crapped out on me. I was glad I decided to bring an extra reel in case something like this happened so I wasn't too mad. And then 10 minutes later I snapped the rod tip on my spinning rod somehow so now I was kicked > At least I still had an extra spinning rod. And the moral of the story is to bring extras when traveling.

When I started salmon fishing I was using the C4 on the Musky rod to throw the 1 oz pixies and it worked like a charm. everyone else was using spinning tackle with 9' rods and was amazed I was out casting them by a long shot. I was using my spare bc on the 6'6 mh rod to throw the mepps and vibrax and this also worked out really nicely except I had one really nice silver snap off after fighting it down the bank for nearly 10 mins.

When I go back this time I am going to bring the same musky setup, the bigger spinning reel, and 3 of my bass setups (revo sx w/ 30# powerpro, BPS JoMo Sig w/ 20# mono, and BPS PQ with 20# mono.

[tholmes]

We are going to Alaska the last week of May. It is not, specifically, a fishing trip, but I plan to take a couple of rods and a few lures. We will be renting an RV for most of the trip, and if we camp next to a stream I couldn't possibly avoid the temptation.

What would you suggest I take? And what techniques and presentations would you suggest?

Me! :D

Tom

[Sherlock 60]

Basser: thanks for the info.

For salmon I will take my MH 6 1/2" spinning rod with a 4000 Symetre reel and 20# braid as well as my 7' MH baitcaster with an ABU C4 5600 and 65# braid that I use for lighter mukie lures.

For trout it will be my 5 1/2' UL spinning combo with a Symetre 1000 and 4# mono and a 6 1/2' M spinning rod with a 2500 Symetre and 8# mono.

I have an assortment of Mepps spinners from sizes 0 to 5 that should work well. Also have some Mepps Syclops spoons from 0 to 3 and some Little Cleo and Krocodile spoons that I picked up for Lake Michigan salmon fishing a few years ago. And I picked up a size 5 Blue Fox Super Vibrax in hot chartreuse the other day. Think I will throw in a Mepps Giant Killer or two just for fun.

That assortment should take care of things, but, of course, I will probably pick up a few more lures while in Alaska.

tholmes: Sorry. No more room.