Salmon Shop | Hammertime Hookers

SALMON TECHNIQUES - GEAR

Power: L=Light. ML=Medium Light. M=Medium. MH=Medium Heavy. H=Heavy. Ex=Extra Heavy

Action: M=moderate. F=Fast. EF=Extra Fast

TECHNIQUES

CASTING/Spinning

How to Fish: Casting and spinning for salmon is a popular technique in rivers and lakes where fish migrate to spawn. Anglers cast lures or bait into likely holding areas and retrieve them at varied speeds to entice a strike.
Where to Fish:
River mouths, deep pools, and eddies where salmon rest during their upstream migration.
Lakes with stocked or landlocked salmon populations.
Coastal inlets and estuaries where salmon stage before heading upriver.
Gear Needed:
Rod: Medium to heavy spinning rod (7-9 feet) with fast action.
Reel: Spinning reel in the 3000-5000 size range with a smooth drag system.
Line: 10-20 lb test braided or monofilament line with a fluorocarbon leader.
Lures & Bait: Spinners (Blue Fox, Mepps), spoons (Little Cleo, Kastmaster), crankbaits, and soft plastics. For bait fishing, use salmon eggs, shrimp, or herring.
Tips:
Adjust retrieval speed based on water temperature and salmon activity.
Target areas with natural cover like submerged logs, rocks, and deep holes.
Use a fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility in clear water.

FLY

How to Fish:Fly fishing is a favored method for targeting salmon in rivers. Anglers present artificial flies to mimic insects, small baitfish, or roe drifting naturally with the current.
Where to Fish:
Large river systems with strong salmon runs.
Shallow riffles, pools, and undercut banks.
Tidal flats where salmon enter freshwater.
Gear Needed:
Rod: 8-10 weight fly rod (9-10 feet) for handling large salmon.
Reel: Large arbor fly reel with a strong drag system.
Line: Floating or sink-tip fly line, depending on water depth and current speed.
Flies: Egg patterns, streamers (Woolly Bugger, Clouser Minnow), and traditional salmon flies (Comet, Intruder).
Tips:
Use a mend in your line to achieve a natural drift.
Match fly size and color to water conditions and salmon behavior.
Fish early in the morning or late evening when salmon are most active.

TROLLING

How to Fish:Trolling is the most effective method for covering large areas of water to locate salmon. Boats pull baited lines or lures at controlled depths to attract feeding fish.
Where to Fish:
Deep lakes with landlocked salmon populations.
Coastal waters near river mouths and offshore feeding grounds.
Fjords and large bays where salmon congregate before migrating upstream.
Gear Needed:
Rod: Medium to heavy trolling rod (8-10 feet) with a moderate action.
Reel: Conventional or line-counter reel spooled with 20-50 lb test monofilament or braided line.
Trolling Rigs: Downriggers, planer boards, or lead-core line to control depth.
Lures & Bait: Flashers, dodgers, cut plug herring, hoochies, and spoons (Apex, Silver Horde).
Tips:
Adjust trolling speed based on salmon species (typically 1.5-3.0 mph).
Use attractors like flashers to increase visibility in deep water.
Vary lure depth to locate feeding salmon.

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