How To Fish For King Salmon: Expert Tips

Here are expert tips for catching King Salmon.

How To Fish For King Salmon: Expert Tips

Are you wondering what the best time to catch King salmon is? Generally, King salmon fishing is best during their upstream migration, which typically occurs from late spring through early fall, with specific peak times varying by location and run. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of pursuing these magnificent fish, offering expert insights into techniques, bait, lures, gear, and the best locations to maximize your success.

Embarking on the Quest for the Mighty King Salmon

King salmon, also known as Chinook salmon, are the largest of the Pacific salmon species, renowned for their incredible strength, size, and the thrilling battles they offer anglers. Successfully targeting these powerful fish requires knowledge, patience, and the right approach. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just beginning your journey into salmon fishing, this guide will equip you with the essential information to improve your odds of landing a trophy King.

Deciphering the Seasonal Movements: Best Time to Catch King Salmon

Timing is everything when it comes to King salmon fishing. These fish make powerful migrations upstream to spawn, and their presence in rivers and tributaries is dictated by these runs.

• Spring Runs (May – June): Often referred to as “springers,” these early-returning King salmon are typically found in lower river sections and coastal areas. They are often large and aggressive.
• Summer Runs (July – August): This is a prime time for King salmon fishing in many regions. Salmon are actively migrating upstream, feeding, and can be found throughout river systems.
• Fall Runs (September – October): Later runs enter rivers, often targeting different spawning grounds. While some may be less aggressive due to pre-spawn conditions, they are still a formidable quarry.

Factors Influencing Run Timing:

• Water Temperature: Salmon are sensitive to water temperature. Ideal conditions often fall within a specific range, typically 50-60°F (10-15.5°C), though this can vary.
• Water Flow: Higher water levels from rain or snowmelt can influence migration patterns, sometimes delaying or accelerating entry into rivers.
• Ocean Conditions: Conditions in the ocean, such as prey availability, can impact the size and number of salmon returning.

Locating the Kings: Prime King Salmon Fishing Locations

The pursuit of King salmon takes anglers to some of the most breathtaking and productive fishing grounds in North America. Understanding where these fish congregate is crucial for success.

• Alaska: Renowned for its abundant salmon populations, Alaska offers world-class King salmon fishing. Rivers like the Kenai, Kasilof, Copper, and Bristol Bay tributaries are legendary.
• Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, California): These states boast significant King salmon runs in rivers such as the Columbia, Snake, Rogue, and Sacramento. Coastal rivers and estuaries also provide excellent opportunities.
• Canada: British Columbia and the Yukon Territory offer pristine waters teeming with King salmon. Rivers like the Skeena, Nass, and Fraser are iconic destinations.
• Great Lakes (Erie, Michigan, Huron, Ontario): While not native, King salmon have been successfully introduced and thrive in the Great Lakes, providing fantastic fishing, particularly in tributaries during fall.

Key River Characteristics to Consider:

• Pools and Eddies: King salmon will rest in slower-moving water, especially after periods of strenuous effort. Look for deep pools, behind obstructions, and in the calmer water behind islands or points.
• Riffles and Runs: During migration, salmon will move through faster-flowing water. Prime spots include the transition zones between fast and slow water.
• Tributaries and Spawning Grounds: As the season progresses, salmon will move towards their spawning grounds, often found in smaller tributaries with gravel bottoms.

Equipping Yourself: Essential King Salmon Fishing Gear

The right gear is paramount for handling the power and size of King salmon. Investing in quality equipment will significantly enhance your fishing experience and success rate.

Rod and Reel Selection:

• Rods:
  • Heavy-Action Spinning Rods: For bait fishing and casting lures, a 7-9 foot heavy-action spinning rod is ideal. It provides the backbone to handle strong runs and set hooks effectively.
  • Medium-Heavy to Heavy Casting Rods: For heavier lures and trolling, a casting rod in the 7-9 foot range with a medium-heavy to heavy action is recommended.
  • Spey or Switch Rods: For fly fishing, longer Spey or Switch rods (11-15 feet) are essential for casting large flies and mending line effectively in larger rivers.
• Reels:
  • Spinning Reels: Size 4000 to 6000 spinning reels offer the line capacity and drag power needed. Ensure they have a smooth and robust drag system.
  • Casting Reels (Baitcasters): Level-wind reels with a strong drag are suitable for casting heavier lures and for trolling.
  • Spey Reels: These are designed to match Spey rods and have large arbor designs for quick line retrieval and ample backing capacity.

Line and Leader:

• Main Line:
  • Braided Line: 30-80 lb test braided line is a popular choice for its strength, thin diameter, and sensitivity. It excels in detecting subtle bites and setting hooks.
  • Monofilament Line: 10-20 lb test monofilament can be used, especially if you prefer some stretch to absorb shock, but it offers less sensitivity.
• Leader:
  • Fluorocarbon Leader: 20-50 lb test fluorocarbon leader is highly recommended. It offers excellent abrasion resistance, invisibility in the water, and is stiff enough to prevent tangles. The strength of your leader should generally match or exceed your main line’s breaking strength, especially when targeting larger fish.

Terminal Tackle:

• Hooks:
  • Circle Hooks: For bait fishing, 4/0 to 8/0 size circle hooks are essential. They are designed to hook the salmon in the corner of the mouth, reducing gut-hooking and improving survival rates for released fish.
  • J-Hooks: For lures and some bait presentations, sharp, strong J-hooks in sizes 2/0 to 6/0 are used.
• Swivels: High-quality ball-bearing swivels are crucial to prevent line twist, especially when using lures that spin or when fighting strong, twisting fish.
• Weights/Sinkers: Depending on the current and depth, you’ll need various weights, from split shot to sliding sinkers.

Mastering the Techniques: King Salmon Fishing Techniques

Effective King salmon fishing involves a variety of methods, each suited to different conditions and angler preferences.

Drift Fishing for King Salmon:

Drift fishing is a highly effective technique for presenting bait or lures in the current. The goal is to let your offering drift naturally through prime salmon holding areas.

• Setup:
  1. Tie on a sliding sinker rig. This involves a main line, a bead and swivel above the sinker, and a leader with your hook below the sinker.
  2. The sinker slides down the line, allowing the bait to drift freely. Use just enough weight to keep your bait near the bottom without snagging.
  3. Bait is typically a whole or cut salmon egg cluster, a prawn, or a piece of cured salmon roe.
• Execution:
  1. Cast upstream of your target area.
  2. Allow the line to go slack so the weight and bait drift naturally with the current.
  3. Keep your line tight enough to feel the weight and any subtle tugs.
  4. When you feel a bite, lift your rod tip to set the hook.

Moiching for King Salmon:

Moiching is a specialized technique, often used in fast-moving water, that involves drifting a weighted bait or lure downstream, maintaining contact with the bottom.

• Setup: Similar to drift fishing, a sliding sinker rig is used. However, the emphasis is on a controlled drift.
• Execution:
  1. The angler stands in the water, casting slightly upstream.
  2. The sinker is allowed to bounce along the bottom as the angler walks slowly downstream, keeping pace with the current and the drift.
  3. This requires constant attention to the feel of the sinker and the line. A strike is often felt as a sudden stop or a different kind of bounce.

Casting and Retrieving Lures:

Casting lures can be a very active and rewarding way to catch King salmon.

• Popular Lures:
  • Spinners: Large inline spinners, especially those with bright or metallic blades (e.g., Mepps, Blue Fox), are effective.
  • Spoons: Heavy, wobbling spoons that mimic baitfish (e.g., Kwikfish, Mag Lip, Coyote Spoons) are excellent.
  • Jigs: Weighted jigs, particularly when tipped with bait or a grub, can trigger strikes.
• Technique: Cast upstream of your target and retrieve at a speed that keeps the lure in the strike zone, often near the bottom. Vary your retrieve speed and add pauses to entice hesitant fish.

Trolling:

Trolling is a popular method in larger rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

• Setup:
  1. Use downriggers, planer boards, or inline weights to get your lure or bait down to the depth where salmon are holding.
  2. Bait: Plug cut herring or anchovies, often behind flashers, are classic trolling baits.
  3. Lures: Deep-diving plugs and large spoons are effective trolling lures.
• Execution:
  1. Tow your lure or bait at a slow to moderate speed, typically 2-4 mph.
  2. Cover different depths and sections of the water column.

Fly Fishing for King Salmon:

Fly fishing for King salmon is a challenging yet exhilarating experience. It requires specialized gear and techniques.

• Flies: Large, articulated flies in bright colors (orange, pink, chartreuse) and darker colors (black, purple) are popular. Flies that imitate baitfish, salmon eggs, or crustaceans work well.
• Techniques:
  • Single-Handed Rods: For smaller rivers or pocket water, a powerful single-handed 9-10 weight rod can be used.
  • Spey/Switch Rods: These are ideal for larger rivers, allowing for better line control, longer casts, and mending in currents.
  • Presentation: Flies are often swung across the current, with the angler mending the line to ensure a natural drift. Stripping flies is also effective.

The Art of Bait and Lures: King Salmon Bait and Lures

The choice of bait and lures is critical for attracting King salmon. They primarily feed on smaller fish and crustaceans in the ocean and often reduce or stop feeding entirely once they enter freshwater, relying on stored energy. However, they can still be triggered by presentations that mimic their natural food or trigger a predatory response.

Bait Options:

• Salmon Eggs: Cured salmon eggs are a staple for King salmon. Using a vibrant, cured roe cluster that matches the color of local salmon eggs can be irresistible.
• Prawns/Shrimp: Fresh or cured prawns can be deadly, especially when drifted naturally.
• Cut Bait: Pieces of herring or anchovies, particularly plug-cut herring, are classic trolling baits.
• Smelts: Smaller baitfish like smelt can also be effective.

Lure Choices:

• Spoons: Large, heavy spoons designed for deep trolling or casting. Brands like Kwikfish, Mag Lip, Coyote Spoons, and Silver Horde offer effective King salmon spoons.
• Spinners: Large inline spinners, such as Mepps, Blue Fox, or Rooster Tails, especially in sizes #5 and up. Flashers combined with a bait or lure can also be very effective.
• Plugs: Deep-diving crankbaits that mimic baitfish are excellent for trolling. These often come in bright colors.
• Jigs: Weighted jigs, often tipped with bait or a soft plastic grub, can be cast and retrieved or jigged vertically.

Rigging Up: How to Rig for King Salmon

Proper rigging ensures your bait or lure is presented effectively and your gear functions optimally.

Drift Fishing Rig:

• Components: Main line, sliding sinker (e.g., cannonball or egg sinker), bead, swivel, leader, hook.
• Assembly:
  1. Thread the main line through the eye of a bead, then through a sliding sinker.
  2. Thread the line through a second bead, then tie it to a strong swivel. This prevents the sinker from banging against the swivel.
  3. Tie a leader (18-36 inches of fluorocarbon or monofilament) to the other end of the swivel.
  4. Tie your hook to the end of the leader.
  5. Attach your bait to the hook, ensuring it’s secured well for the current.

Flies for Fly Fishing:

• Leader Setup: For fly fishing, a stout leader tapering to a tippet of 10-20 lb test is typical. A longer leader might be used to keep the fly off the bottom in shallower water, while a shorter, heavier leader is better for heavier flies and strong currents.
• Sink-Tip Lines: Using sink-tip fly lines or adding a sinker above the fly helps get your presentation down into the salmon’s strike zone.

The Chase for Giants: Catching Trophy King Salmon

Catching a trophy King salmon is the ultimate goal for many anglers. These larger specimens often employ different tactics and require a refined approach.

• Targeting Larger Fish:
  • Focus on Peak Migration Times: The largest fish often return earlier in the runs.
  • Concentrate on Prime Holding Water: Look for deep pools, areas with good current breaks, and less pressured water.
  • Use Larger Baits and Lures: Don’t be afraid to upsize your offerings to attract the biggest fish.
  • Patience and Persistence: Trophy fish can be more selective. Be prepared to spend more time refining your presentation.
• The Fight:
  • Let Them Run: King salmon are known for long, powerful runs. Let the drag do its job and don’t try to horse the fish.
  • Keep the Line Tight: Maintain steady pressure to keep the hook set and prevent slack that could allow the fish to shake the hook.
  • Steer Them: Use your rod to steer the fish away from snags and obstacles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the best bait for King salmon?
A1: Cured salmon eggs (roe) and prawns are considered the best baits. Plug-cut herring and smelt are also very effective, especially for trolling.

Q2: Can I catch King salmon with lures only?
A2: Yes, King salmon readily strike lures. Popular choices include large spoons, spinners, and deep-diving plugs.

Q3: What is the best time of day to catch King salmon?
A3: While they can be caught throughout the day, early morning and late evening often produce the best results, especially during periods of low light. However, aggressive feeding phases can occur at any time.

Q4: How deep do King salmon hold?
A4: Their depth varies greatly depending on location, time of year, and water temperature. They can be found from the surface in very cold water to depths of 50 feet or more in warmer conditions, often near the bottom.

Q5: What is the legal limit for King salmon?
A5: Regulations vary significantly by location and season. Always check the most current fishing regulations for the specific area you plan to fish before you go.

Q6: What are the key differences between King salmon and other Pacific salmon species?
A6: King salmon (Chinook) are the largest and can live the longest. They are distinguished by their black gums (especially near the base of the teeth) and the presence of black spots on both lobes of their tail fin.

Fishing for King salmon is a rewarding pursuit that connects you with some of the most powerful and iconic fish in freshwater. By employing the right techniques, using appropriate gear, and understanding the habits of these magnificent creatures, you’ll significantly increase your chances of success. Tight lines!