How To Salmon Fish In A River: Essential Tips

Can you fish for salmon in a river? Yes, absolutely! River salmon fishing is a thrilling pursuit offering a unique connection with nature and the chance to land a powerful, acrobatic fish. This guide provides essential tips for success.

The Thrill of River Salmon Fishing

Fishing for salmon in rivers presents a different challenge and reward compared to ocean fishing. Rivers are dynamic environments, constantly shaped by currents, weather, and the migratory patterns of these incredible fish. Fathoming how to catch salmon in moving water requires a blend of understanding fish behavior, water dynamics, and employing the right techniques and gear. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate river salmon fishing effectively.

Timing Your River Salmon Adventure

The success of your river salmon fishing trip hinges significantly on timing. Salmon don’t just mill about in rivers randomly; they follow specific salmon spawning runs in rivers. These runs are dictated by the species of salmon, the specific river system, and environmental factors like water temperature and flow.

Key Seasons and Species

Spring Chinook: These powerful salmon often enter rivers in early spring and can be found throughout the warmer months. They are prized for their size and fight.
Summer Steelhead: While technically a sea-run rainbow trout, steelhead exhibit similar migratory behavior to salmon and are often targeted in rivers during the summer and fall.
Sockeye Salmon: Known for their vibrant red color during spawning, sockeye typically run in the summer months.
Coho Salmon: These acrobatic fighters usually arrive in rivers in the late summer and fall.
Chum Salmon: Often referred to as “dog salmon,” chum salmon runs typically occur in the fall.
Pink Salmon: These salmon, also known as humpbacks due to the distinctive hump that develops on the males during spawning, have biennial runs, often in odd-numbered years.

Crucially, research the specific salmon species and their typical run times for the river you plan to fish. Local bait and tackle shops, fishing forums, and state/provincial fisheries departments are excellent resources for this information.

Selecting the Right River Salmon Fishing Spots

Locating productive salmon fishing spots in rivers is paramount. Salmon, especially when migrating upstream, are not just randomly distributed. They seek out areas that offer refuge, feeding opportunities, and facilitate their journey.

Reading the River: Key Salmon Holding Areas

Pools: Slower, deeper sections of the river often provide resting spots for salmon, especially during low water or high pressure. Look for areas with good cover, like submerged logs or overhanging banks.
Riffles and Runs: These are areas of moderate current where salmon may feed or rest between faster water sections. The edges of these currents, where slower water meets faster water (often called the “soft edge” or “seams”), are prime feeding zones.
Behind Obstacles: Salmon will often hold behind large rocks, logs, or other structures that break up the current. These areas offer protection and can be ambush points for feeding fish.
Eddies: These are areas of circulating water, often found behind islands or points of land. Eddies provide a resting place where salmon can conserve energy while facing upstream.
Confluences: Where two rivers or streams meet, the mixing of currents and often deeper water can attract salmon.
Deep Channels: Salmon often travel in the deeper parts of the river, especially during daylight hours or when pressured.

Tip: Observe other anglers. If you see people fishing a particular spot, it’s often for a good reason. However, don’t be afraid to explore less pressured areas.

Mastering River Salmon Fishing Techniques

Several river salmon fishing techniques are effective, each suited to different conditions and angler preferences.

Spinning Rod Salmon Fishing Rivers

Spinning gear is a popular choice for spinning rod salmon fishing rivers due to its ease of use and versatility.

Rod Selection: Opt for a medium-heavy to heavy-action spinning rod, typically 8 to 10 feet long. This length provides good casting distance and leverage for fighting strong fish. The heavier action is needed to handle the weight and power of salmon and cast heavier lures.
Reel Choice: A quality spinning reel with a smooth drag system is essential. A reel with a capacity for at least 200 yards of line is recommended. Ensure the drag is well-maintained.
Line: Braided line (20-50 lb test) is an excellent choice for its strength, sensitivity, and minimal stretch, allowing for better bite detection and hooksets. A monofilament or fluorocarbon leader (10-30 lb test) is then tied to the braid using a strong knot like a Double Uni or Alberto knot. This leader provides abrasion resistance and can be less visible to wary fish.
Casting and Retrieving: Cast your lure upstream of your target zone and allow the current to carry it naturally through the holding area. Retrieve at a speed that keeps your bait or lure in the strike zone. Experiment with retrieve speeds to find what the salmon are responding to.

Drift Fishing for River Salmon

Drift fishing for river salmon is a classic and highly effective method. It involves presenting your bait or lure in a natural drift with the current.

Setup: This can be done with a spinning or casting setup. A common rig involves a sliding sinker above a swivel, with a leader tied to the swivel and then your hook and bait. The weight is chosen to keep your bait drifting along the bottom without snagging excessively.
Presentation: Cast upstream and allow your weight and bait to drift downstream, maintaining a tight line to feel for bites. The goal is to mimic natural food items being swept downstream.
Variations:
- Float Fishing: Using a specialized float (bobber) to suspend your bait at a specific depth in the current. This is excellent for controlling depth and detecting subtle bites.
- Bottom Bouncing: Allowing your weight to bounce along the riverbed, keeping your bait in the strike zone.

River Fly Fishing for Salmon

River fly fishing for salmon offers a refined and challenging experience.

Gear: You’ll need a spey rod or a longer single-hand fly rod (typically 8-10 weight) with a matching reel. Fly lines designed for spey casting or single-hand casting are essential.
Flies: Salmon flies are designed to imitate baitfish, crustaceans, or attract the fish with color and movement. Popular choices include streamers, egg patterns, and traditional salmon flies like Clouser minnows and Intruders.
Casting Techniques: Spey casting allows you to cast heavy flies and cover water efficiently in rivers with strong currents. Single-hand casting is also effective in smaller rivers or tighter spots. The key is to present the fly at the right depth and speed, often swinging it across the current.

The Best Bait and Lures for River Salmon

Choosing the best bait for river salmon and the most effective salmon fishing lures for rivers will depend on the species, time of year, and water conditions.

Popular Salmon Baits

Salmon Eggs: Cured salmon eggs, either in skeins or as single eggs, are a classic and highly effective bait, especially for Chinook and Coho salmon. Curing them properly is key to their scent and durability.
Roe Bags: Small mesh bags filled with cured salmon eggs are a convenient and popular bait presentation.
Worms: Nightcrawlers or dew worms can be effective, especially when fished under a float or as part of a drift rig.
Shrimp: Cured or fresh shrimp can be a potent attractant for various salmon species.

Effective Salmon Lures

Spinners: Mepps, Rooster Tails, and other inline spinners create flash and vibration, attracting salmon. Silver, brass, and pink are common colors.
Spoons: Silver, copper, and brightly colored spoons that wobble and flash are excellent for imitating injured baitfish. Consider spoons like the Krocodile, Silver Minnow, or various Finnish-style spoons.
Caddis Pupa Imitations: For fly fishing, flies that imitate caddis pupae or larvae can be very effective.
Soft Plastics: Paddle-tail grubs and swimbaits in natural or bright colors can be rigged on jig heads and are highly effective when cast and retrieved.
Jet Divers and Plugs: These lures dive deep and can be trolled or cast and retrieved, mimicking baitfish.
Wobble Spoons: These spoons have a unique action that can entice salmon.

Table: Bait and Lure Effectiveness by Salmon Species (General Guideline)

Salmon Species	Best Bait Options	Best Lure Options
Chinook	Cured Salmon Eggs, Roe Bags, Shrimp	Spoons, Spinners, Plugs, Soft Plastics, Flies (Streamers)
Coho	Cured Salmon Eggs, Roe Bags	Spinners, Spoons, Plugs, Flies (Streamers, Marabou)
Sockeye	Roe Bags, Small Jigs	Small Spinners, Small Spoons, Flies (Egg patterns)
Chum	Roe Bags, Cured Roe	Spinners, Spin-n-Glos, Flies (Egg patterns)
Pink	Roe Bags, Cured Roe	Small Spinners, Small Spoons, Flies (Egg patterns)

Fathoming River Salmon Currents

Comprehending river salmon currents is fundamental to successful fishing. Salmon are migratory fish, and their journey upstream is dictated by the flow of the river.

Understanding Current Types

Main Current: The fastest and deepest part of the river channel. Salmon often travel in these areas but will seek slower water to rest.
Eddy Currents: Circular currents that form behind obstructions. These are prime resting and feeding spots.
Seams: The invisible lines where faster water meets slower water. Salmon often position themselves on the slower side of a seam, waiting to ambush prey or conserve energy.
Riffles: Shallow, fast-flowing areas. Salmon will often move through these quickly or rest in the slower pockets at the tail end of a riffle.

How Salmon Use Currents

Navigation: Salmon use currents to aid their upstream migration. They will often swim in the main current and then move into slower water to rest.
Feeding: Salmon are opportunistic feeders. They position themselves in areas where the current brings them food, such as insects, smaller fish, or even drifting eggs.
Conserving Energy: Especially during long migrations, salmon will seek out areas where they can rest out of the main current. This includes pools, eddies, and behind large rocks.

Essential Gear for River Salmon Fishing

Beyond rods and reels, a few other items are crucial for a productive and safe river salmon fishing experience.

Essential Equipment Checklist

Waders and Wading Boots: Essential for accessing prime fishing spots in the river. Insulated waders are recommended for colder weather.
Rain Gear: Weather on the river can change rapidly.
Polarized Sunglasses: Crucial for spotting fish and identifying underwater structure, as well as protecting your eyes.
Fishing Vest or Pack: To carry your tackle, tools, and essentials.
Net: A sturdy, rubber-coated net is ideal for landing salmon and protecting their slime coat.
Pliers: For removing hooks and cutting line.
Fishing License: Always ensure you have the correct license for the waters you are fishing.
Camera: To capture your success!

Casting and Presentation Tips

How you present your bait or lure is as important as what you use.

Finessing Your Presentation

Upstream Presentation: Cast your offering upstream of where you believe salmon are holding. Let the current carry it naturally through their zone.
Mending Line: For fly fishing, mending your line (lifting and repositioning it on the water) is crucial to prevent your fly from dragging unnaturally in the current.
Varying Retrieve Speed: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your retrieve speed. Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve can trigger a strike.
Depth Control: Ensure your bait or lure is reaching the strike zone. This might involve adding weight, using a float, or selecting a lure that dives to the appropriate depth.
Stealth: Salmon can be spooky, especially in clear water or areas with high fishing pressure. Move quietly and avoid casting shadows over the water.

Safety on the River

The river is a beautiful but potentially dangerous environment. Prioritize safety.

River Safety Guidelines

Always Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Especially when wading in moving water.
Check Water Conditions: Be aware of water levels and currents. Avoid fishing during or immediately after heavy rains when rivers can become dangerous.
Know Your Limits: Don’t wade into water that is too deep or too fast for your comfort level.
Fish with a Buddy: It’s always safer to fish with someone else who can assist in an emergency.
Stay Hydrated and Protected: Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch out for slippery rocks, submerged logs, and other hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the best time of day to fish for salmon in a river?

A1: While salmon can be caught at any time of day, early morning and late evening often produce the best results. This is when salmon may be more actively feeding. However, during migration periods, they can be active throughout the day.

Q2: Can I catch salmon with bait in a river?

A2: Yes, bait fishing is highly effective for river salmon. Cured salmon eggs, roe bags, and shrimp are among the best baits.

Q3: What is the best retrieve for salmon lures in a river?

A3: The best retrieve varies. For spoons and spinners, a steady retrieve that imparts action is often good. For soft plastics, try a stop-and-go retrieve or a slow, steady retrieve with pauses. The key is to keep your lure in the strike zone and mimic natural prey movement.

Q4: How deep should I fish for salmon in a river?

A4: Salmon will hold at various depths depending on the river structure and current. They often favor deeper pools, the edges of fast currents, and areas behind obstructions. You’ll need to experiment with different depths using weight, floats, or lures designed to dive to specific depths.

Q5: Are salmon harder to catch in moving water than still water?

A5: Salmon in moving water often use currents to their advantage for migration and feeding. This means you need to present your bait or lure in a way that works with the current, mimicking natural drift or presentation. Understanding river salmon currents is key.

Q6: When are the salmon spawning runs in rivers?

A6: Salmon spawning runs vary significantly by species and geographic location. Generally, Chinook and Sockeye often run in summer, while Coho and Chum typically run in the fall. Steelhead are also migratory and can be found in rivers during various seasons. Always check local fishing reports for specific run times.

Q7: What is the most important factor when fishing for salmon in a river?

A7: While many factors contribute to success, understanding salmon river currents and presenting your bait or lure naturally within those currents is arguably the most critical element. This, combined with choosing the right spot and timing your trip according to salmon spawning runs in rivers, will greatly improve your chances.

Fishing for salmon in rivers is a rewarding experience that combines skill, patience, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. By mastering these essential tips and continuously learning about the environment and the fish, you’ll be well on your way to successful and memorable river salmon fishing adventures.