General salmon information and fishing tips:
1. Generally, the best times of the day are during the times when there is low light and so too, on cloudy days. On bright and sunny days, salmon will usually collect and assemble deep in the holes.
2. Take note that salmon do not feed while in the river. When they do strike, it is a behavior that is learned. Salmons are known to be predatory and aggressive when in the lake, up until they go into the river.
3. Set the hook by yanking downstream with your rod three times. To get a better set, pulling on the line with your free hand can help. Sometimes, when you lift the rod straight up, it will pull the fly out of the mouth of the salmon.
4. In order for the hook to go through the thick jaws of the salmon, you should always sharpen your hooks.
5. Fishing with a partner can be enjoyable and at the same time help each other to spot a salmon. While one is fishing, the other can be high up on the other side of the bank observing the reaction of the salmon and where exactly they are. Polarized glasses are very helpful when doing this and would bring satisfying results.
6. Finding a good hole where there are many salmon inside and you can fish there for the whole day!
7. Your weight as well as the length of the tippet should be adjusted so that it matches the holes depth and the depth of the fish. Your weight should not drag, but should only touch the bottom every now and then. Note that a tippet that is three feet long will set the fly six inches up to two feet off the bottom.
8. By adding a foam indicator at the top of your fly, you can get your fly higher in the water column.
Fly fishing tips:
Chuck-n-duck is the most familiar and easiest, method in using a fly rod to fish for salmon.
Popular four line formulas for chuck-n-duck:
The River Guide
100+ yards of 30 pounds backing
20 feet of Amnesia line
100 feet of shooting line
3-6 feet of Maxima monofilament (6-8 lb. test)
20 feet of Maxima monofilament (12 lb. test)
Swivels and weight
The Simple Set-Up
100+ yards of 30 pounds backing
10 feet of Maxima monofilament (12 lb. test)
100 feet of shooting line
Swivels and weight
3-4 feet of Maxima monofilament (6-8 lb. test)
The simple and cheap Set-up
100+ yards of 30 lb. backing
100 feet of Amnesia line (15 lb. test)
20 feet of Maxima monofilament (12 lb. test)
Swivels and weight
3-6 feet of Maxima monofilament (6-8 lb. test)
The combo
100+ yards of 30 pounds backing
100 feet of shooting or Amnesia line
3-12 feet of Maxima monofilament (10-20 lb. test)
Swivels and weight
4-10 feet of Maxima monofilament (2-12 lb. test)
Filed under Salmon Fishing by admin
Without argument one of the most well known areas for anglers that want to land that record breaking fish is in the cold, northern waters of the most northerly of the US states. Alaska salmon fishing, in the rivers, lakes and the ocean on the western side of the state are world renowned for their excellent salmon fishing and the huge number and variety of fish that exist in the waters.
Hot Spots for Salmon
Literally waterways in Alaska will have some type of salmon species that are native to the location, but there are some areas that are particularly known for their trophy-sized salmon of various types. Below is a general list of the body of water and the type and size of salmon that are typically for the area and body of water.
Kenai Peninsula and River one of the most famous of all the Alaska salmon fishing hot spots, the Kenai Peninsula and river are home to several varieties including King Salmon, Chinook, Silver and Sockeye or Red salmon. Typically the variety of salmon will have different weights but the fish in this area may range in size from 25 to 90 pounds for mature adults.
Golsovia River, on the edge of the of the Bering Sea this is a quiet yet highly productive area of the Alaska salmon fishing tour area, renowned for not only salmon but also for Artic Char fishing opportunities. The salmon species that are found in this area include Chum, Pink, Silver and King salmon. The best time for fishing in this area is June to August, with most guests easily reaching their limit and then using a catch and release program to continue to enjoy the fishing experience.
Sitka – this area of Alaska has always been known for its fishing opportunities. There is a limit on King salmon at one per day or three annually, but there is no annual limit on Silver salmon, also known as Coho, and a six per day catch restriction. Sitka is one of the larger cities in Alaska so it makes an idea base point for families that are going on Alaska salmon fishing trips.
Yentna River – one of the most popular fresh water salmon fishing systems, there are a variety of creeks, rivers and tributaries that are excellent to fish for several varieties of Alaska salmon. Fishing can be done by boat, off the shore or even by nets with the proper licensing and depending on the time of year. The varieties of salmon that can be caught in this area include King, Silver, Sockeye, Pink and Chum. Typically salmon are fished using spin or fly-fishing methods in these waterways.
Alaska salmon fishing offers breathtaking scenery in largely pristine and untouched areas. Many of the locations, especially the remote fishing lodges require fly in access to the lodges, but also provide the best opportunities to fish areas where there is a largely untouched salmon population. Alaska salmon fishing has its peak seasons between July and August when the weather is relatively warm and there is ample daylight for long hours of fishing enjoyment.
Read more on Experience The Excitement Of Alaska Salmon Fishing…
Filed under Fishing Trips, Salmon Fishing by admin
Your First Fishing Rod:
The most important piece of equipment is a fishing rod and the best place to purchase a rod is at a real pro shop or bait and tackle shop. Pro shops usually have a really good return policy. If you get a rod that is not comfortable for you, too stiff or too flexible, too long or too short, they will usually exchange it for a rod that will work better for you. They want your return business for things like bait and tackle.
The Place:
The best place to fish for salmon is in the river when they come up to spawn. The local pro shop should be happy to provide you with the best times for fishing salmon. Salmon spawn at different times and come up the rivers at different intervals throughout the season, so planning is important if you want to fish when the salmon are spawning.
The Boat:
Best to have a flat bottom river boat, but those are expensive. It may not be a good idea to take a regular "V" hull lake boat into the river because the depths can be too shallow and unpredictable.
The Guide?
Another exciting way to experience your first salmon trip is by hiring a guide. You'll learn more from the guide then on your own. It can be pricey, but it's worth it. Something to think about.
Shore Fishing
No boat? No worries. Fishing from shore is a wonderful way to experience this fantastic hobby as well.
The Bait:
Ask the at the pro shop what works best in your area or the area you are going to fish. They usually suggest salmon eggs. They are cured in many different ways and everyone has their favorite. The reason why you would want to use salmon eggs is because after salmon spawn, the parent fish stay around the nest to protect the eggs from predators like trout.
The currents will also carry the eggs away. When this happens the parent fish gently pick the eggs in their mouth and bring them back to the nest. So, when you dangle salmon eggs in the water after the salmon have spawned, they will see the eggs and assume that some have floated out of the nest. When they go to retrieve them, they get hooked!
The Catch:
Take along an ice chest filled with ice to keep your catch fresh. You may want to have a couple of five gallon buckets as well. One bucket for cleaning your catch. Another bucket to keep the ready-to-eat gutted and cleaned salmon in. If you clean it before you take it home, you avoid the smelly bloody mess in your kitchen. A third bucket could be used to save salmon eggs gutted from a female. You can save the egg sack and cure it later. You can learn more about how to cure the eggs, or roe, online or talk to someone in your local pro shop for suggestions.
The Filleting:
You can cut your fish in two ways, steaks or fillets. Salmon steaks are the easiest way to cut them up. Filleting takes a little more practice. You will probably destroy the first few you try to fillet. Don't worry, all those little mangled pieces can be smoked and turned into a salmon dip. Mmm good!
The Cooking:
There are many ways to cook salmon. Pan fry, BBQ, roasted or even smoked. If you do decide to smoke your salmon pieces, be sure not to dry them out too much.
Here's a simple recipe for salmon dip.
One cup smoked salmon
Two 8 oz packages of cream cheese
Half cup chopped onion
Salt, pepper, garlic, to taste
Now you have it; go out there and catch some salmon!
Read more on Quick And Easy Way To Your First Salmon Fishing Adventure…
Filed under Salmon Fishing by admin
