Salmon Fishing Tips

Fly Fishing - Tips and Tricks

2008-09-08T09:17:00.003+08:00

By Les Freeman

There are thousands of live-bait anglers, who are excellent sportsmen, but the fly fisherman can practice better conservation from the beginning.

Basically, fly fishing is not only one of the fastest growing sports; it is one of the foremost forms of conserving natural resources as well as providing aquatic recreation.

Fly fishing is, very simple when three things are right: you must have a suitable rod; you must get a line to match it; and you must learn correct casting technique.

For people who wish to know some tips on fly fishing, here is a list of some pointers that could help anglers harness their fly fishing skills:

1. Material of the rod

For one of moderate means, and especially for the beginners, hollow glass is advised since it will require less care than bamboo and will not take a set if improperly handled or stored.

2. Line

Your fly casting skill will not progress with a mismatched rod and line. About 99 times in 100, the troubled fly caster has a line much too light to bring out the action of his rod.

That is why it is important to know that on any given rod, the fly fisherman should use the same size line for anything from small trout and bluegills up to the largest sea fish.

In choosing the size line, anglers should get a C level, an HCH double-taper, or a GBF three-diameter. This choice is based on the fact that a high percentage of fly rods bought nowadays are hollow glass, and that a great majority of these works best with lines of those sizes, almost regardless of lengths or weights.

3. The correct casting technique

In casting, it is important to get about 20 feet of line out front. Anglers should always remember to cast a straight line. Avoid jerky movements even if it is on a faster mode in order to do so.

Best of all, the angler should be relaxed because taunt muscles will ruin his casting.

Boiled down, there should be no reason why you should not learn the fundamental principles just as easily as those who now enjoy fly fishing.

Probably, the best and surest way to learn to cast successfully is to spend a day on the stream with some fisherman who is a competent caster.

Lessons learned on the stream are the best tips you can acquire anywhere in your quest for learning fly fishing.

About the Author:
Read more about Les Freeman on Fishing Tips, Fishing Skills

Technorati Tags: Salmon Fishing Tips, Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Tips, Casting Technique, Rod Material

Salmon Fish Carvings from Pacific Northwest Coast

2008-08-30T22:42:00.000+08:00

Fish carvings and fish sculptures are popular decorative pieces for sport fishing enthusiasts as well as those who are interested in fish in general. If you are such a collector of fish artwork, you should consider adding a piece made by a native aboriginal artist for your home, office or lodge.

The native aboriginals of the Pacific Northwest Coast make some stunning wood carvings of salmon fish which is the most important fish species in the region as a food source and as part of native culture. Salmon carvings are expertly carved with wonderful details and are usually presented as wall plaques. These salmon fish carvings are often painted with various colors but sometimes the pieces are finished in natural wood stains too.

The Inuit from Canada s Arctic north also produce fish artwork. Rather than using wood, Inuit artists use indigenous stone to produce three dimensional fish sculptures. Of course, instead of salmon, these northern artists create sculptures of local based fish species such as Arctic char. Master Inuit carvers put in equally exquisite details in their fish sculptures as their Pacific Northwest coast counterparts do.

Being made from stone, Inuit artwork such as the fish sculptures will be much heavier in weight compared to the wood fish carvings from the Pacific Northwest coast. The three dimensional aspect of the Inuit fish sculptures also mean that these pieces are meant to be displayed on a shelf or mantle rather than on the wall.

If you are shopping for an Inuit fish sculpture, one thing to keep in mind is that they may be harder to find compared to native aboriginal salmon carvings. Fish are not among the most common Inuit art subjects especially compared to other Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, seals and walruses. If in stock at Inuit art galleries, fish sculptures will likely be found in the Other Inuit Sculptures category.

Whether it s a salmon fish carving from the Pacific Northwest coast or an Inuit fish sculpture from the Arctic north, such a piece would be a very nice addition to your decor and should get nice attention from your sport fishing friends and other guests since they are not your usual game fish artwork.

Salmon Fishing Tips: How to Identify Silver Salmon Fish

2008-08-27T21:48:00.001+08:00

The late summer arrival of Alaska's silver salmon, also known as the coho salmon, signals the height of the fishing season for many sport fishermen in Alaska. Known to be one of the more aggressive and acrobatic species of Alaskan salmon, the Alaska silver salmon fishing is the ultimate sport.

Silver salmon are the third largest of Pacific salmon and possess a strong predatory nature, which makes them easy to lure when fishing.

Alaska silver salmon treat anglers to show engaging in a series of determined runs and leaps when they're on the line. A tough battler, Alaska's silver salmon gives anglers an exhilarating fight.

Alaska coho salmon fishing has it's rewards. Though not quite as rich as the meat of red salmon or king salmon, the flesh of the coho is delicious and full of flavor. Whether grilled, smoked, pan fried or canned, silver salmon is a great fish for eating.

source: www.wildernessplacelodge.com

Silver salmon are some of the most plentiful sport fish in Alaska and can be found in thousands of streams and rivers across the state. Alaska silver salmon fishing in fresh water is usually done using spinning gear.

Coho are drawn to shiny, flashy lures. A lure with the color combination of gold and silver paired with bright colors will be the most successful. Bait using salmon roe is also known to be highly productive, but is illegal in some areas. Herring is very popular for silver salmon fishing in saltwater.

How To Identify Species While Fishing For Silver Salmon In Alaska

A medium sized salmon, the typical weight for silvers is around 6 to 9 pounds with larger fish reaching weights of 20 pounds upwards. Coho salmon are identified by metallic silver sides, grayish blue or dark green backs, white bellies, and black markings irregularly scattered on their top sides.

Similar in appearance to small king salmon, silvers can be further identified by a smaller tail that has spots on the upper lobe only, and of course the absence of the black gum line that are characteristic of kings.

During spawning season, silver salmon become deep red on the sides with dark green to black coloring on the head and back. They also grow larger teeth and jaws. As with many salmon species, coho males typically develop a more dramatic spawning appearance than females do.

Prime Spots For Alaska Silver Salmon Fishing

Locations in the Southeast for Silver Salmon Fishing

Skagway and Haines: Lutak Inlet, Chilkat, Chilkoot Rivers

Sitka and Petersburg: Lower Stephens Passage, Stikine, Sitka, Ernest, Frederick Sounds, Wrangell Narrows, Blind Slough, Sumner Straits, Upper Clarence, Duncan Canal, Petersburg, Anan, Kadake, Thoms, Sitkoh Creeks, Salmon Bay, Eva, Petersburg, Red Lake Systems, Kadashan, Kah Sheets, Harding Rivers, Stikine River System

Klawock, Prince of Wales: Gulf of Esquibel, Bucareli Bay

Juneau: Icy Strait, Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, Klage Bay, Sweetwater Lake Systems, Cross Sound, Favorite, Saginaw Channels

Yakutat: Lost, Doame, Kiklukh, Tawah, Situk Rivers, Yakutat Bay

Ketchikan and Prince of Wales: Bucareli Bay, Clarence Strait, Gulf of Esquibel, Revillagigedo Channel, Salmon Bay, Ketchikan Creeks, Yes Bay, Behm Canal, Wilson, Klawock, Naha, Kegan River Systems, Gravina Island

Fishing Spots for Silver Salmon in the Northwest
Seward Peninsula: Nome, Fish-Niukluk, Sinuk Rivers

Norton Sound: Shaktoolik, Kwiniuk, Unalakleet, Inglutalik, Tubutulik, Ungalik Rivers

South Central Silver Salmon Fishing Spots
Lower Cook Inlet: Chakachatna, McArthur River Systems, Crescent, Beluga, Amakdedori, Kameshak Rivers, Silver Salmon, Polly Creeks

Shelikof Strait: Big, Swikshak Rivers

Afognak, Kodiak and Shuyak Islands: Carry Inlet, Ugak, Neketa, Shuyak Bays, Deadman, Portage, Roslyn Creek Systems, Pauls Creek System, Red, Saltery, Karluk, Dog Salmon, Afognak, Pasagshak Rivers, Malina, Olga, Little River Lake Systems, Chiniak Bay Streams

Upper Cook Inlet: Wasilla, Jim, Fish Creeks, Lewis, Theodore Rivers, Little Susitna

Wrangell Mountains: Tonsina River System, Strelna Lake

Kenai: Russian, Anchor, Swanson, Moose, Kenai Rivers, Kachemak Bay, English Bay, Ninilchik, Kasilof Rivers, Crooked, Deep Creeks, Engineer, Upper Jean, Centennial, Union, Stormy Lakes

Anchorage: Campbell, Bird, Ship Creeks, Twenty Mile River System

Chugach and Prince William Sound: Passage Canal, Orca Inlet, Resurrection Bay, Valdez Arm

Susitna: Lake, Willow, Sheep, Montana, Alexander, Peters Creeks, Talkeetna, Chulitna, Deshka, Talachulitna Rivers

Mat-Su Valley: Wolf, Memory, Loon, Finger, Matanuska Lakes

Southwest locations for Silver Salmon Fishing

Alaska Peninsula: King Salmon, Egegik, Ugashik River Systems, Nelson Lagoon, Meshnik, Ilnik, Chignik Rivers, Mortensen Lagoon, Lefthand Bay, Volcano River, Russell Creek, Beaver River

Bristol Bay: Wood, Togiak, Nushagak-Mulchatna, Alagnak, Naknek River Systems

Lower Yukon: Andreafsky, Anvik Rivers

Kuskokwim: Arolik, Aniak, Goodnews, Kanektok, Kisaralik, Holitna Rivers

Interior spots for Silver Salmon Fishing

Upper Tanana: Seventeen Mile Slough, Nenana-Clear Creek, Delta Clearwater River

Source: www.alaskafishing411.com

Salmon Fishing Tips: Salmon Fishing Lures

2008-08-26T16:47:00.000+08:00

There are several ways to catch the kind of salmon you target. Some would use different fishing methods, while others would use fishing lures. As what all salmon fishing enthusiasts know, a lure is placed on the very end of the fishing line. But, what most of them did not know is that, improper placement of a lure could result to an unsatisfying day or worse no catch at all. Salmon fishing lures are supposed to be tightly connected to the end of the fishing line in order that it will not fall off from the fishing line when thrown into the waters. It may sound so simple and obvious, but still there are people who tend to neglect it, especially the beginners.

Getting yourself salmon fishing lures is not as simple as you think. You can t just buy and attach them securely at the end of your fishing line. It doesn t work that way. There are certain things you have to consider in selecting the best salmon fishing lures. From the different varieties of salmon fishing lures that are available in the market today, you can tell they have different designs. The designs are based on the diverse methods of fishing, types of waters you where you will fish, types of salmon species you want to, and to different fishing poles. And because your salmon fishing lures have to vary depending on the spots where you'll fish, the type of fish you target, and what type of fishing pole you will use, it is best that you carefully choose the ones that are designed to best suit your specific needs.

If you use salmon fishing lures instead of using bait, you'll have greater chance of hooking your target. According to some experts in salmon fishing, the technique in which you can successfully catch salmon is to keep your lure as attractive as possible. The action and the kind of lures you use can help attract the attention of salmon. Therefore, the more potential food your lures look like, the more interested your salmon will get. Also, it is important that you know what salmon feed in order for you to choose the best salmon fishing lures. For example, if you fish in a lake where salmon feed on flies, make sure you get salmon fishing lures that look like flies. Otherwise, your target will just snob and ignore your lure.

No matter how you use every techniques you know about, it is still not enough. Your skills also have something to do with hooking your target. So to make salmon fishing more fun as ever, carefully pick out the right salmon fishing lures that will wink at your target. Choose the ones that are worth to chasing for!

Salmon Fishing Tips: Alaska Salmon Fishing Trips

2008-08-25T16:20:00.000+08:00

Alaska is the perfect place in the world to have the Fishing Experience of a lifetime. With an infinite number of fishing resources, Alaska is the location to go to fish for rainbow trout, king salmon or halibut.

Alaska fishing trips assure a splendid fishing experience against the spectacular wilderness of the land. When choosing where to go in Alaska, it is important to know the type of fish you are hoping to catch, because some species are region-specific. For example, if you are going on a fishing trip in Alaska and are looking to catch halibut, you should try and look for the fishing locales where halibut is known to reside or you are looking for Salmon. Ask the local population where this might be, and you will get some good tips.

The climatic conditions must also be conducive to the fish you are looking for. If you are fishing in the summertime, you may not be able to catch the same types of fish you caught last winter. Again, ask around.

Southeast Alaska is popular for salmon, steelhead and halibut fishing. A great abundance of fighting fish is found in the Kenai River. Anchorage, Seward, Soldotna, Homer, the Kodiak Island of south-central Alaska, Bristol Bay and the Kuskokwim River of southwest Alaska are prime fishing destinations. Lake Hood in Anchorage Alaska is famous for fly fishing.

No matter where or when you choose to fish in Alaska, be sure to pack all of the necessary supplies. In the cold winter months, you should dress extremely warmly. In other seasons, dress in layers so that the sudden shifts in temperature can be accommodated as you fish all day or over the course of a week or weekend.

Salmon Fishing Tips: Salmon Fly Fishing Tackle

2008-08-23T19:29:00.000+08:00

Atlantic salmon, although they cease to feed on entering our rivers, may be caught on fly, spinner or on bait. Spin fishing tackle, however, is generally now reserved for conditions of high water or for times and places when fly fishing might be impossible. Natural bait fishing for salmon, with prawns, shrimps and worms for example, has become less popular in recent years - largely due to the difficulty of returning fish which have taken a bait - and is, in fact, banned as a method of fishing on many salmon rivers. At times, the man skilled in the use of spinning tackle might outfish the fly fisher but, increasingly, wherever and whenever possible, fly fishing is the favoured option for the majority of salmon anglers on the majority of our Scottish rivers.

Salmon Fly Rods

Salmon fly rods have come a long way from the heavy and unwieldy greenheart and split cane rods and horsehair lines of yesteryear. Today's salmon fly fisher can fish comfortably for a full day with one of the many modern light and efficient carbon rods, matched to the latest profile in specially designed "Spey" lines. On the larger rivers, a rod of eighteen feet, in the hands of an expert, can cast a fly more than fifty yards.

The more popular length of fifteen feet, though, will cover most situations allowing thirty yard casts with relative ease. On the smaller rivers, or in the low water of summer, shorter double handed rods of twelve or thirteen feet, or even single handed rods of about ten feet, will allow a more delicate presentation of the smaller flies aimed at summer grilse and salmon. Today's tackle trade caters well for the salmon fly fisher, offering a wide range of models, from the famous traditional makers like Hardy and Bruce and Walker; from Daiwa and Shakespeare; and, now, from companies like Sage, Loomis, Orvis and Loop, all vying to make their mark in this now very competitive market.

Salmon Fly Reels

As with salmon fly rods, the salmon fisher is faced with a bewildering choice of reels, from the solid British tradition of a fine old Young's or Hardy fly reel, now highly regarded by both collectors and fishermen, and much sought after on the second hand market, to the miracles of modern disc drag technology, a Loop or an Orvis or perhaps an Abel or a new Hardy disc drag reel.

For me, the dependable efficiency of a traditional, well engineered spring and pawl fly reel is hard to beat, a reel such as the Young's 1500 series or the matchless quality of one of the older Hardy fly reels - a Hardy Perfect or a Number 1, 2 or 3 Marquis, a St Andrew or, for lighter lines, a Zenith or St Aidan. With an adequate supply of backing, any of them will cope with all eventualities likely to be met in salmon fishing on Scottish rivers.

Salmon Fly Lines

For much of the last century, salmon fly lines meant supple braided lines of dressed silk which required a great deal of care if they were to function well. Given proper attention, however, a silk line was extremely versatile and the salmon fisherman could fish a whole season with just the one silk line. The more expensive lines were double tapered and could be fished, ungreased, as a slow sinking line; partially greased as a sink tip line; or fully greased as a floating line, the method popularised by A.H.E. Wood of Cairnton on the Aberdeenshire Dee as "the greased line" method of salmon fly fishing. The modern salmon fisherman spends little time in fly line maintenance and preparation. Instead, he has a plastic coated fly line for every conceivable situation. He has floating lines, sink tip lines, neutral and intermediate lines, slow sinking, medium sinking, fast sinking, even ultra fast sinking lines; he has double tapered lines, weight forward lines, shooting heads and now "Spey" lines with head lengths and profiles to suit all abilities, styles and preferences; he has tapered monofilament leaders, braided leaders, poly leaders in all manner of lengths and densities...... and all this to make the life of the salmon fly fisherman simpler!

Salmon Fishing Tips: Is Fishing By Moon Phase Increase Your Catch?

2008-08-22T19:00:00.004+08:00

by: David Rose

Every salmon fisherman dreams of a bigger catch! Is it possible to know beforehand when you should plan a trip to enjoy some fishing, catch more than usual, and come home feeling 100% satisfied? Based on my own personal research around the best salmon fishing times, I think it is.

When I first started salmon fishing, the best fishing time for me was whatever time happened to suit me. I tried different lures, baits and techniques until I'd spent a small fortune in my quest to improve my salmon fishing catch. When I finally heard about the "Solunar Theory"--or fishing by moon phase--like most anglers, I was skeptical.

What I'd read sounded too complicated. All sorts of factors needed to be checked and the determined angler needed to be at the water's edge at exactly the right time, TO THE MINUTE, in order to improve on his average catch. Was I really willing to take my hobby that seriously? Let's just say that curiosity got the better of me.

To help me determine whether there was any truth in the moon's effect on the best fishing times, I kept a record of every trip I made over a period of 18 months. All information related to the moon's phases, the weather conditions and the catches I made were carefully logged. What I discovered convinced me that moon phase salmon fishing works. BUT, I also found that it isn't anywhere near as complicated as many would have us believe.

How Does Fishing By Moon Phase Work?

Every fisherman knows that the best fishing times are when the fish are feeding. This tends to be during dawn and dusk, but what often goes unnoticed are the two periods elsewhere in the day--moonrise and moonset. Because the moon has an effect on a variety of factors surrounding the fish--including the live fodder they hunt--these periods, combined with the moon's phase, are what trigger feeding.

By understanding this, and choosing times when sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset coincide with new or full moon phases, you'll increase you chance of a good fishing catch. Assuming there are fish in the area, of course.

Choosing The Best Salmon Fishing Times

There really is nothing complicated about this at all; it's just a matter of knowing ahead of time exactly when the sun and moon will rise and set. Fish are most active during 90-minute windows surrounding each of these four daily events; that's 45 minutes before and after these four daily points.

Fishing during these four periods will help increase your fishing catch, but if you plan wisely so as to ensure you're at the water's edge on the days of new or full moon, you can use these 'windows' to reel in a catch like you've never done before. If you have to choose between sunrise/set and moonrise/set, always go with the moon as the moon is the stronger influence.

Hunters have always known that fish and game are most active at dawn and dusk--sunrise and sunset--but their activity surrounding moonrise and moonset is less noticeable because these events are likely to occur without effecting any change in the perceived light. The rise and set of a new moon is invisible anyway, and overcast weather often hides the moon. Without prior knowledge of setting and rising times, two of the best fishing times will be missed every day!

Other Considerations

When planning your fishing by moon phase, there are certain other factors that should also be considered.

Weather - Severe weather changes have an impact on the way fish feed. When a storm's brewing, or just after one has passed, is a good time. If this happens while you're in place, you'll be in for a treat! However, if there's a cold front approaching, the fish are likely to move deeper into the water and become inactive.

Season - Most fish are more likely to bite willingly during seasonal transitions with the transition from winter to spring and summer to fall being the two best fishing times.

Now that you know that moon phase fishing really works, there's no reason why you shouldn't utilize this knowledge to increase your own fishing catch by being at the ready with your rod during the best fishing times available. It's easy and it works!

Good luck!

David Rose is an outdoor enthusiast and the creator of QuickPhase Pro, a popular moon phase software program. Visit http://www.calculatorcat.com/moon_phases to discover the fun and easy way to view the phases of the moon and increase your fishing catch.

Salman Fishing Tips: Salmon Fishing Equipments

2008-08-21T20:20:00.001+08:00

By Milos Pesic

Lures, graphite rods, and a dazzling array of flies, are you sure you’re having the best salmon fishing equipment? Salmons are a picky lot and making them bit is a tricky business. Having the appropriate lure for a certain condition is considered fair salmon fishing practice.

How about encountering a 50 pound King salmon with only an 8 foot light tackle? You’d be cursing your breath for that little oversight on your part. Even your wife will be cursing you to death; I would if I’m accompanying you.

So don’t ever bring curtailed equipment. Of course you can still battle that 50 pound salmon to submission with the 8 foot rod, and if you land the Chinook successfully you deserve the president patting your back. Heck, I would fly to your destination if you just let me know. But chances are, Joe, it would be a losing battle.

Are you heading for salmon fishing with the best equipment? Here’s a salmon fishing equipment checklist if you need one.

Remember, best doesn’t spell out as most expensive. It is a matter of a salmon fishing equipment doing as it should: fishing rods that don’t slip, lines that don’t break, and lures that even minnows are fooled.

Lures, Baits and Flies

Angling, when schematically done is mostly: locate game, prepare tackle, and fish. Using the appropriate lures always guarantees a bite. The only tricky part is brewing the right stuff. Cured salmon roe is considered by many to be the most irresistible treat but it comes with a price. They aren’t reusable of course. While flies can be a promising salmon fishing equipment, adding ‘scents’ can amplify its ‘attractiveness’ to the salmon.

Fishing Rods

Salmon fishing rods must have a mixture of characteristic: it must be flexible to handle the freaking aerial displays of silver salmon but and it must robust enough to handle the rock-like pull of a Chinook, all the while still fairly maneuverable to provide a decent jiggle. Of course you can bring several choices to meet several situations. Graphite steel provides the best flexibility while retaining some lightness and strength. Bamboo rods are also a popular choice and cheaper besides.

Reels

In the past, traditional reels are of simple construction. Its construct has no drag at all; anglers have to ‘palm’ the revolving rim to slow the rotation and the fish. New reel designs now allow ‘drag’ mechanism that would reduce line feeding in an event the fish decides to bolt away from the angler. Power assisted reels are often useful in landing heavier fish, or if the angler don’t have enough muscle strength to subdue a frenzied fish –most especially useful on big game fish like the tuna or tarpon.

Lines

Using the appropriate line always dictate a successful catch. Think of landing a Chinook? These fishes are often coy in nipping bait and would bolt at the slightest provocation. Using a less visible line like the Canjun Advantage Line will make your game unable to smell you. Silvers are more voracious feeder, sometimes it doesn’t matter if you are using a stouter line.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milos_Pesic

Salmon Fishing Tips: When Is the Good Fishing Season?

2008-08-20T23:05:00.000+08:00

By: Michelle Johnson

Spring and Summer seasons are prime time fishing months. Fishing can be very relaxing, over-looking the water, whether you're on the beach or on a boat. It is also rewarding if you catch the fish. Whether you throw them back to sea or take them home and cook, it's a great feeling. Fishing takes time and patience. If you don't have patience I don't recommend fishing. Moreover, fishing is not just for one person, it's a great activity for the whole family.If you are new to fishing, there is basic fishing guides and equipment needed to complete your new adventure into fishing.Importantly all equipment must match, knowing the line type and matching the reel. Most fishing rods for beginners are sold as the set.

There are many different fishing rods in many sizes, for adults and for children. When shopping for your fishing rod look for grips, or handles, they either come in cork or foam. The rod will be sold in different lengths be sure to get the one that is most comfortable for you. Also, slightly bend it to get the feel of it. Look at the reel seat, where the reel is connected. Remember that comfortability is key. Rods of any types will work. The best, should be six feet long and medium weight. This should be long, straight and flexible so it won't easily break. The most popular rod is Graphite because it is light but very strong. Wispy rods should be up to 4m long to be used for long casts in moderate winds. There are different fishing lines, they are mostly made of nylon and "monofilament" that comes in spools of different lengths.

There are many fishing lines to choose from and it can be very confusing to find the best. The larger the fishing line the thicker in diameter. If you experience the reel turning into a knotted mess, don't worry, even experienced fishermen go through this now and then. Don't forget the other basics, a net stringer, line clippers, fishing knife, first aid kit, and a pail of bait. Also you personal basics, sunglasses, suntan lotion, chair to sit on, and most importantly your cooler full of snacks and drinks. You need to understand the mechanics of the reel and the other equipment. Learning to cast, tie knots and bait are not that complicated. Secondly, you need to learn where to fish.

Successful fishermen know where the fish are located. Fish move from place to place and knowledgeable anglers understand these patterns and are able to anticipate where the fish are located. Until then, enjoy fishing.

Fishing the Fall Salmon Run in Michigan - A Beginner's Guide

2008-08-19T23:55:00.005+08:00

by: Gary Higbee

I decided to write this guide because a couple of years ago I was the "beginner." I don't claim to be a master at it, but I have lost my fair share of fish and have put a few in the freezer each year. Let me start by saying that, to the best of my knowledge, Michigan has the best Salmon fishery in the United States except for Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest (which is where our Salmon were originally stocked from). I also have to say that once you hook one, you will be "hooked" on the Salmon Fishing Experience. I have broken this article into several parts to keep it organized, and from time to time the article will be updated as I learn more about it. This year I am going to try fly-fishing for the Salmon as well as bait fishing.

About the Fish

Salmon stocking started in Michigan in 1967 to combat the excessive Alewife population. The first species to be stocked was the Coho. As time went on the Chinook was added to the mix. Since that time they have taken off, and between the naturally reproduction that occurs and the DNR stocking we now have one of the best salmon fisheries anywhere. For pictures of the fish please refer to the Michigan Fishing Regulation book for the current year. In addition to the Coho and Chinook salmon you may also occasionally catch a Pink Salmon or Atlantic Salmon, but to the best of my knowledge it doesn't happen often. Maybe someone reading this can correct me if I am wrong.

Where to Go

We are lucky to have access to a state that has such a diverse fishery. Very few states have as many lakes and rivers as we do, or have the variety of fish that live there. For our particular purposes we need rivers that drain into the Great Lakes, since that is where the salmon spend their adult lives. If you search the internet you will find many rivers that have salmon such as the Muskegon, Big Manistee, Little Manistee, Pere Marquette, and Betsie, just to name a few. Some of these rivers have naturally reproducing populations of Salmon while others are stocked by the DNR. There are also several rivers in the Upper Peninsula that play host to salmon in the fall. In all the rivers you have to pay close attention to the fishing regulations because certain sections of the rivers may be closed to fishing to protect the spawning fish or have limitations on the gear you can fish with.

When to Go

The main salmon run occurs every fall. There is no set start date, but you can usually start to see fish in the river in early September, and expect the run to be pretty much done by the end of October. A lot of this depends on the weather. A lack of rain and/or warm weather can make the run start later, and extra rain with cooler temperatures can cause the run to start a little earlier. I guess it all depends on when the fall rains and cooler temperatures hit the area. If you go to the rivers during September and October you are going to eventually find fish, it's just a matter of timing it to catch the big run.

How to Fish For Them

This article is only going to cover techniques for the fisherman who wades. Most fishermen use either a spinning rod or fly rod and do the Chuck-and-Duck method. I believe this fishing method was named by the fly-fisherman because of the extra weight involved and the problem of getting hit in the head (Been There-Done That). You can also cast flies, such as Wooly Buggers, egg patterns, streamers, nymphs, and probably others I don't know about yet. Yet another method is to suspend spawn, flies, or jigs below a float of some type. Whatever rig you choose you will need some waders, a net of some type, a head-lamp or other light source for night fishing, rain-gear, and some warm clothes.

The Chuck-n-Duck method usually involves a three-way swivel, some type of weight, and a hook with salmon eggs or yarn balls. I have also seen anglers use flies or plugs instead of the hook and spawn. A diagram can bee seen at Figure 1 which is listed at the end of the article.

I personally prefer to use about a 3' leader when I fish this method but you will have to experiment and modify it to fit the conditions. If the fish are spooky you might need to lengthen the leader a bit more. You can also do a modified version of this without the three way swivel by using rubber-core sinkers for weight. To do this, tie the hook directly to your main line and then connect a rubber-core sinker above the hook about 18" for weight. This will get your lure into the current but not necessarily bouncing on the bottom. Again, you will have to experiment with the length of line between the weight and the hook, but I would keep it at least 12" from the hook. A diagram of this rig can be seen in Figure 2 which is listed at the end of the article.

Fishing flies for salmon is gaining in popularity. I have not tried it yet, but plan too this year. I understand that the usual flies are either egg patterns, woolybugger variations, big streamers, and egg-sucking leaches. I am going to try them all and see if I can get a hit. The nice thing about fishing the flies is that you also run the chance of hooking other trout species while searching for the salmon. If you want more professional instruction on fly-fishing for salmon there are several outfitters that are offering the service now. Do an internet search on it and you should have little difficulty finding one.

Salmon Fishing: All About My Fishing

2008-08-19T23:45:00.003+08:00

by: Richard Chapo

It was one of those fishing trips. You know, everyone catches fish but you, you loose six or eight of your most expensive streamers, it rains buckets, and you sink the boat. That’s right; I got skunked at Steamboat Lake over Memorial weekend.

I was determined to show those meat huckers (worms and power bait) that a well chosen and strategically placed fly was as effective as anything a conventional fisherman could load on a hook and hang under a bobber. Well, no such luck, I got stomped.

The fish were rising like mad on a midge hatch, and I threw everything in the box at them. I could swear I saw a hefty rainbow nudge my fly to the side to eat the natural laying only centimeters from my damn near perfect replica. As we watched the group of 12 year olds add another 18” fish to their stringer (full loaded, I might add) I decided it must be a lake thing. I don’t fish lakes often.

I usually have good luck with a streamer in faster moving water, so I head for one on the several tributaries hoping to get the boat up far enough to make a few good casts. No such luck, here comes the wind. Determined and frustrated, I proceed to lose several of my best streamers in the dense shrubbery surrounding the mouth of the creek (can’t retrieve them since the current is too strong to get the boat any further up the creek).

On the way back to camp we are passed by a couple of boats with stringers of fish crashing off the bows of their boats (hmmm, are they just rubbing it my face, or are they tenderizing the meat?)Questioning my decision to become a fly fisherman, I head over to the dock to pick up my 5 year-old son and a fresh styro of night crawlers. I'll let my son fish the meat before I crumble and load one up on the spinner myself. Surprising, no luck with the meat either, and hear comes the rain. I throw my arms up and ponder my karma activity of the past year.

We charge for shore as the lake turns to white caps. The rain and lightning moves in fast. Did I mention that we got the boat for free and have no clue what to do in the rain? We pull the boat up close to shore near our camp, outside of the no-wake zone. We leave all of our gear and head for the soggy camp.

Well, apparently it’s best to leave your boat in protected cove in the no wake zone. From what we could tell, our boat was hammered with 300 to 400 gallons of water from the waves and boat wakes from boaters rushing back to the dock. Yes, it sank in 18 inches of water. I didn’t realize a boat could sink in 18” of water! All of our gear is floating around the shore. The gas tank and gear which included an Orvis waste pack with hmmmm, some 500 plus flies. Every box any fly had to be opened and dried on the dashboards of our trucks.

We bail the boat, load the truck and haul our soggy gear and crippled egos back home.

Next memorial day, it’s back to the river!!!

Introduce to Salmon Fishing

2008-08-18T16:41:00.002+08:00

by: Ron King

If you haven't fished before, particular Salmon Fishing, you don't know what you're missing. If you did, you would be a fisherperson.

Not only does it bring you closer to nature, there's the thrill of the catch. Imagine standing on the bank of a stream on a beautiful day, your rod bending under the weight of a good catch. This one's a fighter and you take your time, allowing the fish to tire itself out before reeling it to shore. When you finally land it, you realize you've just caught the biggest fish of your life. It's a great feeling and 1 you'll never know until you give fishing a try.

Learning How To Fish Salmon

Now that I have your interest, perhaps you realize that you don't have a clue how to go about Salmon Fishing. Well, that's what I'm here for. If you want to learn to fish, here are 5 easy ways:

* Ask a family member or friend who is an experienced angler to take you along the next time they go fishing -- they will be thrilled to have a new fishing buddy

* Research online -- there are hundreds of websites with instructions on fishing gear, bait, and fishing tips

* Go to your local library and check out how-to fishing books and magazines

* Check your local conservation or wildlife service -- they often hold a fishing day where beginners can learn the basics of fishing.

* If you go on vacation in fishing country (which is darn near anywhere), check with local fishing stores -- they often know local professionals who will teach you how to fish.

When To Go Fishing

Anytime is a good time to fish; you never know what you might catch, it's all depend on what times of the year, as certain times of the year are best for certain species. Of course the main target is Salmon.

Some species are more active near dawn and dusk when they are feeding, while others will bite any time of the day.

Getting Your License

Fishing licenses are required in most places, which you can buy at fishing tackle stores or Conservation and Wildlife Centers. The cost varies by location. Licenses for children are usually not required.

If you want to fish on private property, be sure to get permission from the owner. Otherwise it is trespassing.

Pack Up And Head Out

If you've read this far, it may be a sign you're getting interested in fishing. Just follow the above instructions and soon you will be enjoying your favorite new hobby.