Things You'll Need:
- Fly fishing rod
- Fly fishing reel
- Flies
- 16-lb. fishing line
- Waders
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Step 1
Choose what type of salmon fishing you want to do. You can salmon fish in the sea, but normally the sport is done on England’s rivers. Fly-fishing is the universally accepted method of fishing for salmon.
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Step 2
Choose a river. Many of England’s rivers are well-known for their salmon fishing. Research where you are likely to be successful.
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Step 3
Seek advice from local fishing shops or fishermen. Local knowledge is the key to successful salmon fishing in England. They will be able to tell you what areas of your chosen river have recently yielded fish and with what flies.
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Step 4
Pick the correct season. Generally the Salmon fishing season runs from around February until the autumn. This varies from river to river and from year to year. Consult www.countryclubuk.com/rodroom/salmon_england.htm to find out when the fishing season runs on your chosen river.
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Step 5
Buy the relevant fishing permit. You will require permission to salmon fish on rivers in England. If you are found fishing without a permit, you may face criminal sanctions.
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Step 6
Use the right equipment. You will need fly-fishing equipment and a variety of flies. You will also require waders in most rivers if you want to reach the prime spots. Don’t forget a landing net. This will greatly reduce your chances of losing the fish while bringing it to shore.
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Step 7
Use a strong enough weight of line. Normally 16-lb. line will be sufficient.
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Step 8
Pick a suitable stretch of the river. Position is crucial. You should fish over a place where salmon prefer to lie. Local fishermen will be able to tell you where these spots are, although they may be reluctant to share their knowledge. Use a sinking line in “deep runs” if you have no access to local knowledge.
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Step 9
Pick the best time of day. Generally the most productive time to fish will be when the river level is falling after heavy rain. This is when the water will clear (known as “fine down”). Dusk and dawn are perhaps more likely to yield fish than other times.
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Step 10
Move downstream once you have a salmon on your line. This way the fish will have to fight against the river current as well as the pressure of your straining rod.
