How to Catch Landlocked Salmon

Landlocked salmon is often referred to as the king of freshwater fish. They are commonly found in the lakes of New England, where Ice Age streams allowed salmon to swim up to the lakes. Salmon then became landlocked as waters receded and closed off paths to the sea after the Ice Age was over. Here's how to catch this tasty and nutritious fish.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fishing rod (spin or fly)
• Fishing license

1. Search for landlocked salmon in water temperatures close to 55 degrees F, on days when skies are overcast or cloudy. Troll waters that are choppy on top.

2. Fish deeper during the mid-day heat. Salmon prefer colder waters and move to deeper water as the day gets warmer.

3. Locate schools of smelt with your radar fish finder. Smelt are a salmon's main diet and the salmon will be close by, especially in the spring when smelt migrate into lakes from streams.

4. Troll at appropriate speeds for the lure you're using. Troll slowly when using lip-hooked smelts, moving about 1 mph. Increase trolling speed to about 2 mph for wobblers. Troll faster for streamer flies, up to about 2 to 3.5 mph.

5. Choose a lure that matches the brightness of the day--bright lures on bright days and dark lures on dark days.

6. Move away from the sun when ever possible. Salmon eyes do not dilate in light, so they head to dimmer waters when faced with bright light.

7. Use a downrigger in the summer, when warm surface temperatures force salmon deeper in the lake. Salmon prey can be found in the thermocline, a band of water that's found about 20 to 50 feet deep. Always use a depth finder when using a downrigger.

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