How to Fish for Salmon From Riverbanks

Fishing for salmon from riverbanks requires you to understand both the river and the fish.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fish Nets
• Gaffing Hooks
• Fishing Hooks
• Fishing Lines
• Fishing Lures
• Fishing Poles
• Fishing Tackle
• Fishing Vests
• Hip Waders

1. Use hip waders to get to prime locations on the river.

2. Carry essential gear with you, rather than slogging back to a tackle box on the bank.

3. Choose clear-running rivers with fast currents, although some of the best runs in Alaska occur in rivers clouded with glacial silt.

4. Fish out of direct sunlight.

5. Add enough weight to your line to keep it bouncing just off the bottom. In faster currents, use more weight.

6. Use a net to land small salmon.

7. Use a gaffing hook to land large salmon, such as kings.

8. Check to see that the salmon is fought out before you try to land it.

Tips & Warnings

• Use larger line weight and poles if you're fishing for meat, not for sport.
• In Alaskan rivers, use insulated hip waders and heavy socks.
• In cloudy waters, use flashing lures such as Pixies and Mepps spinners. Vibrating lures work better in clear rivers.
• Salmon strike best in faster currents. The deepwater channel on the outside of a bend in a river is an excellent location to fish.
• Remember that your line is under extreme stress with a large fish on it. Touch the line with your hand or net and it will snap instantly.
• Be aware that most rivers have only specific sections open for fishing, and fishing near weirs and fish ladders is always prohibited.
• Regulations on salmon fishing can be complex. Contact the local Department of Fish and Game for a complete list of license fees and fishing regulations.

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