How to Catch Salmon in Rivers
Whether you're a veteran or a first-time fisher, salmon is quite the catch. These sizable freshwater fish are best caught each summer as many make their mass exodus upstream. Proper tools and technique combined with a good spot on the river are vital to catching your own salmon.
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Things You'll Need
- Fishing pole (15-18 feet long and elastic at the end)
- Fishing lines (at least 500 feet)
- Fishing bait and tackle
- Fishing hook
- Fishing sinker
- Hip waders
Instructions
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Obtain the necessary gear and items as listed above. While at the supply store, ask for local tips and advice on fishing spots and bait. Check the resource section below for advice on catching specific types of salmon.
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Schedule your fishing excursion based on ideal time of day and year. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon are the best times. If you wish to go closer to midday, try to find a shaded section of the river or lake. To catch salmon making their migratory run, plan on fishing in summer months (May-August).
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Choose a fishing location. Salmon tend to feed in clear, fast-moving rivers or streams with pebbled bottoms and an eventual outlet to the ocean. If you wish to position yourself within a river, use a boat or hip waders.
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Attach your bait firmly to your hook yet making the hook as imperceptible as possible. The type of bait can depend on the time of year and local advice. Worms, small fish or shrimp are all good options, while flies (both real and artificial) are preferred later in the summer.
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Fasten your sinker to your line, making sure you have enough weight to keep your line just above the river bottom. More weight can be added for stronger currents.
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With your strong tackle, a sturdy large reel with at least 500 feet of line (made from a combination of silk and hair or grass) and a leader that is at least four feet long, take firm hold of your rod and cast your line in the desired direction.
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Keep still and wait. Salmon are easily frightened, and when alarmed they will swim fast and far, so be patient.
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When you feel a tug on the line, reel in the fish. If it is particularly large and strong, make sure it is fought before you land it.
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