Tricks to Get Salmon to Bite
Salmon are fun to catch but at times the fish are unpredictable and difficult to hook. Salmon fishing is more consistent in the ocean, where they feed. Fishing for salmon in river systems, however, is more difficult for anglers. Salmon in a river system are migrating to spawning grounds, so they are not focused on food sources. Catching salmon requires a methodical approach that takes advantage of their instincts and natural reactions. You may have to agitate the fish and change methods several times before you find success.
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Choose the Optimal Color
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Color and reflection have a great influence on salmon. Salmon lures typically employ bright pink and chartreuse colors, but you must be prepared to make color adjustments based on the conditions. Use darker greens, oranges and pinks when the sky is dark. Also move to darker colors when fishing in deep, dark waters. Use bright pink and chartreuse lures on sunny days and use very little flash when targeting pressured salmon.
Use Motion
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The motion on your lure is a trigger for salmon. Use a lively motion in saltwater and in the river mouths. Imitate wounded bait-fish with twitchy retrieves, followed by a moderate pause. Slow down the motion when targeting pods of pressured salmon or weary salmon that have traveled several miles in a river system. The slow motion uses several twitches, followed by a long pause. The lingering lure will agitate the fish and eventually cause a reaction.
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Work the Edges
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Cast to the edges of pods of salmon and make your retrieve. Casting your lure or fly into the middle of a pod will create a nervous frenzy, and the fish may relocate. Work the edges, and you will draw out a single fish without spooking the entire pod. This allows you to catch multiple fish without driving the group away. Make your cast to the edge of the pod and allow the lure to sink to the level of the fish. Make a quick jerk to tease a fish away from the pod and continue with a slow retrieve to entice a strike.
Keep a Low Profile
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Salmon will spook if you disturb them and create an obvious presence. Keep a low profile and place as much distance between yourself and the fish as possible. The salmon will be much more likely to strike if they are confident a predator is not near. Do not cast a shadow over the fish and do not cast your lure directly over the fish. Work on either side of the salmon or in front of the salmon to minimize the disturbance when the lure hits the water.
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References
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