How Do You Troll for Salmon?

Fishing for salmon can be an exciting and rewarding experience for any angler. One of the most popular methods of catching salmon is trolling.

Trolling for salmon involves dragging a bait or lure behind a slowly moving boat. Here’s what you need to know to troll for salmon successfully.

Equipment

Rod and Reel: A sturdy rod and reel combo is important when trolling for salmon. A medium-heavy rod with a fast action tip paired with a reel that can hold at least 150 yards of line is ideal. Line: Braided line or monofilament line with a 20-30 pound test strength is recommended.

Lures/Baits: Salmon are attracted to bright colors like pink, orange, and chartreuse. Popular lures include hoochies, spoons, and flashers. Bait options include cut plug herring, anchovies, and squid.

Location

Salmon tend to swim in schools along the shoreline or in deeper water near ledges or drop-offs. Look for areas where there is a change in water depth or structure such as rocks or kelp beds.

Technique

The Setup: Attach your lure or bait to your leader and connect it to your mainline. Add a flasher about 3-4 feet above the lure/bait to attract the fish. The Speed: The key to trolling for salmon is finding the right speed.

A good starting point is usually around 1.8-2.5 miles per hour. Adjust your speed until you find what works best. The Depth: Adjust the depth of your lure/bait based on where you think the fish are located in the water column.

Tips

  • Paying attention to tide changes can increase your chances of catching salmon.
  • Try changing up your lure/bait or the color to see what the fish are biting on that day.
  • Look for birds diving into the water as this can indicate a school of fish below.
  • Conclusion

    Trolling for salmon is a fun and exciting way to catch these prized fish. With the right equipment, location, and technique, you’ll be reeling in salmon in no time.

    Remember to pay attention to the details such as speed, depth, and lure/bait selection to increase your chances of success. Happy fishing!

    Photo of author

    Emma Gibson