What Is the Best Speed to Troll for Salmon?

If you’re an avid salmon angler, you know that trolling is one of the most effective methods for catching these prized fish. But do you know what speed to troll at for the best chance of success? In this article, we’ll explore the optimal trolling speed for salmon and why it’s important.

Factors to Consider

Before we dive into specific trolling speeds, let’s take a look at some of the factors that can affect your success when trolling for salmon. These include:

  • The type of lure or bait you’re using
  • The depth at which you’re fishing
  • The temperature and clarity of the water
  • The species of salmon you’re Targeting

Optimal Trolling Speeds

Now that we’ve covered some important considerations, let’s talk about specific trolling speeds. Generally speaking, most anglers find that a speed of around 2-3 miles per hour (mph) is ideal for trolling for salmon.

Coho Salmon

If you’re Targeting coho salmon specifically, you may want to consider trolling a bit faster. Many experienced anglers suggest speeds in the range of 2.5-3.5 mph for coho.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon can be a bit trickier when it comes to trolling speed. Some anglers prefer slower speeds in the range of 1-2 mph, while others have had success with faster speeds up to 4 mph.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon are generally considered to be more finicky than other species when it comes to trolling speed. Most anglers suggest speeds in the range of 1-2 mph for sockeye.

Tips and Tricks

Now that you have a better idea of the optimal trolling speeds for different species of salmon, here are some additional tips to help increase your chances of success:

  • Experiment with different speeds and lure/bait combinations until you find what works best for you
  • Pay attention to the movement of your rod tip – if it’s bouncing frequently, you may want to slow down your trolling speed
  • Consider using a fish finder or depth sounder to help determine the optimal depth at which to troll
  • Be patient and persistent – salmon can be elusive, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch anything right away

Conclusion

Trolling for salmon can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to understand the optimal trolling speeds for different species in order to increase your chances of success. By taking into account factors such as lure/bait type, water temperature and clarity, and species-specific preferences, you’ll be well on your way to catching more salmon on your next fishing trip.

Photo of author

Emma Gibson