How to Fish for Salmon on the Sacramento River

Instructions

1

Travel to a narrow portion of the Sacramento River where there is medium running current and the water is relatively shallow. Make sure it is an area where salmon fishing is permitted.

2

Rig your line. With your rubber band, tie a piece of pencil lead to your line, approximately 18 to 24 inches from your hook; this will help your line sink to the river bottom, where the fish are. Prepare your bait by selecting a few salmon eggs and wrapping them in your bait mesh. Tie your bait to your hook and add a spinner or a spoon just above it.

3

Cast your line slightly upriver, and allow the current to take your line back down the river towards you. Alternate your casts to cover different parts of the water; look to present your bait in areas of the water where swifter currents meet slower-moving waters or static pools.

4

Manage your line in the water. Keep it taught at all times; this will ensure you feel every bump and pull.

5

When you feel unnatural action, set your line. Pull up sharply and reel it in to maintain the tension.

6

Reel the fish in. Allow the fish to run your line a bit if it wants to, then reel it back in, and repeat. Maintain the tension in your line throughout.