King Salmon Fishing Tips

Equipment

Due to the potential mammoth size of chinook salmon, heavy fishing equipment must be used. Anglers should use a fishing poll that is rated at least 25 lbs., preferably heavier. They should also make sure to use a reel and line that is rated to the same weight as their poll.

When fishing on a river, or near the mouth of a river, use weights to keep your lure/bait near the bottom. The stronger the current, the heavier the weight you will need to use.

Use large, flashy tackle when fishing for chinook. Big fish require big targets to attract their attention.

Chinook Behavior

As with any form of fishing, knowing the behavioral tendencies of your prey will give you an edge. In the spring and fall, chinook can be found closer to shore, away form deeper open waters. Also, Alaska king salmon are, like many fish and most animals, most active just before/after sunrise, and just before/after sunset.

If fishing in a river during salmon spawning season, be aware that chinook salmon stop eating until they have spawned. Use spoons to irritate the fish into striking or salmon eggs that the fish will attempt to carry in their mouths. Be aware that fishing with salmon eggs is illegal in some areas. Additionally, when possible, always fish in overcast or rainy weather, as chinook have been shown to strike more readily in these conditions.

Location

Locations and water conditions can have a big impact on which angles and lures are best, as well as which fishing techniques will be the most effective.

While trolling in deeper ocean water, use herring or herring attractors as bait, as these are the prey king salmon are typically looking for in this environment. Use a slow trolling speed to simulate the behavior of the herring. Fish finders can work wonders in this environment. Keep in mind that a higher tide calls for a slightly longer trolling line and a slightly higher trolling speed.

When shore fishing, use heavier weights and a large spoon type lure. Vary your reeling speed to make the spoon to appear to bounce back and forth off the bottom to attract the attention of the chinook.

There are a number of popular and effective lure types that should be considered when trolling near the mouth of a river, or near a shallow bar in open water. Bait egg clusters, wiggle warts, Kwikfish, flatfish, t-spoons and tadpolys have all been proven effective in these areas. Go prepared will all or at least several, and try different lures until you find one that works--different days and water conditions will call for different lure types.