What Bait To Use For Salmon: A Guide to Enticing Silver Scales
The best bait for salmon depends on the species, location, and time of year, but generally speaking, effective choices include salmon roe, herring, and a variety of artificial lures, each presented using specific techniques to maximize attraction. These baits exploit salmon’s natural feeding instincts and territorial aggression.
Salmon Bait: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the best bait to use for salmon requires considering several factors. Salmon are opportunistic feeders, but their preferences change as they migrate upstream to spawn. What works brilliantly in the ocean might be ignored entirely in a river system. This guide explores various bait options, their effectiveness in different scenarios, and tips for maximizing your success on the water.
Natural Baits: The Salmon’s Favorite Fare
Natural baits are often the first choice for salmon anglers, as they closely resemble the fish’s natural diet.
Salmon Roe: Perhaps the most popular and effective bait for salmon, salmon roe (eggs) can be used in various forms, including:
- Loose Eggs: Ideal for drifting in rivers, allowing them to tumble naturally downstream.
- Egg Clusters: Tied together with netting or thread, these provide a larger, more visible target.
- Cured Roe: Treated with borax or other preservatives to toughen the eggs and enhance their scent.
Herring: A staple in the ocean diet of many salmon species, herring can be fished whole, cut into chunks (cut plug), or used as a trolling bait behind flashers.
- Whole Herring: Typically used for trolling, often rigged with a trolling motor and weights to achieve the desired depth.
- Cut Plug Herring: A popular bait for trolling and mooching, creating an enticing spinning action.
- Herring Strips: Can be used with spinners or spoons to add scent and visual appeal.
Eulachon (Smelt): Similar to herring, eulachon are small, oily fish that are highly attractive to salmon. These are primarily used in the Pacific Northwest.
Sand Shrimp: Effective in rivers, particularly for coho salmon. The natural scent and appearance of sand shrimp make them irresistible.
Artificial Baits: Lures and Plugs That Work
Artificial lures offer anglers a variety of options for targeting salmon, from flashy spinners to diving plugs.
Spoons: These classic lures imitate the movement of wounded baitfish and are effective in both rivers and oceans.
- Vary color based on water clarity. Darker colors in murky water, brighter colors in clear water.
Spinners: These lures create flash and vibration, attracting salmon with their erratic action.
- Choose blade size and color appropriate for the size of fish and water conditions.
Plugs: These lures are designed to dive to a specific depth and create a swimming action that triggers strikes.
- Kwikfish and Mag Lips are popular choices. Can be used with scent additives to enhance their appeal.
Jigs: Effective in deep water and can be tipped with bait such as salmon roe or herring.
Presentation Techniques: Making the Bait Irresistible
Even the best bait is ineffective if presented poorly. Consider these techniques:
- Drifting: Allowing bait to naturally drift downstream in rivers, mimicking the movement of natural food.
- Trolling: Pulling bait or lures behind a boat at a controlled speed, covering a large area of water.
- Mooching: A technique used in saltwater, involving slowly drifting with bait or lures while jigging them vertically.
- Plunking: Casting bait or lures into a current and allowing them to sit on the bottom.
Common Mistakes When Baiting for Salmon
Avoid these common errors to improve your chances of success:
- Using stale or improperly stored bait: Salmon have a keen sense of smell.
- Over-scenting bait: Too much scent can deter fish.
- Using too heavy of weight: Affects natural presentation.
- Ignoring water conditions: Changing bait and techniques based on clarity, temperature, and flow.
Table: Salmon Bait Comparison
| Bait Type | Species Targeted | Water Type | Presentation | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon Roe | All | River | Drifting, Plunking, Tipping Lures | Highly effective, natural scent | Can be fragile, requires proper curing/storage |
| Herring | Chinook, Coho | Saltwater | Trolling, Mooching | Strong scent, resembles natural prey | Requires refrigeration, can be messy |
| Eulachon (Smelt) | Chinook, Coho | Saltwater | Trolling, Mooching | Oily and highly attractive to salmon | Difficult to obtain in some areas |
| Sand Shrimp | Coho | River | Drifting, Float Fishing | Natural scent, effective in clear water | Relatively fragile |
| Spoons | All | Both | Trolling, Casting | Versatile, durable | Can be less effective in murky water |
| Spinners | All | Both | Casting, Trolling | Creates flash and vibration, good in low light | Can tangle easily |
| Plugs | Chinook | Both | Trolling | Dives to specific depth, erratic action | Requires specialized gear and knowledge |
| Jigs | All | Both | Jigging | Effective in deep water, can be tipped with bait | Requires active presentation |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Salmon Bait
What is the best overall bait for salmon fishing?
Salmon roe is generally considered the best all-around bait for salmon fishing, as it appeals to salmon’s natural feeding instincts and is effective in both rivers and oceans when presented properly. The availability and regulations on using salmon roe vary by region, so be sure to check local guidelines.
How important is scent when choosing salmon bait?
Scent is extremely important when selecting salmon bait. Salmon have a highly developed sense of smell, and they use it to locate food and navigate to their spawning grounds. Baits with strong, natural scents are often the most effective. Adding scent attractants to artificial lures can also increase their effectiveness.
What are some effective scent attractants for salmon?
Effective scent attractants for salmon include krill, anise, garlic, and commercially available salmon-specific scents. Oils and gels are popular choices as they adhere well to baits and lures, providing a sustained release of scent.
Can I use corn as bait for salmon?
While corn is sometimes used illegally for salmon, it is generally prohibited in most areas. Corn poses an environmental hazard, as salmon cannot digest it, leading to false satiation and potential nutritional deficiencies. Always check local regulations before using any bait.
What color lure is best for salmon?
The best lure color for salmon depends on water clarity and light conditions. In clear water, natural colors like silver, copper, and green are often effective. In murky water, brighter colors like chartreuse, orange, and pink can help the lure stand out.
How do I cure salmon roe for bait?
Curing salmon roe involves using borax, salt, or commercial curing agents to toughen the eggs and preserve their scent. The process typically involves rinsing the eggs, mixing them with the curing agent, and then storing them in a cool, dark place. Proper curing is crucial for ensuring the eggs stay on the hook and remain attractive to salmon.
What is the best way to rig herring for trolling?
The best way to rig herring for trolling depends on the desired action and speed. A common method is to use a herring helmet or cut plug tool to create a spinning action. The herring is then rigged with two hooks, one near the head and one near the tail, to ensure a good hookset.
How deep should I fish for salmon?
The depth at which you should fish for salmon depends on several factors, including the time of year, water temperature, and the presence of baitfish. In general, salmon tend to hold at deeper depths in warmer water and shallower depths in cooler water.
What size hooks should I use for salmon fishing?
The appropriate hook size for salmon fishing depends on the size of the bait and the species you are targeting. Generally, sizes 1/0 to 5/0 are common for salmon fishing. Circle hooks are often recommended for catch-and-release fishing, as they tend to hook fish in the corner of the mouth.
How do I keep my bait fresh when fishing for salmon?
To keep your bait fresh, store it in a cooler with ice or in a refrigerator. Keep bait out of direct sunlight. Avoid leaving bait exposed to the air for extended periods. If using frozen bait, thaw it slowly in a cooler or refrigerator rather than at room temperature.
What are the regulations on using live bait for salmon?
The regulations on using live bait for salmon vary by region. In some areas, live bait is prohibited altogether, while in others, it may be allowed with certain restrictions. Always check local fishing regulations before using live bait.
Is it better to use bait or lures for salmon fishing?
The choice between bait and lures depends on personal preference and the specific fishing situation. Bait can be highly effective due to its natural scent and appearance, while lures offer versatility and durability. Experiment with both to determine what works best in your area.