How Fast To Troll For Salmon?: Finding the Perfect Speed for Success
The ideal trolling speed for salmon is typically between 1.5 and 3.0 mph, but the specific speed can vary based on factors such as species, lure type, water conditions, and target depth. Fine-tuning your speed within this range is crucial for triggering strikes and maximizing your catch rate.
Understanding the Basics of Salmon Trolling Speed
Trolling for salmon isn’t just about dragging a lure through the water. It’s about presenting that lure in a way that mimics natural prey, enticing a strike from these powerful fish. Speed is a critical component of this presentation. Too slow, and the lure might appear lifeless. Too fast, and it could spook the salmon or prevent them from properly attacking. Understanding how speed affects your lure’s action and the salmon’s behavior is key to consistently catching fish.
Factors Influencing Optimal Trolling Speed
Several factors influence the ideal trolling speed, necessitating adjustments based on the fishing situation. No single speed guarantees success; adaptability is paramount. Here’s a breakdown of the most important considerations:
- Salmon Species: Different salmon species often prefer different trolling speeds. Chinook (King) salmon, for example, may respond well to slightly faster speeds than Coho (Silver) salmon.
- Lure Type: The lure itself dictates the appropriate speed. Spoons, spinners, and plugs all have optimal speeds for their intended action.
- Water Conditions: Clear water typically requires slower speeds, allowing salmon more time to examine the lure. Murky or stained water might necessitate a faster pace to increase visibility and trigger a reaction strike.
- Water Temperature: Salmon metabolism is affected by water temperature. Colder water generally requires slower speeds, while warmer water might allow for slightly faster trolling.
- Current: Trolling with the current will require you to reduce your boat speed to maintain the optimal lure speed. Trolling against the current will require increased boat speed to compensate.
- Depth: Deeper water often requires heavier gear and may necessitate slight speed adjustments to maintain the desired lure action at that depth.
Determining Your Trolling Speed
While electronic devices can help, learning to visually assess your lure’s action is invaluable. Here are several methods for determining your trolling speed:
- GPS Speed: A GPS unit provides a precise reading of your speed over ground. This is the most accurate method for gauging your trolling speed.
- Knot Meter: This is an older technology, less accurate than GPS, but still helpful in gauging relative speed.
- Lure Action: Watch your rod tip. The lure should be swimming with a natural, enticing action. If the rod tip is jerking erratically or not moving at all, adjust your speed accordingly.
- “Swimming” Your Lures: At the start of the day, while in a safe location, drop your lures over the side of the boat and observe their action at different speeds. Note the speed at which each lure performs best.
- Downrigger Cable Angle: With downriggers, the angle of the cable can indicate speed. A steeper angle suggests a slower speed, while a shallower angle indicates a faster speed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can sabotage your salmon trolling efforts. Avoiding these errors will significantly increase your chances of success:
- Ignoring Lure Action: Blindly following a specific speed without considering how the lure is actually performing in the water.
- Failing to Adjust for Current: Not accounting for the current’s effect on lure speed.
- Using Inaccurate Speed Measurement: Relying on unreliable speed readings, leading to inconsistent lure presentation.
- Not Experimenting: Sticking with a single speed without trying slight variations to see what triggers strikes.
- Neglecting Seasonal and Daily Variations: Assuming that the optimal speed remains constant throughout the season or even the day.
- Failing to Consult Local Knowledge: Ignoring the advice of experienced anglers in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Trolling Speed
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding trolling for salmon, to help you catch more fish.
What is the best trolling speed for Chinook salmon?
The best trolling speed for Chinook salmon often falls in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 mph. However, this can vary greatly based on the factors listed above. Focus on the lure action and observe the salmon’s reaction to different speeds. A slight increase in speed can often trigger strikes.
How does water clarity affect trolling speed?
In clear water, salmon can see lures from a greater distance, so slower speeds (around 1.5 to 2.0 mph) are often more effective. This gives the fish more time to examine the lure without being spooked. In murky water, faster speeds (2.5 to 3.0 mph) can help the lure stand out and trigger reaction strikes.
What speed should I use when trolling with spoons?
Spoons are generally effective at moderate speeds, typically between 2.0 and 2.5 mph. Observe the spoon’s action – it should wobble enticingly from side to side. Too slow, and it won’t have enough action; too fast, and it will spin erratically.
Does the weight of the lure affect the ideal trolling speed?
Yes, the weight of the lure can indirectly affect the ideal trolling speed. Heavier lures tend to perform better at slightly faster speeds to maintain their action, especially at deeper depths. Lighter lures may require slower speeds to avoid spinning or planing on the surface.
Should I adjust my trolling speed when fishing with downriggers?
Yes, downriggers can affect the ideal trolling speed. The cable angle gives an indication of speed – and if the cable is going too far back, the boat may be moving too fast to catch the fish, or maintain proper lure action. The goal is to maintain a consistent lure action at the desired depth, adjusting speed as needed.
How can I determine the most effective trolling speed without a GPS?
Even without a GPS, you can still estimate your speed by observing your surroundings and the lure’s action. Note landmarks and time how long it takes to pass them. More importantly, watch your rod tip and observe the lure’s action. Adjust speed until the lure is swimming naturally.
What is the importance of varying my trolling speed?
Varying your trolling speed can be a highly effective technique for triggering strikes. A sudden increase or decrease in speed can imitate a fleeing or injured prey fish, enticing a salmon to attack. Experiment with speed changes throughout the day.
Does the time of day influence the best trolling speed?
Yes, the time of day can influence the best trolling speed. During periods of low light, such as dawn and dusk, salmon may be more active and willing to chase lures, allowing for slightly faster speeds. During bright daylight hours, slower speeds might be more effective.
How do I adjust my trolling speed when using a flasher?
When using a flasher, the optimal speed depends on the flasher’s design. Typically, you want the flasher to rotate smoothly and rhythmically, creating a visual attraction. Adjust your speed until the flasher is working optimally. Too slow, and it won’t rotate properly; too fast, and it will spin erratically.
What is the best way to record my successful trolling speeds?
Keeping a log of successful trolling speeds is essential for future reference. Note the date, location, lure type, depth, water conditions, and most importantly, the speed at which you caught fish. This data will become invaluable over time.
Is it better to troll faster or slower when the bite is slow?
When the bite is slow, it is generally better to start by slowing down. Give the salmon more time to examine your lure. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with faster speeds as well, as a sudden burst of speed can sometimes trigger a reaction strike.
What role does boat traffic play in choosing my trolling speed?
Consider that boat traffic will alter your speed if your boat is being affected by the wake of another boat, or if you have to alter your speed to avoid hitting a boat. It’s a good idea to stay clear of heavy boat traffic.