Species guide
Salmon Fishing: Gear and Setups
Powerful, long-running fish caught in the Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest and Alaska, in both salt and fresh water. Drag quality matters more here than on any other species on this site.
Salmon setups by technique
Generated by our recommendation engine for an average fish in water typical for the species. Adjust for your water with the Setup Builder.
| Technique | Rod | Reel | Main line | Leader | Hook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trolling | 8'–9' Medium power · Moderate action |
20–30 Conventional reel |
20–30 lb Monofilament |
20–30 lb Fluorocarbon |
1/0–4/0 Octopus hook |
| Spinning | 8'6"–9' Medium Heavy power · Moderate Fast action |
3500–4500 Spinning reel |
17–25 lb Monofilament |
12–20 lb Fluorocarbon |
#1–3/0 Octopus hook |
| Fly fishing | 8'–9' 8–10 weight |
7/8–9/10 Matched to rod weight |
WF 8–10 floating Weight-forward |
0X 9 ft tapered · about 13–16 lb |
#1–3/0 Fly hook |
Scroll the table sideways to see every column.
Where to find salmon
Pacific coastal water and rivers, Alaska, and the Great Lakes where Chinook and coho are established. Fish stage off river mouths before running upstream in fall.
How they feed
In salt water they chase bait and are usually trolled for. In rivers on a spawning run they often strike out of aggression rather than hunger, which changes what a presentation has to do.
Typical size
Coho commonly run 6 to 12 pounds, Chinook 15 to 30 pounds with much larger fish present. Kokanee are a landlocked sockeye and are far smaller, typically 12 to 18 inches.
Through the year
Timed around runs, which are specific to each river and each species. Local run timing is the most important information you can get, and it comes from the state or tribal agency managing that fishery.
What to put on the end of the line
Baits and lures our engine has rules for, for the techniques salmon are most often caught on.
Common salmon mistakes
Drag set too tight
A Chinook's first run will break a tight drag or pull the hook. Set it lighter than feels right and let the fish run.
Ignoring barbless requirements
Several salmon fisheries require barbless hooks. Pinch the barbs before you launch, not at the ramp.
Leader too heavy in clear river water
Low, clear late-season water calls for a lighter fluorocarbon leader than the salt fishery does.
Regulations
Salmon fisheries are among the most tightly regulated in the country, with in-season openings and closures, gear restrictions, barbless hook rules and separate endorsements in several states. Confirm current rules before every trip.
Build a complete salmon setup
Answer five short questions and get a complete setup: rod length, power and action, reel size, main line, leader and hook, each with the reasoning behind it.
Reference charts
- Fishing Hook Size ChartEvery size from #28 to 12/0 with what each one is used for, and why the same number differs between brands.
- Fishing Reel Size ChartSpinning, baitcasting, conventional and fly reel classes with typical line capacity and what each size is for.
- Fishing Line Size ChartPound test against typical diameter for mono, fluorocarbon and braid, and how to compare them fairly.
- Fishing Rod Size GuideWhat length, power and action each control, and how to read the specs printed on a blank.