When fishing with roe bags for salmon, should I also use a bead?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Yes—the right bead can be a smart addition to a roe bag rig, especially in the kinds of conditions we see in early fall. A bead isn’t a must-have, but it’s a versatile attractor and spacer that can boost bite rates when used thoughtfully. Below is how I’d approach it for a bass-angling mindset turned salmon-obsessed drill sergeant on the river.

**Why add a bead?**
- *Attraction and visibility* – a small bead (6–8 mm) catches light and creates a little downstream flash that helps the roe bag stand out in stained or cooler fall water. In clear water, a UV or bright color bead can trigger a bite when the bag alone isn’t enough.
- *Spacing and presentation* – a bead can act as a bumper between the leader and the roe bag, helping the bag ride in the strike zone without binding on the knot or dragging the bait too aggressively.
- *Weight management* – sometimes a light bead helps the rig sink just enough to keep the roe bag in the current’s drift path, especially in moderate flows.

**When to use a bead (quick guide):**
- Water clarity: clear water = subtle bead color, cloudy water = brighter bead. 
- Water depth and current: deeper or faster water can benefit from a bead’s extra bite and sink.
- Roe bag buoyancy: if your bag floats high, a bead can help keep it in the strike zone; if it already sinks well, test with a lighter bead or none.

**Rig ideas (how to place the bead):**
- Bead above the roe bag on the leader, with a tiny peg or silicone stopper to keep its distance from the bag. This creates a visual attractor that doesn’t crowd the bait’s scent release.
- Use a second bead as a small spacer directly against the roe bag to lock position when drifting through faster water.
- If you’re using a float, you can also position a bead on the line to affect the float’s balance and help the bag ride upright.

**How to tie and rig (quick reference):**
- Start with your standard roe bag rig. Thread a bead onto the leader above the roe bag. Secure it with a small bead stopper or peg if you want consistent spacing.
- If you’re unsure about the knotting, check these tutorials: [ spawn sacs and roe bags rigs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjuSfjjy9io) and [How to tie ROE BAGS / EGG SACKS for Salmon and Steelhead](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1MV1tNS4qs).

**Bead options (practical picks):**
- [Brad's Killer Fishing Gear 8mm Roe Beads](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C501E12?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Alwonder 100-Pack Fishing Beads](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDSHDYWQ?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Salmon Egg Round Plastic Beads (6–8mm)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJDRWKST?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

Useful video references for bead setups and egg sacs:
- [These Soft Beads are the New Salmon Candies!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-3pYqpsi0w)
- [3 Ways To Setup Soft Beads For Winter Steelhead Fishing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsKn9ZgPVLg)
- [Egg Sacks and Spawn Sacs rigging](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7lrFyYb5Hw)

**Practical tip (seasonal edge):** In early fall, mornings and evenings can be cooler with clearer water after a flow event. A bright or UV bead can help you pick up bites quickly when the roe bag alone isn’t flashing enough. Start with a small, bright bead and swap to a subtler color if you’re getting short strikes or the fish are gunning for natural scents.

**Weather note (seasonal tip):** Fall river conditions can swing quickly—cooler water, fluctuating flows, and occasional rain can lift turbidity. If the water is off-color, lean heavier on bead color and keep your bead-to-bag spacing consistent to maintain a steady presentation. In clearer fall mornings, drop to a more natural bead shade and let the roe bag do the work.

Bottom line: a bead is a valuable tool in the salmon roe-bag toolbox when used judiciously. Start with one small bead, watch how the fish respond, and adjust color and position from there. Tight lines and rock-solid drifts, captain! 🎣🐟

General Questions

More Questions

How to catch schoolie mulloway in the Maribyrnong River with lures?

Where are smallmouth bass typically located on Tim's Ford Lake?

What are the best fall bass lures for North Carolina?

Lago Franzoni, Brescia. Si può pescare a galleggiante?

What should I use for bass fishing in a Texas pond during spring?

What depth is the thermocline at Tim's Ford Lake?

What rod should I pair with my Calcutta Conquest DC 100?

How can I find fish on any lake?

When fishing with roe bags for salmon, should I also use a bead?

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

Brad's Killer Fishing Gear 8mm 60ct Roe Beads, Salmon Red

Alwonder 100-Pack Fishing Beads Holographic Beads for Fishing Rigs Lures Salmon Trout Steelhead Fish Bead Saltwater Freshwater Assorted Size 8mm Orange

Salmon Egg Round Plastic Beads - Made in USA - 4mm, 6mm, 8mm Round Plastic Beads for Fishing Rigs, Baits & Lures. (Salmon Egg 100 PK, 6mm)

XFISHMAN-Fishing-Beads-for-Fishing-Rigs-Lures-Salmon-Trout-Steelhead-Beads-Saltwater-Freshwater-Bead-5mm 6mm 8mm Assorted

1000PCS 5mm Luminous Plastic Fishing Line Beads - Mix 10 Colors, Round Rig Beads (5mm, 1000pcs)

My Style Baits Fishing Beads Artificial Round Float Fishing Lure Eggs for Freshwater Rivers Soft Steelhead Salmon Beads 10pcs (Frosted Peach, 16mm)

Scaups Fishing Beads, 10 Colors Beads for Fishing Rigs, 5mm Glow in The Dark Beads for Fishing in The Dark

Facikono Fishing Beads Assorted Set, 1000pcs 5mm Round Float Glow Fishing Rig Beads Fishing Lure Tackle

Community

General Questions

heavy weight fishing

where would be the best place to cast here

fish type in HK

When fishing with roe bags for salmon, should I also use a bead?

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

Brad's Killer Fishing Gear 8mm 60ct Roe Beads, Salmon Red

Alwonder 100-Pack Fishing Beads Holographic Beads for Fishing Rigs Lures Salmon Trout Steelhead Fish Bead Saltwater Freshwater Assorted Size 8mm Orange

Salmon Egg Round Plastic Beads - Made in USA - 4mm, 6mm, 8mm Round Plastic Beads for Fishing Rigs, Baits & Lures. (Salmon Egg 100 PK, 6mm)

XFISHMAN-Fishing-Beads-for-Fishing-Rigs-Lures-Salmon-Trout-Steelhead-Beads-Saltwater-Freshwater-Bead-5mm 6mm 8mm Assorted

1000PCS 5mm Luminous Plastic Fishing Line Beads - Mix 10 Colors, Round Rig Beads (5mm, 1000pcs)

My Style Baits Fishing Beads Artificial Round Float Fishing Lure Eggs for Freshwater Rivers Soft Steelhead Salmon Beads 10pcs (Frosted Peach, 16mm)

Scaups Fishing Beads, 10 Colors Beads for Fishing Rigs, 5mm Glow in The Dark Beads for Fishing in The Dark

Facikono Fishing Beads Assorted Set, 1000pcs 5mm Round Float Glow Fishing Rig Beads Fishing Lure Tackle

Community

How to catch schoolie mulloway in the Maribyrnong River with lures?

Where are smallmouth bass typically located on Tim's Ford Lake?

What are the best fall bass lures for North Carolina?

Lago Franzoni, Brescia. Si può pescare a galleggiante?

What should I use for bass fishing in a Texas pond during spring?

What depth is the thermocline at Tim's Ford Lake?

What rod should I pair with my Calcutta Conquest DC 100?

How can I find fish on any lake?

heavy weight fishing

where would be the best place to cast here

fish type in HK