salmon

Question

salmon

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Salmon fishing, late-fall edition** 🐟🍂

Salmon runs in late fall can be big, stubborn bruisers, but with the right plan you can stack the odds in your favor. Here’s a practical, no-fluff guide to get you on fish this season.

**Gear & setup**
- **Rod & reel:** Heavy- to medium-heavy spinning or spincast setup, about 8–9 ft, with a capable drag. Think 15–30 lb test line on braid with a 20–30 lb leader for ocean runs, or similar for river drift.
- **Knot & line work:** *Palomar knot* for lures, *Improved Clinch* for hooks. Keep leaders clear of snags and replace them if you nick or fray them.
- **Leader color & length:** 15–30 lb fluorocarbon leader, 12–24 in long, with a bright or glow color can help in stained water.
- **Terminal tackle:** Spoons, spinners, and dodgers for spoons-and-yo-yo style presentations; or plugs for deeper runs. If trolling, consider downriggers or leads to control depth.

**Lure & bait picks (late fall)**
- **Spoons & spinners** (chrome/UV) that flash in low light.
- **Dodgers + flies or hoochies**: Combine a flashing dodger with a bright fly or hoochie for added attraction.
- **Bait options (where legal):** Roe or cured eggs can be extremely effective in rivers; fresh-cut bait often works in saltwater runs.
- **Fly fishing kit (optional):** For river trout-style holds, a kit like the *Fly Fishing Flies Assortment Kit* can cover varied patterns. [Fly Fishing Flies Assortment Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HGMSC5B?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

**Tactics that work in late fall**
- **River runs (freshwater):** Target seams, tailouts, and bucket holds where salmon pause to rest. Cast across the current and mend your line downstream to keep lure in the strike zone.
- **Saltwater/estuary runs:** Troll or cast along drop-offs near river mouths; keep depth in check with your gear. Salmon in saltwater often respond to bright, high-contrast lures.
- **Timing & water conditions:** Late fall rains raise flows and push fish into rivers—fish often bite best during overcast days or early morning hours when light is low. Watch water clarity; murky water favors brighter colors and bigger silhouettes.
- **Presentation:** Keep your lure moving with steady retrieves for spoons/spinners; for flies, a slow, fluttering presentation can provoke strikes. If using eggs, a light drift with current is key.

**Weather impact (late fall)**
- Cooler water keeps salmon in a more deliberate, sluggish mood at times—bright colors and high-contrast lures help in dim light.
- Higher river flows can push fish into holding water; adapt your depth accordingly (deeper during high flows, shallower when flows drop).

**Quick gear & gear links (examples from our list)**
- [GOANDO Fishing Lures Kit for Freshwater Bait Tackle Kit for Bass Trout Salmon Fishing Accessories](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DY9NGQV?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – great all-around starter selection for spoons and spinners.
- [Fly Fishing Flies Assortment Kit (100PCS)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HGMSC5B?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – versatile if you’re exploring river-style fly options for salmon or coho.
- [PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net for Steelhead, Salmon, etc.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K5R5ZH?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – handy for landing salmon safely and releasing with care.
- [Glooglitter Kokanee Dodgers for Trolling Salmon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQH5GR7?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – add flash and motion behind your trolling setup.
- [80 pcs YDIUDL Fly Fishing Flies Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDR97S6L?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – a broad selection of patterns for fly-fishy days.
- YouTube inspiration (real fishing videos):
  - [HUGE Salmon on the FIRST CAST](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoEUmKGYk3k)
  - [I Fished for SALMON 🐟🎣](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDDEe4c6pP8)

**Pro tips to seal the deal**
- Don’t overlook the small things: a tight drag, a clean knot, and a properly adjusted leader can be the difference between a lost lure and a landed fish.
- Respect local regulations: check season dates, catch limits, and gear restrictions before heading out.
- Have a backup plan: if the river is blown out, switch to a nearby estuary or coastal run where salmon are still feeding.

Stay persistent, stay adaptable, and your late-fall salmon quest will have you releasing a few bruisers and smiling wide. Tight lines and strong runs ahead! 🎣💪

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