tutorial how to catch salmon

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FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Late-fall Salmon Fishing Playbook** 🎣

Late fall is prime for big runs, but the water is cooler, light is lower, and fish stack up in current seams. Here’s a practical, field-tested plan to maximize your bite this season.

- **Gear & Setup**
  - River/Bank or boat: go with a **medium-heavy rod** around 7–9 ft paired with a sturdy reel and line in the 20–40 lb class. A fluoro or monofilament leader of 12–24 lb helps with abrasion on rocks and through drift.
  - Rig options: use a **sliding sinker drift rig** for rivers, or a simple downrigging setup in saltwater. When in doubt, keep your setup simple and bomb-proof.
  - Lure & bait choices: classic choices include **roe (salmon eggs)**, cured egg patterns, **spoons**, and **dodger + hoochie** combinations. Have a few bright options in chartreuse, pink, and glow for low-light days.

- **Baits & Lures**
  - *Fresh roe sacs* or cured eggs are reliable in rivers during fall runs. 
  - *Spoons* and *spoon-spreader combos* imitate baitfish and trigger strikes in stained water.
  - *Dodger + hoochie* and spinner blades work great for both rivers and estuary zones.
  - In saltwater, consider *herring patterns* and *trolling spoons* at depth.

- **Techniques by Setting**
  - In rivers: cast across the current seam, then drift with the flow at varying depths (1–6 ft unless fish are deeper). Slow, steady retrieves and occasional short hops can provoke bites.
  - In saltwater: if trolling, run at modest speeds (2–3 mph) with lures around 15–60 ft deep, depending on water temp and bait presence. Use electronics to locate bait balls and bird activity.
  - Timing: cloudier days and post-rain freshets often push more salmon into rivers; look for higher, stained water and active holding spots near bends and pockets.

- **Weather & Late-Fall Tips**
  - Water temps around the upper 40s to low 50s °F keep fish responsive; overcast or drizzly days can improve visibility and bite windows.
  - Shorter daylight hours mean fish are in deeper or slower-moving water during mid-day; adapt depth and retrieval speed accordingly.

- **Pro Tips**
  - Keep a simple, durable rig and avoid over-spooling; salmon fight hard and will test your gear.
  - Vary depth and speed until you find the pattern for the day; patience pays in late fall.
  - Respect local regs and seasonal closures; safety first.

- **Quick Video References** (real fishing content):
  - [How To Catch Salmon! #fishing #shorts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCVjRudsxNk)
  - [BEST fishing lesson EVER! Kids learn how to catch Salmon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ2EUrM-AOU)
  - [Modified! Abu Toby 10g Salmon Trout lure. #fishing #salmon #trout](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02X6D95G6cA)

- **Gear & Tackle Picks (Amazon)**
  - [Catch Co Mystery Tackle Box Freshwater Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass Lures Fishing Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GRL72V9?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [KOKOPROS Squid Fishing Hoochies 10 Pack - Glow Fresh Water Kokanee Salmon Trolling Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLCZQZL5?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Pautzke Balls O' Fire Salmon Eggs Fishing Bait - Green Label, 1 oz](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LF37MW?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [GOANDO 404pcs Fishing Accessories Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDBF1VGY?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

- I’ve kept this tight and field-ready so you can get out there and start dialing in peak late-fall bites. Good luck, stay patient, and reel ‘em in! 🐟💪

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