A Beginner’s Guide for a Salmon Fishing Trip

Fishing is easily one relaxing outdoor activity. You get to enjoy the breeze and scenic view. On top of that, you get to bring home fish for your next meal! It’s relaxing and productive–hitting two birds with one stone. It’s a great way to escape the busy life in the city. 

Although a fishing trip sounds like a great way to hit pause, it should be planned and prepared strategically. To make any fishing trip productive, you can look at which fish are active in which areas beforehand. Do your research and explore sites on your own or check out all-inclusive trips in the area. If your goal is to fish for salmon, then this guide is for you.

Salmon is one of the best fish to fish. They come in a variety and are available in many bodies of water. They have a big window for peak activity, too. Before deciding on where to fish, know when it’s most optimal to fish for salmon. 

When Are Salmon Most Active?

Are you planning to have your fishing trip during the months of peak activity? Smart move. Variations of salmon are at peak spread across the months of May through September. King salmon are most active from May to July, silver salmon from July to September, Red salmon from June to August, while Pink and chum salmon from July to August. To make the most of your salmon fishing trip, have it within May to September when spawning and migration activities are more prominent in salmon. 

Where Can They Be Found?

Salmon varieties can be found in different bodies of water. Generally, they’re in rivers, lakes, streams, and the ocean. If you want a specific variety of salmon, consider which sites you want to go fishing in. 

If you’re looking to catch more varieties of salmon, Kenai River is home to king salmon, red salmon, silver salmon, and pink salmon. Other fish such as northern pike, lake trout, and dolly varden can also be found in the river. But if you prefer a view of mountains and glaciers, an ocean fishing trip at Seward would do the trick. Silver salmon, pink salmon, red salmon, chum salmon, and king salmon can be found here, too, specifically at Resurrection Bay. 

Choose Your Lure

The best lures to use are those that can be noticed by the senses. Generally, salmon fish have a relatively good sense of sight. They’re attracted to shades of green and blue, so go for lures of these colors. As much as possible, use colors to help attract salmon.

Don’t be afraid to use UV and glow lures. They might look like toys, but they’re colored the way they are for a good reason.  To increase the chances of getting a bite, consider using bait, too. One of the best baits to use when fishing for salmon is fresh or preserved salmon eggs.

Prepare Your Tackle Box

Other than having lures in your tackle box, other essentials shouldn’t be forgotten. An all-around tackle box includes the following: extra lures, fishing lines, bobbers, a flashlight, army knife, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, swivels, weights, pliers, leaders, stringer, and hooks in different sizes.

Don’t forget to pack unrelated fishing supplies too. To fully enjoy fishing, be sure to have some snacks and keep yourself hydrated! Bring a canteen of water, a thermos of coffee, tea, or any other warm drink to keep warm.

Store Salmon After the Catch 

Put the fish on ice as soon as possible after catching it. This freezes the fish enough that it’ll naturally anesthetize it. As a result, freezing will decrease the chances of the fish getting spoiled. Use an insulated cooler with a drain plug. Be sure to leave it unplugged to allow melted ice to drain. This helps preserve the flavor of the fish.

You can also insert your army knife in the center of the head, just behind the eye.  Moreover, spiking it with a knife will reduce stress, which will produce higher-quality flesh that will last longer.

Although fishing is easily one of the most relaxing outdoor activities, a lot of preparation, effort, and strategy come with it. After all, fishing is considered a physical activity. Other than the few seconds of labor-intensive pulling, the experience is always worth it. But even if you come home empty-handed, at least you got to enjoy a great view and some fresh air. It’s a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Meta title: Preparing for Your First Salmon Fishing Trip

Meta desc: Fishing for salmon sounds like a great weekend plan. To make the most of your trip, you should know what you can about salmon. Here is a guide for you.