When is the Salmon Run in Michigan? A Guide to the Best Time of Year for Salmon Fishing

Salmon fishing is one of the most popular fishing activities in Michigan. Every fall, huge numbers of Chinook and Coho salmon enter Michigan’s rivers from Lake Michigan and Lake Huron to spawn. This annual salmon run provides some of the best salmon fishing action of the year. But exactly when is the peak time to target salmon in Michigan?

An Overview of the Salmon Run Timeline in Michigan

The salmon run in Michigan takes place every fall between early September and late October. Here is a general overview of the salmon run timeline:

• Early September – The first Chinook salmon start entering the rivers This marks the beginning of the run,

• Mid-September – The salmon run starts to build momentum, More Chinook salmon enter the rivers daily Coho will start to arrive as well,

• Late September – The salmon run is in full swing. Peak time for Chinook salmon fishing.

• Early October – Chinook numbers start to dwindle but Coho salmon are abundant. Peak time for Coho.

• Mid-October – The salmon run begins winding down. Chinook are mostly spawned out while some Coho remain.

• Late October – The salmon run ends as water temperatures drop. Remaining salmon are spawned out and dying.

So in a nutshell, the best time is mid-September through mid-October when salmon numbers are at their highest. But the timing can vary slightly depending on weather patterns and other factors.

Weather Conditions That Impact the Salmon Run

Weather conditions play a major role in determining when the salmon run starts and how it progresses. Here are some key factors:

• Water Temperature – When the water cools down in early fall, it triggers salmon to start migrating into the rivers. Cold fronts with north winds can cause fast temperature drops.

• Rainfall – Salmon are triggered to move into rivers when water levels rise from rainfall. Heavy downpours tend to pull in more fish.

• Sunny Weather – Warm sunny weather and a lack of rain can delay the run. Salmon tend to hold in the Great Lakes longer until rains bring river levels up.

• Low Water – When water levels are extremely low due to drought-like conditions, the run may start later. Salmon wait until flows improve.

Paying attention to the weather and how it might impact water temperature and river flows is key to timing the salmon run. Cool, wet weather accelerates the run while warm, dry patterns can delay it.

Best Rivers for Salmon Fishing During the Run

Not all rivers and streams in Michigan get significant salmon runs. The ones located closest to Lake Michigan and Lake Huron receive the heaviest runs thanks to their proximity to the Great Lakes. Here are some of the prime rivers for targeting salmon:

• Manistee River – The ‘Big Manistee’ is probably Michigan’s best-known salmon river. Huge runs of Chinook and Coho.

• Pere Marquette River – A premier western Michigan river with excellent salmon fishing in the fall.

• Muskegon River – Big numbers of salmon move up this river near Muskegon each fall.

• Au Sable River – The Au Sable sees modest salmon runs but they tend to be very large fish.

• Tippy Dam – Located on the Manistee River, Tippy Dam is a legendary salmon fishing spot.

• Betsy River – A smaller but very productive stream located in Michigan’s northwest lower peninsula.

• Betsie River – Similar to the Betsy, the Betsie offers outstanding fall salmon action.

Several other Michigan rivers get salmon runs of varying size. Basically any river that connects to Lake Michigan has the potential for salmon in the fall.

Techniques for Catching Michigan Salmon

When the salmon run is in full gear, there are several effective techniques Michigan anglers use to hook salmon:

• Drift Fishing – Drifting salmon skein (eggs), beads, or flies under a float is deadly. You can float fish from a boat or while wading.

• Casting Lures – Spoons, spinners, crankbaits and jigs can all tempt aggressive, feeding salmon early in the run.

• Trolling – Running plugs like Thundersticks behind planer boards is a popular way to catch salmon in Great Lakes tributaries.

• Jigging – Vertically jigging large salmon jigs near river mouths connects with salmon as they stage before moving upriver.

• Back Trolling – Slowly back trolling live bait like skein near the bottom is an effective salmon tactic.

• Casting Streamers – Once salmon move onto spawning beds, streamer flies can tempt them to strike out of aggression.

Learning to fish these proven techniques will help you catch more salmon when you time the run properly.

Tips for Salmon Fishing Success During the Run

Here are some additional tips to help you maximize your salmon fishing success during the fall run:

• Follow safety protocols – Wear waders and be cautious around dams and fast water.

• Watch the weather – Check the forecast to see if ideal “salmon weather” (cool, wet) is coming.

• Know your gear – Make sure your rods, reels and line are ready for hard fighting salmon.

• Use heavier line – Beef up to 20-30 lb. test fishing line to battle powerful salmon.

• Vary retrieves – Change up your lure speeds and presentations until you trigger strikes.

• Check multiple spots – Don’t give up if one area is slow. Keep moving to find more fish.

• Arrive early – Get to the river at first light to target the most active salmon.

• Hire a guide – Consider hiring a seasoned salmon fishing guide to learn the rivers and tactics.

Follow these tips and fish during the peak of the run to get the most out of your Michigan salmon fishing experience.

For salmon anglers in Michigan, the fall salmon run is the most exciting and productive time of year. Mid-September through mid-October is the prime window. Cooler temperatures, rainfall, and other conditions that bring salmon into the rivers in large numbers. Key tactics like drifting skein/eggs, casting lures, trolling plugs, and jigging all produce when the salmon are abundant on their spawning run. With thousands of hungry salmon concentrated in relatively small river systems, it’s easy to see why the fall run is so popular with Michigan anglers. Get your gear ready and watch the weather forecast, because the salmon run will be here before you know it.