Salmon fishing is a popular angling activity around the world. Many anglers eagerly await the salmon runs each year for a chance to catch these prized fish. But experienced salmon fishermen know that timing is everything when it comes to salmon fishing success. So what is the best time to fish for salmon? In this complete guide, we’ll cover all the key factors that affect salmon fishing to help you determine the optimal times.
Understanding Salmon Behavior
To know when it’s best to fish for salmon, you first need to understand their natural behaviors and migration patterns. Salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they hatch in freshwater streams and rivers, migrate to the ocean to feed and grow, and then return to their natal waters to spawn.
The exact timing of salmon runs depends on the species and location but they generally follow a predictable pattern. Chinook and sockeye salmon runs occur in the spring and summer while coho and pink salmon runs take place in late summer and fall.
Salmon are most active and likely to bite when they are migrating upriver to their spawning grounds. They also prefer certain water conditions, so factors like temperature, clarity, and flow impact salmon location and feeding activity.
Best Time of Year
The time of year that provides the best salmon fishing depends on which salmon species you are targeting
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Spring – Best for targeting Chinook (king) salmon as they start their migration Spring runs generally occur March through June
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Summer – Ideal for sockeye, pink, and chum salmon. Prime summer salmon fishing is June through August.
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Fall – The best time to catch coho (silver) salmon as they migrate back to spawn. Fall runs happen September through November.
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Winter – Some opportunity for salmon fishing through the ice on Great Lakes tributaries. Best bet is Lake Ontario in New York.
Best Time of Day
Salmon are most active and likely to bite during low light conditions. Early morning and late evening tend to be prime times to fish for salmon:
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Morning – Target the hour before sunrise to a few hours after. Salmon may retreat to deeper holes as the sun gets high.
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Afternoon – Fishing often slows down as water warms up. Focus on deeper pools or cooler tributaries.
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Evening – Productive time as salmon start moving into shallower spawning areas. Fish the last 2-3 hours of daylight.
Overcast/Rainy Days – Salmon are more active on cloudy days. Take advantage of low light from storms or rain.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to seasonal and daily timing, a few other factors impact salmon fishing success:
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Water Temperature – Salmon prefer cooler water 50-60°F. Target areas like tributaries or river mouths where cooler water flows in.
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Water Levels – Moderate flows are ideal. High, muddy water makes fishing tougher but salmon are still catchable.
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Tides – Salmon movement and activity increase around tide changes. Plan around strong incoming or outgoing tidal flows.
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Weather – Barometric pressure changes from storms often spur salmon movement. Check forecasts for best conditions.
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Moon Phases – Around the full moon and new moon, increased tidal flow enhances salmon activity.
Putting it All Together
Here are some general guidelines for optimal salmon fishing times:
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Target salmon species during their peak migration seasons – Chinook in spring, pinks and sockeye in summer, coho in fall.
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Fish early morning, late evening, or on overcast days when salmon are most active.
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Seek out cool water below 60°F to find congregated salmon.
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Fish tide changes for added movement, especially the influx around an incoming tide.
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Watch weather systems and fronts that spur fish activity.
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Maximize moon phases for best tide-related movement.
While salmon can be caught any time of day or season, following these best practices will dramatically increase your chances of hooking one of these hard-fighting fish. Be flexible and don’t be afraid to cover water until you locate where salmon are holding. With the right approach, you’ll be hooked up with a fresh-from-the-ocean salmon in no time!
Planning Your Salmon Fishing Trip
Now that you understand the factors that influence when to fish for salmon, its time to start planning your trip. Here are some steps to help you get started:
- Choose your location: Research different salmon fishing locations and choose one that fits your preferences and schedule.
- Check the salmon run timings: Once youve chosen a location, research the specific run timings for that area. This information can often be found on local fishing websites or by contacting local fishing guides.
- Book your trip: Once youve decided on the best time to go, its time to book your trip. Whether youre planning to rent a boat, hire a guide, or go on a charter, we recommend checking Getmyboat first for the best deals and options.
- Prepare your gear: Make sure you have the right gear for salmon fishing. This includes a sturdy rod and reel, the right type of line and lures, and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
- Check the weather: As your trip approaches, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Remember, overcast and rainy conditions can often be the best for salmon fishing.
By following these steps, you can plan a successful salmon fishing trip at the best time of year for your chosen location.
Salmon fishing is a thrilling experience that requires careful planning and timing. By understanding the salmon seasons, considering factors like location and weather, and following our step-by-step guide to planning your trip, you can maximize your chances of a successful catch. Remember, the best time to fish for salmon depends on a variety of factors, so do your research and plan accordingly. And dont forget to check Getmyboat for the best deals on boat rentals, guides, and charters. Happy fishing!
What is the Best Time of Year for My Alaska Fishing Trip?
FAQ
What time of day is best to catch salmon?
It really pays dividends to fish for salmon before and during dawn and before the sunset and into the fading light. This means you can often fish at 4am and 11pm at night in mid summer.Nov 29, 2023
What is the best bait for salmon?
Salmon eggs are the top choice for bait, although sand shrimp are very popular for chinook salmon. Some anglers like to fish both at the same time. Marabou jigs (Photo 10) can be used instead of bait and can be especially effective on pink salmon, or other salmon when the water is very low and clear.
What months are best to catch salmon?
Peak Salmon Runs are May to September
Peak season for salmon fishing occurs from May through September, with the five major species spread across the season. King Salmon fishing begins in May, and you can continue fishing for Silver Salmon all the way through November.
What tide is best for salmon fishing?
When is the best time to fish for salmon?
Spring marks the beginning of the salmon fishing season, as some species begin their migration from the ocean back to the rivers to spawn. The warmer water temperatures and increased river flow create ideal conditions for salmon to start their journey, and the early morning hours are particularly productive for salmon fishing during this time.
When does salmon season start & end?
Salmon fishing begins in May and goes thru the end of September. Each species of salmon will have different peak times to fish them, but you will be able to fish for one of these during this time. The main species of Salmon include: King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Red Salmon and Pink Salmon. When does salmon season open?
When is salmon fishing season?
The Salmon fishing season typically runs between late spring and early fall, with summer as the peak season. But this isn’t a rule of thumb, and seasonality may vary depending on the location and species.
When is the best time to fish for chum salmon?
Best Time to Fish: Chum salmon runs peak from late June to early July, depending on the river systems and water temperature. Fall is often considered the best time to fish for salmon, especially in rivers where spawning runs are at their peak.
Is salmon a good fishing target?
For amateur and professional anglers, salmon are good fishing targets since they can be caught literally from boat fishing or simply from the shore. What is the Best Time to Catch Salmon? In general, the best time of day to fish for salmon is from early evening all through the night to early morning.
When is the best time to catch coho salmon?
The best time to fish for coho salmon is during the fall, from September to November, when they are actively feeding and migrating up rivers to spawn. Can I catch salmon year-round?