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Now that we have heard about the season for salmon fishing on the upper salmon and south fork I turn to you guys for some help...
I just learned how to steelhead fish this year, now I am hoping to land my first salmon..
As far as my gear, would my steelhead rod work for salmon fishing?
What kind of gear should I fish with? Is it the same type of things for steelheading?
Any help would be great! Thanks!
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As for your steelhead rod working for Salmon, it can depend on many things. But for the most part, yes, your steelhead rod will do just fine (unless it barely adequate for steelhead). I'd recommend using heavier line than most people use on steelhead. On the smaller rivers, I have typically used 30#, but I am thinking that I am going to move up to 40# line.
Most people fishing for Salmon will use some type of rig that will get you on the bottom. Put a weight about 18-30 inches above your hook. You'll need enough weight to get to the bottom quickly. Recently we were using about 7" of 1/4" round lead wire. With the current flows you may need as much as 12" of said wire. As for bait, most people use either roe or tuna balls with yarn, corkie with yarn, or just plain yarn. All will work.
I personally like having a bait. I remember throwing a peice of yarn to fish I could see for two hours without so much as a polite refusal. I added some roe and had 3 hook ups in 5 minutes and about 6 or so in half an hour. That being said, I have done well on just plain yarn also. It kind of depends on the mood of the fish.
I have also seen them caught on spinners, flies, and other lures. The throat of a Salmon will grow shut after being in fresh water for a while, so they can't eat, meaning they hit out of anger, curiousity, or ???? who knows.
I don't know for certain about the throat growing shut, but I have been told that a number of times. I do know that I have never found anything at all in the stomach of a Salmon I caught in Idaho. Only thing in the gut is either eggs or sperm, air bladder, heart, liver, and a tube leading from the throat to what used to be a stomach.
If you live in the Boise area, I'd be happy to show you the stuff I use and how I rig up. I am not an expert by any means, but most days I can keep up with the rest. If that seems like something that would be helpful for you, PM me your number and I'll call you back.
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Hey Tobo.
I checked out your profile. I see that you are from Rexburg. I am going to be in IF next Friday for a short time (just a few hours) and would be willing to meet you somewhere if I have time.
By the way, NICE BROWN!
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Hey, thanks a lot for that info..yeah we can meet up next Friday. You can shoot me a pm with your # and we can figure something out...
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