Salmon River Equipment

[SdDryFly]

Hello all,
I am graduating college this spring and have been applying for fisheries jobs in the Salmon area. I have never been to the area, or have never fished for steelhead or salmon. I do fly fish in western South Dakota, but just catch smaller rainbows and browns. I currently have a 5/6 weight rod, but do not have any flies or any of the other terminal tackle for these larger fish. What type of gear should I start looking at? sinking tip lines? what size tippet? and also what flies should I start looking at buying? any help is appreciated.
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[SteelieNut]

I fish with a 7 weight rod with a large arbor reel. If you're planning on nymphing, I use floating line and 10# maxima for tippet. I've tried other lines and have lost A LOT of fish, but not with maxima! As for flies, go small, black, black/purple, purple, dark brown, green butted skunk, and glow bugs or just a small piece of yarn. If they open the river for salmon this year again, I would go 8-9 weight and at least 15# maxima, and don't be surprised to get spooled! That means take an extra spool of line.[]
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[iliketofish]

I'll second that. I use an 8 Wt, but 7 would be more fun for A run fish like that. Ditto on the Maxima thing too. We always use floating line and indicators and send glow bugs down.
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[redbeard1]

I third everything said, espescialy the maxima, as far as I can tell over the last 17 years it can't be beat. Good luck on the fishing.
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[poky-mon]

I started using p-line 12lb florocarbon on the clearwater no problems. I use p-line 8lb on the salmon, strong stuff thinner than the other lines. I started using it about 2 years ago for my leaders so now all I carry is 2-4-6lb when I fish the rivers and lakes 8 &12 for steelie fishing . I like black and red or olive on the salmon. If you plan on steelhead and salmon get a 7-8 or 8-9wt
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