How To Catch a Landlocked Salmon in Fall
The quality of fall salmon fishing has seen a notable improvement over the last few years, despite some challenges like fluctuating water levels—ranging from high water in certain areas to a lack of water in others over the past two seasons. This resurgence has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among new anglers eager to experience the thrill of salmon fishing. Many are now asking how to effectively catch landlocked salmon during this time of year.
As more anglers join the fray, sharing tips and experiences can help everyone enjoy the sport more fully. Embrace the camaraderie that comes with fall salmon fishing and remember that patience and persistence are key. With the right approach and a little luck, you’ll be well on your way to landing a prized landlocked salmon this season.
Salmon Fishing Techniques
Fishing for salmon in the fall presents a unique set of challenges compared to other times of the year, requiring a departure from typical trout fishing techniques that might otherwise fall short. Understanding the behavior of migratory salmon is crucial to success; these fish are primarily focused on moving upstream rather than hiding and feeding in the same way trout do.
The first lesson for any new salmon angler is to shift their perspective when approaching the river. Instead of viewing the water through the lens of a trout fisherman, it’s essential to think like a salmon fisherman. Migratory salmon are actively seeking out travel corridors and resting waters as they navigate upstream to spawn.
Key locations to target include river bends, deeper pools, and areas where current slows down. These spots serve as resting places where salmon can conserve energy before continuing their journey. Look for natural features that provide cover, such as overhanging branches or submerged rocks, as these areas can offer ideal ambush points for your fishing.
Additionally, understanding the timing of salmon migrations is vital. As water temperatures drop and fall sets in, salmon will begin to make their way upstream in larger numbers. This is when anglers can capitalize on their instinctual drives, employing techniques such as drift fishing with weighted rigs or using spinners and spoons that mimic the natural forage these fish seek.
Identifying Migrating Salmon Travel Corridors
To effectively catch landlocked salmon, it’s crucial to understand their migration patterns and identify potential travel corridors they use during spawning season. These corridors are essentially pathways through the river that offer the path of least resistance, allowing salmon to navigate upstream with relative ease.
Several factors influence these routes, including water flow, environmental conditions, and the presence of sunlight. For instance, salmon tend to favor areas where they can move with minimal effort, which may change depending on whether water levels are high or low. In some instances, heavy fishing pressure can also impact salmon behavior, causing them to retreat to deeper, faster-moving waters where they feel safer.
Anglers should keep a keen eye on the conditions of the river. During times of increased fishing activity, salmon might avoid shallower or slower-moving water that’s heavily fished, opting instead for deeper pools or faster currents that provide both cover and an efficient path upstream. Identifying these zones is essential; look for sections of the river where natural features create ideal travel routes—such as rocks, eddies, or bends in the water—that provide both shelter and ease of movement.
Resting Waters
Resting water in the river is much easier to identify compared to travel corridors, as many prime resting pools have become well-known among anglers and often come with specific names. These pools are reliable spots where salmon tend to congregate during their migratory runs, providing a consistent opportunity for fishing regardless of varying water flows. When the runs begin, anglers can generally expect to find at least a few fish in these classic resting areas.
However, it’s important to note that these popular pools often attract intense fishing pressure, which can make it challenging to catch fish. Yet, the larger pools aren’t the only resting spots that salmon utilize. In fact, some of the most productive resting water can be found in what is commonly referred to as pocket water.
Pocket water comprises smaller, sheltered areas that may include calm eddies behind large rocks or depressions in the riverbed that are the size of a pickup truck. These spots can be incredibly effective for anglers because they are relatively easy to fish and often harbor a few very aggressive salmon. As more fish enter the river and fishing pressure rises, these pocket water locations can become increasingly productive.
Incorporating pocket water into your fishing strategy can yield great results, especially when the more popular pools are crowded.
Salmon are Easily Scared
Identifying both travel corridors and holding water is just the first step to mastering the art of catching landlocked salmon. As you embark on your fall salmon fishing journey, it’s crucial to remember that these fish can be surprisingly skittish. Despite their impressive size, it doesn’t take much to startle them into retreating to deeper water, effectively shutting down their feeding activity.
When salmon feel threatened, they employ two primary means of defense. First, they often hunker down close to the riverbed, remaining perfectly still as they blend in with their surroundings, utilizing natural camouflage to avoid detection. This behavior can make them difficult to spot and even more challenging to catch. The second line of defense is to dart back downstream into deeper waters, where they feel safer and less vulnerable.
This characteristic makes salmon remarkably similar in behavior to spring creek trout, known for their sensitivity to disturbances in their environment. Consequently, adopting a stealthy approach while fishing for landlocked salmon is essential.
Anglers should employ techniques that minimize noise and disturbances in the water. This might mean using longer leaders, lighter tippets, or even smaller flies that mimic natural prey more accurately. Additionally, practicing patience is key—taking your time to observe the water, waiting for the right moment to cast, and making sure that your presence is as unobtrusive as possible can significantly increase your chances of success.
Where to Look
Fishing for fall salmon, particularly at the heads of pools, is a strategic approach that can significantly enhance your success. In many pools, while you might find a large number of salmon lingering, the key is to focus on the fewer fish positioned at the head of the pool. These fish tend to be more aggressive and willing to bite, making them prime targets for your presentations.
Evenings can be particularly fruitful during this time. As the day winds down, salmon often concentrate in these strategic spots, preparing to make their upstream run. This behavior makes evening fishing a valuable tactic, especially if you’re facing challenges earlier in the day. By targeting these cooperative fish during the evening hours, you increase your chances of a successful catch, transforming a tough fishing outing into a memorable experience.
Fall Salmon Fishing Challenges
High water conditions and fishing pressure can significantly impact your ability to fish effectively during the fall salmon season. One of the most daunting challenges anglers face is navigating the crowded waters where many fishermen converge to catch salmon. However, just because the fishing pressure is high doesn’t mean you have to wade into the throng.
Typically, the peak of the salmon run coincides with increased fishing activity, making it essential to think strategically about your approach. This is where understanding the salmon’s travel corridors becomes a critical advantage. Salmon do not sprint continuously from one holding spot to the next; rather, they navigate through the river with purpose, often pausing to rest in pockets of calm water along their journey.
Presenting the Fly
The Slow Swing
The down-and-across presentation is a crucial technique for effectively targeting landlocked salmon. To execute this method, start by casting your fly up and across the river, aiming for approximately the 2:00 position on the clock. As the fly drifts downstream, it’s essential to maintain control of the drift. You can achieve this by mending the line upstream to keep a dead drift all the way to around the 10:00 position while following the drift with your rod tip.
Once your fly reaches the 10:00 position, you will notice that the currents begin to engage with it. The first thing to watch for is the fly lifting off the bottom. To counteract this, lower your rod tip and allow the line to slide through your fingers as needed. This technique will help keep the fly in the strike zone. Additionally, remember to continue mending the line as necessary to maintain that desired slow swing.
This presentation offers a distinct advantage: the fish get two different looks at your fly. Initially, during the dead drift, the fly is presented in profile, allowing the salmon to scrutinize its details. As the swing begins—which is typically when the bites occur—the currents animate the fly, bringing it to life in the water. Patterns such as traditional wet flies, spey flies, and streamers are particularly effective with this technique.
While fall salmon fishing can be relatively straightforward, remember that it is still salmon fishing—there are no guarantees. Focus your efforts on fishing quality water and presenting your flies correctly. If you do, the salmon will play their part in the pursuit of a successful catch.
Original article By Jay Peck
About The Author
Jay Peck is a fishing guide on the Lake Ontario tributaries. With 40+ years of fly fishing experience including 30 years as a licensed New York State guide, Jay has been applying his knowledge of the sport and local waters to help anglers in their pursuit of migratory fish, inland trout, and a variety of warm water species. Jay is also an accomplished spey caster and fly tyer. He has developed several fishing techniques and fly patterns for fishing the tributaries and inland trout streams. To learn more, check out Jay’s youtube channel, and get in touch with Jay at jaypeckguidesflyfishing.com.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
