Cured Salmon Eggs as Bait
While it may seem counterintuitive, spawning salmon often strike at their own eggs with little hesitation. This behavior can be perplexing, but during their fall mating rituals, these moody river giants become especially aggressive towards properly cured eggs. Cured salmon eggs present a unique dynamic in the water, combining visual stimulation with a tantalizing scent trail that entices salmon to focus solely on the egg clusters.
The vibrant colors of cured eggs stand out against the riverbed, capturing the attention of salmon as they navigate their spawning grounds. As they swim past, the combination of sight and scent can trigger an instinctive feeding response, prompting them to aggressively engulf the eggs. This reaction is amplified by the heightened activity of spawning fish, who become singularly focused on these protein-rich morsels amidst the chaos of their mating ritual.
How to Cure Salmon Eggs for Fishing:
Getting Fresh Salmon Roe
There are several commercially produced egg cures available today, but for this discussion, we’ll focus on the Fire Cure from Pautzke Bait Company. This popular curing agent is known for its effectiveness and versatility in preparing salmon eggs. However, before diving into the specifics of the recipe, it’s essential to emphasize that the foundation of successful fishing with cured eggs begins with obtaining fresh eggs.
Freshness is critical when it comes to curing salmon eggs. Ideally, you want to source eggs from freshly caught fish, ensuring they are free of any bruises or damage. The quality of the eggs will directly affect the outcome of your curing process, so take the time to handle them with care. Once you’ve secured fresh eggs, you can proceed with the Fire Cure recipe, setting the stage for a potent bait that will attract salmon during their spawning season.
Cleaning the Egg Skeins

When harvesting the skeins, it’s crucial to handle them carefully. Start by removing the skeins from the fish and wiping off as much blood as possible from the eggs. This step is vital because any residual blood can negatively impact the curing process and the overall quality of the eggs.
To minimize blood contamination, consider bleeding any fish you intend to keep by cutting the gills where the jaw connects to the body immediately after catching them. This method ensures that very little blood gets on the roe during the cleaning process, preserving the freshness and integrity of the eggs for curing.
Before you Cure
Once you’ve cleaned the eggs, it’s essential to handle them with care to maintain their quality. Wrap them in multiple layers of paper towels and keep them cool until you’re ready to begin the curing process.
It’s crucial to avoid letting the eggs sit for more than 24 hours after harvesting. If they are left too long, they will soften and become more susceptible to breaking during curing, which can compromise the final product. The goal is to apply the cure to the eggs as soon as possible after harvest to achieve the best possible results.
Cut the Skeins
To begin, take one end of the skein and cut it crosswise into larger chunks. From there, split each piece in half. This method will typically yield pieces that are about the size of a golf ball when placed on the hook, making them ideal for effective presentation.
Pre-cutting the skeins not only makes them easier to handle but also allows the cure to spread evenly, penetrating deeper into the eggs. This results in a more consistent texture and color throughout the eggs, enhancing their visual appeal and effectiveness as bait.
The Benefits of Adding the Fire Cure
Pautzke’s Balls O’ Fire jarred salmon eggs have been a staple for trout anglers since the 1950s, earning a well-deserved reputation for their effectiveness. However, Pautzke is more than just a bait processing company; they also offer a range of innovative egg cures and scents designed to enhance your fishing experience.
One standout product is their Fire Cure, complemented by the Fire Power additive, which utilizes dried krill—tiny shrimp that are a primary food source for salmon in the Pacific Ocean. This combination creates a potent scent trail that fall salmon seem to find irresistible. Even though Lake Ontario salmon are far removed from their Pacific counterparts, they still exhibit a strong preference for the unique aroma and flavor of krill. This preference is evident in the frequency with which salmon engulf Fire Cured eggs, making them an essential tool in any angler’s tackle box.
Captain Troy’s Advice on the Egg-Curing Process

To cure your salmon eggs effectively, follow these steps for optimal results:
- Preparation: Lay the egg chunks out on a cookie sheet that’s covered with a thick layer of paper towel. This helps absorb any excess moisture.
- Apply the Cure: Start by sprinkling the Fire Cure generously over the egg chunks. Make sure to cover them evenly for the best flavor and color infusion.
- Coat the Eggs: Using latex gloves, roll the salmon eggs around in the cure to ensure each chunk is thoroughly coated. This step is crucial for achieving an even distribution of the cure.
- Initial Soak: Once all the egg chunks are coated, place the uncovered cookie sheet in the refrigerator. Allow the eggs to soak for one to a few hours. This soaking period is vital for the cure to penetrate the eggs fully.
- Final Soak: After the initial soak, remove the roe from the fridge and transfer them into sealed plastic bags. Return the bags to the refrigerator and let them soak overnight. This extended soaking will help the cure work its magic, enhancing the eggs’ texture and scent.
During the Curing Process
As you continue the curing process over the next 8 to 10 hours, the Fire Cure works its magic by pulling excess moisture from the eggs, making them more appealing and “juicy.” According to Troy, this natural juice, combined with the scent and color from the cure, creates a powerful scent cloud that can attract salmon effectively.
Enhancing Your Cure with Fire Power
Some anglers enhance their cured salmon eggs further by adding a scent additive like Fire Power during the curing process. It’s important to note that Fire Power is not a cure; instead, it’s a scent booster that introduces another food source scent that can entice pressured salmon.
- Optimal Absorption: For the best results, allow the cured salmon eggs to sit in the plastic bag with the Fire Cure and Fire Power for an extended period, ideally up to a week in the refrigerator. This duration allows the eggs to absorb a significant amount of the krill powder, enhancing their attractiveness.
- Impact on Catch Rates: This extra week of soaking can make a considerable difference in your catch rate, especially during challenging fishing conditions. The combination of the natural egg juices and the enhanced scent profile can turn a tough day into a successful one on the water.
By giving your cured salmon eggs this extra attention, you’ll be well-equipped to attract even the most finicky salmon during your fall fishing adventures.
One Last Piece of Advice
Carrying a variety of cured salmon eggs can significantly increase your chances of success on the water. As Captain Troy notes, fish preferences can vary day by day, and even hour by hour.
Tips for Varied Cured Salmon Eggs
- Different Curing Times: Some days, salmon may respond better to eggs that have been cured longer, allowing them to soak up more of the Fire Cure and Fire Power. Other days, fresh eggs may be the ticket. By having both types on hand, you can adapt to the conditions and fish behavior.
- Enhanced Flavors: Eggs enhanced with Fire Power might attract more attention, particularly on days when salmon are particularly active. These eggs offer an enticing scent that can make a difference when fish are being selective.
- Increased Strikes: The more variety you carry, the better your chances of finding what the fish are in the mood for. This approach not only helps in matching the hatch but also provides options to experiment with different flavors and scents throughout the day.
The End Result

Making your own cured salmon eggs is indeed a rewarding process that can enhance your fall fishing experience. The effort you put into curing can pay off significantly on the water, giving you a competitive edge when it comes to catching salmon.
To ensure success, don’t hesitate to try different curing recipes and ingredients. Each component can affect the eggs’ scent, color, and overall attractiveness to salmon. Additionally, just like with fly patterns, the color of your cured eggs can make a difference. Some days, brighter colors might attract more attention, while on others, more natural hues could be the key.
Using different scent additives can also enhance the natural aroma of the cured eggs. Experimenting with various combinations can help you discover a “secret” formula that consistently attracts fish. When you’re on the river, pay attention to what works best, and keep notes on which curing times and additives yield the best results so you can refine your approach for future trips.
By taking the time to craft your own cured salmon eggs, you’ll not only enjoy the satisfaction of creating your bait but also increase your chances of a successful fishing outing. Get out there, experiment, and find what works best for you this fall!
Original Article By Brian Kelly & Troy Creasy
About the Author
Brian Kelly has chased steelhead from British Columbia to New York and enjoys teaching others this great outdoor sport as well as testing his skills on new waters.
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.