There are many varieties of salmon that are native to both the East and West coasts of the United States, as well as the Great Lakes. Salmon are a migratory fish. After hatching from their eggs in fresh-water lakes and streams, they travel through rivers to reach the ocean to feed. They must travel back to fresh waters to spawn. Salmon are strong fish, and catching them in rivers can be tricky due to the fish's agility and the river's currents. Your fishing rod and line should be rated for the kind of salmon you want to catch. Larger salmon, such as Chinook, can weigh up to 30 pounds, so be sure your line is designed for fish up to this weight.
Step 1
Cast your fishing line upstream. If you are standing on shore, aim your line to about 30 to 45 degrees upstream, close to the bank of the shore you are on. If you are in an anchored boat you can cast your line upstream from your boat.
Step 2
Allow the current of the river to drift your line and weight downstream. Adjust your weight so that your line bounces on the bottom of the river bed as it drifts downstream. If your line is not bouncing, add more weight. If it is dragging, use less weight.
Step 3
Reel in your cast when your line and bait reaches about 30 to 45 degrees downstream from where you are standing.
Step 4
Cast your line out again at about a 30- to 45-degree angle. This time, aim a bit further out into the river from the shore. You will repeat this, casting further out every time, so that you comb the entire width of the river to find salmon. If you are in a boat, you can try different parts of the river from where you are floating.
Step 5
Set the hook by giving the line a quick yank if you feel a bite. This will force the hook to catch onto the salmon's mouth. Once you have set the hook, reel in the fish.
Things You'll Need
- Fishing rod (15 to 30 pounds)
- Fishing line
- Weight
- Snap swivel
- Fishing leader
- Hook with cork and yarn attached
- Bait or salmon bait scent
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