California was once a Salmon stronghold with world-class runs and robust commercial fisheries. While the Salmon populations have declined, there are still viable fisheries in the Golden State. Sportfishers will find all five species of Pacific Salmon, although they tend to focus on Chinook and Coho above all else.
Going Salmon fishing in California requires special attention to the regulations. They are very specific with rules for each individual fishery. Checking for closures and rule changes is also necessary before each outing. The catch limits are often based on fish counts returning to river systems and are always subject to change.
But now for some good news. California boasts some very large Salmon, so there’s a real chance of catching a serious trophy. Learn about the seasons, fisheries, and techniques to start your journey towards a successful trip on California’s iconic waters.
Types of Salmon in California
With all five varieties of Pacific Salmon available, you have several options in California. The locations and runs for each species vary so pay special attention to timing. When it comes to catching Salmon in rivers or inshore fisheries, hitting the active times is critical.
Chinook Salmon. Also called “Kings,” Chinook are the most sought-after species in the state. They’re also the largest with fish in the 10–20 pound range being common. Fish over 20 pounds are also possible, with the state record weighing an incredible 88 pounds back in 1979. That fish was caught from the Sacramento River (covered in depth below).
Chum Salmon. This variety grows to large sizes and they dig hard when hooked. Chum are highly underrated and have strong fighting power in saltwater. They turn colors and degrade quickly after entering freshwater, so time your trip right.
Coho Salmon. Often referred to as “Silvers,” Coho are revered for their acrobatic leaps and crashing runs. When fresh from saltwater, they’re aggressive, fast, and fun to catch. They also make for an exceptional meal.
Pink Salmon. You’ll often find Pink Salmon in canned goods. They run in big numbers on odd-numbered years. Expect boom-and-bust lifecycles and plenty of action during the bigger runs. Pinks are smaller than most other Salmon but they still offer a great fight.
Sockeye Salmon. Alaska is known for robust Sockeye fisheries with fish counts in the millions. They also run farther south with populations in Washington, Oregon, and California. They even reach the inland Idaho river systems, too. Sockeye have exceptional flavor and are a favorite fish to keep and eat. Keep in mind, Kokanee Salmon are a landlocked Sockeye that also live in freshwater lakes.
Timing the Salmon Runs in California
This might be the most important consideration for planning a Salmon fishing trip. Make sure to find out the run timing for each species you want to target. They run at different times, in different fisheries.
You’ll want to always hit the water when the fish are moving! Avid Salmon anglers check fishing reports religiously and spend plenty of time talking and sharing information about the runs.
Winter is an important time for Salmon fishing in California, with November through January being a big season for Salmon runs. You’ll also find some fall fisheries that are active ahead of the season and spring fisheries a little later.
Summer brings hot weather, and this is when Salmon are least active in the rivers. Sockeye will run during the summer in some fisheries, however. Essentially, you can find Salmon in the bays and rivers throughout the year but most fisheries focus on fall- and spring-run fish, with peak numbers overlapping during the winter months.
How to Catch Salmon in California
There are plenty of options for Salmon fishing techniques. You can catch them from shore, naturally, but having a boat for the rivers and bays is always useful. Conventional gear and fly fishing are both effective. How you choose to fish and pursue Salmon is a matter of preference and experience.
Regardless of what approach you choose, always bring a reel with adequate drag and strong lines. Chinook are especially strong and they deserve a line test in the 30+ pound range on many fisheries. Land them quickly, especially when you plan on releasing the fish.
River Fishing Techniques
Salmon enter the rivers to spawn and they typically stop feeding while traveling. Anglers still persuade them to strike, however, and some exceptional Salmon are caught in river systems every year.
Back trolling. You’ll need a boat to pull this one off. Back trolling is possible with a motor or by rowing with oars to hold the boat position. The lines are released with lures or bait attached and dropped into a prime location – usually the bottom end of a run where the water is deep or along a seam where Salmon will travel. The motor or oars are used to hold the position while the current pulls on the line. Using this technique, you can keep the lures or baits in prime positions until a Salmon strikes.
Centerpin drifts. These specialized reels have a free-spinning design. You can rig the line with a cork and bait or jig. The line is light and the free-spinning reel allows for a long, uninterrupted drift. It works from shore but having a boat certainly helps you drift alongside the line.
Casting lures. Shore anglers can do very well by simply casting lures. Spoons are a favorite for Salmon fishing and they work from shore or boat. The movement and flashy design trigger strikes. The technique is very simple and something every Salmon angler should have in their arsenal.
Bottom bouncing. You can do this as a variation of back trolling or by casting from shore or an anchored boat. A heavy sinker is used to drop your bait along the bottom. When it reaches, lift the rod every couple of seconds to bounce the sinker as it moves down-current. A sandy bottom helps to avoid snagging with this technique.
Swinging flies. From shore, anglers use single or two-handed rods to cast flies and swing them across the current. Using sinking tip lines in deep water is ideal for Chinooks. Coho are sometimes caught on or near the surface, too. Popper fishing for Coho is especially fun when they’re fresh out of saltwater.
Fishing Tips for the Bays and Ocean
You’ll find some overlap between river and ocean techniques but there are important distinctions. Salmon living in saltwater are typically always feeding so it really pays to find the food sources. Fish finders are very helpful and they can pinpoint schools while showing depths and the topography of the ocean floor.
Trolling. River trolling rigs are often simple with few flashers and add-ons beyond the lure or bait. In the bays, however, trolling rigs deploy flashers to create more action and visibility. The lure or bait sits behind the flashers in this case. Using downriggers, divers, or planing boards to control depth is essential when the fish are sitting deeper than a few feet. If they’re near the surface, straight trolling is just fine.
Jigging. This works for just about any species of game fish. For Salmon specifically, the first step involves finding the fish and determining the depth. At this point, drop the jig to match and bounce it within that zone. Using hairstyle jigs and bait-tipped jigs will get the job done. You can let the boat drift while jigging, using natural currents.
Mooching Rigs. This method of dropping bait can work equally well in rivers and ocean bays. It uses a curved weight with cut herring or other bait to create a sensitive hook set. Mooching is a ton of fun and it requires less driving than trolling. You simply find the fish, cast, and let the bait sink to your desired depth. Reel up slowly and feel for a strike, then set the hook.
Where to Go Salmon Fishing in California
There are a few places to really focus your Salmon fishing efforts in California. These fisheries are the most likely to remain open and they’re viable sport fisheries. Pay attention to the seasons and plan accordingly, as mentioned above. As always, check for closures before hitting any of these fisheries.
Sacramento River
The Sacramento River has one of the longest seasons you can find for Salmon. King Salmon are in the river system throughout much of the year. The season lasts from July to the end of the year with fish growing up to 60 pounds. If you want to chase big Chinook in a river system, this is one of the best fisheries to explore. It’s also very long with room to spread out and find some niche spaces.
Northern Coast Rivers
Northern California is a Salmon hotspot with multiple rivers to explore. They even enter small, remote streams that look unlikely on the map. Some of the more iconic rivers include the Smith, Eel, Klamath, American, and Trinity Rivers.
It’s worth noting that the Klamath River system is undergoing several phases of dam removal efforts. There will be fishing closures but the river stands to improve as a fishery with a new spawning habitat for the fish.
Near and Offshore Zones
The bays and ocean zones are also great for salmon fishing throughout the year. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife divides the coastline into a series of regions. Each zone has a northern and southern border with regulations specified within those borders.
Northern Zone. Also called the KMZ zone, it begins at the Oregon border and extends south nearly to Shelter Cove. The Klamath and other northern rivers enter the ocean in this zone. It’s a productive region with strong ocean currents.
Fort Bragg. From May through September, trolling the bays around Fort Bragg can produce excellent Salmon. They feed aggressively before entering the river systems in this region. It’s the smallest of the ocean zones but is worth fishing DIY or with a charter.
San Francisco. The Bay Area is historically fantastic for Salmon fishing. Half Moon Bay and San Francisco are both wonderful places to explore. The area’s culture, scenery, and fishing are truly unique and there are great charter boats serving the area. You can even fish from the shore and park systems around San Francisco when the Salmon are moving past.
Monterey and south. The final zone covers all Salmon habitats moving south. Santa Cruz, Morro Bay, and all of the southern outliers are included in this area. The farther south you travel, the fewer Salmon you’ll encounter. Warmer ocean temperatures to the south are not ideal for Salmon and the southernmost river systems are largely degraded and dewatered.
Final Check before Salmon Fishing in California
The number one step for every trip involves a last-minute check on closures. The state announces them suddenly, so you must be prepared to accept a cancellation or pivot to a different fishery.
Otherwise, get your gear in order and plan for a specific destination. Booking a charter is an excellent way to get ahead of the curve. Of course, DIY trips have plenty of potential if you time the runs well and get on the water early.
Things You Need:
- California fishing license
- North Coast Salmon report card
- Fishing equipment
- Rain gear and layered clothing
- Pliers for removing hooks to safely release fish
That’s all folks! Go hit the water and enjoy some of the most scenic Salmon fisheries in the west. You won’t regret it.
Have you ever been Salmon fishing in California? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
The post Salmon Fishing in California: An Angler’s Guide appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
https://ift.tt/GrM65uT
0 Comments
Enregistrer un commentaire