Salmon lures

[Yukondogloshua]

Hey all-
I’m planning on going to bowmanville creek and the rouge river this weekend for some salmon, as this is my first time I was curious of what lures and baits might work, I don’t want to snag any of them because I believe it’s unsportsmanlike and unfair to the fish. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!

 

[BRMZ]

Drifting roe under the float is the least snag prone in my opinion.

 

[Symmetre]

If you don't want to snag salmon then I would avoid both of those spots and fish off the piers instead. I know I'm going to get flamed big time for saying this but the truth is that at least 90% of the salmon caught upstream in rivers are snagged, intentionally or otherwise. Not all, but at least 90%. Even fish hooked "in the mouth" usually just get the line caught in their teeth as it drifts by, or they swim into it. Some guys say it's in the mouth so its legit, but they're full of crap. Anyone can hook a fish around the mouth by drifting the line into its face. It's still snagging.

Try casting big Mepps spinners or Kwikfish off the piers at the river mouths. Still lots of fish in the lake, and those ones are still hitting. They fight hard and they're not going to be snagged.

If you really want to fish in the river, try using small Kwikfish or something similar. Drifting anything usually means you line (snag) most of the fish. BRMZ is right, using a float makes it less snag prone, but it will still happen.

Okay snaggers, flame away. I don't care, we both know the truth.

 

[Ibstacle]

lol I'd say 99% are snagged/flossed

 

[bigugly]

I've always said that we have all caught salmon in creeks by snagging them, maybe not intentionally but it happens. I just straight arm them and hope my hook pops and if not my leader breaks so I'm not out much. I do however take offence with saying all of them are snagged, I can't see shit once my gear is in the water, never have been able to, it helps when you have shitty eyes. I've seen fish headshaking in pools then realize its my stuff but other than that I just go by my float I realize these fish are not eating once they have hit the creeks but they will hit out of aggression, now I saw I can't see my gear which is true but I can see fish and when one darts at something and your float goes down it's a pretty good indication it took a swipe at your bait. One tip if you don't want to snag don't jerk your line out at the end of a drift, just slowly pull it out of the water.

 

[BRMZ]

You have a point Symmetre but I am not sure about 90% estimate. I would guesstimate it around 30-40%
It is really hard to snag something in 10+ feet deep pool with the roe bag (but possible nevertheless )

 

[T-Ack]

Fall salmon fishing is a joke regardless.

 

[Chrome Bullets]

I was fishing a big pool this weekend that I couldn't see bottom in. I was drifting worms and 90% swallowed the worm. That's a pretty good floss not being able too see em and getting that hook buried at the back of their tongue lol. Also caught some creek chub and floated those through the pool. Salmon hit so hard there wasn't much creek chub left after pulling em in. But if salmon don't hit then those creek chub are dumb as fu*k and swimming right down their throats. :mrgreen:

I got tons of video float fishing in real dirty water. About 1" visibility. Clearly being able to see the float rocket down and when landing the fish everyone of em had taken the dew worm right down.

I am in no way saying that salmon don't get snagged. They do and it does happen to me. But I also have plenty of proof of them crushing worms, beads and creek chub..... Creek chub out of aggression. The beads due to their natural drive to kill other "competing genetics".... as for the worms. They definitely pounding those.

Agreeing with big Ugly here.

 

[chinook2835]

I find that most in the river are flossed or snggged wether u intend to or not and obviously fishing piers/marinas with j13 and flatfish its strikes of aggression but I actually witnessed my egg sucking leech fly type lure go past a big female yesterday and she snapped at it very aggresivly was surprised cause she wasn't in the best shape, during the 2 days I've been out and from the 7 I've landed I've only had two where the hook was inside facing out unfortunately 1 was a female like I just stated which surprised me the other was a personal best 30 lbs male other were all top of the head or mouth and one on the fin which happens

 

[Tubetrax]

If you don't want to snag salmon then I would avoid both of those spots and fish off the piers instead. I know I'm going to get flamed big time for saying this but the truth is that at least 90% of the salmon caught upstream in rivers are snagged, intentionally or otherwise. Not all, but at least 90%. Even fish hooked "in the mouth" usually just get the line caught in their teeth as it drifts by, or they swim into it. Some guys say it's in the mouth so its legit, but they're full of crap. Anyone can hook a fish around the mouth by drifting the line into its face. It's still snagging.

Try casting big Mepps spinners or Kwikfish off the piers at the river mouths. Still lots of fish in the lake, and those ones are still hitting. They fight hard and they're not going to be snagged.

If you really want to fish in the river, try using small Kwikfish or something similar. Drifting anything usually means you line (snag) most of the fish. BRMZ is right, using a float makes it less snag prone, but it will still happen.

Okay snaggers, flame away. I don't care, we both know the truth.

LOL Your Right !
Butt don't forget all those Bassholes,
Hookset Happy Snaggers fishing Bass,

Appropriately known as Bassholes.
But they sure Look Cool !
They think there impressing people by making a Basshole of themselves & hooking
everybody & everything around them with flying treble hooks.

Tight Lines
Dan

 

[Tubetrax]

I was fishing a big pool this weekend that I couldn't see bottom in. I was drifting worms and 90% swallowed the worm. That's a pretty good floss not being able too see em and getting that hook buried at the back of their tongue lol. Also caught some creek chub and floated those through the pool. Salmon hit so hard there wasn't much creek chub left after pulling em in. But if salmon don't hit then those creek chub are dumb as fu*k and swimming right down their throats. :mrgreen:

I got tons of video float fishing in real dirty water. About 1" visibility. Clearly being able to see the float rocket down and when landing the fish everyone of em had taken the dew worm right down.

I am in no way saying that salmon don't get snagged. They do and it does happen to me. But I also have plenty of proof of them crushing worms, beads and creek chub..... Creek chub out of aggression. The beads due to their natural drive to kill other "competing genetics".... as for the worms. They definitely pounding those.

Agreeing with big Ugly here.

I agree
You've payed attention over the years, your mostly catching & know how to catch.
Most people are fishing & have to snag to catch !

Tight Lines
Dan

 

[T-Ack]

:wacko:
LOL Your Right !
Butt don't forget all those Bassholes,
Hookset Happy Snaggers fishing Bass,

Appropriately known as Bassholes.
But they sure Look Cool !
They think there impressing people by making a Basshole of themselves & hooking
everybody & everything around them with flying treble hooks.

Tight Lines
Dan

 

[Tubetrax]

I have a very simple solution stop snagging Salmon !
Everyone can easily solve the snagging issue If they really wanted to !!!

Other than the smallest size being size #8 which isn't huge.
How about switching to "Circle Hooks" ???

I use Circle Hooks exclusively when fishing live or cut bait !
Just hook it through the knot on your roe sack leaving the hook exposed ?
Yes leave Circle Hooks exposed !

My exceptions to Circle Hooks is.
Offshore trolling with skirted lures, I use Mustad 7691s J-Hooks.
Also I'll switch out trebles on my trolling spoons & lures to single or double hooks



https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gamakatsu-Octopus-Hook-Circle-Black-Size-8-10-Per-pack-2714/132545168767?epid=9016208310&hash=item1edc4ec57f:g:H1gAAOSw3sVasJQy



https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-100pcs-Offset-Sport-Circle-Fishing-Hook-High-carbon-Steel-Bass-Fishhook/351749553980?epid=1186014633&hash=item51e5e83f3c:m:mVAdes5JUx7VXdOeT2s1Iag

Tight Lines
Dan