Fly Fishing for Salmon

Imagine enjoying a dinner of freshly caught salmon.   Perhaps you serve the fish with wild rice and fresh garden greens.   Not only are you enjoying a fantastic meal but you have the pride in knowing you caught the fish yourself.   Fly fishing for salmon is a relaxing activity where you can enjoy being outdoors.   You are away from computers, cell phones and other technologies of our modern world.  It can just be you, your fishing gear and the great outdoors.   The only sounds you would hear are those made by the wind blowing through the tree, nearby wildlife and the sound of the water lapping against the shoreline.

But a fishing trip where you do not catch anything is disappointing.  

 But learning about the effects of weather and water temperature on salmon is very helpful.  Follow these guidelines to help make sure you fishing trip is not only fun but productive as well.

Water temperature is very important in catching salmon.   You should check the water temperature of the fishing site several times throughout the day.   Buy a good thermometer and take temperature readings from six inches to three feet below the surface.   Check the temperature at the same place each day and record the readings.   This practice will give you an idea of changing temperature patterns and enable you to select the best time to fish.

Not only do salmon prefer cooler water but they also prefer cloudy skies.   This is because cooler water has more oxygen and the fish will be more active.  However, a more active fish will be harder to catch.   A struggle to reel a fish is challenging at first but can soon become tiring.   It could be very frustrating to lose a fish  after long struggle.

A sunny day will heat the water and make the fish less active.    While you may enjoy the sunny weather, the fish usually do not swim near the surface and will stay closer to the bottom of the water.   This may reduce your chances of catching anything and make your fishing trip disappointing.    

 You should try to find a “happy medium” in water temperature and cloud cover where the fish are active but not too hot.

There are many types of fishing gear used to catch salmon.   You should apply your understanding of weather and temperature when selecting what rod, reel and fishing line to use.  You also have to know what bait and lures would be best for the given conditions of your fishing trip.