How much backing do I need for Atlantic salmon?


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A single action reel large enough to hold the flyline and 100 to 200 yards of backing should be adequate.

How do you set up a fly rod for salmon fishing?

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What do you need to fly fish salmon?

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How do you cast a salmon fly?

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What weight fly rod do you use for salmon?

An ideal fly rod for salmon is a 9′ 9-weight fast action rod. Also, a lifetime or 25-year warranty is ideal as well. A 9 weight provides the backbone to turn a +25 pound salmon, but still has the flexibility to cast large streamers and heavily weighted flies.

What size flies for salmon?

If you see a salmon swipe or follow the fly, that’s a great sign. It doesn’t mean it’s the exact fly, but it could be the color they want. Use these flies in size 4-8.

How do you fish for Atlantic salmon?

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Can you salmon fish with a fly rod?

While some people may think fly fishing is only for certain species, that’s a myth. Fly fishing anglers can target almost any type of salt or freshwater fish, including king salmon.

How do you fight salmon on a fly rod?

Hand on Rod above Cork Handle. Put the fighting butt of the rod into your chest when your arm or wrist needs a break. Don’t try to cheat by putting your second hand on the rod above the cork for extra leverage for very longโ€ฆ this is a sure way to break a fly rod on a big (or small) salmon.

Can you use braid as fly backing?

The answer is yes! Fly shops around the country use braided fishing line to back their fly reels.

How long should the leader be on a fly rod?

Leader length depends on the type of fishing you are doing and the conditions, but a general guideline would be 6-12 feet long. A good place to start is with a 9-foot tapered leader. If you are fishing to spookier fish, add a section of tippet and lengthen that out to 12 feet or so.

Does fly line color matter?

If you’re going to line ’em, it doesn’t matter what color the line actually is. A highly visible line might help you see and control your drift better, which many say is the number one factor that influences whether a trout will eat your fly or not in the first place.

How do you reel a salmon on a fly rod?

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What is a 9 weight fly rod for?

A 9wt fly rod is designed for fast-action performance with powerful swing rates. This means you can easily launch big flies over considerable distances in bustling winds and yet remain precise. You could say that a 9 wt fly rod is somewhere in the middle of being a lightweight and heavy duty fly rod.

Where is the best Atlantic salmon fishing?

  • ICELAND. Andakilsรก River. Located on the west coast of Iceland, this small two rod river is a favorite of the locals.
  • NORWAY. Gaula River.
  • RUSSIA. Kola River.
  • IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND. River Finn.
  • CANADA. Bonaventure River.

Can you use a 7 weight fly rod for salmon?

Many of our guests also use 7 weights when targeting some salmon species (sockeye, chums, pink, and silver salmon) and pike as well. Although larger rods in the 8 or 9 weight range can make easier work of casting heavy flies/rigs and fighting larger species, a 7 weight is able to get the job done in most circumstances.

Can you use a 5 weight fly rod for salmon?

A 5 weight fly fishing rod is a versatile rod suitable for catching freshwater fish like perch, trout, small bass and salmon. It is the most common fly fishing rod used in a variety of locations including streams, rivers and lakes by fly fishing anglers.

What is a 7 wt fly rod good for?

If you’re looking for a rod that can handle a variety of fishing techniques, specifically for larger fish, then you’ll want to add 7 wt fly rod to your quiver. They excel at casting large flies, streamers with sink tips, handling wind, and casting long distances.

What flies do Atlantic salmon eat?

Traditional Atlantic Salmon and Spey patterns below. These include, Harewings, Bombers, Buck Bugs and more.

What size hooks for salmon flies?

For small stream trout, smaller fly fishing hook sizes like a 6 or 10 may be sufficient. For medium-sized species such as salmon or redfish, you might use a size 4, 2 or 1/0. For larger species, you might try a 2/0 to 4/0.

What kind of rod do I need for salmon fishing?

Typical drift fishing gear includes an 8 1/2- or 9-foot rod rated for 15-30 pound line, and either a bait casting reel or a spinning reel. For larger fish, like Chinook salmon, use 20-25 pound line. For smaller fish, like pink salmon, use 10-15 pound line.

What is the best line for salmon fishing?

We recommend strong 10-15 lb mono or 15-30 lb braided line. You can then tie on a lighter weight fluorocarbon 2-4 foot long leader. For salmon fishing you will want a 7-9 ft. Line weight 15-30 lb medium to heavy action rod.

How deep should I fish for salmon?

The most common method for taking catching salmon in California waters is trolling โ€“ pulling a lure or bait through the water using boat movement. Since salmon (especially kings) are often found 10 to 100 feet below the surface, methods must be employed to take bait or lures to these depths.

Is an 8wt fly rod good for salmon?

They’re definitely strong, just a bit different than Silvers. People often use the same fly rod to target Silver Salmon and Chum Salmon. There’s nothing wrong with using an 8wt single-handed rod for both species.

Is steelhead or salmon harder to fight?

Some steelhead do fight hard. Most salmon fight harder, but usually not as acrobatic in the air.

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