Salmon (Pacific & Atlantic)
From Pacific salmon in the Northwest to Chinook and coho in the Great Lakes and Atlantic salmon in the Northeast, salmon are among the most prized (and hardest-fighting) sport fish in America.
Fall river runs dominate on the Pacific coast and in the Great Lakes; Atlantic salmon peak in spring. Timing is run-specific — check the local run report.
General U.S. mainland pattern. Exact timing shifts by state, latitude, and water body — always confirm seasons and closures with the local agency before you go.
Where to fish Salmon (Pacific & Atlantic) now
Public waters we tag for Salmon (Pacific & Atlantic). Tap one to see its profile, then plan the trip.
- San Francisco Bay — CA · Striped bass, sturgeon, salmon.
- Sacramento River — CA · Salmon and stripers.
- Columbia River — OR · Sturgeon and salmon.
- Nehalem Bay — OR · Salmon and sea-run cutthroat.
- Puget Sound — WA · Salmon, Lingcod, and cutthroat.
- Columbia River (WA) — WA · Sturgeon and salmon.
- Door County (Green Bay) — WI · Smallmouth and salmon.
Recommended tackle
| Rod power | Medium-Heavy to Heavy |
| Rod action | Moderate-Fast |
| Reel | 4000–6000 spinning or conventional troller |
| Line | 15–30 lb |
| Lure types | Trolling spoons, Flashers, Plugs, Egg patterns |
| Rigs | Trolling rig, Drift rig, Spey / streamer swing |
Great Lakes trolling uses downriggers and planer boards; river fishing favors drift and fly.
Lures & techniques
| Lure / method | When & how |
|---|---|
| Trolling spoons and flashers | The standard Great Lakes method. |
| Drift fishing with eggs | Effective in flowing water. |
| Fly: large streamers | Swing them in rivers. |
| Casting spoons | For aggressive fish in the surf or estuaries. |
Best seasons
Fall runs dominate on the Pacific coast; Great Lakes fish are caught spring through fall; Atlantic salmon peak in spring.
Target waters
- Great Lakes and their tributaries
- Pacific Northwest rivers
- Northeast coastal rivers
- Anadromous streams
Gear & regulations
Print the full gear spec, then confirm the license and limits for the state you’ll fish.