Types of Salmon Fishing

Salmon can be caught in several different ways depending on the season and location. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Ocean & Lake Trolling Trolling is one of the most popular and productive methods for catching salmon whether you’re on the Pacific Ocean, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, or any of the Great Lakes. Running flashers and hoochies at the right depth is the key to consistent success. Shortbus Flashers are designed specifically for this style of fishing.

River & Tributary Fishing Rivers and tributaries across the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes region offer incredible salmon runs in the fall. Drift fishing, back-bouncing, and plunking are all proven techniques depending on water conditions.

Bay & Estuary Fishing Bays and estuaries are great spots to intercept salmon moving in from the ocean or lake. Anchoring with bait or casting spinners near current seams can be very productive.

Inland Lake & Reservoir Fishing Many inland lakes and reservoirs across North America are stocked with kokanee and landlocked Chinook. Trolling small flashers with wedding ring spinners is a deadly combination here.

Gear & Setup for Salmon Fishing

Having the right gear can make the difference between a slow day and a limits catch. Here’s what you need:

Flashers Flashers are one of the most important pieces of tackle for trolling salmon anywhere in North America. They create flash and vibration that attracts fish from a distance — whether you’re on the Pacific Ocean, Lake Michigan, or a Great Lakes tributary. Shortbus Flashers are built tough for both open water and river conditions, designed to maximize action at any trolling speed.

Hoochies & Bait Pair your flasher with a hoochie, spoon, or natural bait like anchovy or herring. Color selection matters — start with green or chartreuse in murky water and scale back to natural colors in clear conditions.

Downriggers & Weights Getting your gear to the right depth is critical. Downriggers give you precise depth control on open water. For river fishing, use enough weight to keep your bait near the bottom where salmon hold.

Leader Length A 24 to 36 inch leader between your flasher and lure is a good starting point. Adjust based on how aggressive the fish are on any given day.

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Tips & Techniques for Catching Salmon

For Beginners Start simple. Troll a Shortbus Flasher with a green hoochie at 50-100 feet deep and let the gear do the work. Keep your boat speed between 2-3 mph and cover water until you find the fish. This works whether you’re on the Pacific coast or the Great Lakes.

For Intermediate Anglers Pay attention to water temperature and bait balls on your fish finder. Salmon stack up near bait so mark those areas and make multiple passes. Vary your trolling speed and depth until you dial in what’s working that day.

For Experienced Anglers Fine tune your leader length, flasher rotation speed, and color patterns based on conditions. Early morning and late afternoon are peak feeding times. In rivers and tributaries, read the water — salmon hold in seams between fast and slow current, behind boulders, and in deep pools.

Universal Tips

• Always check local regulations before heading out — rules vary by state and region
• Match your flasher color to water clarity and light conditions
• Keep your hooks sharp — dull hooks lose fish
• Fresh bait always outperforms old bait
• Be patient — salmon fishing rewards those who put in the time

Ready to Catch More Salmon?

At Shortbus Flashers we build tackle that flat out catches fish. Every flasher is designed and tested by real anglers on real water — from the Oregon coast and Pacific Northwest rivers to the tributaries and open waters of the Great Lakes and beyond.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been chasing salmon your whole life, the right flasher setup makes all the difference.

Shop Shortbus Flashers today and get on the fish!

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