What’s the best plug color for salmon? The one they’re biting…of course. Sorry — bad joke! Anyway, It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the Kwikfish and Flatfish color choices hanging on the wall at the local tackle mart, but keep in mind that you really only need a few to cover most of the bases.
The longer I guide, the more I find that I try to keep things simplified…a fellow could go crazy worrying about all the details! So, here’s my basic color selection guidelines for fishing for river kings:
Low/Clear Water
Dark/Stained Water
Cloudy Days
All-Around Studs
Harry says
Hi JD-
New to this kind of fishing, I’m wondering about tackle . . .rod length & strength, reel & capacity, line test & type , and flourocarbon leader. Thanks.
JD says
Harry, you need a rod with a soft tip but plenty of backbone for plugs. I run a Shimano Tekota 300 spooled with 50-lb. braid and 40-lb mono leader.
jim kesinger says
When troling for salmon in the Sacrament river, what size flatfish do you prefer?
Do you prefer rattle or non-rattle version? Do you replace stock hooks on lures with better hooks?
Thankyou very much, FISH HARD AND FEAR NO FISH!
JD says
i like K15 in silver/chartreuse. I replace the hooks with Owner trebles.
jim kesinger says
can you please tell me whats better rattle or non rattle for the sac thanks JD
JD says
All a matter of personal preference. I use both equally…
Kyle says
What size do you use primarily?
Have you ever used a J-13 rapala?
Thanks
Parker says
have you ever fished a kwikfish behind a side plainer
JD says
No I haven’t but have seen it done…seems to work fine in the right situation.
Eric w says
hey JD, what lures do you think are best for fishing the Bogachiel during the winter steelhead run?
What do you usually use?
And what color spoons and spinners and sizes are best for winter?
if you can’t tell I’m pretty new to steelhead fishing.
JD says
Hey Eric,
As far as plug selection goes on the Bogey, I like a silver/orange Tad Pollys. Winter spoons and spinners…well, you can go all over the map on that one, but to keep it simple: Run 2/3 or 2/5 ounce spoons or No. 4 spinners in genuine silver or gold.
Max w says
Could you use kwikfish in the rivers as well?
i’ve many kings in the sol duc and ive been trying to hook em but nothing has been working.
haven’t tryed kwikfish before, should i use them in the rivers?
JD says
Yep, Max, Kwikfish are killer in the rivers! Give ’em a try!