How to Catch Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon, also known as Alaska Red Salmon, are found in the Kenai Peninsula, and typically spend two to three years of their life in the ocean before they make their way back to the spawning waterways where they were born. The salmon make noticeable movements in the water, making them easier to spot, but they are strong and difficult to fight. Sockeye salmon can get up to 16 pounds in weight.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly fishing rod
  • Fly fishing lures
  • Number 3 or 4 hook
  • Polarized sunglasses
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Instructions

    • 1

      Walk around the river banks in Kenai or Kasilof Alaska, or the Russian rivers. It is best to do this from late May to mid August. Look for slack water areas, as the school of salmon will rest there.

    • 2

      Look for splashing and rolling movements in the water as you are walking towards the slack water areas. This indicates exactly where the salmon are. Using polarized sunglasses may help you to spot the fish.

    • 3

      Bait your fly rod with a number three or four lure, and a small weight. The weight should be placed just above the lure.

    • 4

      Cast your line slightly upstream from the salmon. Sockeye salmon swim with their mouths open, so you want your lure to wash into their mouths.

    • 5

      Set the hook by lightly jerking the line downstream as soon as you feel a tug on the line. The Sockeye Salmon tend to spit out a lure or fly once it enters their mouth, so you must set it quickly. If you hooked the salmon, you will feel strong pulling on the end of the line.

    • 6

      Reel in the salmon by pulling the rod up, and then letting if fall down while reeling quickly. Do not try to reel quickly if there is a lot of pressure on the line or it will break. If you do not feel a strong pull, reel in the line, and repeat steps four and five until you hook a fish.