Sockeye or Red salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka. Often called the “shy” salmon, the sockeye is perhaps the most mysterious of the five pacific salmon. They are usually found in huge numbers and can turn even the smallest creek into a highway of fish swimming back and forth. The red salmon has long been Alaska’s most valuable commercial fish. Their very rich meat makes them very popular, and fishing for them in the Kenai River alone brings in several hundred million dollars every year. They’ve also become very popular for sportfishing since more people have learned how to catch sockeye salmon in recent years. Learn more about this Alaska Fishing staple.
The sockeye’s reluctance to take a lure has caused more than one visiting angler to scratch their head. The guy next to you hooking one on every cast can further acerbate the frustration. Everyone new to the sport of red fishing has been there. You will also be scratching your head until you learn the right way to do what sockeye salmon fishing guides do and understand some basic facts about how to catch sockeye salmon in the Kenai River. Let’s clear the water.
And because sockeye are the only type of salmon that eat mostly plankton blooms, they are not nearly as mean as their meat-eating relatives. They take on a passive, solemn appearance as they plod their methodical, almost generic journey upriver to spawn. Don’t be fooled. What looks like a simple animal is actually a very complicated wild animal with a lot of energy and strength. Sockeye are amazingly uniform in appearance with most weighing between six and ten pounds. The state record was taken on the Kenai in 1974 and weighed 16lbs.
Sockeye move upriver at amazing speeds as soon as they leave the water because they can’t wait to get to where they spawn. There are often sea-lice fish on the Kenai. Sea lice are parasites that fall off after 24 hours. in fresh water) 50 miles upriver. With their unmatched stamina, these silver torpedoes provide the wildest fight of all Alaska’s salmon. That is, if you know how to catch sockeye salmon. And that is where our sockeye salmon fishing guides come in.
Sockeye fish are reluctant to strike, and knowing why will help you a lot when you’re trying to catch one (and put it in the freezer). When the kings are around, you won’t need the fist-sized bait of eggs and a spin-n-glow. Nor will you want the chrome bladed spinner that most consistently entices the silvers. For the sockeye, you want a very simple and small presentation. A bare hook works really well, too. That’s right, a bare hook. Few people add a tiny bit of colored yarn or float, but it seems like the way you present it is more important than what you present.
Sockeye salmon, also known as red salmon are one of the most popular and delicious fish species targeted by anglers in Alaska. Their bright red meat is prized for its rich flavor and versatility in recipes. Catching these strong, stubborn fish can be a challenge but is extremely rewarding when done successfully. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to catch sockeye salmon in Alaska.
Understanding Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye salmon spend most of their lives in the ocean, but return to freshwater streams and rivers to spawn. During spawning season, hundreds of thousands of sockeye will migrate upstream, providing ample fishing opportunities for anglers.
Sockeye get their name from the bright red coloration and lack of spots on their body when they return to freshwater. Males develop a pronounced hump on their back and jaws that curve into an underbite. Spawning sockeye range from 4-15 pounds, with 8 pounds being average.
These salmon are known for their stamina and strength when hooked. Their lightning fast runs and aerial acrobatics make them a thrill to catch Sockeye also have a bad reputation for being difficult to entice to strike compared to other salmon species. But with the right techniques, you can consistently hook sockeye during their upstream migrations
Choosing the Right Gear
Having the proper rod, reel, line and tackle makes a huge difference when sockeye fishing Here are some key gear considerations
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Rods: The best rods are a medium-heavy power, fast-action 8–10-weight fly rod or a baitcasting or spinning rod in the 10–20-lb class. You need a sturdy rod to handle heavy weights/flies and fight strong fish.
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Reels: Pick a reel with a smooth, high-quality drag system and large arbor suitable for #8-#10 weight fly line or 10-20 lb test mono/braid. The reel should have the capacity for 200+ yards of backing.
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Line: For fly fishing, use a floating weight forward or sink tip line. Spinning/baitcast setups should be spooled with 10-20 lb braided line or monofilament. Use a fluorocarbon or mono leader.
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Terminal Tackle: When spin fishing, use 1-3 ounce weights and bait holder hooks sized 2/0-5/0. For fly fishing, conehead streamers or beads/egg patterns size 2-6 hooks. Use 15-20 lb fluorocarbon or wire tippet.
Prime Sockeye Fishing Techniques
While conventional casting and retrieving techniques will occasionally entice strikes, the most effective methods for targeting sockeye take advantage of their upstream migratory behavior.
Drift Fishing (Lining): Cast directly across or slightly downstream and allow your fly/bait to drift along the bottom. Control the drift with occasional small upstream mends. The takes will be light “ticks” as fish mouth the fly or bait.
Flossing: Position yourself facing upstream and cast your fly/bait across the current. As line drifts downstream, follow the drift while slowly sweeping the rod downstream to maintain control. Takes happen as the line slides through fishes’ mouths.
Backtrolling: Slowly move your boat backwards against the current with lines trailing directly behind. Use diving planers or weights to get lures/bait down to fish. The boat should be just fast enough to keep lines vertical beneath the surface.
Finding Productive Sockeye Waters
Focus your efforts in areas where sockeye schools are stalled or concentrated. Prime spots include:
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Long pools and slack water where fish hold and rest
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Constrictions like bridges or narrows that funnel fish
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Inside bends where reduced current allows fish to hold
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Behind structure that provides current breaks
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Within tributaries and sloughs off main rivers
Observe the water and look for rolling fish, splashing, and flashes of red-orange in the water to find sockeye schools. Having a fish finder or underwater camera can also help locate large groups of salmon.
Strike Indicators and Setting the Hook
Due to their subtle takes, having a visual strike indicator is extremely helpful when sockeye fishing. For floating fly/spin gear, attach a thingamabobber or other slip bobber 3-5 feet above your fly/bait. The bobber dipping, twitching or stalling means a sockeye has the gear in its mouth.
On trolled gear, useplaner boards, rod holders or a downrigger with a strike sensor. Set the hook immediately whenever your indicator shows any change. When fishing sockeye, err on the side of setting the hook early and often to avoid missed opportunities. Use an aggressive sweep or hook set to drive the point home.
Fighting Sockeye
Once hooked, sockeye will take off on blistering downstream runs peeling line off your reel. But they have short endurance compared to other salmonids, so steady pressure will exhaust them quicker. Avoid letting them rest on slack line.
When fighting sockeye, keep your rod low and use the rod as shock absorber. Letting them jump and thrash will often cause them to throw the hook. Be ready to loosen the drag if they do go aerial. Bring fish to net quickly before they get a second wind.
Use heavier tippet and check knots frequently when fighting sockeye. Their sharp teeth and sheer strength make them prone to breaking off anglers. Staying bow side when possible also gives you an advantage.
Landing and Releasing Sockeye
Use a large rubberized net or cradle-style net to scoop sockeye when reeling them in range. Don’t be shy with keeping tension as you net them – they will make last runs at the sight of the net.
Carefully remove hooks with pliers or use barbless hooks that can be twisted out. Handle sockeye gently, keeping them in the water as much as possible during catch and release. Revive exhausted fish by holding upright in river current before release.
Use best handling practices to maximize survival and fitness of released sockeye. Keeping future generations of this iconic fish thriving ensures continued fishing opportunity.
Top Sockeye Salmon Fishing Tips
To recap, here are some key tips to remember when sockeye fishing:
- Fish during periods of moderate-high water flow when salmon are moving
- Target structure and current seams where salmon hold and rest
- Use scent/attractors like bait or scented plastic to entice finicky biters
- Drift/backtroll baits and flies right on bottom in migratory routes
- Set the hook on any slight change in strike indicator motion
- Use stout tackle – don’t be under-gunned when hooking hot fish
- Keep steady pressure and work them quickly to avoid losing hooked fish
With the right approach, you can consistently catch beautiful sockeye salmon during their annual spawning migrations in Alaska. Follow this guide and get out on the water to tangle with these hard-fighting fish! The opportunity to catch sockeye only happens for a few short weeks annually, so make the most of it.
Where To Cast
Our sockeye salmon fishing guides will tell you that the number of fish is probably the most important thing you need to know about how to catch sockeye salmon. Because your bait goes through the mouths of many more fish when there are a lot of them, your chances of getting one on the hook are much higher. It makes sense, since sockeye usually stay within 2 to 5 feet of the shore, so you’ll need to be on the shore instead of in a boat. Watching an experienced fisherman do something can be the best way to learn how to do something new. The worn-out red angler will stand out like a sore thumb with its repeated, almost robotic flips up water. Short methodical swings with the rod are the foundation for how to catch sockeye salmon. Put your weight on the bottom of the river and “plop” your hook upstream. Then, pull it as straight as you can across the current and through the fish that are moving by. The amount of lead to use is critical and always different depending on the strength of the current.
How to Fish for Sockeye on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, Alaska.
FAQ
What is the best bait for sockeye salmon?
What fishing setup for sockeye salmon?
What do sockeye salmon bite on?
How do you catch sockeye?
How to catch sockeye salmon?
Fly fishing is the most effective method for catching sockeye salmon. Other effective methods include drift fishing, jigging, still fishing, and trolling. The best time to fish for them is from May through September. During this time, they open and close their mouths as they swim upriver.
What are the benefits of smoked salmon over raw salmon?
It actually has the same characteristics as raw salmon, being relatively low in calories, it is an excellent source of protein, good fat and several vitamins and minerals. The smoking process just adds an aroma.
What do sockeye salmon eat?
While in fresh water, juvenile sockeye salmon feed mainly on zooplankton (tiny floating animals), amphipods (small, shrimp-like crustaceans), and insects. In the ocean, sockeye salmon continue to feed on zooplankton but also eat larval and small adult fishes and occasionally squid. Fish (including other salmon) and birds feed on juvenile salmon.
How do I choose a sockeye salmon leader?
Sockeye salmon can jump back in the downstream current and make a run for it, so having a reel capable of controlling the fish is important. When it comes to leaders, we recommend selecting a 15-30 lb. test leader. The higher weight rating ensures the leader is durable and can withstand the potential strain of battling these resilient fish.