Where to Buy Salmon Eggs for Fishing: The Ultimate Guide

Salmon eggs, also known as salmon roe, are a top bait for catching trout, steelhead, salmon, and other species Their strong scent attracts fish and triggers instinctual feeding responses. But with so many places to buy salmon eggs online and in stores, how do you know where to get the best salmon eggs for fishing?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll go over the pros and cons of various sources to buy salmon eggs key factors in choosing eggs and provide specific recommendations on the best places to purchase cured and uncured salmon eggs for fishing.

Why Use Salmon Eggs for Fishing Bait?

Before we talk about where to buy salmon eggs, it’s helpful to know why they’re such good bait for fishing. Here are some of the top reasons salmon eggs catch fish:

• Strong Scent – Salmon eggs give off an odor trail in the water that appeals to predatory fish species. The scent triggers a feeding instinct.

• Color – The bright orange/pink color of salmon eggs contrasts against stream and lake bottoms. This makes them easy for fish to spot.

• Movement – Salmon eggs drift and tumble in river currents. The erratic action mimics food sources like roe and insects.

• Nutrition – Salmon eggs provide a high-calorie meal for fish. The eggs are packed with protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients fish seek.

• Availability – Salmon eggs can be preserved and used year-round. This makes them a reliable bait source compared to live eggs that have short seasonal availability.

With the right salmon eggs, you can increase your catch rates for trout, steelhead, salmon, carp, catfish, and more. Now let’s look at the options for where to get them.

Buying Salmon Eggs from Local Bait Shops

Visiting local bait and tackle shops is a quick and easy way to buy salmon eggs. Here are some of the main pros and cons of getting salmon eggs from local bait shops:

Pros:

• Support local businesses and build relationships with shop owners
• Immediate availability – buy what you need right before fishing
• Ability to see, touch, and smell products in person
• Advice from experienced shop staff on best baits for time of year and location

Cons:

• Limited selection – may not have best brands or variety
• Prices could be higher than online
• Supply depends on what distributors are carrying

I recommend scouting multiple shops in your area to find one with the best egg selection and prices. Developing a relationship with a trusted local bait shop ensures you have a go-to place for getting fresh salmon eggs.

Purchasing Cured Salmon Eggs Online

Another option is to buy cured salmon eggs from online retailers. Here are some key advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Wider selection of brands, cures, colors, and packaging
• Ability to buy in bulk for better pricing
• Convenience of purchasing from home and having eggs shipped
• Avoid local supply constraints

Cons:

• No opportunity to inspect product before purchasing
• Shipping costs for frozen items
• Delay between order and delivery

To get the best deal on cured salmon eggs online, look for retailers that offer free shipping or discounted shipping rates. Buying in bulk can further reduce the per-unit cost.

Make sure to verify the seller properly packages the eggs with insulation and freezer packs to keep them frozen during transit.

Overall, purchasing cured eggs online gives you access to more variety while local shops provide better convenience.

Getting Uncured Salmon Eggs

In addition to cured eggs, some anglers prefer using uncured salmon eggs taken directly from fish. Here are some things to know about acquiring uncured salmon roe:

Availability – Uncured eggs are only available during salmon spawning seasons. This limits supply to certain times of year.

Freshness – Uncured eggs tend to be fresher than cured eggs which can degrade over time. However, uncured eggs have a shorter shelf life.

Legality – Regulations vary on the legality of selling uncured salmon eggs. Some states only allow personal use.

Sources – Options to get uncured eggs include buying directly from commercial fishermen, harvesting your own, or contacting specialty bait suppliers.

Make sure to check your local fishing regulations on the legality of selling and using uncured salmon roe. Overall, uncured eggs provide supreme freshness but need to be sourced directly and matched to salmon runs.

Key Factors in Choosing Salmon Eggs

When selecting salmon eggs, whether cured or uncured, here are some of the most important factors to consider:

• Egg Size – Larger eggs like Coho or Chinook produce a stronger scent trail. Smaller Steelhead or Pink Salmon eggs can work better for finicky fish.

• Cure Recipe – Some cures use borax while others rely on salt. Make sure the cure doesn’t make the eggs too firm or compromise the scent.

• Color – Brighter colored eggs are easier for fish to see. Look for vibrant orange or pink. Dull or brown eggs should be avoided.

• Packaging – For cured eggs, vacuum sealed or zipper plastic bags help lock in scent and prevent drying out.

• Freshness – Check production dates and freezing practices if buying cured eggs. Uncured eggs are best sourced shortly after harvesting.

Prioritize eggs from reputable brands that focus on maximizing bait performance attributes like scent, color, texture, and longevity.

Recommended Places to Buy Salmon Eggs

Based on the criteria above, here are my top recommendations on where to buy salmon eggs for fishing:

For Cured Salmon Eggs:

• BestBait.com – This online retailer offers all the major cured egg brands. Good prices when buying in bulk and free shipping.

• SunriseBait.com – Specializes in their own cured eggs. Known for bright color and lots of scent.

• Local fishing and bait shops – Ask trusted local shops what cured egg brands perform best in your area.

For Uncured Salmon Eggs:

• Direct from commercial fishermen – Contact local salmon fishermen during runs and ask to buy eggs.

• Specialty bait shops – Some shops sell fresh uncured eggs in season. Call ahead for availability.

• DIY harvesting – If legal in your state, catch and harvest eggs during spawning seasons.

I’ve had the best success fishing salmon eggs from BestBait and Sunrise Bait. Their eggs consistently catch fish and deliver on scent, consistency, color, and packaging.

Try Different Salmon Egg Sources and Brands

The most important takeaway is to test different salmon egg sources and brands to see what works best for your local fisheries. Cured egg performance can vary regionally based on water chemistry, clarity, and fish species. Talk to fellow anglers to get recommendations on eggs that catch fish in your area.

Pay attention to subtle differences in cured egg attributes like firmness, consistency, buoyancy, and leakage of oils. See if certain characteristics trigger more strikes and hook ups. Take notes so you can replicate your successes.