Salmon river strategies
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By Jack Simpson
If one can understand the hydraulics of a salmon migration river as well as envision the task of swimming up a river, against some very strong current, then it is a relatively simple matter to deduce where in a river the salmon SHOULD be.
River Hydraulics:
First, know that the part of the river that has the highest rate of flow(water speed), is the top water layer. Why? Because there is minimal friction against rocks or debris. The top, centre of a river is free flowing. As the flow nears the bottom and the sides of a river channel, it encounters rocks, sand, debris, tree roots and bedrock that slows the flow.
Where are they?
So let's apply that knowledge to the task (for a salmon) of swimming upstream. Where in the river flow are they going to swim? Where the flow is the slowest and swimming against the current is the easiest, of course! So, by simple deduction, the slowest flow/easiest swimming is near the bottom of a river, as close to the river banks as possible, while still maintaining some safety against possible predators.
Put together as simply as possible: within 10 feet of the river bank, in water depths of 3 to 6 feet, within a foot or less of the bottom. That is the most likely area in a river to find salmon heading up stream.
(River flow and salmon migration path: the red line indicates maximum flow rate and green lines are the probable migration path.)
When it comes to getting the fly down to the fish, here are two common methods:
-Casting a full sink line (Type VI or heavier) with a 4-6' leader and weighted fly out into the flow, then feeding and mending line so the fly and line sinks as it is carried down stream then swings toward shore.
(Full Sink Fly Line)
-Casting a floating line connected to a 4 foot length of #30 or #40 monofilament line, which is in turn connected to a length of custom cut sinking line(normally lead core or tungsten centered line with a sink rate of 8-10 inches per second (also known as LC13 or T-18 line) and then to a leader and weighted fly.
This set-up has the advantage allowing the casting ‘head’ to float on top of the water, having the narrow diameter monofilament cut through the fast flowing top water and allowing the separate sink tip to ‘get down’ in the slower water below.
(River Floating Line Setup)
In any case, the purpose is to get the fly near the bottom. How near? In the words of a friend of mine and consistently very successful coho fly fisher, Harold Dean, of 100 Mile says, "If you're NOT snagging bottom occasionally, you're not down far enough!"
Flies: high and murky flows require bigger, heavier and brighter coloured flies; low, clearer water require smaller more subdued flies.
High water: use 2/0 short hooks with bright colours and substantial volume of material.
(BC Coho Flies)
Low water: use #6 or #8 XL hook, sparkle wrap and marabou tail
(Coho Killer)
The cast and the retrieve: my preferred technique is to cast out toward mid-stream, playing out line so that the line or sink tip drifts freely downstreamas it sinks. At about 75-80' downstream take up tension on the line and allow the front end and fly to swing toward shore.
When the line and fly is approximately 6-8' out from river bank shallows begin to briskly strip retrieve the line, at least 2' of line at a time, using the strip/pause method.
This technique plays upon the aggressive behavior of Coho as they migrate up the river. By stripping the line and fly upstream, in the manner described, a fly will quickly pass a swimming Coho, which, out of pure instinct will aggressively attack the fly. Now you have a positive, fair hooked (in the mouth) fish, and the fight is on!
Questions? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
IF you are planning a trip down to the Bella Coola Valley, please avail yourselves of the several really great camping and RV facilities in the Valley. They've had a couple of real tough years and could use the patronage.
Have a great time and preserve our resource.
Jack Simpson on Home Waters
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