{"id":16808,"date":"2023-09-05T21:30:28","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T01:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/troutandsteelhead.net\/?p=16808"},"modified":"2024-04-06T17:42:30","modified_gmt":"2024-04-06T21:42:30","slug":"back-trolling-for-salmon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/troutandsteelhead.net\/back-trolling-for-salmon\/","title":{"rendered":"Back Trolling For Salmon: A Complete How-To Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Back trolling for salmon is used by salmon guides and anglers in rivers large enough for a boat. Image courtesy of Fire Plug Charters<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Back Trolling Techniques for Salmon Fishing: Expert Strategies for More Strikes<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

I’ve been practicing the art of back trolling for salmon for more than two decades and will tell you the key components of plug fishing for Salmon is to move slowly, take your time, put the plugs out the same distance, use the same rods, same reels, same lines, and same set up so they all run the same.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve packed this article with information with a range of tips and tactics, both for beginners and advanced anglers. Everything from the right size fishing line, how to fish plugs, to setting the hook is covered here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also included are three back trolling rig setups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Understanding the Approach of Back Trolling for Salmon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Back trolling is an angling technique used to present lures to salmon from a boat while very slowly moving downstream. It covers more water and is used on larger rivers that can accommodate a boat. The boat operator needs to maintain precise control over your boat, use the right lures, set your lure depths, and know the best fishing locations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This method is different than Back Bouncing for salmon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back Trolling Boats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Plug fishing for salmon<\/a> on larger rivers is best done from a small to mid-sized motorized fishing boat. Other anglers and guides will use a drift boat, jet sled, pontoon boat, or even a raft for smaller rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boat Control Is Key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The drop straight drop down boat pattern is used when fishing tight water and when you know you are directly upriver of holding salmon..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Proficiency in boat control remains pivotal if you want to catch more fish. Seasoned salmon fishermen are adept at positioning and maneuvering their boats, aligning them with the target strike zones while they slowly slip downstream slightly slower than the current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Gas Motor:<\/strong> A gasoline-powered motorboat works wonders in both large and small river environments. It facilitates precise positioning, lateral movement, and gentle downstream navigation of the boat and its lure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Electric Trolling Motor with Auto Pilot:<\/strong> Electric motors equipped with auto-pilot capabilities enable you to keep your boat steady in position and maneuver it sideways or downstream with minimal noise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Oars:<\/strong> Oars are a reliable tool for maintaining position or shifting your boat’s location as needed. They provide valuable flexibility when controlling your vessel.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Drift Boats, Pontoon Boats, and Rafts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    A nice coho salmon caught from a drift boat while back trolling for salmon with Healy Outdoors<\/a> Guide Service in New York.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Drift boats and inflatable rafts have the advantage of portability and the ability to navigate through very shallow waters. These riverboats also allow for a stealthy approach. To keep these boats steady and in position, the boat operator uses oars or an anchor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I’ve even observed some fishermen outfitting these boats with electric motors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Art of Salmon Back Trolling: Step-by-Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    The zig zag boat pattern is used when fishing wider section when you know that holding salmon are spread out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Anchoring and Positioning:<\/strong> Start by positioning your boat far enough upstream of the potential fish zone so that once your plugs are out, you need to back into the fish. Anchor the boat for this, or use your motor to maintain your position.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Selecting Lures: <\/strong>Opt for lures based on the section of the river you are about to fish. This means the desired depth and speed. Use lures that can run 1 to 3 feet above the riverbed. Deploy the lures at the appropriate distance for the running depth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Ready Your Fishing Rods:<\/strong> Prepare your fishing rods by placing them in rod holders or holding them manually.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Maneuver Your Boat: <\/strong>Begin the back trolling process by gradually moving the boat into the desired position. If you’re fishing in wider rivers, consider controlled side-to-side movements to maximize coverage before dropping slowly down the river.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Slow Descent:<\/strong> Slowly lower the boat’s position by 5 to 10 feet and pause for a few seconds. I often adopt a side-to-side drop-down technique in wide rivers or employ a slow zig-zag pattern to ensure I cover all the water.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      The side to side boat pattern is used when fishing wider sections of river when salmon are spread out and you want to thoroughly cover the water slowly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Essential Gear for Salmon Back Trolling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Fishing Rods: <\/strong>Your choice of rod should fall within the 8 to 10-foot range, which enables you to spread the lure further off the side of the boat. For Smaller boats like a drift boat go with 8 to 8’6″. For larger boats and for fishing big kings<\/a>, fishermen will use 9 and 10.5-foot rods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A rod with a stiffer butt section and a softer and more sensitive rod tip is ideal, and a line rating of 8 to 17 pounds is good for Coho salmon fishing<\/a> and Chum fishing or for Great Lakes king salmon. Use a rod with a line rating of 10 to 20 pounds for big west coast king salmon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Favorite rods for back trolling include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n