LOCATIONS

• Salmon, renowned for their incredible strength and flavor, can be found in various bodies of water across the North/Great Lakes region of the United States. Anglers flock to these waters to target salmon for their remarkable fighting ability and delectable taste. The following bodies of water are popular for salmon fishing in this region:

• Michigan: Manistee River, Pere Marquette River, St. Marys River, Betsie River, Boardman River, Grand River, White River, Muskegon River, Kalamazoo River, Thunder Bay River, Au Gres River, Platte River, Jordan River, Clinton River, Dowagiac River.

• Minnesota: North Shore of Lake Superior, Brule River, Knife River, Lester River, Baptism River, Two Harbors Pier, St. Louis River, Vermilion River, Cascade River, Split Rock River, Baptism River Falls, Gooseberry River, Beaver River.

• North Dakota: Red River, Sheyenne River, Lake Sakakawea, Missouri River, Heart River, Little Missouri River, James River, Pipestem Reservoir, Nelson Lake, Lake Audubon, Devils Lake, Lake Oahe, Lake Darling, Lake Ashtabula.

• South Dakota: Lake Oahe, Missouri River, Angostura Reservoir, Belle Fourche River, Pactola Reservoir, Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Francis Case, Lake Thompson, Sheridan Lake, Lake Sharpe, Shadehill Reservoir, Lake Poinsett.

• Wisconsin: Milwaukee River, Kewaunee River, Root River, Sheboygan River, Menominee River, Pike River, Fox River, Peshtigo River, Oconto River, St. Louis River, Red Cedar River, Chippewa River, Rock River, Wolf River.

• Lake Superior:

  As the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior offers excellent salmon fishing opportunities. Look for nearshore areas with rocky structures, drop-offs, and underwater points. Salmon often cruise along these structures in search of prey. Pay attention to temperature breaks and current seams, as salmon are attracted to these areas where cool, nutrient-rich water meets warmer water. Trolling along the shoreline or near offshore structures can be effective in locating actively feeding salmon.

  
  

• Great Lakes: The Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, are renowned for their salmon fisheries. When targeting salmon on these vast bodies of water, it's important to focus on specific areas where salmon are likely to be found. Look for temperature breaks, which occur when warm surface waters meet cooler, deeper waters. These breaks attract baitfish, which in turn attract salmon. Concentrate your efforts near underwater structures, such as reefs, shoals, drop-offs, and points. Trolling with downriggers, flasher/fly combinations, spoons, and plugs are popular techniques for targeting salmon on the Great Lakes.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

• Salmon inhabit a variety of bodies of water in the North/Great Lakes region, and understanding their preferred habitats can greatly enhance your fishing success. Here are some key details to help you locate and target salmon in different types of water:

• Rivers and Streams: Salmon are known for their annual upstream migrations to spawn, making rivers and streams prime locations for targeting these fish. Look for deep pools, runs, and riffles, which provide resting and feeding areas for salmon. Focus on areas with moderate to fast currents and gravel bottoms, as salmon prefer these conditions for successful egg incubation. In larger rivers, targeting areas near confluences or tributaries can be particularly productive.

  
  

• Trolling: For anglers seeking a more adventurous experience, offshore fishing in the Great Lakes can yield fantastic salmon catches. Consult with local charter operators to take you to productive fishing grounds. These trips typically involve trolling with downriggers and other specialized equipment over deep waters, far from the shoreline. The captain and crew will have knowledge of the best locations, depths, and techniques for targeting salmon in offshore waters.