Salmon
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Where to find Salmon? Generally found in the great lakes region and its tributary rivers/streams, along with many larger lakes and tributary rivers in the North East. There are several freshwater landlocked lakes in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massechusets, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania.
Connecticut: Housatonic River, Connecticut River, Farmington River
Massachusetts: Wachusett and Quabbin reservoirs.
Maine: Penobscot River, Kennebec River, Saco River, Aroostook River, Machias River, St. John River
New Hampshire: Merrimack River, Lamprey River, Soucook River
New Jersey: Upper Delaware River, Waywayanda and Aeroflex Lakes.
New York: Upper Hudson River, Salmon River, Oswego River, Genesee River, Niagara River, St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario
Pennsylvania: Lake Erie and its tributary rivers
Rhode Island: Various stocked lakes though out state. check local stocking dates.
Vermont: Schuylkill River, White River, Winooski River, Lamoille River, Otter Creek
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Salmon thrive in areas with cool, oxygen-rich water and diverse habitat.
Look for them in deep pools, rocky points, and areas with suitable spawning habitat.
Pay attention to water temperature, clarity, and flow rate, as these factors influence salmon behavior.
Target salmon in the rivers and creeks when they have annual runs.
PATTERNS
SPRING
 The spring and fall generally offer better fishing as fish move from lakes into rivers and streams.
Focus on areas near tributary mouths and along rocky shorelines where salmon gather to spawn.
Look for deep pools and areas with suitable gravel or rocky substrates for spawning activity.
SUMMER
Targeting cool water: Look for areas of cool or deeper water such as deep pools, tailouts, and shaded areas where salmon will congregate.
FALL
Chinook and Coho Salmon runs typically go from September to November.
As temperatures cool down in the fall, salmon become more aggressive in preparation for spawning.
Focus on areas with suitable spawning habitat, such as riffles, runs, and gravel beds, where salmon congregate before spawning.
WINTER
Targeting deep pools: Look for deeper, slower-moving pools in rivers and streams where salmon will congregate during the winter.
Locate salmon in your local water by learning the spawning patterns. These patterns will change between location and time of year.
Suggest monitoring your local fishery, research your area, and talk to other fishermen to pinpoint when the salmon or steelhead runs are beginning in the rivers.
Bait
Spoons, plugs, flies.
Power bait, Salmon Eggs, Night Crawlers, Minnows.
Experiment with different presentations and sizes to determine what triggers bites from salmon in your chosen fishing spot.