Trolling for salmon on the Great Lakes is a thrilling and rewarding experience for anglers looking to land some of the most prized fish in freshwater. Whether you're a seasoned fisherman or a beginner, the unique conditions and species found in the Great Lakes require some specific strategies for success. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your salmon trolling adventure.

1. Choose the Right Equipment

When trolling for salmon on the Great Lakes, your equipment plays a crucial role in your success. A medium to heavy-action trolling rod paired with a reliable reel is essential to handle the strong pulls from a salmon. Make sure your reel has a smooth drag system, as salmon are known for their powerful runs. Opt for a reel that can hold a decent amount of line, as some salmon can make long, fast runs during the fight.

2. Select the Right Lures

Salmon are opportunistic feeders, and choosing the right lure can make all the difference. Popular choices for salmon trolling include spoons, crankbaits, and flashers. Spoons are great for mimicking small fish, a primary food source for salmon. Vibrant, silver, or chrome-colored spoons tend to be effective in clear water, while brighter colors like orange or chartreuse and glow patterns work well in murky water or low-light conditions.

Crankbaits are another excellent option, especially for deeper water trolling. These lures dive to different depths and can help target fish at various levels in the water column. Flashers, often used in combination with a fly or a spoon, create vibrations and flashes that attract salmon, particularly when the water is cooler and the fish are deeper.

Other popular lures include plugs, meat rigs, and trolling flies.  These are often paired with attractors known as flashers.

3. Understand Salmon Behavior

Salmon in the Great Lakes follow general patterns, and understanding their behavior is key to successful trolling.  Salmon often start the day in the upper portion of the water column, especially early in the morning when feeding is most active. As the sun rises, salmon often move deeper, so you'll need to adjust your trolling depth accordingly.

Trolling at different depths with your lures will help you cover various areas and increase your chances of a strike.  You can do this by utilizing downriggers, divers, planer boards, inline weights, leadcore line, weighted steel, and copper lines.

4. Experiment with Speeds

Salmon trolling is all about presentation, and speed is a critical factor. Generally, a trolling speed of 2 to 3 miles per hour is ideal for most salmon species. However, if you're not getting bites, don’t be afraid to experiment with your speed. Slower speeds might work better when fish are sluggish, while faster speeds can trigger strikes when salmon are more active.

A Fish Hawk System can help you find the perfect speed.  Underwater currents can wreak havoc with your presentation.  You may be trolling 2 miles per hour GPS speed but underwater currents may have your baits moving 4 miles per hour or more.  This could lead to an unnatural presentation and leave you without any hookups.  

5. Watch the Weather

The weather can have a significant impact on salmon fishing. Calm, overcast days often provide the best conditions for trolling, as the fish are more likely to be active and feeding. Bright, sunny days can make fish more cautious, so you may need to fish deeper and use brighter-colored lures.  Most anglers avoid days with big waves but a flat calm day is usually not ideal for salmon trolling either.  A little chop on the surface is great for fishing!

Additionally, consider the water temperature. Salmon are cold-water fish and often seek out their ideal preferred temperature. During warmer months, look for cooler pockets of water or deeper areas where salmon are more likely to congregate.  You can do this with a Fish Hawk System or a Fish Hawk TD.

6. Be Patient and Persistent

Salmon trolling can require patience. Even if you have the right equipment, lures, and depth, there will be days when the fish simply aren’t biting. Keep adjusting your approach, change your trolling route, or try different lures and speeds until you find what works.

Conclusion

Trolling for salmon on the Great Lakes is a fantastic way to experience some of the best freshwater fishing available. With the right equipment, knowledge of the salmon’s behavior, and a bit of persistence, you’ll have the opportunity to land the trophy fish and delicious meal you’ve been chasing. Keep experimenting and enjoy the beauty and excitement the Great Lakes offer to every angler!