Trolling Tips

Trolling for Salmon

Trolling is a method of fishing where a hooked lure or bait is dragged behind a moving boat. Trawling is different—it uses a net instead of a lure.

Basic Lure Actions

The main actions produced by trolled lures include:

1. Spinning – spinners
2. Spiral revolutions – rigged baits and flashers
3. Wobble – spoons and dodgers
4. Wiggle – plugs

Many trolling lures combine two or more of these actions.

Proven Trolling Rules for Big Salmon

1. Troll your lure or bait deep.
2. Troll your lure or bait slowly.
3. Troll your lure or bait close to shore or the bottom.
4. Troll a lure or bait that is 5 inches or larger.

Dodgers, Flashers & Speed Tips

Dodgers and flashers can be added to your trolling rig to help attract salmon or add erratic action—but they aren’t always necessary. Use them when visibility is low, or when you want to give your bait a little extra flair.

Sport-trolled lures and baits are usually run at speeds between 2 and 4 knots. Salmon often strike when your lure changes pace—so mix it up. Speed up, slow down, and keep it unpredictable.

Popular Baits

Most salmon caught in B.C. coastal waters are taken using fresh or frozen baitfish—trolled whole, stripped, or as a cut plug. Top choices include:

• Anchovies – 4 to 6 inches
• Herring – 4 to 7 inches
• Herring strips or cut plugs – 4 to 5 inches

The most productive way to rig these baits is with a strip teaser or a Krippled lure.

Good luck and good fishing!