Even for an experienced angler going to Alaska, a few salmon fishing tips would be very welcome. We've all seen this scenario: You've been sharing the salmon pool with several other fishermen using the traditional rotation method. No one has even raised a salmon to the fly and everyone has tried every single fly they are carrying with them. A new fisherman shows up and joins the rotation. As he works his way through the pool, he does something totally different. He skitters the dry fly across the water just at the end of it's swing and is rewarded with a solid salmon strike. A great battle ensues and he finally lands a coveted salmon.
This fisherman had asked a guide he knew if there were any salmon fishing tips he could give him and the guide mentioned skittering the fly just as it straightens out. So before you go off on your fishing adventure, it might be wise to seek the advice of a professional guide or better yet, hire a guide to not only teach you how to fish a certain pool or run, but what fly or lure to use. They may even have a special lure or fly that they have created just for a specific pool.
Another good tip is to practice casting before you go. This can be done in your own yard or any field, if not in water. Set up targets for your fly or lure to land next to. This will work out any kinks and get your arms used to the motion of the cast. Nothing is more embarrassing than to be unable to cast to a salmon while someone is watching and waiting for their turn.
One important salmon fishing tip is this: Make a check list of everything you need to bring so nothing is left behind, like the directions to the fishing lodge, or your camera for example. Nothing is worse when you can’t go fishing because you have to go and buy a pair of wading shoes because you forgot yours back at the house which is 100‘s of miles away.
The best salmon fishing tip is to know and follow the rules and regulations where you are fishing and to respect the fish you are trying to catch as they are a fragile and important part of our world. Also try to be an ambassador for the sport of salmon fishing by setting a good example of fishing etiquette.