Best 10 Salmon Lures Reviewed: Unleash the Power of These Top-Rated Baits

Looking for the best salmon lures? Check out this review of the top 10 picks.

These lures have been time-tested and proven to be effective for catching salmon. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, these lures are designed to attract salmon and increase your chances of a successful catch.

From spoons to plugs, we've got you covered with a range of options that will suit different fishing conditions and preferences.

Read on to find the perfect salmon lure for your next fishing adventure.

The Art Of Salmon Fishing

Catching salmon is not just about luck; it requires skill, knowledge, and the right tools. With the right lure and an understanding of salmon behavior, you can optimize your fishing experience.

In this article, we will delve into the essential aspects of salmon fishing, including selecting the right lure and understanding salmon behavior.

Read More: How To Fish: A Comprehensive Guide For Novices

Selecting The Right Lure

Choosing the right lure is crucial for attracting salmon and ensuring a successful catch. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Type of Lure:
• Spinners: These lures are highly effective for salmon fishing due to their vibrant colors and spinning action that mimics wounded baitfish.
• Plugs: Plugs are excellent for imitating injured baitfish or attracting salmon in deeper waters. They offer a realistic swimming motion that entices the fish.
• Spoons: These versatile lures shine when it comes to imitating wounded fish or baitfish. Their reflective surface and wobbling action attract salmon from a distance.
2. Lure Size:

Consider the size of the salmon you're targeting. Larger lures are ideal for bigger salmon species, and vice versa. Tailor your choice to the specific type of salmon you're hoping to catch.

1. Lure Color:

Salmon are attracted to bright and flashy colors. Opt for vibrant shades like red, yellow, or chartreuse, which are known to catch their attention. Experiment with different colors to determine what works best in your fishing location.

Understanding Salmon Behavior

Understanding the behavior of salmon can significantly enhance your fishing success. Here are key insights into their behavior:

Spawning Behavior:

Salmon undergo extensive migrations to reproduce. They return to the same streams or rivers where they were born, using their keen sense of smell to navigate. 

By targeting these areas during spawning season, you increase your chances of catching salmon.

Feeding Patterns:

Salmon often concentrate in areas with ample food sources. Look for signs of baitfish, such as splashing on the water's surface or diving seabirds. These indicate a potential hotspot for salmon feeding.

Temperature Preferences:

The water temperature is crucial for salmon. They prefer colder waters and are more active in specific temperature ranges.

Ensure you fish during the optimal temperature range for the type of salmon you're targeting.

Habitat Choices:

Salmon are known for their adaptability to different environments. Rivers, streams, and estuaries are all viable habitats for salmon.

Understanding the preferred habitats of your target species will significantly increase your chances of success.

By carefully selecting the right lure and understanding salmon behavior, you can master the art of salmon fishing.

Incorporate these strategies into your next fishing expedition to increase your chances of reeling in the trophy salmon of a lifetime.

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Top 10 Salmon Lures

When it comes to salmon fishing, having the right lure can make all the difference. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your next fishing trip.

That's why we've compiled a list of the top 10 salmon lures that have proven to be effective in attracting and catching these prized fish.

Whether you prefer spoon lures, soft plastic lures, spinners, jigs, plugs, flies, trolling flies, twitching jigs, casting spoons, or hoochies, we've got you covered.

Spoon Lures

Spoon lures are a popular choice among salmon anglers due to their lifelike, wobbling action that mimics injured baitfish. These lures are typically made of metal and come in a variety of colors and sizes.

The best spoon lures for salmon fishing have a realistic finish and are equipped with sharp treble hooks. Some popular spoon lures for salmon include the following:

• Blue Fox Pixee Spoon
• Luhr Jensen Krocodile Spoon
• Acme Kastmaster Spoon

Soft Plastic Lures

Soft plastic lures have gained popularity in recent years for their versatility and effectiveness in attracting salmon.

These lures are typically made of soft, flexible material that mimics the texture and movement of live bait.

Soft plastic lures for salmon often come in the form of swimbaits or grubs and can be rigged with a jig head. Some popular soft plastic lures for salmon include:

• Yamamoto, Hula Grub
• Berkley Gulp! Swimming Mullet
• Savage Gear 3D Swimbait

Spinners

Spinners are a classic choice for salmon fishing and have been used for decades. These lures consist of a revolving blade that creates flashes and vibrations in the water, attracting the attention of salmon.

Spinners for salmon often feature bright colors and realistic patterns to mimic the appearance of baitfish. Some popular spinners for salmon include:

• Mepps Aglia Spinner
• Rooster Tail Spinner
• Blue Fox Vibrax Spinner

Jigs

Jigs are a versatile lure option for salmon fishing. These lures consist of a weighted head and a trailing skirt or soft plastic bait.

Jigs can be fished at various depths and can imitate a variety of prey, making them an excellent choice for enticing salmon. Some popular jigs for salmon include:

• Marabou Jigs
• Jigging Rapala
• Pulsating Jigs

Plugs

Plugs are hard-bodied lures that are designed to imitate baitfish or other prey. These lures typically feature a diving lip that allows them to dive and swim through the water, attracting the attention of salmon.

Plugs can be fished at various depths and can be effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Some popular plugs for salmon include:

• Rapala joined Minnow
• Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow
• Storm: Original Wiggle Wart

Flies

Flies are a classic choice for salmon fishing and are often used in fly-fishing techniques. These lures imitate aquatic insects and other small prey that salmon feed on.

Flies for salmon come in a variety of patterns and sizes and can be fished on the surface or subsurface. Some popular flies for salmon include:

• Woolly Bugger
• Egg-Sucking Leech
• Green Butt Skunk

Trolling Flies

Trolling flies are specifically designed for salmon fishing from a moving boat. These flies are typically larger in size and have a more robust construction to withstand the fast speeds and action of trolling.

Trolling flies for salmon often feature bright colors and intricate patterns to attract the attention of these powerful fish. Some popular trolling flies for salmon include the following:

• Rainbow Smelt Fly
• Alewife Bucktail Fly
• Herring Bucktail Fly

Twitching Jigs

Twitching jigs are a specialized lure for salmon fishing that involves imparting action to the jig by twitching or jerking the rod tip.

This action mimics the movements of injured prey and can trigger aggressive strikes from salmon.

Twitching jigs for salmon often feature vibrant colors and realistic, soft plastic bodies. Some popular twitching jigs for salmon include:

• Maxi Jig
• Mini-Intruder Jig
• Stinger Jig

Casting Spoons

Casting spoons are versatile lures that can be cast over long distances to cover a wide area of water. These lures are typically made of metal and are known for their erratic action and flash in the water.

Casting spoons for salmon often feature a concave shape and come in a range of sizes and colors. Some popular casting spoons for salmon include:

• Cleo Spoon
• Luhr Jensen Krocodile Spoon
• Nordic Viking Spoon

Hoochies

Hoochies, also known as squid skirts, are soft-bodied lures that imitate squid or octopus. These lures are typically made of soft plastic and come in a variety of vibrant colors.

Hoochies for salmon are effective at attracting fish due to their lifelike appearance and fluttering action in the water. Some popular hoochies for salmon include:

• Yamashita Squid Skirt
• Pro-Troll E-Lure
• Gibbs Highliner Flasher

Read More: Best 10 Fishing Tips to Help You Catch More Fish

Factors To Consider

When it comes to choosing the best salmon lures, several factors should be considered to enhance your chances of a successful fishing trip.

By carefully evaluating the water conditions and understanding the seasonal variations, you can significantly improve your lure selection to attract the elusive salmon species.

Water Conditions

Water conditions play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of salmon lures.

The clarity, depth, and temperature of the water can greatly influence the behavior of the fish and their responsiveness to different types of lures.

For example, in clear water, lures with natural colors and realistic movements are more effective, while in murky waters, bright and flashy lures tend to stand out and attract more bites.

Seasonal Variations

Understanding the seasonal variations is essential for selecting the right salmon lure.

During spawning season, for instance, salmon are more likely to be found in rivers and streams, requiring lures designed for swift water conditions.

In contrast, during the post-spawning period, salmon tend to be more sluggish and can be effectively targeted with slow-moving lures.

Adapting your lure choice to the specific season can significantly increase your chances of a successful catch.

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Tips For Successful Salmon Fishing

When it comes to salmon fishing, having the right lures and understanding the proper techniques can make all the difference in your success.

In this section, we will cover some valuable tips to help you become a more successful salmon angler.

From understanding the importance of color to mastering retrieval techniques, these tips will give you an edge when you hit the water.

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Understanding The Importance Of Color

Color plays a crucial role in attracting salmon, as these fish are highly sensitive to visual stimuli. By choosing the right color lures, you can increase your chances of a successful catch.

Generally, bright and vibrant colors such as chartreuse, pink, and orange tend to be more effective in murky or low-light conditions, while natural and realistic colors like silver and black work well in clear water.

However, it's important to note that salmon preferences can vary depending on various factors such as water conditions, weather, and the species of salmon you are targeting.

Experiment with different colors and observe how salmon respond to find the most effective lure for your fishing location.

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Mastering Retrieval Techniques

Your lure's movement in the water is another crucial factor in attracting salmon. By mastering retrieval techniques, you can create an enticing action that mimics the movements of natural prey.

One effective technique is the steady retrieve, where you reel in your lure at a consistent speed. This creates a smooth and predictable movement that can trigger strikes from salmon.

Alternatively, you can try a stop-and-go retrieve, where you pause briefly during the retrieval to simulate the pauses of wounded baitfish.

This erratic movement pattern can be highly enticing to salmon, especially when they are in an aggressive feeding mode.

Remember to vary your retrieval speed and pattern to find what works best on any given day.

Observing the behavior of salmon in your fishing area can also provide valuable insights into the most effective retrieval techniques.

Gear And Equipment

When it comes to salmon fishing, having the right gear and equipment can make all the difference.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, having the right tools at your disposal can significantly improve your chances of success.

In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of gear and equipment for salmon fishing, focusing on selecting the right rod and reel, as well as the importance of quality fishing lines.

Selecting The Right Rod And Reel

The foundation of any successful salmon fishing setup starts with selecting the right rod and reel combination.

A well-matched rod and reel will ensure that you have the strength and control necessary to handle the powerful runs and fighting capabilities of salmon.

• Choose a medium to heavy-action rod that is at least 9 feet in length. This will provide the required strength and flexibility to handle larger salmon species.
• Pair your rod with a quality spinning or baitcasting reel, depending on your personal preference and fishing style.
• Ensure that the reel has a smooth drag system that can handle the strong, fast runs of a salmon.
• Consider the gear ratio of the reel. A higher gear ratio will allow you to quickly retrieve lines when necessary.
• Look for a reel with a sturdy construction and corrosion-resistant materials to withstand the harsh saltwater environment.

Importance Of Quality Fishing Line

Another crucial aspect of salmon fishing gear is the fishing line. A quality fishing line not only ensures the strength and durability needed to land these powerful fish, but it also plays a significant role in the presentation and sensitivity of your lure or bait.

• Choose a fishing line with a high pound-test rating to handle the weight and fighting capabilities of salmon.
• Opt for a line with low visibility to prevent spooking wary salmon. Fluorocarbon lines are a popular choice due to their near-invisibility in the water.
• Consider the stretch and sensitivity of the line. A line with less stretch will provide better hook-setting power, while a more sensitive line allows you to feel even subtle bites.
• Regularly inspect and replace your fishing line, as continuous exposure to UV rays, saltwater, and abrasion can weaken the line over time.

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Frequently Asked Questions For Best 10 Salmon Lures Reviewed

What Is The Best Lure For Salmon?

The best lure for salmon is the spoon lure, specifically in flashy and vibrant colors. These lures imitate the movement and appearance of salmon's natural prey, making them highly effective.

Additionally, consider using herring or anchovy imitation lures for successful salmon fishing.

What Is The Best Lure For Salmon In Puget Sound?

The best lure for salmon in Puget Sound is a herring imitation lure or spoon. These lures mimic the behavior and appearance of herring, a common prey for salmon. 

Their shiny finish and erratic movement attract the attention of salmon, making them an effective choice for fishing in Puget Sound.

What Is The Best Jig For Chinook Salmon?

The best jig for chinook salmon is a matter of personal preference, but popular options include the Coho Killer, Jensen Flash Fly, and Gibbs Gypsy.

These jigs are designed to mimic the natural prey of salmon and have proven to be effective in attracting bites.

What Lures Are Good For Chinook Salmon In The River?

Spinners and spoons are effective lures for Chinook salmon in river fishing. These lures mimic the fish's natural prey and can entice bites.

What Are The Best Salmon Lures For Beginners?

The best salmon lures for beginners are usually spoons, spinners, and plugs, as they are easy to use and attract the fish's attention with their movement and colors.

Read More: Best 9 Tips for Bass Fishing You'll Wish You Had Known Early

Conclusion

In sum, the top 10 salmon lures offer versatile options for anglers of all levels. With a range of styles and features, there's a lure to suit every fishing session.

Whether casting, trolling, or jigging, these lures can attract salmon in various conditions.

Choose the best lure and reel in your next big catch!