Catching Atlantic Salmon with a Fly

     The Atlantic salmon does not strike at the fly thinking it is food, but rather is attacking thus, protecting the female and the nest. He also strikes at the fly as it becomes an irritant to him. Most of the time the fish will be resting out of sight in deep water and at certain times of the day, usually in mourning before noon and later in the day at late afternoon, just before the sun sets they become stirred. The salmon will show itself in a jump or tailing effect in the current or even in the oxygenated foaming waters. They get on the move so to speak. It is at this moment that they can more surely be attracted to the fly and be caught.

     Our angler in this photo can appreciate this fact as his guide spotted the movement of this fish on the surface and indicated where to fish for it. This nine pound Atlantic salmon (pictured above) was caught and released back into the river. He was using a bright orange fly swinging it across the swift current.

The Spawning Cycle

     Atlantic salmon is an oceanic fish from the Salmonidae family. It averages about 12 pounds and has cross-shaped or round spots on the top and sides. The fish can be found on both sides of the ocean (the one above entered from the Pacific Ocean). They enter the rivers in the fall and migrate upstream to spawn. After spawning, the kelts (adult fish) may leave the nesting area and return to the ocean to spawn again. The young ones mature and in about two years depending on growth, head downstream to the ocean. They return to the river and repeat the spawning cycle.

Salmon Fishing - Relevant Pages

- Catching Salar - - Salmon Flies - Fishing Reports Dos Rios Salmon Fish Camp Selecting an Outfitter/Guide Fishing Regulations