Many would argue that salmon fishing in rivers is the ultimate sport fishing. This is certainly a sports fishing with long traditions and quite a bit of prestige. Salmon fishing in rivers is both challenging and rewarding.

Using spinners or lures during salmon fishing requires the use of solid fishing tackle. It is usually quite difficult to get the salmon to bite, so it is important to show patience. Variety is also important to a fisherman. If the salmon will not bite, you should try such fishing tackle as lures and spinners in a variety of colors.

Let's take a closer look at how to use spinners when you try out salmon fishing in rivers. The best method during spin fishing for salmon is often to cast up stream. You then crank the spinner with the flow. This causes the spinner to sink deep into in river and thereby fishing effectively. When you cast across the river, you can pretty much keep your fishing line in the same position. The flow in the river will move your spinner towards the river bank where you are placed.

It is important to be aware of the spinner's characteristics. As many types of spinners are designed for upstream fishing, they will fail to spin when they are cranked in following the flow. However, there are several spinners designed with light blades which therefore are ideal for salmon fishing in rivers.

When using lures it will often be best to cast across the river. Then keep your fishing rod raised and try to control your lure as it is moving towards your side of river. Only then should you begin to reel in your fishing line. At high water levels and strong flow, you should be casting diagonally upstream. Doing this you have to start reeling your lure immediately. When fishing at low water levels, you should try casting a bit downstream.
Bait fishing has often proved itself to be an excellent method to fish for salmon. Mainly we can talk about two ways of bait fishing for salmon. Using bait and sinker as well as using bait and float.

When using a float and bait during salmon fishing, first attach your fishing line to the top of the float. Underneath the float you should use a leader with a hook designed for bait fishing. The length of the leader must be adapted to the current conditions where you are fishing. You may want to use a small sinker on the leader if conditions so indicate.

The use of float when bait fishing for salmon, is most suitable in those parts of the river where water conditions are calm. Cast across the river and let the current lead your fishing tackle downstream and back to your riverbank, aiming for the float to stop straight below you. Remember to keep your fishing line tight, making sure you stay in good contact with your bait.
Using worm and sinker is the most common method when bait fishing for salmon. In order to achieve successful bait fishing, you need to adjust the weight of the sinker and the length of the leader according to the bottom conditions and the speed of the river stream.
Connect the hook to the end of your fishing line. A little further up the line you then attach a sinker. The distance between the sinker and the hook should be determined by conditions, but make sure that the distance is not too long.

Norwegian and Scandinavian readers may find more information about Salmon fishing in my blog, sports fishing, where they also can read about other forms of fishing. An English version will be ready in a few months.