When do the Salmon start moving to rivers in fall?

[VMS]

Hi everyone,

Have an opportunity with a friend of mine to fish the bay area for Salmon this fall (neither of us have done it, so it is a new adventure). I am assuming the better fishing will take place when the fish start migrating toward the rivers. Only question I have is generally "when" does this take place?

This will be the first ever time I do this and neither of us have any clue as to what to do, or even what to use. I have lots of Little Cleos, which I am guessing might be something to try, but what else? I don't want anyone's spots, but just a general idea as to what I should be doing out there.

Thanks in advance for any help anyone is willing to supply.

Steve

[matthothand]

If you want to get some in the lake, right now is the time to go. The fish are staged by numerous river mouths and a few have likely entered. Soon the banks will be lined with eager anglers, like you, chasing salmon in the rivers. I would take the trip soon. The "run" into the tribs happens usually the second and third weeks of september for chinooks and any substantial rainfall will trigger the staging fish. A few are going to enter regardless of the rain. If you're fishing the open water spoons will work fine. Once they make into the tribs yarn flies and/or spawn/roe bags/sacs are tops. It can be tough to get them to bite once in the rivers though. They're not there to eat and most are on their last fins. Good luck.

[VMS]

I'll be on the water with the boat...

Guess I know what I am doing next weekend!!

THanks for the heads up!!

Steve

[matthothand]

No prob. Decently wet week...I'll be up on saturday. If there's anything worth mentioning, I will.