Pacific Northwest Fishing Gear Guides
Experience-based fishing gear guides for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in Pacific Northwest rivers. These articles focus on real-world rod, reel, and tackle choices based on specific techniques, conditions, and fish species.
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How to Drift Fish for Salmon (Beginner Guide)
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I trust and actually use in my own fishing. If you want to learn how to drift fish for salmon, the most important thing to wrap…
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Best Salmon Lures for River Fishing (Chinook & Coho Guide)
The best salmon lures for river fishing depend on water conditions and fish behavior. This guide covers the top lure types and how to use them for Chinook and coho.
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Best Spoons for Salmon Fishing in Rivers (Chinook & Coho Guide)
A good salmon spoon has to stay in the strike zone, throw enough flash to get noticed, and wobble naturally through current. In this guide, I break down the spoon styles, colors, and weights I’d actually use for Chinook and coho in rivers.
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Best Spinners for Salmon Fishing in Rivers (Chinook & Coho Guide)
The best spinners for salmon fishing depend on size, color, and water conditions. Here’s how to choose the right spinner and when to use it in rivers.
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Best Polarized Sunglasses for River Fishing (Salmon & Steelhead Guide)
These are my top picks for the best polarized sunglasses for river fishing, including premium, budget, and all-around options for salmon and steelhead anglers.
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Complete Salmon Fishing Setup for Rivers (Chinook Gear Guide)
A complete salmon fishing setup for rivers, including rods, reels, line, rigs, and bait to consistently catch Chinook salmon in real conditions.
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Salmon Float Fishing Depth Guide (How Deep to Set Your Bobber)
Figuring out salmon bobber depth can make or break your drift. This guide explains how deep to set your bobber, how to read your float, and when to fish near bottom versus higher in the water column.
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How to Know When a Salmon Bites (Signs You Should Set the Hook)
Not sure when to set the hook? Learn how to know when a salmon bites, including signs for float fishing, drift fishing, spinners, and jigs.
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Spinning vs Casting Reel for Salmon (Which One Should You Use?)
Not sure whether to use a spinning reel or casting reel for salmon? Here’s how to choose the right setup based on your fishing style and experience.
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Best Time to Fish for Chinook Salmon in Rivers (PNW Guide)
Learn the best time to fish for Chinook salmon in rivers, including the ideal time of day, river conditions, and proven patterns that consistently produce fish in the Pacific Northwest.