King salmon fishing rig factors include depth distribution, lure color and Scent Striker Originals rigging for better hookups. Join us for part 2 of preparing for the upcoming king salmon season.
This tips and techniques edition is part two of preparing for the King salmon season. Part two covers three items:
- One is the depth distribution of Kings in summer and springtime.
- Two, lure color choice is based on a King’s depth and light penetration in coastal waters.
- And three, another option for rigging Scent Striker Originals for a longer bite and a better chance of a great hookup.
King Summertime Depths
One research project inserted radio telemetry implants in King salmon and recorded their depths when the fish neared an on-water surface receiver. This research project recorded King salmon depth from over several years, 2006-2013.
Findings from this study revealed that King salmon move up and down the water column during daylight hours during the summer (July-September). However, the depth range with the most Kings recorded was 99 – 131 feet. So, a great depth to start at during the summer daylight hours is 100 feet.
King Lure Color Choices
Concentrating on the 100-foot depth, we see visible light in coastal waters in the green and blue zones. Green and blue light have shorter wavelengths and more energy and go deeper. The longer wavelength light, such as reds, orange, and yellow, are absorbed, defused, or scattered first and don’t go as deep.
This means that when fishing around 100 feet for a summertime King, the angler should consider lure colors in blues and greens. The blue and green light will bounce off these colored lures, and Kings will see them.
Other great color choices for summertime King salmon fishing rig and lures are white and black. All visible light bounces off white and is seen by Kings. Black-colored lures absorb light and stand out as a dark spot to a big King looking up from the bottom.
King Springtime Depths
Interestingly, the King depth study shows a different springtime picture. Nearly all King depths were recorded near the water’s surface. In this case, when fishing Kings in the spring (April – June in the study), adding red into your lure lineup might be just the ticket.
Get the most out of your king salmon fishing rig with Scent Striker Originals & DBS
Lastly, when rigging King trolling gear, another option to consider to entice a better bite is adding Scent Striker Originals between your terminal hook and lead hook. Research shows that salmon use their gustatory system to identify familiar foods. The gustatory system is a fancy way of saying taste buds.
DBS To Get A Better Bite
If they bite into something they recognize, they hold on. If the taste is unfamiliar, it may be quickly dropped.
DBS fish attractant uses herring oil as its base and is loaded with other tasty fats, minerals, and amino acids that salmon know. Filling Original’s fibers with DBS means a recognized taste, resulting in a prolonged bite for a better hookset. Fish On!
Getting your King salmon gear roll (or box) ready before the season officially starts is wise. When the fish return to your local waters, you’ll want to be where the action is – out on the water, not land-stuck tying gear!
Happy Fishing,
Don Habeger
Founder