Lake Huron Salmon Fishing

Chinook and Coho salmon are the species caught in Lake Huron. Every year Chinook salmon in the 30 pound range are caught. Coho Salmon are a smaller species and rarely get over 15 pounds. Both species generally seek water temperatures in the 50 degree range and move through the lake as the seasons change.

There are some straight forward ways to identify the Chinook from the Coho while Lake Huron salmon fishing.

The Chinook salmon has a tail that flares like a “canoe paddle handle” at its base. Chinook salmon are also well known for their black gums.Tail spots are typically constrained to the top half of the tail and the anal fin has about 14 to 16 rays. The body can be a sparkling greenish-blue on the back with lateral silver lines toward the base of the fish. Chinook salmon generally don’t roll and jump as you get them to the boat, but often make long screaming runs with your line (and who doesn’t love that?).

Tail spots on the Coho are grouped toward the top of the tail. The inside of the Coho’s mouth is typically grey or black but the gums are a creamy white color. The anal fin has about a dozen rays, slightly less than the Chinook. The Coho is also famous among salmon anglers for rolling in the line which sometimes making them difficult to land.

Chinook salmon are often caught in the big waters by trolling plugs, spoons and flashers. The fish typically dine on smelt and alewife and have been known to gorge themselves when the opportunity presents itself. Amazingly the fish can grow 10 pounds per year. Lake Huron salmon fishing sees Chinook over 30 pounds caught every season.

In the late spring and summer, Coho are caught in the big waters typically looking for smelt or alewives. Again plugs and spoons are among the most popular strategies. Often Coho are found in 20 to 40 feet in water this time of year. Like the Chinook, big water fishing is best in the spring and early summer.

Lake Huron salmon fishing in August and September sees both species forming schools near the mouths of rivers. The fish are preparing themselves for the spawn that takes place in the fall. As the summer wears on, huge numbers of Coho and Chinook can be found at the mouth of the Spanish River as well as in the North Channel. Rattling baits work well this time of year as the fish are aggressive and seem to hit anything that gets near them.

August tends to be a wonderful time for Lake Huron salmon fishing. Lengthy clashes with BIG salmon happen most frequently in the northern most part of Lake Huron this time of year. Fantastic catches of Coho and Chinook salmon happen every year at many of the northern most locations.

Another dynamite location for Lake Huron salmon fishing is Drummond Island. Some of the local outfitters can share the secrets of some nearby shoals that often produce great results. Steep drop-offs with complicated currents can be difficult to fish, so make sure you consult some local experts.

Many anglers are often in bigger boats while Lake Huron salmon fishing. This results in a fast trolling speed and makes the use of downriggers a necessity to get the lure to the depth of the fish. As the salmon seek their desired water temperature, you will have to mark the fish on the depth finder and adjust your down rigger accordingly. At some points during the summer, salmon can be well below 100 feet!

When the salmon move into the rivers they virtually stop eating and the only thing on their mind is spawning. The salmon are very territorial during this time and will strike some lures to “defend their turf”. By throwing out a spinner or Rapala that has the coloring of a rainbow trout you will often get a Chinook or Coho to strike. Give it a whirl next time you’re out.

Lake Huron salmon fishing is a superb angling experience. Just ask the folks who return every year! Get the gang together and plan your trip. There just might be a trophy with your name on it!

Thanks for reading.

Good Fishing.