Lake Huron Salmon Fishing

So Many Reasons to Go

Lake Huron salmon fishing can be action packed and has landed many anglers the fish of a lifetime! The amazing scenery on this Great Lake is something to behold and adds to the wonderful fishing experience. Catching a salmon in the big waters of the Great Lakes is something you will always remember and the reason so many anglers return every year.

Chinook and Coho salmon are the species in Lake Huron and ever 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 Fahrenheit range and move throughout the lake as the seasons change. They have ferocious appetites and are a load of fun to catch for anglers of all skill levels.

If you have limited experience fishing for salmon, you might wonder what species you have just caught. There are some straight forward ways to identify the Chinook from the Coho while Lake Huron salmon fishing. Take note.

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. Any tail spots are typically constrained to the top half of the tail and the anal fin has about 14 to 16 rays. The body generally 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 are known to 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 often 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.

As the salmon come in from the deep waters they are a superb color for eating. For some delicious salmon recipes, check out our extensive freshwater fish recipes page!

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. If the big waters are too rough to fish, many Chinook have been caught close to shore.

Many anglers are often in bigger boats while Lake Huron salmon fishing. This often results in a fast trolling speed. This makes the use of downriggers a necessity to get the lure to the depth of the fish (particularly when they are in the big water). 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!

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