Casting Crankbaits For Chinook Salmon

Fishing early run king salmon in a Lake Michigan tributary. First arrivals are very aggressive, and will absolutely smash a crankbait. The 2013 chinooks have been running on the large side, with many being caught over 30 lbs. We were hoping to tangle with some fresh fish out of the lake, even though it was still early for the big push to begin.

We began our trip at daybreak by casting chunks of borax cured salmon skein under bobbers. After a few unsuccessful attempts, we decided a change in strategy was needed. Switching over to crankbaits provided more success until the blazing sun put the fish down.

[RenegadeRiderBC]

and later Steve found out that he was unemployed...

[ConsummateSportsman]

Crankbaits are effective for fresh run fish, no matter where they are in the system. Once they've been in the river a while, skein & bobbers will be your best option.

[DAllenMartinphotos]

I talked to Jim. He says you're fired. Not for faking sick, but for not inviting him out on the boat! =P

[jajaid]

are crankbaits just as successful the farther away from the mouth of the river you are.we went out with a guide once and we used just thundersticks and hooked nothing.any tips for later run salmon?

[SalmaxKayak]

Love the sky-rocketing in the river! Chinney fever is bad.

Rumors of 39 lber off Ludington pier today, I know you have a Monster King episode coming soon. Make it happen!

[brodieclaesgens]

Im from northwest indiana and they evebtually make it into creeks here but there almost dead by the time they get here

[leofrontera]

Leave it to a Spartan to catch a sucker! Happy

[ConsummateSportsman]

No, with fresh fish out of the lake, you're better off with crankbaits. Once they've been in the river a while, you can get them on spawn & skein.

[italiansalmonhead]

nice fish are they run on bear to ? i know where u was lol specially the sucker area

[nikpik]

Hey. This is Jim. You're fucking fired.

[ConsummateSportsman]

Yeah, there aren't many in the system yet. Still early. We gave it a shot anyway.

[ConsummateSportsman]

Any river on the west side of the state will hold salmon. This was on the big man.

[Gonzo]

Nice King...Do you guys catch more as it gets later into the year?

[johnnygross]

Blue fox spinners for silvers and steelhead

[ConsummateSportsman]

Man, I've been trying. My big lake season has been a colossal disappointment.

[SnapBackCollector]

they don't bite on egg sacks or jig this time of the year ?

[Countrydad]

we run sandshrimp and roe or kwikfish over here in the northwest. or just roe.. try back bouncing or sidedrifting some eggs that works to. and over there I bet they'd hammer it because of how that water looks

[ConsummateSportsman]

Enjoy your trip! Should be plenty of monsters around by then.

[shyznic]

and just realized he called in sick to Show us how NOT to net a fish.. should have wet to work buddy!!!

[olddog]

Put net in water and keep it still, if big net hold end of bag in your rear hand. angler leads fish to net, pick straight up.
dipping for big fish will knock them right off.