Salmon Fishing

You can buy salmon eggs and spawn sacs online at Angling Sports. We carry a wide variety of cured salmon eggs, trout eggs, and pre-tied spawn sacs in multiple colours and sizes to match your fishing conditions. Brands like Cleardrift, TroutBeads and Creek Candy are trusted by anglers across Ontario’s salmon rivers. Whether you’re fishing the Credit, Saugeen, or Niagara River, our selection of fresh and artificial egg baits will help you hook more fish.

The salmon run in Ontario typically takes place from late August through early November, when Chinook and Coho salmon migrate from the Great Lakes into tributary rivers to spawn. Peak runs usually happen in September and October, depending on water temperature and rainfall. After a good rain, new fish move upstream in big numbers and it’s one of the most exciting times to fish in Southern Ontario. Early morning and evening are prime hours when salmon are most active.

The best salmon baits depend on the time of year and water conditions. During river runs, spawn sacs, cured salmon eggs, beads, and soft plastics are top producers. In deeper or faster water, try spinners, spoons, and crankbaits for aggressive strikes. When fishing in the Great Lakes, cut bait, trolling spoons, and flashers with flies are proven setups for Chinook and Coho. Bright colours like chartreuse, orange, and pink often stand out in murky water.

The best time of day to catch salmon is during low-light periods in the early morning, late evening, or overcast days. Salmon are more active and less cautious when the sun is low, especially in clear rivers. During peak run season, night fishing can also produce great results, particularly with glow spoons or beads. In the Great Lakes, dawn and dusk trolling sessions often deliver the most strikes. 

Pay attention to water levels and temperature, as a slight drop in temperature or fresh rain can trigger a strong bite. Stop by Angling Sports for expert tips and gear to make the most of your salmon fishing window.

Salmon are powerful fish, so you’ll need strong, durable gear to handle them. For river fishing, a 10–13 ft medium-heavy float rod paired with a centerpin or spinning reel gives you the control to drift baits naturally. For trolling in the Great Lakes, choose a medium-heavy trolling rod with a line counter reel like the Okuma Cold Water or Daiwa Sealine. Use 20–30 lb mainline and fluorocarbon leaders for stealth.

The best line for salmon fishing depends on your setup. For river anglers using floats, 12–16 lb monofilament mainline with a 10–12 lb fluorocarbon leader is ideal for a natural drift. If you’re trolling in open water, go heavier with 30–40 lb braid or mono for long runs and deep presentations. Many salmon anglers use braid with a fluorocarbon leader for sensitivity and abrasion resistance. 

Reliable brands like Air Flo and Rio perform well in Canadian waters. Visit Angling Sports to get spooled up with the perfect line setup for your salmon rod.

Chinook (King) salmon are the largest salmon species in the Great Lakes, often weighing 20–30 lbs or more, while Coho salmon are smaller, typically between 5–15 lbs, but fight just as hard. Chinooks prefer deeper, faster water and run earlier in the fall, while Cohos arrive slightly later in the season and are more active in cooler water. Both species have distinct colour changes during the spawn and turn silver in the lake and darker in the rivers. You can target both using spawn sacs, spoons, or trolling setups.

To start salmon fishing, you’ll need a sturdy rod and reel combo, a selection of baits and lures, and reliable terminal tackle. For rivers, a 10–13 ft float rod with a centerpin or 4000-size spinning reel is perfect for drifting spawn sacs and beads. For trolling, use a line counter reel setup with heavy braid or mono. Don’t forget waders, nets, and polarized sunglasses for comfort and visibility. 

At Angling Sports, we stock everything you need, from trolling gear and spoons to spawn sacs and drift rods, plus free expert advice from anglers who fish the same Great Lakes salmon runs you do.