salmon river

Read the regs for the river and get an idea of things you cannot use and go from there.   Most folks will fish eggs sacks, beads and flies on spinning gear.   I have caught salmon on spoons, but the fish need to be unpressured and good luck with that on the river.   Stay away from the major holes and walk a bit to find some open water if you can.   Very good idea on the guide, but get a reputable one either shore or drift.   On a boat you cover more water and learn more spots.   I just use a  Bass Pro 9 foot noodle and 10 lb test when I spin fish, which is rarely anymore.     

If you don't have a room booked by now good luck,you may have to look 30 miles south now.I don't spin fish so no help there but a GOOD guide would be money well spent.

Like many here -started with an Ugly Stick. First in spin and then in Fly. Most arent prepared for the heavy fish with those strong down river runs in this current. Considered them a great learning tool that lived up to their rep about NOT breaking when abused. The soft tip does mask some hits though.
 For a new guy on the SR go with 14 or more test but dont be one of those 20 lb guys. Ya can always use a lighter line up front.
Now its an 8 and later in the season a 5 but to learn - get ugly. Decent prices too.

All good points and here is just my 2 C to add..
 
For salmon I find the wrong , especially spinning rod can cause difficulty..
I chose a fly rod due to these reasons:
Generally I wish to use far less weight for salmon.. Many times the water might be at a lower state (-750) and using 1/8 oz or less just becomes tough with the wrong set up..
Now I understand this is tropical storm season in full glory and being under gunned with a whippy noodle rod is worth nothing..
Hence with the 9'6 - 8 wt I have a good versatility..
 
There are 2 spinning rods (oldies) in my rack from early salmon years that I like and use for other fishing:
1: Straight up 9' Ugly Stick Light Action 4-20.. Possibly my first salmon rod around 1980 .. Still gets plenty Trolling use on Lakers, Salmon , Stripers and walleye.. first steel rod in 1976 was composite fly rod with spinning reel taped on )
Id say a decent (cheap $60.. spinning rod)
2. St Croix 8'6 4901 med.. 10-20.. Don't know todays models but this is a bit heavier rod but nice casting a # 7 split up and plenty backbone.. Like said , for 900 + water flows..
 If I were to chose between the 2 above_
Ugly Stick lite, the 9' med 4-20 # long handle will work in all situations at best price.....
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Line:
Water dependent:
 Low water, 10# main line.. 500-1,000 12-14# main
Lighter line casts lighter weight better..
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Lures:
I like flies(spin or fly) : Easy for me to tie but not cheap to buy ..
Twister tails, hellgrammites, gulp minnows, power bait, ... It all works if your fishing good water and the fish are snappy !!
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Guide:
 Hum. Tough call on salmon..  Easy call on trout..
Hit the salmon right and even Ray Charles will catch one..
Pay your dues, stay focused and work good water ..
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Lodging:
at this point I'd look toward campgrounds.. I'm still seeing openings on the busiest weekend ..
Call around and see who has a bed.. All are about equal IMO , some more $$ then others..
 
Good Luck
 
 
 
 

Everyone is correct... there is nothing wrong with starting out with an Ugly Stick first... you'll learn that Salmon dont play by conventional fishing rules. Have at least 1-2 back up rods and reels because you can break gear at anytime. 
 
The best advice I can give you is watch other guys. (Dont go out ripping your rod back and forth trying to snag thats a big no no.) Have a gentleman attitude, if somebody next to you hooks up, reel in your line and give them some space to fight the fish. If a fish gets by you and is moving quick, give the next guy a courtesy of a "got one or two coming down to you". If you do that a few times small talk can happen and you ask a few questions and get a few tips. 
 
Nothing ruins fishing here like a few ****holes next to you showing no class or respect. 

thanks for all the advice

it will work
what you will find is you need a reel with a good drag, but if its too heavy you will regret it after a hard days fishing
i use a longer rod (noodle rod) 10'6" ultralight with a shamano sedona reel, usually 10 lb mono
works great

don't forget the big yellow rope
 

haven't been to salmon river in years. Planning a trip in a couple weeks. Would appreciate any help on what floats, flies, weight, line....... to bring with or buy when I get there.
 

If they arent in DSR in the AM Sat go upper mid river- This push will be up that way by then. Looks to be at least a decent two solid day push so fish could well  be up that way by Sat..
 With fan seeing zip in the estuary today another push may not be around for a river for a day or two- but then a few hours can change all that this time of year.
 Dsr in the AM at least if always a good bet. Especialy with the Labor Day weekend higher releases.

Forget what I said about up river- thought you only had the one day-
    With the  water releases the next few days one would most certainly believe you will hit at  least one if not a couple of decent DSR pushes.
 Good luck.

Good luck to all those that venture this holiday of Labor weekend..
One of the few in many years I will miss .. Hope your reels scream and your families have fun times in the area.. The sunsets are nothing short of FANTASTIC so be sure to take some time to enjoy them as well..
Looking forward to the stories and maybe a pic or two ..
 
Another graveyard and taking the grandson to the County fair for his favorite tomorrow : Tractor Pulls :) yea buddy !!
Peace & Tuna