It’s often said that pound for pound sockeye are the hardest fighting, most aerial of the five pacific salmon. Though at times coaxing a red to eat presents a formidable challenge, once hooked these acrobats prove it time after time.
Whether named for their bright red meat or for the fire engine color of their bodies at spawning, reds are any salmon connoisseur’s most palatable reward. Reds are plankton eaters at sea and though that carotene rich food is great for lending the rich color and great taste to these salmon, it’s not so great in trying to match the hatch. Plankton fly anyone? And though the age old argument of whether salmon feed in rivers or not will not be entered into here… it is a fact that sockeye will eat a fly whether spurred from frenzy or feeding or just plain dumb luck.
Sockeye are the fish symbol of Alaska and are largely responsible for the health and well being of our resident fish populations. After years in Alaska it is still incredible to witness the transformation when these blue backed chrome torpedoes morph into tomato red bodied, green headed, toothy monsters.
Fly Tackle for Sockeye Salmon
Rods
We recommend rods from 7 weight to 8 weight.
Reels
Durable reel with strong drag to match rod.
Lines
Floating lines.
Leaders
10 to 15 pound monofilament.
