Salmon Location Based on Wind and Weather
Wind direction is a major factor determining the depth and location of salmon. Strong winds pushing warmer surface layers offshore draw cool water, baitfish and salmon near shore.
As an angler, I know that weather plays a crucial role in determining fish behavior and feeding activity. When it comes to smallmouth bass in the North Country, I prefer flat, calm, and sunny weather. In these conditions, smallmouth bass tend to stay near the tops of the reefs. On the other hand, muskies are more active during cloudy and overcast weather, especially when a big storm is blowing in. But when it comes to king salmon, the weather doesn’t affect their feeding behavior. Kings have to eat regardless of the weather conditions. However, weather does impact where they are located and how we present our baits to them.
When fishing for king salmon, the key is to find the fish and then determine the right presentation to entice them to bite. While some people may think of weather as unpredictable, there are certain weather patterns that can be predicted. For example, in the spring and summer, every three to five days, northwest winds blow down from Canada and bring a steady train of fronts from eastern Wisconsin. These fronts result in prevailing offshore winds, which have a significant impact on the water temperature and baitfish activity.
During offshore wind conditions, the warm surface water is blown out, causing the colder water from the bottom of the lake to rise. This sudden change in water temperature attracts baitfish, and subsequently, the king salmon follow. It’s not a gradual process; instead, it happens almost instantaneously. So, if you notice a few days of offshore winds, you can expect to find cold water and an abundance of baitfish, which in turn attracts the king salmon.
This phenomenon occurs throughout the summer, and you’ll often see shore fishermen and peers empty for days. However, when a couple of days of offshore winds occur, the piers suddenly become full, and anglers flock to these areas to take advantage of the prime fishing conditions.
Wind is a crucial factor in angling for warm water species like bass, walleyes, and muskies. Anglers prefer a moderate wind blowing out towards the underwater structures they are fishing. The reason behind this preference is that wind helps concentrate plankton, which in turn activates baitfish and triggers shallow feeding. In the Great Lakes, onshore winds pile up warm water, pushing the salmon out to deeper areas. Conversely, hard offshore winds bring upwellings of cold water, allowing salmon and trout to feed in shallower waters.
Over the years, I’ve spent a significant amount of time chasing salmon from shallow to deep water. Through my observations, I’ve developed a theory about open water predators. These predators prefer to eat in areas where they can consume as much food as possible in the shortest amount of time. Therefore, they choose to feed in shallow water whenever they get the opportunity. In shallow water, the vertical distance they need to cover to find food is compressed. For example, in 100 feet of water, they can feed anywhere from the top to the bottom. In contrast, in 30 feet of water, there is less room to cover, allowing them to eat more efficiently and quickly. So, when there is a flow of cold water coming into shallow areas, the fish follow it. They want to be as shallow as possible to minimize the vertical distance they have to cover while feeding.
During my fishing trip, I had the opportunity to put my theory to the test. The weather conditions were favorable, with the wind blowing and pushing cold water into the shallow areas. I was hopeful that the king salmon would be there, ready to feed. It didn’t take long before I felt a bite on my line. I reeled in the fish, and to my delight, it was a beautiful king salmon. It was a reminder of why I love fishing for these magnificent creatures.
However, I must admit that I made a mistake by not bringing the appropriate net for landing the fish. It was my first time fishing with Mr. Porter, and I didn’t anticipate catching such a large salmon. Nevertheless, we managed to land the fish and admire its beauty. We decided to release it back into the water, as we already had plans to keep some of the other fish we caught.
King salmon are truly remarkable fish. It had been a while since I last caught one, and I was reminded of their stunning appearance and strength. They are a prized catch for many anglers, and I felt fortunate to have the opportunity to encounter one on this fishing trip.
As the day went on, we continued to fish and enjoy the beautiful weather. The wind was still blowing, and the cold water was still flowing into the shallow areas. It was a perfect combination for successful salmon fishing. We caught several more king salmon, each one as impressive as the last.
Fishing for king salmon is a unique experience. While weather conditions may not directly impact their feeding behavior, they do play a crucial role in determining where the fish are located. Understanding the relationship between weather patterns and fish behavior is essential for successful salmon fishing. By paying attention to wind patterns and water temperature changes, anglers can increase their chances of finding and catching king salmon.
In this article, we discussed the importance of weather in fishing and how it affects different species. We learned that smallmouth bass prefer flat, calm, and sunny weather, while muskies are more active during cloudy and overcast conditions. However, when it comes to king salmon, weather doesn’t affect their feeding behavior but rather their location.
We explored the impact of offshore winds on water temperature and baitfish activity. Offshore winds blow out the warm surface water, causing colder water from the bottom of the lake to rise. This sudden change in water temperature attracts baitfish, and the king salmon follow. Anglers can take advantage of this phenomenon by looking for cold water and an abundance of baitfish after a few days of offshore winds.
We also discussed the role of wind in angling for warm water species like bass, walleyes, and muskies. A moderate wind blowing out towards underwater structures helps concentrate plankton, activate baitfish, and trigger shallow feeding. Onshore winds in the Great Lakes pile up warm water, pushing salmon out to deeper areas. In contrast, hard offshore winds bring upwellings of cold water, allowing salmon and trout to feed in shallower waters.
Based on my observations, I developed a theory about open water predators like king salmon. These predators prefer to feed in shallow water whenever possible because it compresses the vertical distance they need to cover while feeding. In shallow water, they can eat more efficiently and quickly. When there is a flow of cold water into shallow areas, the fish follow it, as it provides them with the opportunity to feed in a more concentrated space.
