How King Salmon and Other Species React to Wind

Offshore winds bring cold-water upwellings, baitfish and king salmon inshore. Anglers cast spoons or jigs & softbaits from small boats or off piers for monsters.

Salmon fishing is a unique experience, as the weather doesn’t necessarily determine whether the fish will bite or not. However, it does affect where they are and how they can be presented to. In this article, we will explore the role of weather in salmon fishing and how it can impact the behavior of these magnificent fish.

The Importance of Weather in Fishing

As an angler, I understand the significance of weather when it comes to fishing. Weather conditions can greatly influence the movement and feeding activity of fish in any body of water. For example, when targeting smallmouth bass in the North Country, I prefer flat calm and hot sunny weather, as it brings the bass up to the surface. On the other hand, muskies are more active during cloudy and overcast conditions, especially when a big storm is blowing in.

However, when it comes to fishing for king salmon, the weather plays a slightly different role. While weather conditions may not affect whether the salmon will bite or not ( as they have to eat to survive), it does impact their location and how they can be presented to. Therefore, understanding the relationship between weather and salmon fishing is crucial for a successful fishing trip.

Finding the Fish

When it comes to salmon fishing, the key is to find the fish. Weather conditions can help determine where the salmon are located in a body of water. In the spring and summer, for example, northwest winds blowing down from Canada every three to five days can be quite predictable. These winds are the leading edge of a steady train of fronts that roll from eastern Wisconsin. As a result, they produce a series of prevailing offshore winds.

Offshore winds have a significant impact on the water temperature and bait movement. When there are a few days of offshore winds, the warm surface water is blown out, and the colder water from the bottom of the lake comes up. This sudden change in water temperature attracts baitfish, which in turn attracts salmon. Therefore, if you notice a few days of offshore winds, you can expect to find cold water and baitfish in the same area.

Understanding Wind Patterns

Wind patterns play a crucial role in salmon fishing. For warm water species like bass, walleye, and muskies, anglers prefer a moderate wind blowing out to the underwater structures they are fishing. This is because wind concentrates plankton and activates baitfish, leading to shallow feeding throughout the summer.

In the Great Lakes, onshore winds pile up warm water, which pushes salmon out to deeper areas. On the other hand, hard offshore winds bring upwellings of cold water, enabling salmon and trout to feed in shallow waters. Understanding these wind patterns can help anglers determine the best areas to target salmon.

The Theory of Open Water Predators

Over the years, I have developed a theory about open water predators like salmon. These predators prefer to eat in areas where they can consume as much food as possible, as quickly as possible. They choose to feed in shallow water whenever they get the opportunity because it compresses the vertical distance they need to cover. In deeper water, they can feed from the top to the bottom, but in shallower water, there is less room to cover, allowing them to eat more efficiently.

When there is a significant amount of water coming into shallow areas, the salmon follow it. They want to be as shallow as possible to minimize the vertical distance they have to cover while feeding. This behavior is especially evident when there is a sudden influx of water, such as during a storm or when offshore winds bring upwellings of cold water.

Conclusion

Weather plays a crucial role in salmon fishing, although it may not directly affect whether the fish will bite or not. Understanding the relationship between weather conditions and salmon behavior can greatly improve your chances of a successful fishing trip. By paying attention to wind patterns, water temperature changes, and bait movement, anglers can locate the fish and present their baits effectively.

So, the next time you plan a salmon fishing trip, don’t forget to consider the weather conditions. It could be the key to a memorable and rewarding experience on the water.