Salmon Information

Salmon have long been at the heart of the culture and livelihood of coastal dwellers and are today one of the most popular fish, both for eating and for recreational fishing.

Almost all the species are born in freshwater and spend most of their life in oceans before returning to their birth stream to spawn and then die. There are nevertheless rare species that can only survive in freshwater. The relevant one for us is the Atlantic salmon (salmo salar), also commercially known under several other names such as bay salmon, silver salmon or winnish amongst others. It has blue and red spots when living and freshwater but takes on a silver blue sheen while it matures. All fins, save for the adipose, are bordered with black. Other characteristic features are a fusiform body and well developed teeth.

Adult Atlantic salmon are considered much more aggressive than other species and are more likely to attack other fish. Their social hierarchy is still unclear, many have however been found to school, especially when leaving the estuary. The most commonly eaten foods for juveniles include tiny invertebrates and flies. In adult hood they feed on much larger food: sand eels, squids, shrimps, amphipods and sometimes herring. Unlike other species, the Atlantic salmon do not automatically die after spawning and may then recondition themselves to repeat the migration process.

Salmon Fishing in France

Salmon are found both in freshwater and saltwater. They tend to be more combative in a saltwater environment if they are an ocean going species as opposed to the end of their spawn in freshwater. Fishing for salmon in saltwater is a totally unique experience and is becoming more and more popular. One of the most obvious periods to fish is when the salmon are moving from their saltwater environment into freshwater river mouths for the spawn. If hooked through a gauntlet of rocks and rapids to their birth place, the salmon can feel incredibly heavy when compounded with the drag of the current, offering an amazing fight on the river.

There are truly many techniques to catch salmons. You may try several to discover which one is the most suitable to a certain place but above all the one you prefer; fly-fishing being the most widespread. Different kind of salmon fishing tackle are available, you have to choose in accordance with the environment they are living in (freshwater or saltwater) but also with the method (casting or trolling). The common ingredient in salmon fishing tackle is a sturdy, heavy line that won't snap on the landing and a knot that is quick, easy and tuff. Here are some pieces of advice:
- Fly rods : rods should approximately have a fifteen feet length, however the ideal size depends on the river you are willing to fish in. The tackle offer is nowadays wide; we nevertheless recommend a modern, light and efficient carbon rod.
- Fly reels :a traditional, well engineered spring and pawl fly reel is a must and will cope with all scenarios in salmon fishing.
- Fly lines : a clever choice is to use the most recent and handy models, having one coated fly line for every conceivable situation: sink tip lines, double tapered lines, poly leaders...