"AKpredator" wrote in message
...
I'm not sure what size for sure. The rules for reds where I fish require
you
to use only a fly. They do have a size limit which I believe is a #3 with
no
more than an 1/2" spread from the point and main length of the hook. I
just
buy Russian River Flies and don't have to worry about it since thats where
I
fish for them anyway. They don't actually strike the fly either, it's
called
precision snagging. Just get the line to drift through their mouth and
give
it a rip. As long as their hooked in the mouth you can keep them. Many
times
you can save a trip to the store by pulling all the flies out of their
tails, backs and bellies.



That reminds me of a method we use sometimes. When the chinooks are
schooling to spawn, they sometimes swim with their jaws spread wide. It is
an unusual sight with their jaws spread open a foot wide. We tie a weighted
dropper just heavy enough to hold the bottom and set the rods in a
holder---- tight lining for salmon. The fish swim around and pick up the
line in their open jaws, slide down the line and hook themselves when they
hit the hook.

I have no idea why salmon should swim this way, and they seem to all be
doing this at the same time.....usually in their spawning area in the
harbor. (planted in the harbor because the inlet stream is only 8 inches
deep and 7 feet across---led to unusual fish congregations when they were
planted in the stream) Usually seen at night in the lights of the harbor
dock.