This fish is sometimes called a “red fish” for obvious reasons.
Take a good look at the eyes of a Sockeye salmon; they’re orange distinguishing
this fish from all other Salmonids. The Green head and red body are other
markings that make this salmon easy to identify. Sockeye salmon are the most
prized commercial fish in the world and the most prized recreational fish
by fly fishermen.
Sockeye salmon are easily spotted during the spawning cycle with a red body
and green head. Males possess the distended kype and large hump on the back
(not to be confused with humpies). The orange portion of the eye is another
way to tip off the angler that the fish they have is a sockeye. The obvious
white mandible further identifies this unique and beautiful fish.
It is another salmon that is a zooplankton feeder when they first migrate
out to sea, and then as they continue to feed on zooplankton they also begin
to feed on smaller crustaceans and baitfish. Sockeye salmon is the second
smallest salmon and the size range is not impressive; rather, it is the quality
of the red meat that both the commercial and recreational industry seek, the
palatable taste has created a worldwide demand for it.
They are the most commercially important salmon and can be found along the
west coast with a range from southern Washington to Bristol Bay Alaska. Because
they are very difficult to stimulate strikes, while at sea, they are not sought
out, enmasse, by anglers though they can be caught with flies as they pass
though coves and inlets. Sockeye salmon have been successfully transplanted
into the Great Lakes area of Canada and the United States where the fisheries
has taken a strong foothold. No longer developing, these fish are sought by
many Midwest anglers using noodle rods that range from ten to thirteen feet
long. The favorite fishing technique there is to use a jig since most of these
salmon tend to hold out far from the banks. Fly fishermen are beginning to
use “Spey” rods to get out to them even though this kind of rod
is designed for bigger species like Atlantics, Chum, and Chinook salmon.
As sockeye salmon hold in estuaries they can be successfully hit into with
1/8 ounce jigs. Fish them close to the shore line on the flood tide; make
sure that to fish mud beds as they are the favorite holding spots. While fishing
the flood tide make sure to fish any shoreline that has overhanging branches,
trees, and brush. They attract insects and in turn attract still feeding sockeye.
As the tide begins to ebb, these fish will seek out the deepest recesses of
the area so it’s a good idea to use a nautical chart to find drop-offs
and holes. Jigging in deeper water is the best way to garner strikes. As these
fish begin to acquiesce to fresh water they will seek out any areas of an
estuary that has water flowing into the salt; when the fishing gets rough
these tiny little holds will produce when all others will not. Usually, when
these fish are ready to migrate inland they do it at the same time. Watch
weather fronts that bring significant precipitation because they will create
“freshets” inspiring fish to move inland rendering the estuary
void of sockeye salmon.
Freshwater fishermen seek them out in rivers and lakes (landlocked sockeye
are called kokanee). They can be taken with spinners, spoons, flies, and corkies.
Sockeye salmon will hold near drop-offs and riffles more often than not. The
best way to approach rivers is with stealth in that they are easily spooked
from holding spots due to movement of shadows. When fishing from banks, rivers
that run low and clear should be fished with light line and from a distance
using the cover of brush to mask movements. Boaters should drift and anchor
off above productive holds since sounds emitted through the hull can quickly
put them off the bite. Watch for undercuts when the river is devoid of fish,
this is a great spot for these little fish to hold often fooling anglers into
thinking that there are no fish in the area.
Leaders and tippet test should be not greater than six-pound test. Offerings
should reflect the indigenous insects when fly-fishing and corkies used should
not be larger than No. 10. The fighting capabilities of sockeyes is akin to
a small chum in that they will making tearing runs that are not spectacular
and they are not known for being jumpers.
They tend to run in schools that are more tightly knit than that of other
salmon; when you find one you will find many which is one of the main qualities
that makes them so attractive to anglers.
© Timothy Kusherets 2004/08
