Must-Have Tackle for the Salmon Fishing Season
Having the right tackle can make all the difference when it comes to salmon fishing. Whether you're wading into a small river or casting across a wider stretch, the right rod, reel, and flies will help you make the most of your time on the water. It’s all about choosing gear that suits both the conditions and your personal approach, making each outing as enjoyable and successful as possible.
At John Norris, we stock a fantastic range of salmon fishing tackle, including rods, reels, and flies to suit all budgets. Our collection features some of the biggest names in fly fishing, such as Greys, Guideline, Vision and Hardy, ensuring that anglers of all levels can find the right setup. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best tackle on the market, so you have a successful salmon fishing season.
Must-Have Tackle
Rods
The best rod for salmon fishing depends on the river size, water conditions, and the weight of the flies and lines you’ll be casting. Salmon are strong fish, so your rod needs enough power to handle them while still allowing for controlled, precise casting.
Rod length typically ranges from 12ft to 15ft, with a 13ft-14ft rod being a great all-rounder, particularly for rivers like the River Eden. If the water is low, a 12ft rod might be better, while a 15ft rod can help you cover more water when levels are higher.
Recommended Rods:
· Guideline NT11 Double Handed Fly Rods: Ultra-lightweight yet incredibly strong, featuring cutting-edge T1100G graphite for superior casting performance and lifting power.
· Guideline Embrace Fly Rod Kit - 14ft 9/10 Line Salmon: A versatile option for varying conditions.
· Hardy Ultralite NSX Double Handed Fly Rod: Designed for balance, sensitivity, and enough power to handle hard-fighting salmon.
Reels
A salmon reel needs to be well-balanced, have a strong drag system to manage long runs, and offer enough capacity for fly line and backing.
For salmon fishing, a 9/10 size reel is usually the best choice. It provides enough space for a floating fly line plus 30lb backing, and it allows for sinking tips with different sink rates (from 1.5 to 10 inches per second).
Recommended Reels:
· Guideline Aeon Fly Reel: The perfect fusion of beauty, durability, and performance, delivering both style and function on the water.
· Guideline Halo Fly Reels: A high-quality CNC-machined aluminium reel with a smooth, sealed drag system and large arbour design for quick retrieve and minimal line coiling.
· Hardy Marquis LWT Fly Reels: A refined update of a Hardy classic, featuring an indented regulator button, increased porting, and improved regulation range for enhanced performance.
· Vision Deep Fly Reels: Tough and reliable, built to handle powerful salmon.
Fly Lines
Fly lines play a crucial role in how well you present your fly. Floating lines are the standard choice for salmon fishing, but it’s always useful to carry a few sinking tips to adapt to different water levels and speeds.
A 9/10 or 10/11 floating fly line is a good option for most conditions, while interchangeable sinking tips let you adjust your approach as needed. If you’re fishing deeper pools or faster currents, a heavier sinking tip (up to 10 inches per second) can help get your fly where it needs to be.
We Recommend:
· John Norris Scandi Floating Integrated Fly Lines: This line excels in handling long leaders, delicate casts, and challenging wind conditions, even with larger flies and sink tips.
· John Norris Salmon Tips: Designed for optimal casting control, depth management, and line presentation.
Lures and Flies
Picking the right fly can mean the difference between landing a salmon and going home empty-handed. Fly selection depends on water height and clarity with smaller flies (size 10–12) working best in low water, while larger patterns (size 6–8) are more effective in higher water.
It’s important to use flies tied on strong, reliable hooks. If you’re fishing deep water, avoid flies that sink too fast, as they might drop below where the salmon are holding. In colder months, salmon tend to sit deeper, so a good approach is to use a light fly, such as an aluminium tube, on a fast-sinking fly line. This allows the fly to reach the fish without sinking too quickly.
Popular Patterns:
· Cascade: A reliable all-round fly.
· Willie Gunn: A favourite for salmon fishing throughout the season.
· Red-Based Flies: As the season progresses, salmon often respond better to flies with red tones, for example a red francis.
We Recommend:
· Flying C Lure - Original Flying Condom
Fly Boxes
Keeping your gear organised and easy to reach is a must when salmon fishing. A good fly box helps keep everything in order, from tubes and hooks to flies and other essentials.
When choosing a tackle box, think about size and material; plastic, metal, and fabric all offer different benefits. You’ll want something spacious enough for all your kit without being too bulky to carry.
We Recommend:
· C&F Design Tube Fly Case: Features 8 extra-short tubes (79.5mm) and Micro Slit Foam for secure and organised tube fly storage.
· Vision Slim Fly Boxes: Super thin yet spacious enough for all the nymphs and small flies you’ll need.
· Snowbee Easy-Vue Silicone Foam Fly Box: Features high-density silicone foam for a secure grip on flies without damage from repeated use.
Salmon Fishing on the River Eden
The River Eden gets a solid run of salmon throughout the season, with success largely depending on water levels. The best months for salmon fishing here tend to be May and September, though the season runs from 15th January to 14th October.
Given its width, shooting heads work well on the Eden, and a 15lb nylon leader is the usual choice. One of the best places to fish is the Warwick Hall Beat, a productive stretch known for its salmon, brown trout, and grayling.
For more details on the salmon fishing season, check out our previous blog.
Ready for the Season?
As you gear up for the salmon fishing season, having the right tackle can make all the difference between a successful outing and a frustrating one. From selecting the perfect rod and reel combination to choosing the right fly lines and patterns, every piece of equipment plays a crucial role in enhancing your experience on the water.
Whether you're fishing the River Eden or exploring other prime salmon waters, a well-balanced setup will improve your casting, presentation, and chances of landing that prized fish. At John Norris, we offer a carefully curated range of rods, reels, and flies to suit every angler's needs, from seasoned professionals to those just starting out.
So, if you're ready to make the most of the season, explore our collection in-store and online. With expert advice and top-quality tackle, we’ll help you find everything you need for a rewarding and enjoyable fishing experience.
