Spinning for Atlantic salmon

Complete guide — gear, lures, season and tips.

Gear

Rod
Salmon spinning rod 3.0–3.6 m, casting weight 20–60 g
Loop X10
Vision Onki
Abu Garcia Spike Salmon
Reel
Spinning reel 5000–6000 or a multiplier with a strong drag
Mainline
Braid 0.20–0.25 mm or mono 0.35 mm
Leader
Fluorocarbon 0.40–0.50 mm
Hook
Treble #2 to 1/0

Lures / bait

  • Spoons (Abu Toby 18–28 g, Kuusamo Professor, Falkfish Thor)
  • Crankbaits/wobblers (Rapala Original Floating 13–18 cm, Rapala Magnum Sliver, Salmo Sweeper)
  • Heavy jigs for deep pools
Season
June–September
Time of day
Morning and evening
Pro tip

Cast across the current and swing it back. Heavy spoons in fast pools. Check local rules — many rivers are fly-only.