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MikeF-NH · 01-30-2018, 08:21 PM

I only occasionally used smelt the first few years I fished. The guides will tell you and I'm sure they are right...that you will catch the biggest salmon on live bait. I just don't like looking for a bait store and some of the hassle with keeping shiners alive. I have had success with both flies and hardware also but have most faith in hardware. Both will allow you to cover more water because you troll faster and require no care to "keep them alive" or hassles finding them.

AJ has great selections of both and will point you in the right direction for the colors that have been most common producers but I have found each year is a little different. There is always a "new lure pattern" that seems to shine for a season or two for me. I have 5-6 that I like and always buy "experimental" colors each year. Half the fun is finding the right color they are hitting. Check in with AJ and grab several he recommends then pick a few that catch your eye. Troll at 1.7-2.5 mph (slower in the early spring at the lower end of that range - faster at that magic 55 degree water temp). Right on surface at ice out 5-15 down up to derby time. Sometimes leadcore does better...sometimes downriggers are better. Having ability to experiment and adapt seperates the successful fishermen from those straining water.

Good luck!

01-30-2018, 08:21 PM	#2
MikeF-NH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 318 Thanks: 2 Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts	I only occasionally used smelt the first few years I fished. The guides will tell you and I'm sure they are right...that you will catch the biggest salmon on live bait. I just don't like looking for a bait store and some of the hassle with keeping shiners alive. I have had success with both flies and hardware also but have most faith in hardware. Both will allow you to cover more water because you troll faster and require no care to "keep them alive" or hassles finding them. AJ has great selections of both and will point you in the right direction for the colors that have been most common producers but I have found each year is a little different. There is always a "new lure pattern" that seems to shine for a season or two for me. I have 5-6 that I like and always buy "experimental" colors each year. Half the fun is finding the right color they are hitting. Check in with AJ and grab several he recommends then pick a few that catch your eye. Troll at 1.7-2.5 mph (slower in the early spring at the lower end of that range - faster at that magic 55 degree water temp). Right on surface at ice out 5-15 down up to derby time. Sometimes leadcore does better...sometimes downriggers are better. Having ability to experiment and adapt seperates the successful fishermen from those straining water. Good luck!