Atlantic Salmon - Nova Scotia's Fall Run

Next weekend I am going to do some salmon fishing in Cape Breton. Nova Scotia's fall run of Atlantic Salmon tends to favor big fish on many of the North Shore and Cape Breton rivers. You are more likely to catch a 10 - 12 lb Multi-Sea-Winter (MSW) salmon than a 5 lb grilse.

Whether or not it sparks an aggressive reaction from the fish, the Cardinelle definitely gets their attention. Salmon seem to be more inclined to take a marabou fly when it is "pumped" with the rod tip, causing the fly to pulsate as if it were alive. Sometimes the take can be very subtle, so set the hook if you feel any hitch in the fly's swim. At other times, they hammer the fly. You will have no doubt that you are into a good fish, but set the hook anyway. Tight Lines!