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Salmon is a popular fish many anglers go after. Catching salmon is not only fun, but it is one of the tastiest fish you can treat yourself with.
Nonetheless, the salmon family is anadromous. They spend the first year of their life in freshwater, then migrate to the sea when they mature. But when the spawning season strikes, all salmon species will return to freshwater areas to lay eggs.
In other words, you can find salmon both at the sea and in rivers, but you must arrive in the correct season to have a fruitful fishing day.
Catching salmon is not an easy task. The physique of this fish requires special equipment, particularly adequate rods. This article entails our most recommended rods for salmon fishing and the reasons we select them as our go-to rods to catch salmon with.
Written by
Larry Stark, Founder / Main Editor
Professional fisherman, who loves to review new fishing gadgets.
Top 3 Best Salmon Fishing Rods
Best Salmon Fishing Rod Overall
St Croix Premier Series Casting Rod
- Perfect for freshwater and surf fishing
- Durable material
- Offers balance
- Recommended for beginners
Best Salmon Spinning Rod
St Croix Triumph Spinning
- Light and flexible
- Perfect traveling rod
- Sensitive enough to keep you alert
- Excellent casting rate
Best Ultralight Rod for Salmon Fishing
Okuma Celilo Graphite
- Extra light and sensitive
- Perfect for river fishing
- Affordable price
- Versatile in terms of fish species
Best Fishing Rods for Salmon Fishing
- St Croix Premier Series Casting Rod – Best Overall Salmon Rod
- St Croix Triumph Spinning – Best Spinning Salmon Rod
- Okuma Celilo Graphite – Best Ultralight Salmon Rod
- Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod – Best Durability Salmon Rod
- Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod – Best for Fast Action Salmon Rod
- Okuma Classic Pro GLT – Best Budget Salmon Rod
#1
Best Salmon Fishing Rod Overall
St Croix Premier Series Casting Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is a good salmon fishing rod made of quality material that lasts for over 20 years. The design is created to offer balance suitable for beginners and advanced anglers and has ultimate control over the fish.
- Material: Blend graphite and cork handle
- Rod Color: Classic Black Pearl
- Rod Size: 4 available, including 5’60” and 6’0″
- Fishing Technique: Casting
- Grip Type: Split
Pros
- Perfect for freshwater and surf fishing
- Durable material
- Offers balance
- Recommended for beginners
Cons
- It might be a little pricy for some
- Some anglers will find it very light
- It may be too flexible for some
BUYING ADVICE: If you want a rod that has all the right features, this is your call. This casting has a good balance for big salmon fishing. Moreover, the grip is super comfortable and handy, which gives total control of the bait when you want to catch steelhead. It is perfect for beginners as the grip allows you to improve your steadiness skills and reaction time.
We used it and can safely say it can be used with many fishing techniques – although it’s best for casting.
FEATURES: A classic salmon fishing rod made of graphite and cork handle that offers the ultimate balance and sensitivity level. The materials this graphite rod features are durable and will last for years. It comes with several lengths to choose from, giving it even more versatility, coupled with high hook power.
#2
Best Spinning Rod
St Croix Triumph Spinning
WHY WE LIKE IT: When it comes to the spinning rods, it is important to have quality material to handle the movements and improve flexibility. St Croux Triumph Spinning matched these criteria and shows effective results for steelhead.
- Rod Material: Blend
- Item Weight: 1 pound
- Style: 24 available, including 6’6″ Medium/Fast 4 Pc., 6’6″ Light/Fast 2 Pc., and 7’0″ Medium-light/Fast 2 Pc.
- Rod Color: Deep Run Blue
- Fishing Technique: Spinning
- Grip Type: Split
Pros
- Light and flexible
- Perfect for traveling
- Sensitive enough to keep you alert
- Excellent casting rate
Cons
- Not recommended for heavier fish
- Not recommended for beginners
BUYING ADVICE: When spinning is your go-to fishing technique, you need a solid rod to help you catch salmon. The St Croix Triumph Spinning should do the trick!
This rod is super light which is perfect when it comes to balancing the salmon in the river. However, we made the mistake of using it in an area populated with other predators, which ended up almost breaking the rod. Hence, make sure you match your drag and line to your rod to avoid damaging it in case you pull heavier.
FEATURES: The design of this rod is created to offer ultimate sensitivity and lightness so that the angler can control the rod’s action better. It has premium SCII carbon construction and premium-grade corn handles that give more durability and power. There are Sea Guide Atlas Performance SS304 guides that are sturdy and can withstand heavier loads.
#3
Best Ultralight Salmon Fishing Rod
Okuma Celilo Graphite
WHY WE LIKE IT: Okuma Celilo Graphite is one of the rare rods with proven quality and sustainability. According to us, the best feature of this rod is its ultralight weight which gives more sensitivity to the rod, allowing you to pull the steelhead fish the second it bites the lure.
- Rod Material: Synthetic
- Rod Color: Brown Graphite, Trout
- Item Weight: 0.19 pounds
- Item Dimensions: 54 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches
- Fishing Technique: Spinning
- Grip Type: Split
Pros
- Extra light and sensitive
- Perfect for river fishing
- Affordable price
- Versatile in terms of fish species
Cons
- Some anglers might find it very light
- Not recommended for beginners
- The tip may easily break
BUYING ADVICE: Looking for an extra light rod that would show you bite signs the second a fish comes close to your lure? This Okuma spinning rod is it! It’s ultra-light and sensitive, giving an amazing river fishing experience. We paired this rod with an Okuma Cyemar C-30 spinning reel, and we caught an aggressive big salmon.
Needless to say, you need to pick the best salmon lures so that you save this rod’s lightness.
FEATURES: The weight of this rod is perfect for the most prolific season for salmon – spawning in the river. It offers great sensitivity and has great retrieval thanks to its graphite composite blanks and aluminum oxide guide inserts. The stainless steel reel seats give more durability.
#4
Best Durability Rods
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: This fishing rod features outstanding slow-action performance with great design and comfort. It has slow action, which allows you more control over the bait and ways you can dominate the salmon.
- Rod Color: Multi
- Rod Material: Blend
- Size: 9 available, including 6′ – Medium – 2pc, 6′ – Medium Heavy – 1pc, and 6’6″ – Medium Heavy – 1pc
- Item Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
- Fishing Technique: Spinning
- Grip Type: Split
Pros
- Suitable for all fishing levels
- Light and sensitive
- Offers a great feeling with the cork
- Excellent retrieve
Cons
- Too light for beginners
- Not recommended for other fish
- Difficult to navigate
BUYING ADVICE: When you want to buy a rod that is both sensitive and can last you for years to come, check out the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod. When we tested this salmon rod, we loved the slow-action performance, which is difficult to find in most rods. Moreover, the graphite build is perfect when it comes to balance and comfort.
FEATURES: The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod comes with 35% more graphite, making it extremely durable and powerful for steelhead catching. Despite that, this rod still has a highly sensitive slower action. The clear tip and cork handles give high responsiveness and comfort during fishing.
#5
Fast Action Rods
Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: This spinning rod may be one of the best salmon fishing poles when it comes to fast action. It has quality performance and retrieval. Additionally, this fishing rod comes with an ergonomic reel seat, which is convenient for multiple spinning reels.
- Rod Material: Blend
- Rod Color: Brown
- Item Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 183.5 inches
- Size: 20 available, including 6’6″ – Medium Light – 1pc, 7′ – Ultra Light – 2pc, and 7′ – Medium Light – 1pc
- Fishing Technique: Spinning
- Grip Type: Split
Pros
- Well-balanced
- Excellent fast-action performance
- Affordable
- High durability
Cons
- The cork handle doesn't cover the reel
- Poor quality guides
- Not suitable for beginners
BUYING ADVICE: If you want to reel in your catch quickly and are looking for a rod with good and fast action, then the Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod is the most suitable choice. This is one of the best salmon fishing rods when it comes to king salmon.
The rod itself allows you to have fast action performance, but it’s also durable, creating a perfect match for stubborn bass.
FEATURES: Thanks to the stainless steel frames and ergonomic minima reel, this rod is the perfect design for intermediate and advanced anglers. It is created for comfort and control over the salmon species with premium cork and TAC grips.
#6
Best Salmon Fishing Rod on a Budget
Okuma Classic Pro GLT
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is one of the rods that would make great traveler equipment suitable for all ages and fishing levels. It is affordable, versatile, and perfect for lake fishing.
- Rod Material: Stainless steel guide frames, glass
- Rod Color: Black
- Fishing Technique: Casting
- Size: 13 available, including CP-DR-862M; 8’6″ Med 10-25LB, CP-DR-762ML; 7’6″ Med-Light 8-20LB, and CP-DR-702M; 7′ Med 10-20LB
- Item Weight: 0.6 pounds
- Grip Type: Split
Pros
- Suitable for many fish types
- Recommended for all ages and fishing levels
- Perfect for lake and river fishing
- Affordable
Cons
- The guides can easily snap
- The performance is not that impressive
- Prone to breaking
BUYING ADVICE: If you’re just starting with salmon fishing and want a rod that is not expensive but will still perform well, then the Okuma Classic Pro GLT is a good start. You can take it out on any water or weather condition and try catching any type of fish. We took it out on a lake and found it to be very light and perfect for walleyes.
FEATURES: Made with stainless steel frames and an e-glass blank build, this rod is durable for most salmon types. What makes it stand out as the best salmon fishing rod is the fact that it offers good quality for a low price. It comes with titanium oxide guide inserts to boost durability.
- St Croix Premier Series Casting Rod – Editor’s Choice for Steelhead
- St Croix Triumph Spinning – Steelhead Spinning Rods
- Okuma Celilo Graphite – Ultralight Steelhead Rods
- Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod – Most Durable Steelhead Rods
- Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod – Fast Action Steelhead Rods
- Okuma Classic Pro GLT – Budget Steelhead Rods
What Makes a Good Salmon Rod?
Slow Action
Generally speaking salmon rod action should be slow to act because many anglers fishing for salmon go after trophies. Big fish usually require slower action because you will need more control and strength instead of sloppy movements that naturally come with the fast action rods.
Of course, if you’re fishing in rivers, you may use fast action rods because the freshwater fish are generally smaller.
Power
Many anglers go for a stronger fishing pole when going after big salmon for fear that medium-light rods will break once the fish shows signs of resistance. However, rods break because of inadequate lines, not because of the weight.
Additionally, bear in mind that if you choose a strong rod, you lose sensitivity which means you will no longer sense that well when the fish bites or not. Steelhead fly fishing rods are usually more sensitive and offer great comfort.
Length
The length of the rod plays a crucial role when targeting salmon. In other words, the ideal length for a salmon fishing rod is an 8 1/2- or 9-foot rod rated for 15-30 pound line weight. The ideal size of the rod’s butt is anything between 6 and 12 inches.
Material
The material of the rod is important to be of excellent quality because it is a huge factor when it comes to balance and flexibility. The best material for salmon fishing rods is graphite.
Tough materials are ideal when it comes to beginners who will struggle to navigate and control the graphite rod. However, beginners need to work on their retrieve first before they get a graphite or flexible rod.
Weight
Weight is also a cardinal factor when choosing the right salmon fishing rod. Ideally, the pole should have a line weight of over 10 pounds and a rod with a low angle. You can choose a fly rod if you go for chinooks, but make sure you bring two lines when going after king salmon.
Balance
Balancing your rod allows you to have more control over the salmon and have a more successful retrieve. By balancing, we mean having the appropriate fishing reel for the rod. In other words, if you buy a casting fishing pole, you should match the reel with suitable casting reels.
Composition
The composition of the rod is key if you’re a beginner or looking to buy a quality fishing pole. The aluminum blend is sustainable and will last longer, but fiberglass is definitely one of the strongest materials.
Ultimately, the final and equality component of the salmon rod composition is the tip of the rod. You should always look for tips made of carbon and glass. This combo allows you to see what is really happening underwater without having to check further.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the technique, but if you go for drift fishing in the rivers, take the 9.6 inches. On the other hand, the ideal length for float salmon fishing is 10.6 inches.
It highly depends on the weight of the fish you predict to catch. But in general, anglers choose 7 weights salmon rods, and some go for even 8 or 9. The line weight should be above 10 pounds.
Yes, you can. However, make sure that it’s of high quality because salmon are known to be more aggressive.
Yes, you can. Any rod can be used for salmon fishing, but you need to watch out for the materials of the surf rod because salmon are known to tug more hostilely.