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Time of Day!
Time of day has a tremendous effect on light intensity.
Most of our clear weather king salmon were caught before 9am and after 5pm. The kings were actively feeding during these periods. Mid day kings were almost to a tee caught in deep cold water with the exception of heavy seas. We concentrate our efforts during low light conditions at dawn and dusk fishing just below the Alewife schools, slightly cooler temperatures between 48 and 52 degrees. As light intensity increased we slowly move out deeper and lower the equipment either below 75' or water temperatures in the low 40's.
On occasion in the evening we have found as sunset approaches we will leave one rigger set deep and raise the other into temperature. Very Often the last remaining deep rigger will be the most productive due to wary kings from excessive fishing pressure during the day.
Another trick for consistent big kings
Lure Speed
Lure speed is dependant on water temperature. I prefer a speed of 2.2 to 2.5 MPH when fishing deep cold water. Slow wobbling actioned spoons and plugs work the best. Large Lymans and Tomic plugs with rattles are my preferred baits. Spoons range from Nasty Boy Magnums and NK Magnums To the silver plated blue/purple tape Damn Ugly.
Dodger and fly with a 8' lead and a pinned Jplug or Tomic stacker 5' above the dodger has produced quite well over the years. The kings are drawn to the action of the dodger and then veer and take the stacked JPlug
Warmer temperatures I increase the speed to over 3.5 to 4.5 MPH and use plugs Lymans, Tomics and Jplugs I generally pick locations away from the pack or fish on the edges. When fishing the edges of the pack fish deeper than the Fishing depth transmitted over the radio. Boat traffic will spook kings quickly and they will shut down just as fast! Often the kings will move deeper and out off the structure to escape the heavy boat traffic. Bottom bouncing your cannonballs will also work when they spook. but you will have to present the bait right in their face for results.
The key to clear water kings is to fish deep below 70' on those clear bright days. And don't stop there I've caught clear water kings as deep as 145' in 40 degree water! Light is their enemy and the serious king angler must take that into account!
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