River Salmon Tips???

Fishing the river for Salmon

I am 0-4 now and have put in some pretty decent time for not even a bite.

Most of the time has been drifting roe but I have tossed some spinners and spoons for no takers either.

Anything else you guys can think of.

I plan on hitting the Smith on Monday since the quota has been met on the Klamath and there has been reports of a few fish and with this little storm coming maybe a few more fish will move in.

Any pointers would be appreciative.

Thanks for helping out a River newbie

Rhyak

Ryan anchor up about 100 yards from the mouth of the Smith with a size 15 Kwikfish wrapped with some herring or sardine and wait.It'll happen, just be patient.Fish will be here in higher numbers within a month.
Level 4 

I'm not familiar with the area but one sure fire way of learning the best methods is to take a guided trip.  Guides put people on fish.  Their livelihood demands it.  If your like me and am willing to put my time in, then do the second best thing and find out where the guides are and spy on them.  Outside of that you can hit up the local salmon veterans and take their advise (with a healthy dose of salt).  Realistically, do your research on specific techniques to the area, make sure your equipment is correct, and just face the fact that you are going to have to put in the time.  Salmon are migrating so here today gone tomorrow.  Predicting runs is like predicting the weather.  Everybody has an opinion, some are more scientific than others but nobody is going to bet their life on it.  Good luck.  I hit the water about fifteen times before I got my first.

sunny/clear water = downsize (k11/u20), more color, less flash

cloudy/clear water = downsize, more flash (gold)

sunny/stained = go big (k15/16), darker colors (purple, blue, chart), less flash

cloudy/stained = go big, more flash (gold)

Cure your sardine wraps the night before you go out.  A little pautzke's fire cure can go a long way.

If you've got a finder look for drop offs and deep cuts next to the bank.  Good luck!