Some 6 years ago I fished the American River with a friend and the Salmon were hitting red plastic beads w/a red hook. The leader lines were about 3-6 feet long. It was about this time of year. You basically cast up-stream and keep a taught line until you feel a tick as you're presentation is going down-stream. Set the hook quick and HARD!!! I swear, I've seen Salmon up to 60 pounds caught this way in this river. They don't hold on to stuff very long so be fast. Make sure your hooks are barbless or be prepared to pay a hefty fine. And go early because it gets crowded fairly quickly.

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