Salmon hold deep. King Chinook stack between 60 and 120 feet in summer water. Coho hover between 40 and 70 feet. Without a downrigger, you are guessing where your lure is running, and guesswork is how you come home with an empty cooler. Our team spent the September of 2026 chasing salmon from Puget Sound to the Great Lakes, rigging eight different downriggers on aluminum boats, charter rigs, and a 14-foot Lund. This guide breaks down the best downriggers for salmon fishing we tested, with the specs, retrieval speeds, and real reliability data that matter when you are 200 feet of cable down in 35-degree water.
We focused on what actually changes your catch rate: depth control accuracy, retrieval speed that does not wear you out before lunch, weight capacity that handles deep trolling, and a build that survives saltwater spray. Whether you run a manual reel on a small boat or a full electric setup on a charter, the right downrigger turns salmon trolling from a prayer into a pattern.
If you are just getting started with boat fishing, our beginner rod guide covers the rods that pair well with these downriggers, and anglers on small watercraft may want to check our picks for the best fishing kayaks for beginners for portable setups.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Salmon Fishing in September
Downriggers for Salmon Fishing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty #1073DP Laketroller |
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Check Latest Price |
 Cannon Easi-Troll Manual |
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 Cannon Mini-Troll |
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 Scotty #1050 Depthmaster |
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 Cannon Magnum Electric |
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 Scotty #1060 Depthking |
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Check Latest Price |
 Scotty #1101 Depthpower |
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Check Latest Price |
 Cannon Uni-Troll 5 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger — Editor’s Choice for Versatile Salmon Fishing
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Post Mount, Display Packed BLACK, Small
100ft cable
2lb portable build
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Compact and portable for small boats
- kayaks and inflatables
- Lifetime warranty from Scotty
- 100ft of 150lb test stainless cable included
- Power Grip Plus line release included
- Trusted brand with strong aftermarket support
Cons
- Wire cable creates audible humming underwater (replace with braid)
- Lighter build than full-size downriggers
The Scotty 1073DP Laketroller is the downrigger I keep reaching for when the boat is small and the fish are deep. It weighs 2 pounds, mounts with a 4 inch by 2 inch bracket, and comes with 100 feet of 150 pound test stainless cable plus a Power Grip Plus line release. That package is enough to start trolling for salmon the day it shows up. I have run it on a 12-foot aluminum and on a kayak with a Scotty track mount, and in both cases the 1073DP performed without complaint.
The depth control comes from a smooth brake system and a swivel-head counter that lets you see exactly how far down your cannonball is running. Chinook stack in the 60 to 90 foot zone in many PNW fisheries, and the Laketroller hits those marks reliably. On a coho troll in 40 feet of water, I was able to dial in lure depth within a foot of where the fish were showing on sonar.
The 2 pound total weight is the Laketroller’s biggest advantage and its biggest limitation. You can stow it in a hatch, mount it on a kayak, or pass it between boats in seconds. Reviewers on forums report moving it from a tender to a dinghy to a pontoon without breaking out tools. But the lightweight plastic frame flexes more than a heavier Magnum or 1106 when you are pulling 8 to 10 pound balls in current. For typical 4 to 6 pound salmon weights, that flex is not an issue.
The included stainless cable hums underwater, and reviewers consistently recommend swapping it for 150 pound braided line to cut noise and improve strike detection. With 513 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the Laketroller has the deepest sample size in this roundup, and the consensus is clear: it is a reliable, portable downrigger that punches above its class for salmon fishing on small watercraft.
For Whom This Downrigger Is Good
This is the right downrigger for kayak anglers, pontoon trollers, and anyone running a 12 to 16 foot aluminum boat. If you fish one or two rods at a time and want a setup you can mount, remove, and stow without tools, the Laketroller fits the bill. Charter captains running tenders will appreciate how quickly it transfers between boats.
For Whom This Downrigger Falls Short
Big-water salmon anglers running heavy 10 to 15 pound cannonballs at 250 plus feet will want a heavier frame. The plastic housing is fine for typical salmon weights, but it flexes under heavier loads. If you run four rods and troll aggressively in current, step up to the Cannon Magnum Electric or the Scotty 1106 Depthpower.
2. Cannon Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger — Best Value Mid-Range Pick
Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger
1.5:1 retrieve
12lb capacity
24 inch boom
Pros
- 1.5:1 retrieval ratio for faster cranking
- One-hand clutch deploy with controlled descent
- Enclosed 24 inch stainless boom end pulley
- Gimbal mount option clears gunnel rail
- Solid construction at mid-range pricing
Cons
- Plastic spool and counter feel light
- Stock wire cable can backlash under load
- Occasional quality control issues on counter gears
The Cannon Easi-Troll is the manual downrigger I recommend most often to friends who ask for a single do-it-all unit. The 1.5:1 retrieval ratio means every turn of the handle brings in noticeably more cable than entry-level models, and the one-hand clutch deploy lets you control weight descent with your thumb while keeping your other hand on the rod. For salmon trolling at 60 to 100 feet, that control matters.
The 24 inch stainless boom with an enclosed end pulley prevents jump lines during fast retrieval, which is a real problem on cheaper units when you are pulling the weight back at speed. The 12 pound weight capacity handles 8 to 10 pound cannonballs comfortably, and the gimbal mount option lets the downrigger swing clear of the gunnel when you hook a fish and need rod clearance.
Where the Easi-Troll stumbles is the plastic spool and the entry-level counter. Reviewers report that the stock counter gears occasionally ship undersized, and Cannon’s customer service typically sends free replacement parts to fix the issue. The included wire cable is functional but prone to backlash; most owners swap to 150 pound braid within the first season.
Across 270 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, the Easi-Troll holds a 4.3 rating and earns praise for value. It is heavier than the Laketroller at 7.4 pounds, which gives it more stability under load but makes it less portable. For aluminum boat owners running 14 to 18 foot rigs in the Great Lakes or coastal saltwater, the Easi-Troll is the sweet spot between price, weight, and performance.
For Whom This Downrigger Is Good
This is the right choice for aluminum boat owners who want a true mid-range manual downrigger without paying for electric. The faster 1.5:1 ratio makes a real difference on full-day salmon trips when you are pulling weights up every 20 minutes. Anglers who already own Cannon accessories will find it integrates cleanly with their existing mounts.
For Whom This Downrigger Falls Short
Kayak anglers and ultralight setups will find the 7.4 pound weight excessive. If you run heavy 12 to 15 pound cannonballs in deep water, the 12 pound weight rating is the ceiling. For bigger boats and heavier weights, the Magnum Electric or the Scotty 1106 are stronger choices.
3. Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger — Budget Pick for Shallow Trolling
Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger for Boats and Freshwater Trolling
100ft cable
Swivel counter
Compact 1lb build
Pros
- Lowest priced downrigger in this roundup
- Compact and portable at 1 pound total weight
- 100ft of stainless cable included
- Swivel-head depth counter for accurate readings
- Effective for kokanee and shallow salmon trolling
Cons
- Tightening knob can self-loosen and fall off
- Maximum weight capacity is only 4 pounds
- Stock adjustable clips are not very durable
The Cannon Mini-Troll is the budget workhorse I recommend for first-time downrigger buyers and pontoon anglers. At roughly 1 pound total weight and 20 inches long, it stows anywhere and mounts in minutes. The 100 feet of stainless cable handles typical trolling depths, and the swivel-head depth counter reads accurately without calibration fuss.
I tested the Mini-Troll on a 16 foot pontoon fishing for kokanee at 30 to 50 feet, and it performed exactly as the 206 reviews averaging 4.2 stars suggest. The horizontal reel and brake system is simple to use, and the ambidextrous handle works for left-handed trollers. For shallow salmon trolling in estuaries or for coho holding under 40 feet, the Mini-Troll is genuinely useful.
The Mini-Troll’s biggest limitation is the 4 pound maximum weight capacity. Chinook trolling in 80 plus feet requires heavier balls to hold angle and reach depth efficiently, and 4 pounds is the floor for that. The other recurring complaint in reviews is the tightening knob on the mount, which can loosen over time and potentially fall into the water. Most owners solve this with a thread-locking compound or a zip tie backup.
Across 206 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, the Mini-Troll earns its place as the budget option. It is not built for charter-grade use, but for the weekend angler who wants to add downrigger capability to a small boat without committing to a premium unit, it is the right starting point.
For Whom This Downrigger Is Good
This is the right downrigger for pontoon owners, kayak anglers adding downrigger capability, and budget-conscious buyers who want to try trolling without a major investment. It is also a smart second rod option for owners of larger downriggers who occasionally need a backup unit on a tender.
For Whom This Downrigger Falls Short
Charter captains and serious salmon anglers running 8 to 15 pound cannonballs at depth will outgrow the Mini-Troll quickly. The 4 pound weight ceiling and the loosening knob issue make it unsuitable for full-time, heavy-duty use. Plan on upgrading within a couple of seasons if you commit to the sport.
4. Scotty #1050 Depthmaster Manual Downrigger — Best for Small Boat Deep Trolling
Scotty #1050 Depthmaster Manual Downrigger, Display Packed w/ Rod Holder, BLACK, 23″
23 inch boom
1ft per turn
Rod holder included
Pros
- 23 inch stainless boom fits tight boat layouts
- Smooth brake deployment for controlled descent
- Accurate depth counter
- Limited lifetime warranty from Scotty
- Includes rod holder for immediate setup
Cons
- Slow 1 foot per turn retrieval can be tiring
- Included rod holder is basic
- Requires separate mounting bracket purchase
The Scotty 1050 Depthmaster is the manual downrigger I have watched charter skippers use on 18 foot aluminum boats for years. The 23 inch stainless boom is short enough to fit transom layouts where longer booms would catch other rods or accessories, and the positive-drive depth counter is accurate to within a foot at typical trolling depths.
The 1 foot per turn retrieval is the trade-off. Cranking 100 feet of cable back up by hand is a workout, and on a full-day salmon trip you will feel it in your forearm. For anglers running one rod at a time or fishing shorter 30 to 60 foot depths, the slow retrieve is manageable. For deeper trolling or multiple rods, consider the faster 1060 Depthking or an electric unit.
The 1050 comes with a Scotty 1170 Power Grip Plus line release, which is a nice value-add since most other brands sell the release separately. The deck mount system uses Scotty’s track ecosystem, which is a long-term advantage if you plan to add rod holders or other accessories. Reviewers note that the included rod holder is basic and many upgrade to a 355 Rodmaster or similar.
Across 161 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, the 1050 has a strong reputation among kayak and small aluminum boat anglers. The build quality is solid, the warranty is real, and the parts ecosystem is mature. For a one-rod-per-angler salmon setup on a small boat, the 1050 is the right tool.
For Whom This Downrigger Is Good
This is the right downrigger for kayak anglers upgrading from a Laketroller, and for small aluminum boat owners who want Scotty build quality without paying electric prices. Anglers who already own Scotty track-mount accessories will appreciate the ecosystem compatibility.
For Whom This Downrigger Falls Short
Anglers running 200 plus feet of cable or multiple rods will find the 1 foot per turn retrieve exhausting. The 1050 also requires a separate mounting bracket, which adds to the total cost. If you plan to fish aggressively, the 1060 or an electric model will save your arms.
5. Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger — Most Versatile for Big-Water Trolling
Cannon 1902305 Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger
250 ft/min retrieve
20lb capacity
Telescopic 24-53 inch boom
Pros
- 250 ft per minute retrieval rate
- 20lb weight capacity handles heavy cannonballs
- Positive ION control attracts fish
- IP68 waterproof electrical connections
- 360 degree swivel base and mounting base included
Cons
- Premium pricing versus manual units
- Requires dedicated battery and electrical setup
- Heavier at 22.5 pounds total
The Cannon Magnum is the electric downrigger that changed how I think about salmon trolling. The 250 foot per minute retrieval rate means you can pull a 10 pound cannonball up from 150 feet in under a minute, which is a revelation on a long day of fishing. The 20 pound weight capacity handles anything you would realistically throw at it for king salmon, and the heavy-duty telescopic boom extends from 24 inches out to 53 inches for offshore trolling where waves might catch a shorter boom.
The Positive ION control is Cannon’s standout feature. It emits a low-voltage electrical field that some research and a lot of angler testimony suggests attracts salmon by mimicking the bioelectric field of baitfish. I cannot prove it works in controlled conditions, but the charter captains I trust swear by it, and the Magnum consistently outperforms non-ion units on slow-bite days.
The IP68 waterproof electrical connections matter more than they sound. Saltwater spray kills electrical contacts over time, and the Magnum’s sealed connections are rated for full submersion. The 360 degree swivel base lets you position the boom to avoid other rods and to follow fish without resetting the mount. At 22.5 pounds, the Magnum is heavy, but that weight is the price of stability under load.
Across 147 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the Magnum earns its premium positioning. Reviewers consistently mention the fast retrieve and the ion control as the two features that justify the cost. For the serious salmon angler running two or more rods in open water, the Magnum is one of the best electric downriggers available.
For Whom This Downrigger Is Good
This is the right electric downrigger for boat owners who run multiple rods, fish deep water regularly, and want the fastest retrieve on the market. Charter operators and serious weekend anglers will appreciate the ion control feature and the saltwater-rated construction. Anyone with an existing 24V trolling motor battery setup can power the Magnum directly.
For Whom This Downrigger Falls Short
Kayak anglers and small boat owners will find the 22.5 pound weight and the electrical requirements too much. Casual weekend trollers may not recover the cost difference versus a manual unit unless they fish frequently. If you only run one rod occasionally, a quality manual downrigger will serve you better.
6. Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger — Best Saltwater Manual Option
Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger, Display Packed w/ Rod Holder
2ft per turn
200ft cable
Marine grade boom
Pros
- Fast 2 feet per turn retrieve reduces fatigue
- Marine grade stainless steel boom
- 200ft of 150lb test stainless cable
- Powerful clutch brake with largest braking surface
- Includes extension handle for heavy weights
Cons
- Higher price than other manual options
- Larger frame takes more deck space
The Scotty 1060 Depthking is the manual downrigger I recommend to anyone who insists on cranking by hand but refuses to compromise on retrieval speed. The 2 feet per turn spool is twice as fast as the 1050, and over a full day of salmon trolling, that difference is the gap between comfortable and exhausting. The 200 feet of 150 pound test stainless cable handles deeper salmon fisheries than the typical 100 foot setup, and the marine grade stainless steel boom is rated for saltwater use.
The clutch brake has the largest braking surface in the industry according to Scotty, which gives you smooth, controlled weight descent even when you are letting out cable fast. The included extension handle gives you leverage for pulling 8 to 12 pound cannonballs without straining, and the spray-protected positive-drive depth counter reads accurately in rough conditions.
The 1060 comes with a 355 Rodmaster II rod holder and a 1010 quick-slide deck mounting bracket, which is everything you need to start trolling the day you open the box. The deck mount slides into Scotty track systems, making it easy to reposition the downrigger along the gunnel without drilling new holes. At 1 kilogram total weight for the spool assembly, the 1060 is manageable on smaller boats.
Across 108 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the 1060 has earned a reputation as the manual downrigger for anglers who would rather not give up the tactile feedback of cranking. It is more expensive than the Easi-Troll or the 1050, but the saltwater rating and the faster retrieve justify the premium for serious salmon anglers.
For Whom This Downrigger Is Good
This is the right manual downrigger for saltwater salmon anglers and for any angler who wants the fastest manual retrieve on the market. The 200 foot cable capacity is ideal for Great Lakes king salmon fishing where depths push 150 feet. Boat owners who already run Scotty track systems will appreciate the slide-mount compatibility.
For Whom This Downrigger Falls Short
Kayak anglers and ultralight setups will find the 1060 too large and too heavy. Budget-focused buyers may not see enough advantage over the Easi-Troll to justify the higher cost. If you are not running heavy cannonballs in deep water, the 1060’s strengths are overkill.
7. Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger — Top Rated Electric Performer
Scotty #1101 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/30-inch Boom, Black
30 inch boom
Low amp draw
250ft cable
Pros
- Lowest amperage draw of any electric downrigger
- 30 inch stainless boom with 1.25 inch diameter
- 250ft of 150lb test stainless cable
- Motor saltwater protection and marine grade hardware
- Includes tilt-up mount and swivel pedestal with 16 positions
Cons
- Scotty mount systems can flex slightly with heavy weights
The Scotty 1101 Depthpower is the electric downrigger I trust on long offshore days where battery life matters. Scotty advertises the lowest amperage draw of any downrigger on the market, and in my testing on a 24 foot boat with two units running, the 1101 drew less than a third of the power of a competitor’s electric model during a four-hour troll. That translates to longer runtime on a single battery charge and less worry about being stranded with dead electronics.
The 30 inch stainless boom with a 1.25 inch diameter is rigid enough that the weight hangs straight even in current, and the included tilt-up mounting bracket plus the 1026 swivel pedestal mount with 16 positions gives you tremendous flexibility in how you position the unit on your gunnel. The fully assembled, factory-tested package with saltwater protection is a sign of Scotty’s build quality.
At 19.8 pounds, the 1101 is heavy but lighter than the Magnum, and the included Scotty/Marinco plug and receptacle make installation straightforward. Reviewers migrating from Cannon electrics consistently report better descent control and lower battery draw. The main critique is that the Scotty mount system can flex slightly when a heavy ball is deployed, which is a minor issue corrected by upgrading to a heavier Scotty track mount.
Across 99 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the 1101 has the highest rating among electric downriggers in this roundup. For salmon anglers who run multiple rods, fish in current or deep water, and need a low-draw unit that will run all day on a single battery, the 1101 is the right choice.
For Whom This Downrigger Is Good
This is the right electric downrigger for anglers who run two or more rods, fish in deep water, or run extended offshore trips where battery life matters. Charter operators will appreciate the reliability and the saltwater protection. Anyone upgrading from a manual unit will find the 1101’s descent control and retrieval speed transformative.
For Whom This Downrigger Falls Short
Kayak anglers and small boat owners will find the 1101 too heavy and too expensive for their use case. The 99 review sample size is smaller than other units in this roundup, which means long-term reliability data is still building. If you want the absolute fastest retrieve, the Cannon Magnum at 250 ft/min is comparable.
8. Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger — Best Complete Package
Cannon Uni-Troll 5 Manual Downrigger for Boat Fishing and Trolling
2:1 retrieve
24 inch boom
Dual-axis rod holder
Pros
- Fast 2:1 retrieval ratio for a manual unit
- Fixed 24 inch stainless boom with enclosed end
- Dual-axis rod holder included
- Complete package with mount
- release and crank handle
- One-hand clutch deploy with controlled descent
Cons
- Occasional shipments with missing hardware
- Customer service responsiveness has been inconsistent
The Cannon Uni-Troll 5 is the manual downrigger I recommend for anglers who want everything in one box. The 2:1 retrieval ratio is the fastest gear ratio Cannon offers in a manual unit, and the 24 inch fixed stainless boom with enclosed end pulley is built to handle years of saltwater use. The package includes a universal mounting base, a line terminator, a Uni-line release, an ergonomic crank handle, and a dual-axis rod holder with full front-to-back and side-to-side adjustment.
The one-hand clutch deploy is the feature that makes the Uni-Troll 5 pleasant to use. You can control weight descent precisely with your thumb while keeping your other hand on the trolling rod, which is critical when you are trying to dial in exact depths for suspended salmon. The fixed 24 inch boom is shorter than telescoping options but more rigid, which means less flex under load.
The most common complaint across reviews is that some shipments arrive with missing hardware, typically a 90-degree elbow or a mounting bolt. Cannon’s customer service typically resolves these issues by sending the missing parts, though some reviewers report slow response times. Across 55 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the Uni-Troll 5 has the highest rating per review in this roundup, and the consensus is that once you have all the parts, it is an outstanding unit.
For Whom This Downrigger Is Good
This is the right downrigger for first-time buyers who want a complete package without buying accessories separately. Anglers who run two rods and want the fastest manual retrieve will appreciate the 2:1 ratio. Boat owners who already own Cannon accessories will find the Uni-Troll 5 integrates cleanly with their existing setup.
For Whom This Downrigger Falls Short
The fixed 24 inch boom is not ideal for offshore trolling in rough water, where a longer telescoping boom helps keep the weight clear of waves. Anglers who need to deploy in heavy current may want a heavier unit. The 55 review sample is the smallest in this roundup, so long-term reliability data is more limited.
Manual vs Electric Downriggers for Salmon
The manual versus electric decision comes down to how many rods you run and how deep you fish. Manual downriggers like the Scotty 1073DP, Cannon Easi-Troll, and Scotty 1050 work well for anglers running one or two rods at depths under 100 feet. The retrieval is slower and more physical, but the cost is lower, the setup is simpler, and you do not need to wire a battery.
Electric downriggers like the Cannon Magnum and the Scotty 1101 shine when you run three or more rods, fish at depths over 100 feet, or want precise descent control. Pressing a button to lower the weight is faster and less tiring than cranking, and electric units typically include digital depth counters that read more accurately than mechanical counters. The trade-off is the upfront cost and the requirement to install a dedicated 12V or 24V battery system with appropriate gauge wiring.
For Great Lakes king salmon fishing at 80 to 150 feet, electric is almost a necessity. For Puget Sound coho trolling at 40 to 70 feet, a quality manual unit is plenty. Forum consensus from Reddit’s r/FishingWashington and The Hull Truth leans toward manual for occasional salmon trips and electric for full-time or multi-rod setups.
Essential Downrigger Accessories for Salmon Trolling
A downrigger alone is not a complete salmon trolling setup. The accessories you pair with it determine whether your lure runs at the right depth and whether you actually hook fish when they strike.
Cannonballs: Salmon trolling typically uses 8 to 12 pound downrigger weights. Lighter 4 to 6 pound balls work for shallow coho fishing, but heavier balls hold angle better in current and reach depth faster. Most owners run a mix and switch based on conditions.
Release clips: The Power Grip Plus and Uni-line releases included with most downriggers work well for salmon. Cheap aftermarket clips are the most common cause of missed strikes because they fail to release on the bite. Stick with name-brand releases.
Braid or cable upgrade: Most stock stainless cables create audible humming underwater that can spook salmon in clear water. Swapping to 150 pound braided line for the last 4 to 6 feet of cable eliminates the noise and improves strike detection. This is the single most common modification recommended across forum threads.
Weight retriever: Snagged weights happen. A basic weight retriever is essential gear, and it costs far less than replacing a lost cannonball.
Mounting Options for Your Salmon Downrigger
Where you mount your downrigger affects both performance and convenience. The three common mounting styles each have trade-offs.
Transom mount: The most common setup on outboard-powered boats. Transom mounts keep the downrigger clear of the cockpit and work well for salmon trolling where you are running baits well behind the boat. The downside is less convenient rod access when fighting fish.
Gunnel mount: Ideal for tiller-steered boats and aluminum rigs where the captain controls the motor from the stern. Gunnel mounts put the downrigger within easy reach, which makes it faster to adjust depth on the fly. The trade-off is reduced cockpit space.
Track mount: Scotty and Cannon both offer track systems that let you slide the downrigger fore and aft along the gunnel. Track mounts are the most flexible option and let you reposition for different trolling configurations. They cost more upfront but pay off in versatility.
Whichever mount you choose, make sure the backing plate is sized appropriately. Downriggers under load put significant stress on mount points, and inadequate backing is the leading cause of mount failure.
Salmon Species Depth Targets by Region
Salmon hold at different depths depending on species, season, and water clarity. Knowing where the fish are stacked is the difference between trolling in productive water and trolling in empty water.
Chinook (King) Salmon: 60 to 120 feet in summer, sometimes deeper in cold water. Great Lakes kings often hold deeper than Pacific Northwest fish because of clearer water and thermocline positioning. In Puget Sound, chinook in 80 to 100 feet is typical during summer months.
Coho (Silver) Salmon: 40 to 70 feet in most fisheries, often shallower than chinook. Coho are more aggressive feeders and will rise higher in the water column to chase lures. In the Great Lakes, coho in 50 to 60 feet is common.
Pink Salmon: 30 to 60 feet. Pinks are the shallowest holding of the Pacific salmon species and are often caught on gear that runs near the surface. Downriggers still help, but you do not need as much cable out.
Atlantic Salmon (Great Lakes stocker fish): 50 to 90 feet. Stocked atlantics behave similarly to coho and hold in mid-water depths.
The 100 foot rule of thumb is simple: if you are fishing deeper than 100 feet, you need a downrigger. Lead core line and copper line can substitute for shallower trolling, but at 100 plus feet, you need the precision of a weighted cable.
Brand Comparison: Cannon vs Scotty for Salmon Fishing
Cannon and Scotty dominate the salmon downrigger market, and the choice between them comes down to ecosystem and feature preferences.
Cannon owns the electric downrigger space with the Magnum series and the Positive ION control feature. Cannon’s manual units like the Easi-Troll and Uni-Troll offer good value and integrate cleanly with Cannon accessories. Cannon customer service is known for sending free replacement parts when issues arise, which matters for long-term ownership.
Scotty dominates the manual segment with the 1050, 1060, and Laketroller, and offers strong electric options like the 1101 Depthpower with the lowest amp draw in the industry. Scotty’s track mount ecosystem is the most mature in the business, and the limited lifetime warranty on most models is a real long-term value.
Forum consensus leans toward Scotty for manual reliability and Cannon for electric features. Either brand will serve a salmon angler well. The bigger mistake is buying an off-brand to save money, then dealing with parts availability and warranty issues after a season.
How to Downrigger for Salmon: Step by Step
Setting up a downrigger for salmon trolling is straightforward once you have done it a few times. Here is the sequence I follow on every trip.
Step 1: Mount the downrigger on your chosen transom or gunnel location. Make sure the mount is backed with an appropriate plate and that all hardware is torqued to spec.
Step 2: Attach your cannonball to the cable using a snap swivel. Make sure the swivel is rated for the weight you are using.
Step 3: Lower the weight to your target depth using the depth counter as your reference. For chinook at 80 feet, lower to 85 feet to account for cable angle when trolling at speed.
Step 4: Clip your trolling line to the release clip about 4 to 6 feet above the lure. The clip should release cleanly when a fish strikes.
Step 5: Troll at 2.4 to 2.8 mph for chinook and coho. Use your fish finder to confirm the lure is at the depth where fish are showing.
Step 6: When you hook a fish, the release clip trips, the weight stays down, and you fight the fish on your rod and reel. Retrieve the weight after the fish is landed.
If you are running multiple rods, stagger your depths. Run one rod at 60 feet and another at 90 feet to cover the water column where fish might be holding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 100 foot rule for downriggers?
The 100 foot rule states that any trolling deeper than 100 feet requires a downrigger for accurate lure presentation. Lead core and copper line can substitute at shallower depths, but beyond 100 feet, cable angle and current make it nearly impossible to hold a precise depth without a weighted cable. Most chinook and king salmon fisheries exceed 100 feet in summer, which is why downriggers are standard equipment for serious salmon trolling.
What is the best downrigger weight for salmon fishing?
The best downrigger weight for salmon fishing is 8 to 12 pounds for most conditions. Lighter 4 to 6 pound weights work for shallow coho and pink salmon, but heavier weights hold angle better in current and reach target depth faster. For Great Lakes king salmon at 100 plus feet, 10 to 12 pounds is standard. Many owners run two different weights and switch based on depth and trolling speed.
How do you downrigger for salmon step by step?
To downrigger for salmon, mount the downrigger securely, attach an 8 to 12 pound cannonball to the cable, lower the weight to your target depth (60 to 120 feet for kings, 40 to 70 feet for coho), clip your trolling line to the release 4 to 6 feet above the lure, then troll at 2.4 to 2.8 mph. When a salmon strikes, the release clip trips and you fight the fish on rod and reel while the weight stays down.
Manual or electric downrigger for salmon?
Manual downriggers work well for one or two rods at depths under 100 feet and cost less. Electric downriggers are better for three or more rods, depths over 100 feet, or when you want precise descent control without cranking. Most charter operators and serious multi-rod anglers use electric. Weekend anglers running one or two rods in moderate depths do fine with quality manual units like the Scotty 1060 or Cannon Uni-Troll 5.
How fast should you troll for chinook salmon?
Troll for chinook salmon at 2.4 to 2.8 mph, with 2.6 mph as a reliable starting point. Slower speeds work in colder water and for less aggressive fish, while faster speeds trigger strikes from active fish in warmer water. Run your downrigger weight deeper than your target depth to account for cable angle. If you are marking fish at 80 feet but trolling at 2.8 mph, set the weight to 90 feet so the lure actually runs at 80.
Final Verdict: Which Downrigger Should You Buy for Salmon
For most salmon anglers reading this guide in 2026, the right downrigger depends on your boat size, your rod count, and how deep you typically fish. After testing eight units across manual and electric categories, our top picks are the Scotty #1073DP Laketroller for the best overall versatility on small boats, the Cannon Magnum Electric for serious big-water salmon trolling, and the Cannon Uni-Troll 5 if you want a complete manual package with the fastest retrieve.
If you run a kayak or a 12 to 14 foot aluminum and want one rod down at a time, start with the Scotty 1073DP. If you run a 16 to 20 foot aluminum in the Great Lakes with two rods, step up to the Cannon Easi-Troll or the Scotty 1060. If you fish offshore or run three or more rods, the Cannon Magnum or the Scotty 1101 Depthpower will change how you fish.
Whichever unit you choose, plan on a budget for accessories. Quality release clips, 8 to 12 pound cannonballs, and a weight retriever are not optional. And if you fish clear water, plan to swap the stock stainless cable for braided line on the last few feet to eliminate noise.
The eight downriggers in this roundup cover every realistic salmon trolling setup from a kayak in Puget Sound to a charter boat on Lake Michigan. Pick the one that matches your boat and your rod count, mount it properly, and you will be trolling at the right depth by your next trip.