Jigging King Salmon (Epic): Pere Marquette Lake, Ludington MI 2024

The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Jigging King Salmon in Pere Marquette Lake and Beyond

Imagine this: You’re standing on the deck of your boat in Pere Marquette Lake, Ludington, Michigan. The crisp early autumn air fills your lungs as you drop your jig into the dark water. Suddenly…

WHAM! There’s a sudden jerk on the line, and you’re fast into a big fresh chinook. The silver prize strips line off the reel, then zooms for the surface, cartwheeling out of the water like a tarpon gone nuts.

It tosses a halo of water in the air, crashing back into the lake with a resounding kersplush. The king sulks, violently shakes its head, and just like that, the hook comes flying out.

Shaking with excitement, you drop the jig back into the strike zone. BAM! You get slammed again, and this time, you set the hook with a double jerk.

This fish is different, more powerful, melting 50 yards of line off your Shimano drag with ease. This brute fights like a junkyard dog, making powerful runs, violent head shakes, and bulldogging to shake the hook.

After a relatively quick battle, the beast surfaces, sticking its dorsal fin out of the water like a killer whale as it circles the boat. Your heart skips a beat at the sight of the behemoth up close in crystal clear water.

It looks like the 30-pounder you’ve been chasing all year. When it comes close enough to net, you let out a loud war cry as you raise the huge fish in celebration, earning a standing ovation from nearby anglers.

You rush to pin the brute on your Berkley digital scale and watch the numbers zoom to 28 pounds 8 ounces.

After snapping a few quick photos, you’re back to jigging, fighting, and landing a box full of huge salmon using the fastest-growing tactic among Michigan salmon slayers: jigging.

This is the thrill of jigging king salmon in Pere Marquette Lake, and with this 2024 edition, OTL guide, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing it yourself.

Best Times for the Ultimate Catch:

– Prime season: Late August through October
– Optimal hours: Dawn to 9 AM and 2 hours before sunset
– Ideal conditions: Overcast days, light rain, or choppy water

Mastering the Art of Jigging King Salmon:

Equipment:
– Rod: 7-9 foot medium-heavy to heavy action
– Reel: Baitcasting or spinning with smooth drag (like the Shimano mentioned earlier)
– Line: 20-30 lb braided main line with 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader
– Jigs: 1-3 oz spoons in various colors (green, chartreuse, orange, glow, and black)

The Jigging Dance: Where the Magic Happens

The trick to success hinges on your jigging technique. This is no lazy angler’s sport – the key lies in your rod control and jigging style.

Those who simply pump the jig slowly will find themselves striking out. The real magic happens when you master the following technique:

1. The Drop and Lift:
– Drop your spoon to the bottom
– Reel up 6-12 inches
– Give the jig a solid jerk upward, lifting it 4-6 feet
– Let it fall back down 2-6 feet

2. The Flutter Effect:
As the jigging spoon falls, it flips on its side and flutters toward the bottom with an added zip to the side – a movement salmon simply can’t ignore. This fast-fluttering action serves two purposes:
– It mimics wounded baitfish, triggering the salmon’s predatory instincts
– It sends out sound vibrations that attract predator fish from a distance

3. Cadence Variations:
– Experiment with different lifting heights and falling distances
– Vary the speed of your jerks and the pause between them
– Pay attention to which rhythm produces the most strikes

4. Reading the Water:
– In deeper areas, you might need to jig higher off the bottom
– In shallower zones, keep your lifts shorter to avoid snagging

5. Staying Alert:
– Many strikes occur on the fall, so maintain line tension
– Be ready to set the hook at any moment – these kings hit hard and fast

Locating the Giant Kings:

– Use fish finders to spot schools near drop-offs, underwater structures, or river mouths
– Kings prefer water temperatures between 50-60°F
– Position your boat: Anchor in deeper water or use a trolling motor to stay over fish
– Consider wind direction and drift

Setting the Hook:
– When you feel a bite, reel down quickly and set the hook with a firm, upward sweep
– For those monster kings, consider a double jerk as described in our story

Float Fishing: Another Path to Salmon Glory

While jigging is our focus, float fishing is another effective technique for targeting king salmon.

Equipment:
– Rod: 9-11 foot medium to medium-heavy action
– Reel: Large capacity spinning reel
– Line: 15-20 lb monofilament or braided
– Float: Slip bobber or fixed float (adjust based on depth)
– Hooks: Size 1/0 to 3/0 octopus or egg hooks
– Bait: Fresh salmon skein or tied spawn bags

Technique:
1. Rigging for success:
– Set up a slip bobber rig with a stop knot for adjustable depth
– Use a 3-4 foot leader below the float
– Attach a small split shot 12-18 inches above the hook for weight

2. Bait preparation:
– For skein: Cut fresh salmon eggs into thumbnail-sized chunks
– For spawn bags: Tie nickel to quarter-sized bags using nylon mesh

3. The drift and detect method: Near river mouth
– Cast upstream and allow the float to drift naturally
– Adjust depth until your bait is near the bottom
– Watch the float closely for any unusual movement

4. Covering water like a pro:
– Work systematically from the shallows to deeper water
– Focus on seams between fast and slow currents, drop-offs, and structure

Beyond Salmon: A Versatile Technique

While we’re focusing on jigging king salmon, it’s worth noting that these jigging and float fishing techniques aren’t limited to just one species. Savvy anglers have found success using these methods for:
– Steelhead
– Brown trout
– Lake trout
– Northern pike
– And many more!

Expanding Your Horizons: Jigging Beyond the Lakes

Now, here’s a game-changing revelation: while jigging has traditionally been associated with drowned river mouth lakes like Pere Marquette Lake, Muskegon Lake, Betsie Bay, White Lake and Manistee Lake, its potential reaches far beyond these areas.

Take, for instance, the experience of Aaron Johnson. Following a recommendation to try the Manistee Harbor outlet, Johnson made a bold move offshore and landed three kings in Lake Michigan proper. This opens up a world of possibilities for anglers willing to explore:

– Consider jigging in the open waters of Lake Michigan
– Experiment in the connecting waterways between lakes and rivers
– Don’t be afraid to try this technique in areas traditionally dominated by trolling

Tips for Landing Your Own Trophy:

– Experiment with different colors and scents
– Keep bait fresh and change it frequently
– Use a variety of techniques throughout the day
– Pay attention to what other successful anglers are using
– Invest in a quality digital scale (like the Berkley mentioned) to accurately weigh your catch

Safety and Etiquette: Respecting the Water and Fellow Anglers

– Be aware of the S.S. Badger carferry: This large vessel enters and exits the harbor regularly. Always give it a wide berth and move out of its path well in advance.
– Respect other anglers: Maintain proper distance and avoid crossing lines
– Practice catch and release for wild fish to maintain the population
– Clean up all trash and fishing line to protect wildlife and the environment

Local Regulations: Fishing Responsibly

– Purchase a valid Michigan fishing license
– Check current regulations for daily limits, size restrictions, and seasonal rules
– Be aware of any special regulations for Pere Marquette Lake or surrounding rivers

Extra Tips for an Unforgettable Experience:

– Consider hiring a local guide for your first outing to learn the hotspots
– Join local fishing forums or social media groups to stay updated on current conditions
– Visit local bait shops for the freshest bait and up-to-date fishing reports
– Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot fish more easily
– Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, rain gear, and plenty of water
– Carry a camera to capture your moments of triumph, just like in our story

Top Gear Picks for Salmon Fishing Success

1. Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Fishing Rod Lightweight and sensitive, perfect for detecting subtle bites. Best sellers listed below!
2. Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line Strong and sensitive line ideal for salmon fishing.
3. Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament Leader Durable leader material for battling big salmon.
4. Luhr Jensen Kwikfish Lure Classic salmon lure effective for both casting and trolling.
5. Gamakatsu Octopus Hook Sharp and strong hooks perfect for salmon fishing. 

Remember to check the latest reviews and prices on Amazon before making your purchase! 

Armed with these techniques, tips, and a healthy dose of patience and persistence, you’re ready to experience the heart-pounding thrill of jigging king salmon in PM Lake and beyond.

Whether you’re casting for jumbos or finessing with floats, the potential for a fish of a lifetime is always just a cast away.

Remember, the beauty of jigging lies in its versatility and the untapped potential it offers. As more anglers adopt this technique, we’re likely to discover even more productive spots and strategies.

So gear up, head out, and don’t be afraid to try jigging in new locations. You might just discover the next hot spot for landing trophy kings!

Tight lines, and may your next cast bring you that 30-pounder you’ve been dreaming of!