Downrigger Trolling Rig

The ultimate precision tool for placing lures at exact depths to target suspended predators in deep water.

Knot

Palomar Knot

Target Depth

20-150+ ft

Target Species

Chinook SalmonCoho SalmonLake TroutStriped Bass

Where To Use It

LakeOffshoreGreat Lakes

How To Tie / Assemble

1Mount the downrigger securely to the boat gunwale and spool with high-strength stainless steel cable or braided downrigger line.
2Attach the downrigger weight (6-12 lbs) to the end of the downrigger cable using a heavy-duty snap swivel.
3Attach your line release clip to the downrigger weight or a sliding stacker release on the cable.
4Tie your chosen lure (usually a spoon, flasher, or squid rig) to a 6-10 foot fluorocarbon leader.
5Connect the leader to your mainline using a ball-bearing swivel to prevent line twist.
6Attach the mainline into the release clip after letting your lure out behind the boat.

Recommended Baits

Flashers and Cut-Plug Herring

The flasher creates vibrations and flash to attract salmon from a distance, while the scent of the herring seals the deal.

Spoons (e.g., Michigan Stinger or Silver Horde)

Highly effective for Chinook and Lake Trout when trolled at specific depths with a downrigger to mimic erratic wounded baitfish movement.

Apex Lures

These plastic lures have a unique wobbling action that is deadly for Coho Salmon when trolled behind a downrigger at consistent speeds.

Large Spinnerbaits

Often used for Striped Bass in deep water, the deep-diving action of the rig keeps these blades in the strike zone near the lake or reservoir floor.

Dodgers with Squid Hootchies

A classic setup for salmon; the dodger creates a slow, rhythmic swing that makes the rubber hootchie mimic the motion of a squid or krill.

How To Use It

Lower the downrigger ball to your targeted depth based on fish-finder marks. Place the mainline into the release clip. Drop your lure back 15 to 30 feet from the ball, engage your reel, and put the rod in the holder with a slight bend. When a fish strikes, the line will pop out of the clip, allowing you to fight the fish without the weight of the downrigger ball.

Why the Palomar Knot

Provides maximum knot strength for the heavy fluorocarbon leaders and braided mainline required when battling large fish at high drag settings.

Gear & Setup

15-30 lb braided mainline, 15-25 lb fluorocarbon leader, 6-12 lb cannonball weight, ball-bearing swivels, and lures like spoons, cut-plug herring, or hootchies.

Best Conditions

Best used in deep, open water during summer months when fish seek cooler, deeper thermal layers; works best in calm to moderate seas for consistent bait presentation.

Species You'll Catch On This Rig

Striped Bass

The apex predator of the Atlantic coast and major inland reservoirs, known for punishing strikes and blistering drag-testing runs.

Chinook Salmon

The King of Salmon, revered for its legendary size and explosive fighting strength that tests the limits of any angler's tackle.

Free Membership

Catch more these fish — free

Create a free account and unlock the full angling toolkit:

Interactive fishing maps with spots, structure & depth waypoints

Save rigs & lures to your Tacklebox and Rig Box

Log every catch in your Livewell and post to the Trophy Wall

Create Free Account Explore the Map

Put this rig to work.

Mark your spots on the fishing map and plan around the bite.