Do You Really Need an 8wt to Fish for Salmon?

Well, that’s a great question, but the answer is not so straightforward. There are many factors to consider when deciding what weight rod to use for salmon. These include the species of salmon, the type of water you’re fishing in, and the size of flies you’re planning to throw. Let’s break it down by species and scenarios to give you a clearer idea..

Salmon Species we target in the Pacific Northwest (PNW)

Here in the PNW, we typically target Chinook, Coho, Chum, and Pink Salmon. Each species presents different challenges, so let’s examine whether an 8wt is truly necessary for each.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, also known as king salmon, are among the largest and most powerful fish you’ll encounter. In Southwest Washington, targeting Chinook on the fly is challenging but rewarding. These fish can reach upwards of 20-30 pounds, and when they strike, they showcase their brute strength and size.

For Chinook, I can confidently say that an 8wt rod—and often a 9wt—is absolutely necessary. Anything lighter will struggle to handle the weight, speed, and power of these fish, leading to drawn-out battles that aren’t good for the fish or your gear. If you want to successfully land these giants and preserve your gear, go with an 8wt or higher.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon is where things get a bit more interesting. While an 8wt is generally recommended for migratory coho—especially in tight quarters or when using heavier flies such as jigs—many anglers, including us here at the shop, have landed big coho on 6wts. We’ve even caught them on 5wts in Puget Sound.

That said, an 8wt is still the right call for most situations, particularly when fishing for large, late-season coho (which can reach up to 20 pounds). In larger bodies of water where fish have room to run, a lighter rod may suffice, but for smaller rivers or estuaries where space is limited, an 8wt provides better control and reduces the risk of breakage and losing a fish.

Chum Salmon

Chum salmon are the unsung heroes of the PNW’s salmon fisheries. These fish are large, aggressive, and incredibly strong. Many anglers don’t give chum the love they deserve, but they can be an exhilarating catch. If you’re targeting chum, anything under an 8wt is a mistake. These fish are notorious for breaking rods, and trying to fight them on anything less than an 8wt will either result in frustration or a broken rod.

Chum salmon can get big—10 to 15 pounds on average—and they have the power to back it up. For these brutes, reach for your 8wt or even a 9wt to ensure you can land them efficiently and enjoy the fight without putting your gear at risk.

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon are the smallest of the salmon species in the PNW, and while they don’t match the raw power of coho, chum, or Chinook, they’re still a lot of fun to catch. For pinks, you can confidently fish with a 6wt rod. In fact, using an 8wt might be overkill, as pinks generally weigh around 4 to 5 pounds and are much easier to handle.

While pinks aren’t as exciting on heavier rods, fishing for them on lighter gear can turn what some see as a less challenging species into a thrilling fight. When the pinks run, grab your 6wt and enjoy a great day on the water.

Other Factors to Consider

Type of Water

Larger bodies of water: If you're fishing in a larger body of water, you may be able to use a lighter rod because there is more space for the fish to run. However, in smaller rivers or tight quarters, an 8wt provides better control and helps you manage big fish in confined spaces.

Fly Size

The type and size of fly you’re using also affect your rod choice. If you’re throwing heavy flies like jigs or larger streamers, you’ll want the power of an 8wt to deliver them effectively and control your cast in windier conditions.

So, do you really need an 8wt to fish for salmon? The answer largely depends on what species you’re targeting, where you’re fishing, and what you’re using. For Chinook and chum, absolutely—go for the 8wt (or even a 9wt). For coho, it depends on the conditions, but an 8wt is a safe bet. For pink salmon, feel free to go lighter with a 6wt.

Ultimately, an 8wt is one of the most versatile rod choices for salmon fishing in the PNW, but there’s room to go lighter or heavier depending on your specific needs.