Dolly Varden is a complex species of char. It has several subspecies, may vary in color. The fish have a large habitat. The sizes vary greatly, northern subspecies can walk up to 12 kg.

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Dolly Varden Fishing

Characteristics of dolly varden

Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) is considered migratory salmon, but has inhabited lake and river forms, often dwarf. Semi-anadromous is more characteristic of northern Malma, fish can migrate up to 1.5 thousand km. Southern subspecies are more prone to residential forms, and feeding occurs in the coastal waters of the seas, not far from spawning rivers.

Reproduction habits

Puberty in dolly varden trout depends on the subspecies. The southern forms have been ripening for 1-2 years, while the northern ones can mature for up to 6 years. Coloring changes to brighter. Spawning occurs at the end of summer or beginning of autumn. After spawning, a small number of fish die. The rest can spawn 5-6 times. In loaches, absolute homing is observed.

Dolly varden fishing: Techniques, bait and gear

Dolly varden fishing techniques

Dolly varden is caught on all types of gear characteristic of salmon. Both summer and winter fishing for settled forms are popular. Experienced anglers keep in the arsenal, various gear. It can be like float tackle, donka – a specialized fishing rod designed for bottom fishing, spinning, as well as a “boat” or fly fishing.

Catching dolly varden on float and bottom gear

Dolly varden trout is perfectly caught on float tackle, depending on the conditions, it can be both deaf and running equipment. Residential, smaller forms are not demanding on the strength of the gear, and for catching large malma, thicker fishing lines and reliable hooks will be needed. Fish are caught in caviar, worms, fish meat, and insect larvae. It is possible to catch and simulate natural baits. Donka are more commonly used during floods. No special tooling required.

Catching dolly varden with winter gear

Dolly varden is caught on medium-sized spinners with a soldered hook, often with fish meat. In addition, they fish on tackle, from a sinker and hooks on leashes, with the landing of fresh fish meat. The equipment is periodically pulled. Fish are caught both on lakes and on rivers. The fish is held in flocks, along the main stream or behind obstacles. Small dolly varden can also stand on the course.

Fly fishing and spinning for dolly varden

Dolly varden is an active predator. It responds perfectly to traditional spinning lures: wobblers and spinners. The choice of gear for catching dolly varden trout is not different from other types of medium-sized salmon. Spinning is a popular fishing medium and large for this fish. Before fishing, it is worth clarifying the conditions of fishing. The choice of the rod, its length and dough may depend on this.

Long rods are more convenient when fishing for large fish, but they can cause discomfort when fishing from overgrown shores or from small inflatable boats. The spinning test depends on the choice of weight of the spinners. The best solution would be to bring lures of different weights and sizes. The fishing conditions on the river can vary greatly, including due to the weather. The choice of a non-inertia reel must be associated with the need to have a large supply of fishing line. The cord or fishing line should not be too thin, the reason is not only the possibility of catching a large trophy, but also because fishing conditions may require forced fishing.

Small, residential forms can serve as an excellent tool for training beginner fly fishing, and large subspecies are a welcome prey for anyone who wants to catch salmon. The choice of gear depends on the experience of the fisherman and the size of the fish. In case of interest in light tackle, when catching large dolly varden, switches may be optimal for catching, in return for “heavy” one-handed or spey fishing rods of middle and light classes. For small, residential forms, the lightest gear is quite suitable.

Dolly varden fishing bait

Earlier, we examined in sufficient detail natural baits. For spinning, the lures are no different from those used to catch other medium-sized Pacific salmon. Simulations of caviar are best suited for fly fishing. Almost at any time, this fish reacts to this bait. Small char responds well to dry flies. Do not forget about streamers, which are made of small size. The most universal colors of materials for the manufacture of lures can be considered black or various dark shades. The presence of small bright segments on streamers can increase interest in the bait.

Dolly varden fishing place

The habitat is quite large, from the East Siberian to California; Japan and North Korea. Given the residential, passage and dwarf forms prevalent in various rivers and lakes. Can live in small streams and stand on a stream in a mountain stream. Large individuals live apart, preferring lowering the bottom or obstacles.