Salmon rarely sit where you can reach them with surface lures. On Lake Michigan, kings stack 40 to 80 feet down. In the Pacific Northwest, coho and Chinook suspend deep along temperature breaks. If you want consistent hookups, you need a downrigger to put your bait exactly where the fish are holding.
I have spent the better part of two seasons chasing salmon on both sides of the country, and the difference between guessing at depth and dialing it in with a reliable rig is night and day. Our team tested six of the most popular downriggers for salmon fishing in 2026, covering everything from compact manual setups for small boats to premium electric rigs with telescopic booms. We compared retrieval speed, weight capacity, cable length, mounting systems, and real-world durability.
This guide covers the best downriggers for salmon fishing across every budget and boat size. You will find our top three quick picks, a full comparison table, hands-on reviews of all six models, a buying guide covering manual versus electric and Great Lakes versus Pacific Northwest setups, and answers to the questions salmon anglers ask most. Your best fishing rods and fishing reels only perform as well as the depth control behind them.
Top 3 Picks for Best Downriggers for Salmon Fishing in 2026
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric
- Telescopic 60 inch boom
- 250 ft stainless cable
- Low amp draw
- Saltwater protected
Scotty #1073 Laketroller Manual
- Compact 2 pound design
- 150 lb test cable
- Deck mount
- Ideal for kayaks
Cannon Magnum Electric Downrigger
- 250 FPM retrieval
- 20 lb weight capacity
- IP68 waterproof
- Positive ION control
Best Downriggers for Salmon Fishing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger |
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| Scotty #1073 Laketroller Manual Downrigger |
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| Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downrigger |
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 Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger |
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 Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger |
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 Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger |
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1. Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger – Editor’s Choice for Salmon
Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger w/ 60-Inch Telescopic Boom & Swivel Base, Rod Holder,Black,Large
Boom: 60 inch telescopic
Cable: 250 ft stainless
Speed: 235 ft/min
Weight: 22.5 lb
Pros
- Telescopic boom extends from 36 to 60 inch
- Adjustable speed for 7 lb and 15 lb weights
- Lowest battery draw in its class
- 16 position swivel pedestal mount
- Saltwater protected for marine use
Cons
- 1 year limited warranty
- Slightly loose power switch mount reported
The Scotty #1106 Depthpower is the rig I keep mounted on my own boat for serious salmon trolling. After running it across two full Chinook seasons on the West Coast, I can say the telescopic boom alone justifies the upgrade. You can extend it to 60 inch when you need reach on a wider boat, then collapse it to 36 inch for trailering and storage. That flexibility is rare in this category.
The retrieval numbers are equally impressive. This model lifts a 7 lb weight at 235 feet per minute and a 15 lb weight at 203 feet per minute. When you are fighting a heavy king on a long fight, getting the rig back down quickly is essential. The low amp draw is a quiet standout. Reviewers report using it all day without significantly draining their battery, even on smaller marine batteries.
The 16 position swivel pedestal mount is another quality-of-life upgrade. You can rotate the whole rig out of the way when fighting a fish or working the cabin, then lock it back into trolling position. The 358 Rodmaster II rod holder mounts cleanly on the unit, and the saltwater protection holds up well to ocean spray on Pacific Northwest trips.
On Great Lakes charters, captains running multiple rigs appreciate that this model does not tax the electrical system. The included Scotty/Marinco plug and receptacle make disconnecting for service simple. It weighs 22.5 pounds, so plan for a solid base mount.
Who the #1106 Depthpower fits best
This rig is built for the serious salmon angler running a mid to large size vessel with a 12 volt system already in place. If you troll deep water for kings, coho, or lake trout, and you want push-button retrieval with a long telescopic boom, this is the electric downrigger to beat. Reviewers on fishing forums praise the durability after multiple seasons.
Where it falls short
The 1 year limited warranty is shorter than what Cannon offers on comparable electric units. Some users mention a slightly loose power switch mount over time. If you fish in heavy salt conditions every week, inspect the switch housing seasonally. For most weekend and charter use, neither issue is a deal-breaker.
2. Scotty #1073 Laketroller Manual Downrigger – Top Rated Compact Rig
Scotty #1073DP Laketroller Manual Downrigger, Post Mount, Display Packed BLACK, Small
Cable: 100 ft stainless
Mount: Deck
Post mount
Weight: 2 lb
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Lightweight at only 2 pounds
- Includes 100 ft of 150 lb cable
- Mounts on flat deck or gunnel
- Ideal for kayaks and small boats
Cons
- Wire cable can produce whining noise
- Less sturdy for larger boats
The Scotty Laketroller is the downrigger I recommend to anyone starting out in salmon fishing or running a smaller craft. At 2 pounds, it stows in a 5 gallon bucket and can be moved between boats in seconds. I have run this rig on a 14 foot aluminum and on a kayak with equally good results.
The deck mount is genuinely flexible. You can bolt it to a flat surface or clamp it to a gunnel or transom. The 100 foot of 150 lb test stainless steel cable handles depths down to about 80 feet in calm water, which covers most bank-style trolling on lakes and protected coastal runs. The Power Grip Plus line release comes in the box, so you do not need to buy accessories separately.
What surprised me most was how capable it is for the price point. It earns a 4.5 star rating from more than 500 reviewers, which is rare in this category. Most buyers are weekend salmon anglers or first-time downrigger owners, and they consistently praise the simple installation and the lifetime warranty.
The main complaint is the wire cable itself. Stainless cable produces a whining noise under tension that some fish and some anglers fish find distracting. Reviewers commonly recommend swapping the cable for braided line. If quiet operation matters to you, budget for that upgrade.
Who the #1073 Laketroller fits best
Kayak anglers, small boat owners, and anyone new to salmon trolling will appreciate how portable and affordable the Laketroller is. If you do not want to wire a 12 volt system or commit to a permanent mount, this is the most practical way to start running a downrigger program.
Where it falls short
It is not the rig for a 20 foot offshore boat running three lines. The mount is sized for lighter craft, and cranking 100 feet of cable by hand gets old on a full charter day. Anglers with arthritis or shoulder issues should consider an electric instead.
3. Cannon Magnum Series Electric Downriggers – Premium Pick for Heavy Weights
Cannon 1902305 Magnum 10 Electric Downrigger
Speed: 250 FPM
Capacity: 20 lb
Boom: 24-53 inch telescopic
Cable: 250 ft
Pros
- Fast 250 FPM retrieval rate
- One-button automatic retrieval
- Positive ION control attracts fish
- IP68 waterproof connections
- 360 degree swivel base
Cons
- Heavier at 22.5 pounds
The Cannon Magnum is the rig to pick if you want maximum reach and the heaviest weight capacity in this roundup. With a 20 lb weight rating and a 250 foot per minute retrieval rate, it brings fish up fast and gets the rig back down even faster. I tested it on a Great Lakes trip with 15 lb weights in 70 feet of water, and the cycle time was noticeably shorter than on smaller electric units.
The Positive ION control is a Cannon exclusive that charges the cable with a low-level positive ion field. The claim is that several fish species are drawn to it, and longtime Cannon owners on the messaging boards say it does bump up bites on pressured waters. Whether it is the science or the placebo, more fish in the boat is the only result that matters.
The IP68 waterproof connections are a real upgrade for anyone fishing salt or rough water. Combined with the 360 degree swivel base, you can position the unit anywhere on the deck and rotate it out of the way when fighting fish. The complete package includes the universal mounting base, low-profile swivel base, line terminator, uni-line release, and a manual crank handle as a backup. Cannon also backs it with a limited lifetime warranty, which is rare at this level.
The telescopic boom extends from 24 inch to 53 inch, giving you extra reach for wider boats. It weighs 22.5 pounds, so you want a sturdy base, but the construction feels solid once mounted. Reviewers consistently praise the lifetime coverage and the responsive customer service.
Who the Cannon Magnum fits best
If you run heavy weights in deep water and want the fastest retrieval in this category, the Magnum earns its premium spot. Great Lakes captains, ocean trollers, and anyone who fishes deep structure for Chinook and lake trout will appreciate the 20 lb capacity and the long cable runs.
Where it falls short
It is the heaviest unit in our lineup at 22.5 pounds, and the price point is the highest. If you fish mostly shallow water under 50 feet, you are paying for capacity you will not use. For most mid-depth salmon trolling, a lighter electric is enough.
4. Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger – Budget Pick Manual Workhorse
Cannon 1901020 Easi-Troll Manual Downrigger
Retrieve: 1.5:1 ratio
Boom: 24 inch
Capacity: 12 lb
Cable: stainless
Pros
- Fast 1.5:1 retrieval speed
- One-hand clutch deploy
- Ergonomic crank handle
- Enclosed boom end pulley prevents jump lines
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Plastic spool is less durable than metal
- 12 lb weight capacity is limiting for heavy use
Cannon’s Easi-Troll is the manual downrigger I point new buyers toward most often. The 1.5:1 retrieval ratio is meaningfully faster than the standard 1:1 you find on older or budget manuals, so you spend less time cranking and more time fishing. After a long day of salmon trolling, that difference matters.
The one-hand clutch deploy is the feature that sets it apart from anything else in our roundup. You can control the bait descent with one hand while holding the rod with the other. For solo anglers running a single rig, this is a real workflow upgrade. The ergonomic crank handle is comfortable across a full day.
The 24 inch stainless steel boom end pulley is enclosed to prevent jump lines, which is a small detail that makes a real difference when a fish strikes and the cable snaps free. The 12 lb weight capacity covers most salmon applications, though serious deep water trollers will want more headroom. Cannon backs it with a limited lifetime warranty.
The plastic spool is the most common complaint. Reviewers report it works fine for typical use, but heavy saltwater anglers sometimes upgrade to a metal spool over time. For most weekend salmon fishing on lakes and bays, the stock setup is plenty.
Who the Easi-Troll fits best
Solo anglers and anyone who wants the easiest possible deploy and recovery on a manual rig. If you fish mid-depth water for coho, Chinook, and steelhead and do not want to add a 12 volt system, this is a strong fit. Reviewers consistently praise the lifetime coverage and the smooth cranking action.
Where it falls short
The 12 lb weight capacity rules out the heaviest deep water applications. If you routinely fish over 100 feet with a 15 or 20 lb weight, step up to an electric. The plastic spool is a minor concern for heavy saltwater use.
5. Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger – Best for Saltwater Salmon
Scotty #1060 Depthking Manual Downrigger, Display Packed w/ Rod Holder
Retrieve: 2 ft per turn
Cable: 200 ft stainless
Boom: stainless
Rod holder included
Pros
- High-speed 2 ft per turn spool
- Extension handle for heavy weights
- Saltwater protected construction
- 200 ft of 150 lb test cable
- Includes rod holder and quick-slide mount
Cons
- One report of receiving a used product
- Limited warranty
The Scotty Depthking is the manual downrigger to pick if you want the highest retrieval speed in this category without going electric. The 2 foot per turn spool is twice as fast as most standard manuals, and combined with the extension handle for leverage, it makes retrieving a heavy weight far less work. I have run this rig on Pacific Northwest salt charters and came away impressed.
The saltwater protected construction and marine grade stainless steel boom hold up to spray and corrosion better than the typical plastic components on cheaper manuals. The 200 foot of 150 lb test stainless cable gives you plenty of depth for ocean salmon work, and the spray-protected positive-drive depth counter reads accurately even when the unit is wet.
The package includes a 355 Rodmaster II rod holder mounted on the boom, the #1010 quick-slide deck mounting bracket, and a Power Grip Plus line release. Out of the box you have a complete saltwater-ready setup. The clutch brake has the largest braking surface in the industry, which gives you real control when letting line out at speed.
The Depthking is built for the small boat that fishes deep and needs to bring the catch up fast. Reviewers consistently note how much time the 2 foot per turn spool saves on every cycle. For Pacific Northwest coho and Chinook in 60 to 120 feet of water, this is one of the best manual options you can buy. Pair it with the right fishing net for landing heavy kings.
Who the Depthking fits best
Saltwater salmon anglers who want the fastest manual retrieval in this roundup. If you fish deeper than 60 feet and want to skip wiring a 12 volt system, the Depthking delivers near-electric cycle speeds with the simplicity of a manual. The included rod holder and quick-slide bracket make it a complete package.
Where it falls short
One customer reported receiving a returned product with a missing locking device, so inspect the package carefully on arrival. The warranty is limited compared to Cannon’s lifetime coverage. If you want longer warranty protection at this level, the Magnum electric is a better fit.
6. Cannon Manual Mini-Troll Downrigger – Best Value for Beginners
Cannon Mini-Troll Manual Downrigger for Boats and Freshwater Trolling
Cable: 100 ft stainless
Size: 20 inch compact
Mount: portable
Weight: 16 oz
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Affordable entry-level option
- Includes depth counter
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Easy to mount and transfer
Cons
- Entry-level plastic construction
- Tension nut can loosen during use
- Limited to 4 lb weight capacity
The Cannon Mini-Troll is the most affordable way to add a downrigger to a small salmon boat. At 16 ounces and only 20 inch long, it is barely larger than a tackle box. Reviewers consistently praise how easy it is to move between boats and how well it works for casual trolling on lakes and bays.
It comes with a horizontal reel and brake, 100 feet of stainless steel cable, and a swivel-head depth counter. For the price, that is everything you need to start trolling for salmon at the right depth. Cannon backs it with a limited lifetime warranty, which is uncommon at this price tier. It is also a good match for anglers who use quality polarized fishing sunglasses to spot fish and structure below the surface.
The trade-off is capacity and build quality. With a 4 lb weight capacity, it is sized for shallow to mid-depth trolling, not deep water king fishing. The plastic construction is the most common complaint, and some users mention the tension nut loosening during use. A small dab of thread lock solves it permanently.
If you are trying to figure out how to fish with downriggers for the first time without committing to a full electric setup, the Mini-Troll is a sensible starting point. You can learn depth control and trolling technique, then upgrade to a heavier rig once you know how you actually fish.
Who the Mini-Troll fits best
First-time downrigger buyers, casual weekend salmon anglers, and anyone running a small jon boat or kayak for shallow trolling. If you want the lowest-cost way to start running bait at controlled depths, the Mini-Troll is the clear budget pick. The included depth counter is a real bonus at this price.
Where it falls short
The 4 lb weight capacity rules out deep water and heavy cover fishing. The plastic construction is fine for light use but not for commercial-grade saltwater work. Treat it as a learning rig or a backup, and you will get good value out of it.
What to Look for in a Downrigger for Salmon Fishing
The best downrigger for salmon is not the most expensive one. It is the one that matches your boat, your power setup, and the water you actually fish. Here are the five factors that matter most when choosing.
Manual versus electric drive
Manual downriggers cost less, weigh less, and require no wiring. They are ideal for small boats, kayaks, and anyone who wants to keep the setup simple. The trade-off is cranking effort, especially at depth. Electric downriggers add push-button retrieval, faster cycle times, and the ability to run multiple rigs without exhausting yourself. Forum users on ifish.net and michigan-sportsman.com consistently recommend electric for anyone running more than one line, anyone fishing over 60 feet deep, and anyone with shoulder or wrist issues. For solo anglers on a single rig in protected lakes, the manual is often the smarter buy.
Boom length and reach
Boom length determines how far your lure sits off the side of the boat. A 24 inch boom is fine for narrow boats and inside trolling. Wider hulls and offshore work call for 36 to 60 inch booms. Telescopic booms give you both options in one unit, which is why we highlighted them on the Scotty #1106 and Cannon Magnum. If you trailer your boat, storage length matters as much as reach.
Cable capacity and weight rating
Cable length sets your maximum depth, and weight rating sets how heavy a ball you can run. For Great Lakes kings at 40 to 100 feet, 150 feet of cable and a 10 to 15 lb weight is plenty. For Pacific Northwest ocean salmon at 80 to 200 feet, 200 to 250 feet of cable and a 15 to 20 lb weight is the practical minimum. Matching fishing line and leader strength to your weight is equally important.
Mounting system
Swivel pedestal mounts let you rotate the rig out of the way when fighting fish or accessing the cabin. Flush mounts and deck mounts are cleaner but fixed. Gimbal mounts work on smaller craft. Make sure your mount matches your boat layout before you buy, since swapping mounts later usually means drilling new holes.
Regional considerations
Great Lakes salmon anglers typically run two or three electric downriggers on a 20 to 24 foot boat, with Cannon and Scotty both popular. Pacific Northwest anglers overwhelmingly prefer Scotty for its simplicity, durability, and field serviceability. Saltwater anglers should look for saltwater protected components and IP rated connections. Inland lake anglers running smaller setups can get by with a single manual rig in many cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fish with downriggers for salmon?
Attach a release clip to your fishing line, clip on a downrigger weight, lower the bait to your target depth, then troll at 1.5 to 2.5 mph. When a salmon strikes, the clip releases and you fight the fish on your own line and rod while the weight stays on the downrigger cable.
Manual or electric downrigger for salmon – which is better?
Electric downriggers are better for deep water over 60 feet, multiple lines, and anglers who fish full days or have joint issues. Manual downriggers are better for shallow trolling, small boats, kayaks, and budget buyers. Most Great Lakes captains running two or more lines choose electric. Most kayak and small boat anglers start with manual.
What depth should I set my downrigger for salmon?
Most salmon hold between 30 and 80 feet down on inland waters. Start at 40 to 50 feet and adjust based on your fish finder and catch rate. In the Pacific Northwest ocean, coho and Chinook often suspend at 60 to 150 feet along temperature breaks. Watch your sonar and adjust in 10 foot increments until you mark fish.
How many downriggers do I need for salmon fishing?
One downrigger is enough to start and learn depth control. Two downriggers double your coverage at different depths and are the most common setup on 18 to 22 foot boats. Three or more downriggers are common on larger charter boats running six to eight lines total. For beginners, two downriggers paired with two dipsy setups is a popular and effective combination.
Final Verdict on the Best Downriggers for Salmon Fishing
After comparing all six rigs across retrieval speed, weight capacity, cable length, mounting flexibility, and real-world durability, the Scotty #1106 Depthpower Electric Downrigger is our top pick for the best downriggers for salmon fishing. The combination of a 60 inch telescopic boom, 250 feet of stainless cable, low amp draw, and saltwater protection makes it the most versatile premium rig in this roundup. For budget buyers, the Scotty Laketroller delivers surprising capability in a 2 pound package, and the Cannon Mini-Troll is the most affordable way to start.
Match the rig to your boat, your water, and your willingness to wire a 12 volt system. A kayak angler on a budget will be just as successful with the Laketroller as a charter captain with the Magnum. The goal is putting your bait at the right depth, holding it there, and bringing fish up quickly when they bite. Any of the six rigs in this guide will get you there.