Downrigger Trolling Rig Diagram & Gear List

A heavy cannonball on its own cable carries the fishing line down to an exact depth, where a release clip holds it until a fish strikes and pops the line free. A dodger or flasher ahead of the lure adds flash and action, which is how salmon, lake trout, and kokanee are trolled at the thermocline in deep lakes and coastal water.

Where to use it: boat, lake
Difficulty: intermediate
Common in: US, Canada, New Zealand

Gear List

main Line12-20 lb monofilament or 20-30 lb braid
leader15-30 lb fluorocarbon
leader LengthFlasher to lure 24-42in; dodger to lure 12-24in
hook RangeTandem 1/0 - 4/0 for herring and hoochies; single siwash or trebles on spoons; #4 - #2 for kokanee
weight TypeDownrigger cannonball, 8-12lb, on a separate steel cable; no weight on the fishing line
sinker Drop LengthFishing line clips to the cannonball's release clip with a 10-50ft setback to the flasher
swivelBead chain or ball-bearing swivel ahead of the flasher
extrasLine release clip, Dodger or flasher, Hoochie, spoon, or cut-plug herring

Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

Downrigger release clips Check compatibility with your downrigger.Search on Amazon Trolling hooks for your lure or bait Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Downrigger Trolling Rig

Tie the main line to a bead chain swivel, then to the dodger or flasher.
Tie the lure leader to the back of the flasher: 24-42in for a flasher, 12-24in for a dodger.
Let out 10-50ft of line behind the boat and clip the line into the downrigger release.
Lower the cannonball to the depth where fish are marked, then reel the rod down until it bends.

When and where it works best

Summer and fall when salmon, lake trout, and kokanee hold deep at a set depth in open water.

How it differs from similar rigs

Mooching drifts or slowly motors a cut-plug herring on a banana weight; downrigger trolling holds a lure at a precise depth over long distances.

Is the Downrigger Trolling Rig good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Boat Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Downrigger Trolling Rig good for?

Chinook (King) Salmon Kokanee Salmon Lake Trout Coho (Silver) Salmon Pink Salmon

Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Downrigger Trolling Rig?

A 12-20 lb monofilament or 20-30 lb braid main line, a 15-30 lb fluorocarbon leader (Flasher to lure 24-42in; dodger to lure 12-24in), a Tandem 1/0 - 4/0 for herring and hoochies; single siwash or trebles on spoons; #4 - #2 for kokanee hook, and a Downrigger cannonball, 8-12lb, on a separate steel cable; no weight on the fishing line. Full gear list is above.

What is a Downrigger Trolling Rig best for?

The Downrigger Trolling Rig works best for boat, lake fishing, and is a recommended setup for Chinook (King) Salmon, Kokanee Salmon, Lake Trout, Coho (Silver) Salmon. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the Downrigger Trolling Rig hard to tie?

It is rated intermediate. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.