When salmon and trout go deep on the Great Lakes, copper is one of the most effective ways to get lures down to them without a downrigger. Copper is heavy, thin and sinks fast, so it delivers your lure to the strike zone and keeps it there. Here's how to set it up and fish it.
Why Copper?
- Gets deep without downriggers: Copper is heavier than lead core, so it sinks deeper.
- Stealthy spread: Run copper off planer boards to get lures deep and wide of the boat, away from engine noise.
- Versatile: Mix different copper lengths in your spread to cover a range of depths.
Choosing a Size
Reaction Tackle tin-coated copper trolling line comes in three strengths, in 300 or 600 foot lengths:
- 45 lb (0.91 mm): The standard and most popular size for big-water salmon and trout.
- 32 lb (0.76 mm): A middle option for anything in between.
- 20 lb (0.71 mm): Mainly used for walleye.
The tin coating helps resist corrosion.
How to Rig Copper
A copper setup has three parts:
- Backing: Fill most of a large-capacity line counter reel with braid. Braid is thin, so you can fit plenty of backing to fight big fish. 4-strand braid in 30 to 65 lb is a common choice.
- Copper: Add your copper section to the backing. Common lengths range from short segments to several hundred feet. Longer copper runs deeper.
- Leader: Tie on a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader to your lure. 100% fluorocarbon is a popular low-vis choice.
Connections
Many anglers join copper to backing and leader with an Albright knot, or use a small, strong barrel swivel. Some finish the connection with a drop of knot glue or a short piece of shrink tubing to protect it. Whatever you use, test it before you set lines.
How Deep Will It Run?
Depth depends on copper length, boat speed, lure and current, so there isn't one exact number. Start with a few lengths in your spread, note which ones get bit, and adjust. Many anglers use a depth probe or watch their electronics to dial it in. Slower speeds let copper sink deeper; faster speeds lift it.
Tips to Avoid Kinks and Problems
- Keep tension: Let copper out and reel it in under steady tension. Slack copper kinks, and a kink is a weak spot.
- Use the right gear: Use a rod made for wire line (often with roller guides or hard guides) and a reel with enough capacity for backing plus copper.
- Inspect often: Check for kinks and flat spots. Cut out damaged sections.
- Use gloves: Wire can cut and poke your hands.
- Store neatly: Keep copper reels covered and dry between trips.
Copper vs Lead Core vs Stainless
- Copper: Sinks deeper than lead core for the same length; a top choice for deep summer salmon and trout.
- Lead core: Easier to handle, color-metered every 10 yards. See our lead core guide.
- Stainless wire: Very thin, used with diving disks and divers to hold a steady depth.
More on metal lines in Specialized Fishing Lines: Stainless Steel & Copper.
Shop all trolling line: copper, lead core and stainless steel.
Always check your state and local fishing regulations for line and rod limits when trolling.
