Curing Salmon Eggs

How to Cure Salmon Eggs for Kenai River Bait

Cured salmon eggs are one of the most effective baits for Kenai River King salmon, particularly when drift fishing with a Spin-N-Glo setup. The curing process firms the eggs for better hook retention and releases scent over an extended period in the current. Here is the step-by-step process used by guides on the Kenai.

Harvesting Eggs

• Harvest egg skeins from female salmon immediately after landing — fresh eggs cure better than refrigerated ones.
• Remove the skein intact. Cut carefully along the belly and pull the skein out without breaking the membrane.
• Rinse with cold water (not warm — warm water begins protein breakdown). Pat dry with paper towels.
• On the Kenai, Sockeye and King eggs are both used. King eggs are larger and hold up longer on the hook. Sockeye eggs are smaller and release scent faster.

Basic Borax Cure (Dry Method)

The most reliable field-ready method. Borax is available at any hardware store and most Soldotna bait shops.

• Cut skein into hook-sized chunks (golf ball to tennis ball depending on target species)
• Place chunks in a single layer on paper towels
• Dust generously with borax on all sides
• Let sit uncovered in refrigerator 24–48 hours — the borax draws moisture out and firms the eggs
• Eggs are ready when they feel tacky but not wet. Store in sealed containers; good for 2–3 weeks refrigerated, 6 months frozen

Pro-Cure Wet Brine Method

Produces a slightly softer, more scent-active egg. Preferred by many guides for King salmon in clearer water conditions.

• Mix Pro-Cure Egg Cure (or similar commercial cure) per package directions in a non-reactive container
• Submerge whole skeins in brine for 4–8 hours (longer = firmer)
• Remove, drain, and dust lightly with borax to firm the exterior
• Color additive options: Natural (clear/orange), chartreuse, or red. Chartreuse performs well in turbid water; natural in clear water

Tying Egg Loops

The egg loop knot is the standard method for attaching egg clusters to hooks in Kenai River drift fishing rigs. It creates a loop of monofilament that traps the egg cluster securely against the hook shank.

• Pass leader through hook eye, leaving 8–10 inches of tag end
• Wrap tag end 8–10 times around hook shank, working toward the hook eye
• Pass tag end back through the hook eye
• The loop formed around the shank is your egg loop — pull leader end to tighten, leaving the loop loose enough to insert the egg cluster
• Insert egg chunk into loop, pull leader to cinch the loop around the eggs

Legal Notes for the Kenai

Natural bait (including salmon eggs) is legal on most sections of the Kenai River for salmon. However, certain sections have artificial-lure-only restrictions — particularly the catch-and-release rainbow trout sections. Verify current regulations at ADF&G Sport Fish before using eggs in any restricted section.