TroutHunter

Great Lakes · Pier fishing

Skamania Pier Fishing Rig: Slip Float Shrimp Setup

This is a simple Great Lakes pier rig for Skamania steelhead, coho, and king salmon: pyramid sinker, slip float, sliding swivel, long leader, and raw shrimp. It handles waves, current, and finicky fish better than casting hardware blind into the chop.

Rig order on the main line—from your rod toward the terminal end: mainline → free-sliding swivel → bead → slip float → pyramid sinker. Tie a 4–8 foot leader to the swivel, then finish with a size 6 octopus hook baited with raw shrimp.

New to float concepts? Start with the first steelhead float setup for general float-and-shot basics, then adapt here for pier shrimp fishing.

Rig layout (rod → terminal end)

Main line components slide on in this order. The pyramid sinker anchors to the bottom; the slip float lifts the leader and shrimp off bottom; the bead protects the float; the sliding swivel is where you tie the leader.

Rig diagram

ROD
 |
Mainline
 |
Sliding Swivel ---- 4–8 ft Leader ---- Size 6 Octopus Hook + Raw Shrimp
 |
Bead
 |
Slip Float
 |
Pyramid Sinker
  1. 1

    Mainline

    Tied to your reel—this is where you start sliding components on.

  2. 2

    Free-sliding swivel

    Connection point for the leader; slides on the main line so the rig can move naturally on a bite.

  3. 3

    Bead

    Protects the slip float from damage and cushions it against the swivel.

  4. 4

    Slip float

    Lifts the leader and shrimp off the bottom at the depth you set with your float stop.

  5. 5

    Pyramid sinker

    Terminal end—anchors the rig to the bottom in waves and current.

Leader (tied to swivel)

  1. 1

    Leader (4–8 ft)

    Tied to the free-sliding swivel—keeps shrimp away from sinker and float hardware.

  2. 2

    Size 6 octopus hook

    Simple, strong hook for raw shrimp on pier presentations.

  3. 3

    Raw shrimp

    Natural bait for Skamania steelhead, coho, and kings staging on Great Lakes piers.

What this rig catches

  • Skamania steelhead

    Summer-run fish staging and feeding along pier structure—shrimp is a proven pier bait when runs are in.

    Species guide →

  • Coho salmon

    Staging coho often slide in close to piers in low light. This rig keeps bait in their lane without loud hardware.

    Species guide →

  • Chinook / kings

    Kings use the same pier corridors. Be ready for heavier runs—smooth drag and a rod that can turn a big fish.

    Species guide →

Why the rig works

Pyramid sinker anchors to the bottom

Pier fishing means wind, chop, and sweep. The pyramid sinker at the terminal end digs in and holds the rig in place.

Slip float lifts leader and shrimp off bottom

Set depth with your float stop. The float keeps the leader and raw shrimp above snags while the sinker holds below.

Bead protects the float

The bead cushions the slip float against the swivel and helps prevent the float from cracking or binding on hardware.

Sliding swivel connects the leader

Tie your 4–8 foot leader to the swivel. It slides on the main line so fish can take bait naturally without immediately loading the full rig.

Gear list

  • Mainline (mono or braid—match your pier rod and conditions)
  • Free-sliding barrel swivel
  • Bead
  • Slip float
  • Pyramid sinker (size for current and wave action)
  • 4–8 ft fluorocarbon or mono leader
  • Size 6 octopus hook
  • Raw shrimp

Browse line, beads, and recommended gear for terminal tackle ideas. Compare with steelhead bead rig and inline bead rig when you switch from pier shrimp to river float fishing.

How to tie the rig

  1. Slide a free-sliding swivel onto the mainline.
  2. Slide on a bead.
  3. Slide on a slip float.
  4. Slide on a pyramid sinker.
  5. Tie a 4–8 foot leader to the swivel.
  6. Tie on a size 6 octopus hook.
  7. Bait the hook with raw shrimp.

How the pieces work together: the pyramid sinker anchors the rig to the bottom; the slip float lifts the leader and shrimp off bottom; the bead protects the float; the sliding swivel is your leader connection and lets the rig move naturally when a fish takes the shrimp.

When to fish it

  • Summer Skamania steelhead runs on Great Lakes piers
  • Pier salmon staging periods (coho and kings moving in)
  • Low light—dawn, dusk, and overcast windows
  • Wave action and current that push bait along structure
  • Stained water when fish are in close but not chasing lures

Check Michigan river and pier conditions before you go—wind and wave height often matter more than the calendar date.

Pier tips

  • Use enough sinker weight to hold bottom in the sweep—too light and the rig rolls; too heavy and bites go quiet.
  • Adjust leader length based on water clarity and wave action: longer in clear, calmer water; shorter when chop or stain calls for a tighter presentation.
  • Keep shrimp natural-looking—thread or loop so it drifts like food, not a wadded chunk.
  • Check bait often. Crabs, gobies, and small hits can strip shrimp without a solid hookup.
  • Be ready for coho, kings, or steelhead on the same cast—drag set smooth, rod ready, and know your pier etiquette.

What to read next