Contrary to popular belief, the Dolly Varden and bull trout aren’t genetically related. In reality, they have no common progenitor. However, since their first encounter in the Pacific Northwest, the two fish species have co-existed peacefully.
In the spring, Dolly Vardens migrate from major lakes to saltwater sources close to the coast during the summer. There, they join the salmon in the water and dine on their eggs as they go upstream.
When migratory fish are at their most active, river mouths and lake outflows are your best bet for early summer and spring. In rivers, search for them around fish that are spawning. Fishing downstream of salmon spawning redds is recommended.
When used correctly, salmon eggs may be a very powerful bait. If you want to utilize salmon eggs, do it at the peak of the salmon time. This is a good place for spawning, so let it sink down there for a while.