The adsorption of cationic starch on hardwood fibers and its influence on flocculation were studied in relation to the dosage of cationic starch, the effect of shear forces and the presence of different concentrations of inorganic salts in the paper stock. Flocculation was monitored by means of a focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) probe. It was established that floc size at low shear rates depends on adsorption efficiency. At high shear forces, flocs were irreversibly decomposed despite the presence of a higher amount of adsorbed cationic starch on the fibers. Therefore, flocculation was produced by a bridging mechanism. The results show a significant effect of inorganic salts on the adsorption of cationic starch on fibers. Low concentrations of inorganic salts usually improved the adsorption process while higher concentrations (> 0.01 mol/L) reduced the adsorption and limited the flocculation process.