Saturday, October 22, 2016

Salmon River flow update

Forecasted Rain and Successful Chinook Salmon Egg Take Allow for Opening of Lower Fly Section


The temporary reduced water releases to the Salmon River from the Salmon River Reservoir by Brookfield Renewable in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) were successful and the flows have been restored.

This has prompted DEC to open fishing in the Lower Fly Area in the Salmon River today as flows have been returned to 335 cubic feet for second (cfs), the regulated base flow level.

"DEC's fish hatchery system is a vital part of New York State's effort to sustain our popular and economically important recreational fisheries," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "The reduced water flows and closure helped ensure that adequate numbers of salmon entered the Salmon River Hatchery in order to provide eggs for salmon stocking that support Lake Ontario and tributary fisheries."

Drought conditions in the Salmon River watershed forced Brookfield Renewable in collaboration with DEC to reduce the amount of water released from the Salmon River Reservoir on September 29. In addition, DEC closed the Lower Fly Fishing Area on the Salmon River.

Flows are being increased due to this weekend's anticipated rainfall and its effect on reservoir water levels. Further, the Lower Fly Area is being reopened because the base flow can now be sustained and Salmon River Hatchery egg-take operations for Chinook salmon are complete.

The quarter-mile section of the Salmon River that comprises the Lower Fly Fishing Area is located immediately downstream of the Salmon River Hatchery and upstream of the County Rt. 52 Bridge in Altmar. The upper boundary of the area is downstream from Beaverdam Brook. This location is a staging area for various species of fish, including Chinook and Coho salmon, as they prepare to enter the hatchery via Beaverdam Brook. A 2007 study estimated the value of these fisheries to New York State's economy at $12.9 million.

Salmon River flow update

Forecasted Rain and Successful Chinook Salmon Egg Take Allow for Opening of Lower Fly Section

The temporary reduced water releases to the Salmon River from the Salmon River Reservoir by Brookfield Renewable in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) were successful and the flows have been restored.

This has prompted DEC to open fishing in the Lower Fly Area in the Salmon River today as flows have been returned to 335 cubic feet for second (cfs), the regulated base flow level.

"DEC's fish hatchery system is a vital part of New York State's effort to sustain our popular and economically important recreational fisheries," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "The reduced water flows and closure helped ensure that adequate numbers of salmon entered the Salmon River Hatchery in order to provide eggs for salmon stocking that support Lake Ontario and tributary fisheries."

Drought conditions in the Salmon River watershed forced Brookfield Renewable in collaboration with DEC to reduce the amount of water released from the Salmon River Reservoir on September 29. In addition, DEC closed the Lower Fly Fishing Area on the Salmon River.

Flows are being increased due to this weekend's anticipated rainfall and its effect on reservoir water levels. Further, the Lower Fly Area is being reopened because the base flow can now be sustained and Salmon River Hatchery egg-take operations for Chinook salmon are complete.

The quarter-mile section of the Salmon River that comprises the Lower Fly Fishing Area is located immediately downstream of the Salmon River Hatchery and upstream of the County Rt. 52 Bridge in Altmar. The upper boundary of the area is downstream from Beaverdam Brook. This location is a staging area for various species of fish, including Chinook and Coho salmon, as they prepare to enter the hatchery via Beaverdam Brook. A 2007 study estimated the value of these fisheries to New York State's economy at $12.9 million.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Fish free day

November 11, 2016 is a fish free day in NY, both fresh water and maritime fisheries.  If you've been wanting to try some Salmon River steelhead fishing you can do it on Andy Cuomo's dime on the 11th.  This is prime steelhead fishing so come on and try it out.
 
Tight lines


Saturday, October 15, 2016

2016 Salmon Run report - Tough sledding

The much anticipated 2016 fall salmon run here on the Salmon River is in full swing.  After last years mediocre run many were wondering about this years showing.  As of today the fish are showing up in good numbers and I am happy with the return, as a guide.  Daily we are getting into good numbers of Kings with a few Coho teasing us from time to time.  Most action for where I am guiding is early morning, about the first 3 hours of the day, then as pressure and sun build through the day the fish move more sporadically, after 10 am it tends to be a waiting game.


Early morning success
The water levels, that's the problem from my point of view.  All of my trips so far this season have had to be converted to wading trips because the release as most of you know is 185 cfs with the gauge at Pineville averaging about 240's - 250 cfs.  Not floatable from my rowing seat.  There are a few guides putting in at Altmar and floating/ dragging their way to Pineville, but they could do just as well fish wise in that stretch by wading.



Lower Fly Zone just above the bridge at Altmar, NY.
Obey this and you will be fine, not fined.
One part of the fishery that remains closed is  the Lower Fly Zone, above the bridge at Altmar.  The state has deemed it as sanctuary water, hatchery water, till further notice.  I peered over the side of the bridge the other day and the water in the fly zone is LOADED with dozens up on dozens of salmon as far up the stretch as you can see.  If all these make it into the hatchery for egg harvesting should be no worries.  Right now (Saturday, 10/15) Starting at 9 pm tonight till 9 pm tomorrow night the release is being increased to 335 cfs, normal for this time of year, no doubt to encourage these salmon to move into the hatchery.

Not many of these laying around yet.
As for the progress of the run.  As I mentioned good numbers are in the river and yesterday there was good reports from down stream in Pulaski and lower river of very good fish movement.  Tonight is the full moon and according to my time table we are at the peak of the run.  Personally I think we will see fresh fish continuing to show up here for the next week or two, as from my perspective things started a little later than normal. Most traditional bedding areas are holding bedded fish, and anglers, and even with the lower water levels I am optimistic that recruitment will be good for wild salmon survival.

One last picture of a egg-laden king.
Some steelhead are beginning to show up which is what we are eagerly looking forward to.  I hope you get up here for this salmon run if you haven't already.  If you have any questions drop me a line.

Tight lines



Sunday, October 2, 2016

Reduced Releases from Salmon River Reservoir to Conserve Water

Drought Forces Temporary Closure of Lower Fly Section to Protect Salmon Run

Ongoing drought conditions in the Salmon River watershed have forced Brookfield Renewable in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to reduce the amount of water released to the Salmon River from the Salmon River Reservoir starting Thursday, September 29.

Boat launch in Redfield 2 weeks ago. 
Now 25' from end of ramp to waterline. 
In addition, DEC will close the Lower Fly Fishing Area on the Salmon River in conjunction with the reduced flows. This closure applies only to the Lower Fly Area, and the remainder of the 13-plus miles of the river accessible to the public will remain open.

"New York's fish hatchery system is a vital part of our effort to sustain our popular and economically important recreational fisheries," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "The reduced water flows and closure will help ensure that adequate numbers of salmon enter DEC's Salmon River Hatchery in order to provide eggs for salmon stocking that support Lake Ontario and tributary fisheries."
A 2007 study estimated the value of these fisheries to New York State's economy at $12.9 million. DEC is concerned that unintentional fishing mortality of Pacific Salmon could impact egg take operations if too much water is released.
The parking area at Rt. 285 and R.t 17 in Redfield.

The ¼-mile section of the Salmon River that comprises the Lower Fly Fishing Area is located immediately downstream of the Salmon River Hatchery and upstream of the County Rt. 52 Bridge in Altmar. The upper boundary of the area is just downstream from Beaverdam Brook. This location is a staging area for various species of fish, including Chinook and coho salmon, as they prepare to enter the hatchery via Beaverdam Brook. The closure will remain in effect as long as flow reductions are necessary.

Flows will be increased as soon as rainfall patterns change and reservoir water levels necessary to maintain these flows are restored. The Lower Fly Area will be reopened when flows permit and Salmon River Hatchery egg-take operations are completed.
The tree stump in the middle of the cove is now 6' out of
the water, in two weeks time.

Should salmon returns to the hatchery be inadequate, DEC has developed a contingency plan to secure additional salmon eggs from other Lake Ontario tributaries. Further information on these actions can be obtained by contacting the DEC Fisheries Unit in Cortland.

DEC Press Release - 9/30/2016;  (photos by Upland Guide Service - (315)271-1212)