The fishing for salmon has been going very well. The salmon continue to enter the river and have made their way throughout the entire river system. This quality of fishing will only get better as we move on into October. You can expect the run to peak around the week of October 15-20. Till then most of the fishing pressure on the river will be for salmon. There is bedding activity setting up in the usual spawning areas; upper Sportsman to the tail of the Ace, the head of the Refrigerator Hole to the bend below the abandoned trestle and the mouth of Orwell Brook up through the tail of the Wire Hole. These areas are loading steadily and with the low water in the diversions you will likely find these main river spawning areas holding more than the normal numbers of spawning salmon.
The water still is low, 208cfs at Pineville as I post this. There is virtually no drift boat fishing due to these conditions, but a few fella have banged their way down through the upper river. We have been getting some steadier rain of late but not enough to raise the river, even with run-off. The forecast for the first week of October is calling for 3-4 days of rain at 30%-40% chance, not promising. One good thing, with this cooler rain being added to the flows here, the water temps are becoming favorable to the salmon surviving their trip up the river. Let's hope the fall rains start to bump up the flows before too long. Also, due to the low water levels the opening of the lower fly zone at Altmar has been delayed by the state DEC till at least November.
There are a lot of fish holding in the deeper pools wait for their clock to send them on into the spawning mode. These fish are difficlt to catch. Since entering the river they have recieved an education and have seen, as we use to say, 'everything Tony's sells'. Back in the 80's and early 90's Tony's Salmon Country (where the Drift Boat Inn is now) was THE major tackle shop on the Salmon River. Back to the salmon, they are line shy and most fish hooked in the deeper pools are fish that have probably been inadvertantly (or intentionally) lined.
Your best opportunities at active, aggressive salmon are fish that have set up to spawn and will respond aggressively to the fly, mostly the male fish. Weighted buggers and leeches are working good, darker colors in low light and brighter colors as the day goes on. By the second and third weeks of October you will want to use some good egg patterns, these can be tied in larger sizes as you'll still be fishing salmon. Steelhead will be showing upper and these egg patterns will work well. Can't wait for these chrome fish. To date this fall season we have bumped into a couple, that's it, but I don't really expect too many right now.
As for the crowds, well, they are here. Just have to start early and move around the river. That is how I deal with it as a guide. Whether on foot or in the drift boat, this time of year you need to move and explore the river. You will find areas that do not recieve a lot of pressure and some days I know we are the only anglers to fish to some groups of fish that day.
This is the time of year we wait for here, the salmon runs. Take advantage of it, you'll not be disappointed.
Tight lines.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Salmon River report mid-September
Well, if you haven't heard already, their here... For the last week and a half the river has been recieving EXCELLENT numbers of salmon everyday and as of two days ago the cohos have been coming in good numbers. Despite the water level, the salmon are going to spawn, I told you so.
I have been on the river several times in the last week and have to say in 24 years I can't remember a more steadier flow of fish this early in the season. I'll take it!
I have fished mainly late afternoon to sunset and if you hit areas between deeper water, for example, Upper Compactor to Secret Pool, your going to have fish all over the area. You are also going to have company. I can't remember having to share these type of areas with so many fishermen this early before. Areas like the Black Hole, Town Pool, Staircase, Trestle .... are crazy! Sure, lots of salmon, but lots of anglers too.
The only thing that is a downer right now is the amount of dead salmon already. This is no doubt due to the low water AND the warm water temps. The good thing is that the nights have been getting alot cooler lately and there has been some rain, not enough to raise the levels significantly, but enough to freshen the water and help keep the fish moving.
A lot of anglers release fish now with good intent. But the truth is that after fighting a fish of this size in conditions the way they are many released fish end up like the one in this picture, dead. If you are ever going to keep salmon for table fair now is when to do it. They are fresh from the lake, solid meat and will most likely die when you release it anyways. If the water were cooler by even a few degrees and the water level was say, 400cfs or better, then these fish may have a better chance at surviving at least your battle with them. Not to say that they wont die after the next guy hooks and fights it.
Here we are again, another salmon run upon us and when the moon is full the next time we will be in the peak of the salmon run. Time flies.
More to come.
Tight lines.
I have been on the river several times in the last week and have to say in 24 years I can't remember a more steadier flow of fish this early in the season. I'll take it!
I have fished mainly late afternoon to sunset and if you hit areas between deeper water, for example, Upper Compactor to Secret Pool, your going to have fish all over the area. You are also going to have company. I can't remember having to share these type of areas with so many fishermen this early before. Areas like the Black Hole, Town Pool, Staircase, Trestle .... are crazy! Sure, lots of salmon, but lots of anglers too.
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| Dead. A common sight now due to the water temps, level and fishing pressure |
A lot of anglers release fish now with good intent. But the truth is that after fighting a fish of this size in conditions the way they are many released fish end up like the one in this picture, dead. If you are ever going to keep salmon for table fair now is when to do it. They are fresh from the lake, solid meat and will most likely die when you release it anyways. If the water were cooler by even a few degrees and the water level was say, 400cfs or better, then these fish may have a better chance at surviving at least your battle with them. Not to say that they wont die after the next guy hooks and fights it.
Here we are again, another salmon run upon us and when the moon is full the next time we will be in the peak of the salmon run. Time flies.
More to come.
Tight lines.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Salmon River Hatchery - Sept 22,2012
National Hunting and Fishing Day
A full day of children's activities, fishing seminars and outdoor programs are planned for this year's open house on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Saturday, Sept. 22, at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Salmon River Fish Hatchery.
This is the 17th annual open house at the hatchery, located at 2133 county Route 22 in Altmar. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. There is no admission charge.
"This is the one opportunity during the year where the public is able to access the working parts of the hatchery with a personal tour," said Fran Verdoliva, Salmon River Program Coordinator. "People of all ages can watch migrating salmon in the fish ladder through the underwater camera, see an exhibit on rare and endangered fish, and learn about the many opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation along the Salmon River."
Visitors can tour the hatchery with DEC staff, learn about fishing for Pacific salmon, and learn about rare and endangered fish. Volunteers will teach how to cast a fishing rod, tie flies, and fly cast and fly fish along the beautiful scenery of the Salmon River Corridor. There are several activities for children, including fish identification, discovery of creatures of Beaverdam Brook, the popular "Backyard Bass" and "Hook and Ladders" fishing games, and the Oswego County Cooperative Extension 4-H laser shooting range. Tours of the hatchery will be given every 30 minutes starting at 10:30 a.m.
Along with the special presentations, many conservation organizations and agencies will provide exhibits and information about outdoor recreation and conservation in the Salmon River ecosystem.
Guests can also visit the nearby Salmon River Falls, a DEC Unique Area located four miles from the hatchery. The 110-foot waterfall offers trails and viewing areas with spectacular scenery.
For more information contact the Salmon River Hatchery at (315) 298-7605.
Post Script - Hope you get a chance to visit the hatchery this fall, it is an educational experience you'll not forget. Bring the family, this is as much fun for the kids as it is for you adults.
It is important to built appreciation in young folk for the tremendous resource here on the Salmon River. The future of this great fishery is going to be in the hands of our children after our role as it's caretakers is finished. Don't let great opportunities like this, September 22,2012, go by without passing something good on to our kids.
Tight lines.
A full day of children's activities, fishing seminars and outdoor programs are planned for this year's open house on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Saturday, Sept. 22, at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Salmon River Fish Hatchery.
This is the 17th annual open house at the hatchery, located at 2133 county Route 22 in Altmar. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. There is no admission charge.
 |
| Through the fall seeing salmon migrating upstream is a common sight. Photo credits NYSDEC |
"This is the one opportunity during the year where the public is able to access the working parts of the hatchery with a personal tour," said Fran Verdoliva, Salmon River Program Coordinator. "People of all ages can watch migrating salmon in the fish ladder through the underwater camera, see an exhibit on rare and endangered fish, and learn about the many opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation along the Salmon River."
Visitors can tour the hatchery with DEC staff, learn about fishing for Pacific salmon, and learn about rare and endangered fish. Volunteers will teach how to cast a fishing rod, tie flies, and fly cast and fly fish along the beautiful scenery of the Salmon River Corridor. There are several activities for children, including fish identification, discovery of creatures of Beaverdam Brook, the popular "Backyard Bass" and "Hook and Ladders" fishing games, and the Oswego County Cooperative Extension 4-H laser shooting range. Tours of the hatchery will be given every 30 minutes starting at 10:30 a.m.
Along with the special presentations, many conservation organizations and agencies will provide exhibits and information about outdoor recreation and conservation in the Salmon River ecosystem.
Guests can also visit the nearby Salmon River Falls, a DEC Unique Area located four miles from the hatchery. The 110-foot waterfall offers trails and viewing areas with spectacular scenery.
For more information contact the Salmon River Hatchery at (315) 298-7605.
Post Script - Hope you get a chance to visit the hatchery this fall, it is an educational experience you'll not forget. Bring the family, this is as much fun for the kids as it is for you adults.
It is important to built appreciation in young folk for the tremendous resource here on the Salmon River. The future of this great fishery is going to be in the hands of our children after our role as it's caretakers is finished. Don't let great opportunities like this, September 22,2012, go by without passing something good on to our kids.
Tight lines.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Salmon River fishing report, early season 2012
It's raining. For all the complaining that we do when rain disrupts our plans or when we have to fish in it, when we go with out any substantial rain fall we worry. For farmers a growing season without rain is a potential disaster, their livelihood depends on rain. For those of us who look forward to a good salmon run we want to see it rain too. The lack of it could spoil our fun. Obviously the needs of the farmer whose income depends on a good harvest and the needs of the recreational salmon fisherman are two completely different situations, still the lack of rain here in central New York has many anglers worried. Don't, whether we get monsoons that fill the reservoir or not, the salmon will run. They have every year since I've been guiding here and as I write this decent numbers of salmon (several hundred) have been moving up the river for the last two days.
The need for salmon to run the river and spawn is, as I like to compare it, to your need to take a dump. Just like you would prefer to have a clean toilet with plenty of tp at the right time, if you don't, you can only hold it for so long. Then you find yourself answering the call of nature, leaning against a tree or sitting over a downed tree limb wiping your butt with your sock, you have to. Same with salmon, they would probably prefer to have a good healthy flow of cool water and their favorite spawning areas under about 2-3 feet of water, but if these are not available they can only hang out in the estuary so long, then they have to run, they have to.
I will be hitting the Salmon River this Thursday morning. I figured I would give the recent fish a chance to get upstream and with the rain that is coming down now and over night, I am sure there will continue to be salmon moving into the river. If you have plans for fishing the river in the next week or so and are worried about the water level, thanks for worrying, we do need more water, but the salmon don't, and they are going to keep coming, they have to.
Tight lines
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| Me with a nice female salmon taken in perfect conditions, last September. |
I will be hitting the Salmon River this Thursday morning. I figured I would give the recent fish a chance to get upstream and with the rain that is coming down now and over night, I am sure there will continue to be salmon moving into the river. If you have plans for fishing the river in the next week or so and are worried about the water level, thanks for worrying, we do need more water, but the salmon don't, and they are going to keep coming, they have to.
Tight lines
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