Salmon River Fish Hatchery Improvements

 

The Salmon River fish hatchery's  new fish ladder is almost ready.  Construction crews have been working since last summer to modify the main hatchery drainage plumbing and to remove the old fish ladder that was in need of replacement.  The new ladder is now in place and should be fully operational by the upcoming fall salmon run.

Make sure to include a visit to the hatchery in you fall trip to the Salmon River.

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Salmon River NY fall salmon run forecast

Here it is, Labor Day weekend, what some consider the official start of the fall salmon run here on the Salmon River.  All of us who make a living here on the river are looking forward to the upcoming season.  We have had more than enough rain this summer to keep the reservoir full, or at some points, above full pool.  So we should not have a repeat of last years low water conditions.  As I type this the release is 750cfs till tomorrow evening and then the flow is cut back to 350cfs, which I would anticipate to be the regular release through November.  Things can change, but with the levels in the reservoir currently, I can't foresee any major changes.

Water level recently at the boat launch in Redfield, NY

Water level at boat launch a year ago.

 

There are reports of salmon in the river as one would expect, however, not in big numbers.  We are experiencing fall-like weather right now so with cooler temperatures at night (low 40s to 50s) and decent water flows, we should see the steady movement of salmon into the river from here on out.  Look for the 3rd week of September to see things really start to pick up.

Reports from the lake indicate that in the past few days salmon have been moving closer the the river's mouth and off 9 mile point.  Fish are being caught in 50-110' in these areas.  As always, they will come and we will have a blast.

Hope you get the opportunity to visit the salmon River this fall.  See you soon.

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Winter steelhead fishing February 2021

This is the time of year that the die-hard steelheaders manifest themselves. These are not the same woosies who think ice fishing in their heated shanties is tough. These are the guys and gals who stand in freezing water and are willing to freeze their fingers and toes until they hurt so bad they feel like throwing up.  These are the anglers who make 2 or 3 casts then clean the ice out of their rod guides and in 2 or 3 more cast do it again, and again, and again,  all the while smiling and chatting with their partner,  These are the guys and gals who are willing to trudge through 2-3 feet on new lake effect snow to get to their fishing spot. These are the anglers who willingly sit in an open drift boat with no protection from a westerly head wind all day.   

The last few weeks have seen several -0 starts to the day and later starts to the day due to skim ice on the river. However, the fishing is very good and we are having some nice days on the upper river from Altmar to Pineville.  Right now the flow is 494 cfs at the Pineville gauge with a release of 350 cfs. This is very fishable for both the boating angler and the wading angler. Typical flies for this time of year are your go to trout nymphs like the Copper John (try these in red, green, Chartreuse and hot pink - size 12), GR Hares ear in #12, Flash Back Nymph #12 and, of course, a Globug in Cherise or Chartreuse with a pink dot producing well. If you are bead fishing a 10mm bead on Chartreuse or Cherise are working too. If you want to fish eggs, fresh steelhead roe is the way to go. Tie these in a blue or pink netting and you should get some action. 

 Of course, the water temperature is hovering just above freezing most of the time now so be careful wading is the rule. If at all possible fish with a friend and wear some sort of spikes or cleats. As the sun begins to show itself more regularly and higher in the sky the algae bloom in the river will also increase, this is as slippery as it gets for the angler. A fall in the river right now can be life threatening and at the least, a temporary interruption to your day until you can get into some dry clothes and waders.  You also want to take a break every so often to warm up and have something hot to drink as well as eat something with high carbs to fuel the body.

This is a great time to fish steelhead, and soon we will see these fish setting up to spawn, kickung off the spring season.  Take some time to fish the Salmon River this spring and please stay safe.

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