Fly Fishing - Salmon River Steelhead: Tips & Fly Suggestions?

dennehay · Location: Boston, ma

Hey everybody, I'm new to flies and fins and i am interested in fishing the salmon river in NY for steelhead. Any tips, hints, or fly suggestions would be extremely helpful. Thanks alot!

twocan · Posted: Mon 01/18/10 4:09 pm Post subject:

Not sure if do much steelhead fishing, so i would suggest hiring a guide. If your looking to do it yourself PM me.

joey · Location: Colorado

Dennehay welcome to F&F. The Salmon River is a lot of fun to fish. My favorite time was late october thru November but I have also fished it during this time of year. From the dam to the Lake I believe is about 14 or so miles and you can fish most of it. Some of the access is private and some like the DSR you have to pay to access. My Favorite flies were oregon cheese egg patterns that are simple to tie. Other colors like pink, chartreuse, blue , orange and yellow also work well. Small green caddis as well as black stonefly imitations also will do the trick. A lot of the river is labeled along route 13 with parking lots etc. These are good access points but can be crowded. Don't be afraid to walk for a while to find your own water. The River is full of great seams and pools that are great for nymphing. I did not do any spey fishing when I have fished it but I would say (correct me if I am wrong anyone) some of the better swinging water is around pineville bridge and in the meadows, which is farther down river. Have fun there are a lot of fish in there but it can be tough. Let us know how you do.

AdamsDry · Posted: Sun 03/07/10 1:24 pm Post subject: Salmon River NY March, April May

This post is like dennehay's and maybe the answer by joey is enough to go on for a first timer to Salmon River. But, here goes. (I am not comfortable with guides) I've been fly fishing for steel head about 8 years around Ohio/Erie. I want to do a special trip to the Salmon towards the end of this month/early April with my son and his friend. My wife might go depending on temperatures. Is fishing along rt 13 a good general way to start? What might I/we expect for water flow? Is flow the usual gamble with rain or snow melt? Is there a USGS gauge on the Salmon? If so, what is a good fps to fish? Hope to stay about 5 days. Son's friend wants to try a spey rod he just built. Should we stick to the lower river? What about above the dam? We tie our own flies. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.