Salmon River (Lake Ontario Tributary)
river in New York
Extends from inland central NY to Lake Ontario with huge fall salmon and steelhead runs; lower river and mouth are focal points for fly anglers in autumn and spring steelhead seasons.
What's working on Salmon River
- 01Clear skies and mild fall temperatures (51°F) are creating comfortable fishing conditions.
- 02Chinook and Coho salmon are actively spawning, making egg patterns crucial.
- 03Steelhead and resident brown trout are present and feeding opportunistically on available food sources.
- 04Focus on deeper pools, current seams, and softer water along river edges for holding fish.
- 05A slow, deliberate presentation of nymphs, eggs, or streamers is recommended for enticing strikes.
Past reports week by week
8 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Egg Sucking Leech
Combining the attraction of an egg and a leech, this is a deadly pattern for enticing aggressive strikes from salmon and steelhead in the fall.
Buy at AmazonHot Pink Bunny Leech
Coho salmon are notoriously aggressive towards pink patterns, and this fly effectively imitates leeches and baitfish, making it highly effective for fall coho and steelhead.
White Bunny Leach
Effectively imitates decaying salmon flesh and sculpins, which are vital food sources in the Salmon River as salmon complete their spawn.
Comet
A classic and highly effective streamer pattern for both steelhead and coho salmon during their fall runs in freestone rivers.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
Essential for fall, imitating salmon and trout eggs, which steelhead and salmon actively feed on during spawning runs.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
A weighted stonefly nymph that is excellent for getting deep in the current, imitating large aquatic insects which are a substantial food source for steelhead and trout.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
An excellent egg imitation, particularly effective during the peak salmon spawning season when steelhead and trout are feasting on loose eggs.
Buy at AmazonBead Head Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, consistently effective for aggressive trout and salmon in the colder fall waters.
Where to fish and who to ask
Lower Salmon River / Pulaski Access
Primary angler concentration during salmon and steelhead runs near Pulaski and the river mouth.
Port Ontario / Lake Ontario Mouth
Mouth of the Salmon River—prime for surf and fly-angling when fish stage at the outlet.
Salmon River Fish Hatchery (Altmar)
Important access point and angler staging area with parking and information.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Malinda's Fly, Spey & Tackle Shop
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New York season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Salmon River (Lake Ontario Tributary).
What flies work best on Salmon River (Lake Ontario Tributary)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Salmon River (Lake Ontario Tributary) right now are Glo Bug (85% confidence), Zebra Midge (80% confidence), Pat's Rubber Leg Stonefly (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Salmon River (Lake Ontario Tributary)?
Salmon River (Lake Ontario Tributary) holds Steelhead (Rainbow Trout), Brown Trout, Atlantic Salmon, Chinook Salmon (Late Run/Post-Spawn), Coho Salmon (Late Run/Post-Spawn). See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Salmon River (Lake Ontario Tributary) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Salmon River (Lake Ontario Tributary) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.