Salmon River Fish Hatchery (Altmar)on Salmon River (Lake Ontario Tributary)
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
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.
What to tie on at Salmon River Fish Hatchery (Altmar)
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Glo Bug
A staple on the Salmon River; steelhead and resident trout remain keyed into eggs throughout the winter months as a high-protein food source.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are the primary active insect in February. Black or red versions in small sizes (18-22) are highly effective for fish that have seen too many large egg patterns.
Buy at AmazonPat's Rubber Leg Stonefly
Large stonefly nymphs are present in the substrate year-round. This weighted pattern serves as an excellent lead fly to get your rig deep in fast winter currents.
San Juan Worm
Worms are a reliable high-protein forage that works year-round. In winter, they are especially effective in pink or red after any slight snowmelt or rain.
Buy at AmazonEgg 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 AmazonMicro Egg
In clear, low winter water, traditional large egg patterns can be too garish. A downsized micro egg in peach or pale orange is often more productive for pressured fish.
Buy at AmazonNew York season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.