Salmon River Fishing Report 2026 Pulaski NY | Salmon Steelhead

Salmon River Fishing Report
By Randy Jones, The Yankee Angler — Publisher of Salmon River Steelhead & Salmon Fishing Reports

Enjoy my year-round Salmon River fishing reports covering the fall, winter, and spring seasons in Pulaski, NY.
Whether you prefer float fishing, spin fishing, or fly fishing, you will find current Salmon and Steelhead river conditions, expert tips, and instructional videos right here.

I hope you find my reports both entertainingly informative and mildly educational.
They are built on 35 years of fishing experience and more than 2,000 drift boat trips right here on the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY.

Steelhead Fishing Salmon River NY.

Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY kicks off every October and delivers incredible action all winter long.
The Steelhead fishing continues straight through February, March, and April, making spring another prime time.

King Salmon Fall 2026 Salmon River Fishing Report | Pulaski, NY

Last Updated: September 18, 2026

King Salmon run updates, Current Salmon River conditions, Expert fishing tips, from 35-year Pro Guide Randy Jones.
* * * For the latest NEWS on SALMON RUNS! Click here to subscribe to my Time-Sensitive Email Alert Fishing Reports.

Welcome back to the SLAMMIN Salmon River in Pulaski, NY for your latest fishing report!

NEWS FLASH! – MAJOR RUN – 1,000 FISH, maybe MORE! Right Place, Right Time – None Stop Action – Loaded!
First MAJOR RUN happened on September 14 and are now spreading out. By Sunday – Monday, the remaining balance will be at the top of the river.
Is the ENTIRE river LOADED? NO. – But some spots are!

EXCITING! – EXPLOSIVE! – ACTION!
*** 9/14 MAJOR RUN! – Had my “limit” in 30 minutes.
1. Morning Rock Report – Ball park area: – Fish coming up 5 at a time. If you ain’t driving up here now. You should be! Call in sick tomorrow!
Credit: The Comfort Zone Bed and Breakfast @ https://www.facebook.com/TheComfortZoneBedAndBreakfast

2. Outstanding day today, more fish migration today then ive seen the last few years! Credit: Ed Darry @ https://www.facebook.com/ed.j.derry

3. DSR GUIDE: Today was truly an amazing day on the run. I honestly have no idea how many we got. And everybody and I mean, everybody was catching. If you were there, you know. Credit: HighHook Guide Service @ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100033777766859

4. DSR GUIDE: Another solid day on the Douglaston Salmon run. There was Fish moving by us all day.
Credit: Captain Troy Creasy High Adventure Sportfishing @ https://www.facebook.com/troycreasy62/

5. Lower river was absolutely on fire this morning. Easily 50+ hookups. Its starting!
6. Ballpark was loaded first thing this am.
7. The fishing is super hot right now. We seen hundreds of salmon hooked today.

*** 8. An easy thousand fish went through town throughout the day. Best run of fish in the past 4/5 years for sure.

9. DSR Angler Report: Unbelievable three days of fishing. Landed more fish than I could count.
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9/15 – The river received its largest push of fish of the season yesterday. With multiple people coming in the store saying “top 5 day they have ever seen on the river” and everyone complaining of sore arms.
And everything I’m hearing thus far this morning is the same report so far. “They just keep coming”
Fish are on the move with the high sun and low water conditions but a lot of the large holes are starting to load up.
Credit: All Seasons Sports Inc. @ https://www.facebook.com/allseasonssportsinc/
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In Closing: Come on up! We have a more Salmon in the river for you, with more arriving daily, providing you with greater opportunity, then in the past.
Overall: Anglers are finding the fishing to be either slow, so-so, ok, good to excellent, depending on a vast number of variables.

OLD – Highlight REEEEEEEEEEEL. – Before the MAJOR RUN on 9/14.
No MAJOR RUNS Yet. – But steady daily numbers!
1. First GOOD Push of Salmon happened in late August through early September, and have now spread out top to bottom of the river.
2. NEW – The most recent good push happened on 9/10, and they are currently spreading out, soon to be top to bottom of river.
3. NEW – We have a 185 cfs Water Level Forecast Through 9/25. – (More on this below – The Salmon are going to come, NO MATTER WHAT!)
4. NEW – Emergency Closure of the Lower fly zone until Oct. 31. – (This also happened in 2025 caused by the same 185 cfs water level)
5. FAQ – Is the river loaded? NO. But, they are spread out at fishable levels.
We are currently receiving normal mid. September daily numbers of 25 – 50 to 75 Salmon, to include both low-light periods. With a few better days!
In Closing: We have a few more Salmon in the river for you, with more arriving daily, providing you with more opportunity, then in the past.

CURRENTLY: We have mostly King Salmon in the river.
1. Many thousands are staging at the mouth of the Salmon River in “Lake Ontario of America” with some staging in the estuary.
2. With some in transition, running the rapids – Daily.
3. Some holding in their mid-day resting spots – Daily.
4. With MOST in the Pools.
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*** SPECIAL ANNOUNCMENT! – Shane Muckey Biggest Salmon Fundraiser.
A heaviest salmon contest to raise money for Shane Muckeys Cancer battle.
When?! September 26th, 7am to 3pm weigh in times
HOW TO ENTER?! Stop by and see us at Altmar Outfitters, Robs Salmon Smokehouse, Pineville sports, Stoney’s campground, All Seasons Sports, Fat Nancy’s and Sonny’s Fishing and Rv center
Weigh-in Stations?!? Altmar Outfitters, Fat Nancy’s, Sonny’s Fishing Center
Cost $20.
PRIZES?!?!? Worth many thousands of dollars! The entire prize list can be found on the below link.
In addition, there will be multiple 50/50 raffles, prize package raffles and silent auctions for prizes
For More info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593860039472
OR for raffle details contact Jennifer Stasonis at 315-412-2828 for purchasing opportunities.
The ENTIRE fishing community up here is getting involved to help support Shane.
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Daily Salmon River Fishing Reports from Pulaski NY:

9/7 through 9/9 – Mostly “normal” low numbers of Salmon entered and ran the river, providing most with slow fishing, but not all. A pod of Salmon did move into the Estuary.

The night of 9/9 – We received enough rain run-off to raise the water level in the river by approx. 25 cfs at the Pineville gauge. With a little more water down low. Combined with a strong west wind.

9/10! – The fish in the Estuary reacted to the strong west wind and slightly higher water level, to produce a substantially better day than the previous days, listed as good to excellent in the lower river DSR.
With reports:
1. An inch of rain has done its job. Good Run of Kings today in Pulaski.
2. A slow but steady trickle of fish splashing through DSR today.
3. We hammered em in the dsr.
4. Staircase report: Morning was slow but once the sun came up it was donkey Kong for about 2 hours… huge pods of 20-30 every couple mins were blasting thru
5. Afternoon report: Town hole/ballpark fished phenomenally today. There was steady action all morning from the boat ramp all the way past 2a.

9/11 – DSR: Some fish moving thru – not crazy. Providing a mixed bag of slow, moderate to good fishing.
Noon report by an Expert angler: From the lower river to 2a mixed results with some slow to mostly ok to good fishing from the 9/10 Push.- (Credit: Shane Muckey Biggest Salmon Fundraiser @ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593860039472)
2-3 pm Expert Rock Report: Stopped at 3 different spots in town and each spot there was a fish on! – ( Credit: The Comfort Zone Bed and Breakfast @ https://www.facebook.com/TheComfortZoneBedAndBreakfast )

9/12  – AM. – The push of Salmon that happened on 9/10 are now spreading out into the deeper holes and moving up river.
DSR Reports of slow, good to excellent fishing with fish on the move and also settling into the holes.
DSR anglers said: “sore arms” “couldn’t go back if I wanted to I’m so sore” “I haven’t hooked this many in years”
Lower river guide – Redlegg Outfitters LLC: Fish moved all day in small pods of 6-10 fish and many of the deeper holes held fish in very good numbers. It was hard to look up and down the river without seeing a hookup. – (Credit: https://www.facebook.com/RedLeggOutfitters/ )
Rock Report: Dinner edition! Fish are blowing thru the Trestle as we speak!! – ( Credit: https://www.facebook.com/TheComfortZoneBedAndBreakfast )
Expert angler report: From the estuary to sportsman’s hole showed the most action, with some spots slowing down after the AM. push, with 1’s and 2’s. – ( Credit: Shane Muckey Biggest Salmon Fundraiser @ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593860039472 )

9/13 – Over night Rain run-off bumped the water level at the Pineville gauge by approx. 30 cfs. With a little more water down river from run-off. We do have some fish reacting to this.
Pulaski Town area: Best day of action yet, and if not, a close second to Thursdays 9/10 push.
Rock Report from ball park: Plenty of fish, saw 10 fish in 10 minutes!

9/13 DSR Fishing Report Humor. (I say this jokingly) This AM. it was either – quiet to slow – moderate to good – quiet to moderate.
Remember the good ol days, when the DSR fishing reports gave you approx. #’s of Salmon, and the daily reports were either slow, good or GET UP HERE NOW?
For the #1 BEST Fishing Reports for the lower river visit the (DSR) Douglaston Salmon Run website @ https://www.facebook.com/douglastonsalmonrun/

9/14 AM. – Rock Report – Ball park area: – Fish coming up 5 at a time. If you ain’t driving up here now. You should be! Call in sick tomorrow!

Your 99% Guaranteed Future King and Coho Salmon Fishing Forecast:

Normally during Mid. Sept. You will start to see a probable average of 25 – 50 to 75 Salmon enter the river each day. To include both low-light periods.

Following week, normally, you’ll start to see a probable average of 50 – 75 to 100 Salmon each day. To include both low-light periods.

Last week of Sept., normally on average 150 to 300 Salmon each day. To include both low-light periods.
With a possible – hopeful MAJOR RUN of 1,000 to 3,000 King and Coho Salmon entering daily over a 1-5 day period from Late Sept. into early Oct.

Humorous Disclaimer:
Due to writing Salmon River fishing reports with forecasts and predictions for 35 years.
And standing on the exact same rock daily during Salmon season for 15 years. In the lower – lower river, COUNTING fish while guiding.
Please note the # of times I said normally, probable, average, possible, typically, expect and hopeful.
And I left myself a way out with a 99% Guarantee. – har har.
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YOUR 100% GUARANTEED Future King and Coho Salmon Fishing Forecast.

The numbers of Salmon entering the river will increase in September. And will peak in October.
THESE ARE THE SALAD DAYS! – Ye-Haa!!
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The Salmon are going to come, NO MATTER WHAT!

With the 185 CFS water level forecast through September 25, 2026, nothing stops the run.
It’s a mirror image of last year’s 185 CFS during Salmon season. Remember what the NYSDEC did and said about it then? Might be a repeat this year?
This is an exact copy and paste from my 2025 post.
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*** 9/19/2025 NY DEC just said in an interview with a news reporter @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfvSFY-qleM
They have a few more weeks of water in the reservoir to continue a 185cfs water release level.
And they wont hit the panic button until approx. Oct. 13 Columbus day.
And the day after Columbus day, they usually begin to take eggs @ the hatchery.
–
(Besides the low water and lack of rain).
There biggest concern currently. Is Beaver dam brook is just a trickle. Making it much more difficult for the Salmon to reach the hatchery. So they can get their allotment of eggs.
They are working on measures to remediate that currently.
–
One thing they have already done, is place sand bags in Beaver dam brook.
To try to back-up and create, check dams to help get the fish thru the shallow riffle areas. Which were an impediment.
They also have a couple of other ideas they may try.
–
THEY SAID:
The # of Salmon this year should be fine, normal. The fish are gonna come regardless.
Many Salmon are currently waiting for cooler water temps. And higher water levels to run the river.
BUT the fish are gonna come, NO MATTER what.
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If you enjoyed my fishing report, would you like me to email you the next one?
For the latest NEWS on SALMON RUNS! Click here to subscribe to my Time-Sensitive Email Alert Fishing Reports.
===

The Salmon River Rapids are Producing Daily.

Like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get, for this early in the season.
Sometimes its a slow to steady trickle, to good numbers with rods exploding!

Where do the fish stop to rest, while running the river for only a Brief period of time? – Rapids.
Maximize your success by exploiting this Salmon River current break, used daily by the Salmon & Steelhead in their travel lanes, so you can join the top 10% of anglers who land 90% of the fish!

Fast-Water Rapid Travel Lanes (Low-Light)
Target actively running salmon or steelhead during both low-light periods (early morning and dusk). Where fish rest briefly on current breaks while running upriver.
* The Strategy: Fish directly behind larger rocks or boulders that feature a slow-water pocket. Also look for depressions or deeper water in these rapids; these deep water pockets act like magnets that hold fish.
Maximize your skills by reading my expert secrets and tips in the descriptive text below the video: Temporary Transitional Resting Spots Explained
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Learn to Salmon fish like a PRO. on the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY.

Overall, fishing has been slow for some, but much better for anglers with experience.
They are finding success by focusing on three main strategies (with 1 TOP SECRET rarely published specialized technique)

1. Clocking the Low-Light Rush Hour
Successful anglers are hitting the rapids during the early AM and late PM. They are targeting the exact travel lanes and current breaks all fish must use, concentrating on:
* Smaller Deepwater pockets inside the rapids.
* Small depressions where running fish stop to rest for a short amount of time.
* My #1 Favorite that I’ve fished for years! Deepwater pinch points and funnels in the rapids that compress 98% of the fish into a small holding area, where they will sit for extended periods.

2. Mastering the Mid-Day Shift
They know the river like the inside of their pockets.
Once the morning push or run settles down, they quickly shift to the the travel lanes in the mid-day resting and holding locations from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
With the current low water levels, these areas are easy to find. Just walk around and look for any deep water.
I’ve done this exact same thing on an almost daily basis. I’d target the rapids early am. in a funnel – pinch point. Then when the run died out, I would walk around to target their mid-day resting areas.
There wasn’t a single day that this strategy didn’t work for my clients and myself. Plus, you always have the pools to target as a back up strategy.

3. Targeting the Pools
These fish are not going anywhere anytime soon, and will sit in these pools until they are forced to leave them to spawn on the gravel.
Starting approx. late September thru October 15.
Many days I would start in a pool, that would have 3 current breaks on a single drift. These current breaks acted like a magnet to the fish.
These pools always hold the most stationary fish, plus any fresh fish that moved in during the morning run.

4. Top Secret: “Leap-Frogging” the Salmon Pushes
This technique was used during the first week of September by a few “more experienced” anglers, with GREAT Daily Results!
They were leap-frogging the highest concentrations of fish as they traveled upriver, day by day.
The Science: Chinook Kings tend to run 1 to 3 miles per day, while Coho Salmon can rocket through the entire river system in just a day or two.

How the Last Push Played Out:
* Day 1: The lowest 3 miles of river had just received good numbers of Salmon.
* Day 2: The Salmon then moved through Town and into the Ball Park area.
* Day 3: The push migrated up to the 2A area.
* Day 4: Fish were targeted from Sportsman’s Pool on down to intercept that run.
* Day 5: From Sportsman’s Pool up to Pineville.
* Day 6: Trestle Hole area.
* Day 7: Altmar and into the fly fishing sections.
This daily migration of fish will continue throughout the entire season. If you pick up or go on-line for a Salmon River NY fishing map, these areas will all be on it.
So it might be worth making a note on days and locations, incase you want to Leap-Frog a good push, run or BIG RUN when your up here. To help you Catch MORE Fish!

If you enjoyed my fishing report, would you like me to email you the next one?
For the latest NEWS on SALMON RUNS! Click here to subscribe to my Time-Sensitive Email Alert Fishing Reports.

Salmon River Pulaski NY Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When will the first good run of Salmon happen this year on the river?
A: You should ask the fish that Q. But, there are three main triggers:
1. If we get a higher water release from the dam.
2. A significant amount of rain runoff pouring into the river.
3. The fish’s biological spawning clock can force them up the river.

Q: Where can I check to see when they will raise the Salmon River water level from its current 185 cfs to the normal September 335 cfs?
A: You can monitor the live updates here: Brookfield Renewable Lighthouse Hill Facility. Also, this link gives you real time water levels from the Pineville Water Gauge.

Q: When we get enough rain for them to raise the water level to its normal flow of 335 cfs, could that cause a good run?
A: Sure! From here on out, any increase of water flow levels will cause fish to react to it and run the river. Causing a small run or even a good run, especially if it happens later in September when the fish’s biological spawning clock forces them to run.

Q: What normally causes the biggest Salmon runs of the season?
A: It happens when their biological spawning clock forces them to run into the next stage of their life cycle.
Looking back at my 35 years of logs, this most consistently triggers the biggest runs from late September to early October.

Q: When is the absolute best time to go Salmon fishing in Pulaski, NY?
A: Mid-week is always the best time during the Salmon River season. Avoid fishing on a holiday weekend if you can possibly help it.

Q: Where is the VERY VERY BEST place to fish during the Salmon Run?
A: The VERY VERY BEST place to fish, is anywhere I’m not fishing. har har.

Did you know?
They just came out with a new report about 1 MAJOR side effect of eating Salmon.
Genital shrinkage! – Unfortunately, I’ve experienced it!

See what a BIG RUN of 3,000 Salmon in a day looks like on the Salmon River and what caused it!

35-year Pro Salmon River Guide Randy Jones—who has led more than 2,000 drift boat trips breaks down the exact environmental and biological secrets behind a BIG SALMON RUN to help YOU catch MORE fish!

Seasonal Triggers to Watch For:
– King & Coho Salmon (Fall): Dropping water temperatures, shorter days, and a natural Salmon spawning urgency that typically peaks from late September to early October.
– Steelhead (Year-Round): Any sudden spike in dam water releases immediately pulls fresh Steelhead out of Lake Ontario and into the river.
Or springtime spawning biological clocks, which forces runs up the river to prepare to spawn.

See the BIG RUN Salmon Madness in Action! Right Place, Right Time

FAQ: When is the best time for a Salmon River drift boat trip?

* Fall provides incredible action for massive, hard-fighting King and Coho Salmon. The best time is Mid-September thru October.
* Late fall through the spring brings acrobatic Steelhead. The best time is November through April.
Pro Guide Tip: Mid-week is the absolute best time to fish.

Click to Unlock These Guide-Level Salmon River Secrets!

Learn the insider secrets for Steelhead, Brown Trout, Chinook King Salmon, and Coho Salmon and join the TOP 10% of anglers who catch 90% of the fish.
Maximize your skills by reading my expert secrets and tips in the descriptive text below the video.
* Video: MY Best TOP SECRET Salmon River Steelhead & Salmon Guide Spots (Pt 5) | Pulaski NY

DID YOU KNOW?
Teach a man how to fish and you can get rid of him for the entire weekend.
I spend most of my $ on Wild women, Booze and Gambling. The rest is wasted.
If you lie about the size of your fish, I’ll swear to it!

***PLEASE REMEBER.
Daily Catch Limits. – No more than one Steelhead with a minimum size of 25 inches and no more than one Brown Trout per person per day.

Upcoming Salmon River STEELHEAD Fishing Reports

My detailed Salmon River Steelhead fishing updates will kick off in early October.
So please stop back or subscribe above @ “Subscribe to Time-Sensitive BIG RUN Email Alert Fishing Reports”
* The water temperatures will be above 45°F, so your Prime Fall Holding Habitats will be fishing the BEST!

Join the TOP 10% of Salmon River anglers who catch 90% of the Steelhead in Pulaski, NY!

Prepare for the Steelhead RUNS with these Masterclasses from Pulaski, NY.
Maximize your skills by reading my expert secrets and tips in the descriptive text below each video.
  * The Strategy: Discover exactly where in the water column you should be fishing, along with the two prime Salmon River habitats you need to focus on based on current water temperatures.
  * Video Lesson 1: Steelhead Habitat & Water Column Secrets
—
  * The Strategy: Catch MORE Steelhead during the peak Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons.
  * Video Lesson 2: Salmon River Steelhead Fishing: Best Times & Seasons Guide
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Its Time to get Your FISH ON!

I hope you found my fishing report, Entertainingly Informative or Mildly Educational.
IT’S BEEN A SINCERE PLEASURE!
Sharing my 35 yrs. of King Salmon and Steelhead EXP. with you.
Best Fish’s, Randy Jones of Yankeeangler.com from the Salmon River Drift Boat.

Meet Randy Jones: Salmon River Guide, Author, & Publisher

REAL ANGLER SUCCESS STORIES: Client Fishing Testimonials

SEASONAL STEELHEAD & SALMON ARCHIVED BLOG REPORTS & ADVANCED FISHING TIPS:

Catch MORE Fall, Winter, and Spring Fish with 35-year Professional Guide Randy Jones—who has led more than 2,000 drift boat trips.

* December 5 (Early Winter Pools): Winter Steelhead Guide

* January 6 (Deep Winter River Zones): Winter Best Time Strategies

* January 19 (February Mid-Winter Run): Pulaski NY Fishing Report

* February 14 (Spring Spawning Runs): Steelhead Tactics and Drop back action

The Steelhead and Salmon fishing of your dreams.. ..well mak’m reeeeeel!

JOIN ME FOR A GUIDED SALMON RIVER DRIFT BOAT FISHING TRIP IN PULASKI, NY:

Enjoy learning Advanced fishing techniques and Exact fish habitats.
To Book Your Trip: Booking Form with Additional Information
* Rates: $350 for 1 angler | $450 for 2 anglers (All premium gear, tackle, and equipment included)
* Phone: (315) 963-2065
* Email: [email protected]
* Address: Yankee Angler | Randy Jones 11 North Street, Unit 15, Mexico, NY 13114

FUN Salmon River STUFF!

1. CHECK OUT! – All the MONSTER FISH that await you!
2. I’m the first person to EVER Bungee Jump off the Long Bridge over the Salmon River in Pulaski NY.
3. Check out my Office on the River.

LOADED with KING SALMON!
TOP SECRET (edited) FISHING REPORT.
I went 10 for 15 on Salmon @ (edited for content) in the afternoon. All were caught using (edited for content).
This morning I fished the (edited for content) and was 15 for 20 on Salmon using (edited for content).
The last spot I fished was LOADED with Salmon @ (edited for content). – har har.

Quick Links & Resources:
– Drift Boat Trips ➡️ https://www.yankeeangler.com/salmon-river-drift-boat/
– Salmon and Steelhead Details ➡️ https://www.yankeeangler.com/salmon-river-steelhead-salmon-fishing/
– Follow me on Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/people/Guide-Salmon-River-Pulaski-NY-Drift-Boat-Steelhead-Fishing-Report/100083349211995/
– All my Videos in 1 place, that I made just for YOU! ➡️ https://www.yankeeangler.com/salmon-river-fishing-videos/

Stay tuned for more entertainingly informative and mildly educational reports and articles. On this never-ending fishing trip with your host Randy Jones “The Yankee Angler”.
I sincerely hope that what little I’ve been able to share with you. Will help you along the path to more enjoyable and knowledgeable fishing.

Thanks for stopping in and spending your valuable internet fishing time here! Hope your all enjoying the fishing!
Best Fish’s, Randy

Where is the BEST Place to Fish on the Salmon River? (Expert & Advanced YouTube Guide)

By Randy Jones | Author, Videographer & Professional Salmon River Fishing Guide for 35+ Years.
Master the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY. Learn expert fishing tactics to target Steelhead, Brown Trout, King Salmon, and Coho Salmon from a pro drift boat guide.

* Where do the Salmon and Steelhead stop to rest. While running the Salmon River for only a brief period of time?

* Find out where they hold during the middle of the day (from approx. 9:30 am to 5:30 pm) (Skip the repeated intro at 1:11).

* Want to know where they stay for extended periods? Check out this breakdown of Salmon River Holding Pools (Skip intro at 1:11).

* ADVANCED SECRETS REVEALED! MY #1 SALMON & STEELHEAD HOT SPOTS (PULASKI, NY)

* Learn the water: Discover the 3 Prime Current Breaks in every pool you should know about to maximize your catch.

* Fish the right depth and correct holding locations for Steelhead: Learn the #1 Steelhead Water Column Position. And the top 2 water temperature holding locations.

* Humor: Watch my Long Bridge Bungee Jump into the Salmon River video for today’s joke!

I hope you Enjoyed my Salmon River fishing report YouTube Videos!

Steelhead Fishing on the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY!

Our Steelhead are some of the hardest-fighting fish swimming in the Salmon River. Imagine silver-bullet torpedo runs, changing direction in the blink of an eye, and screaming out 100 to 200 feet of line in a matter of seconds! It is guaranteed to jump-start your heart.
These fish pull off acrobatic, rocket-ship jumps three to four feet in the air—somersaulting like a juggler’s baton before splashing back down to earth like a falling cinder block, spraying water 20 feet in all directions!
Watching Steelhead “tail-walk” across a pool for 40 to 60 feet will live in your memories forever.

What is the forecast for the upcoming Salmon River Steelhead season?

In short, all signs point to a great year on the water.
We saw good numbers of Steelhead in Lake Ontario this summer, which is a fantastic sign for the river run.
Even better, the DEC’s 25-inch minimum size limit (one fish per person, per day) is going to keep two additional year classes of Steelhead right here in the Salmon River for you to catch!
Last spring, the Altmar Fish Hatchery easily met its egg quota due to an overabundance of returning Steelhead.
Following a strong season last November through April, all signs point to another excellent year.
My forecast? It is going to be another good Steelhead season.

Salmon River Steelhead Fishing: Seasons & Timing in Pulaski, NY

When is the best time to fish for Steelhead on the Salmon River? The truth is, there isn’t just one “best” time.
Because we have healthy runs of Steelhead throughout the Fall, Winter, and Spring, the ideal time to book your trip comes down to your personal preference.
As a general rule for any season: Mid-week trips are always best to avoid the crowds, provided they don’t fall on or around a holiday.

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect on the river from October through April:

Late October: High Opportunity, Low Crowds
I begin guiding for Steelhead at the end of October. At this time of year, most river anglers are still focused on Salmon.
This means fewer people targeting Steelhead and a good opportunity for you to hook into fresh fish with plenty of water to yourself.

November: Peak Action & Hard-Fighting Fish
November brings a massive influx of Steelhead into the river. Because the temperatures are still comfortable, this is the busiest month of the year for Steelhead anglers.
The action is incredible—this is when Steelhead are at their strongest, delivering speeding-bullet runs, tail walks, and acrobatic somersaults.

December: Holiday Solitude
In December, the number of Steelhead in the river continues to grow, but angler numbers drop significantly as people focus on holiday and family commitments.
If you don’t mind the cooler weather, the trade-off is excellent: fewer anglers on the water and more opportunities for you.

January & February: Magical Winter Fishing
The middle of winter can be absolutely magical. Only the most dedicated anglers braving the cold are out on the water.
If you want peace, quiet, and pristine river conditions with plenty of fish holding in the pools, the winter months are tough to beat.

March & April: The Spring Drop-Back Run
Spring brings higher water levels from the seasonal runoff, which pulls the remaining wave of pre-spawn Steelhead into the system.
After they spawn, their appetites are on fire as they slowly drop back down the Salmon River toward Lake Ontario, making for good action and occasional opportunities for sight-fishing.

I hope you enjoyed my Salmon River fishing report! Sharing my 46 years Total of guiding experience and detailed river knowledge with you is always a pleasure.

Ready to get your fish on? Join me aboard my drift boat in Pulaski, NY. We target salmon and steelhead through the fall, winter, and spring seasons. During our trip, you will learn advanced fishing techniques and exact fish habitats to help you succeed on this river for years to come. I always enjoy sharing my wealth of knowledge with my guests—especially if you are planning to fish the river on your own in the future.

Author Biography – Established in 1980.
Randy Jones has 46 yrs. Total of Pro. Fishing Guide Experience. He is also the Owner, Author and Publisher of Salmon River Fishing Reports of YankeeAngler.com. A Salmon River Pulaski NY based Guide Service and Marketing Agency. Specializing in Expert Salmon and Steelhead fishing for 35 yrs. Professional sales and marketing of his vastly successful Salmon River fishing guide business and local fishery. S.E.O. and Social Media. 
Yankee Angler | Randy Jones 11 North Street, Unit 15, Mexico, NY 13114 (315) 963-2065

Spring Steelhead Fishing Salmon River Pulaski NY.

Your Spring Salmon River Steelhead fishing RUNS are happening NOW in Pulaski NY. With fresh Spring Steelhead fishing runs up the Salmon River in Pulaski NY.
During the Spring in March and April. Its one of the Best Times for Salmon River Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY. Things are looking Good for your Spring Steelhead fishing trip.

Currently on the Salmon River we have 5% fresh Spring Steelhead fishing in Pulaski NY. 1% spawning Steelhead fishing in Pulaski NY. 1% drop back Steelhead fishing.
And 93% older Fall and Winter Steelhead. The % of fresh Spring Steelhead, spawning Steelhead and Spring drop back Steelhead will increase from here on out.

These Spring Salmon River Steelhead fishing Runs will last thru March in Pulaski NY. With April being “Prime” Drop Back Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River in Pulaski NY.
Add in ALL the steelhead that have been entering the Salmon River NY since Sept. And it’s going to be a good fishing Spring!

Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River NY is Superb. You will have Steelhead fishing from the Lower Salmon River to the Upper Salmon River NY.
Along with some Brown Trout.
Catch more Steelhead when your fishing Pulaski NY. When your Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY. It’s a Great time to use anything egg related.

February, March and April Steelhead fishing Salmon River Pulaski NY.

February, March and April are great Spring Salmon River Steelhead Fishing days in Pulaski NY. With fresh Spring Salmon River steelhead fishing runs in Pulaski NY.
Their biological clock is telling them its time to re-produce. Causing fresh Spring steelhead to enter, run and spread out over the entire Salmon River in Pulaski NY.

Most of the Older and Spring Steelhead will remain in the Salmon River fishing Pools thru February and March in Pulaski NY.
As the Spring Salmon River water temperatures rises, so does the aggressiveness of the Steelhead.
All Salmon River NY Spring Steelhead fishing methods will work. Whether your Steelhead float fishing, spin fishing, fly fishing or spey fishing in Pulaski NY.

Spring Steelhead fishing, as the Entire Salmon River in Pulaski NY comes Alive.
With Salmon River Spring Pre-Spawn Steelhead, Spawning Steelhead and Drop Back Steelhead fishing in Pulaski NY.
For Spring Drop Back Steelhead. April is the Best Time for fishing on the Salmon River Pulaski NY.
Your Best Salmon River Pulaski NY Steelhead fishing is all Spring thru the end of April. In early May, fish the lower Salmon River for your best Spring Steelhead fishing in Pulaski NY.

Spring Steelhead Fishing you Success! Salmon River Pulaski NY Guide Randy Jones of Yankeeangler.com from the Salmon River Drift Boat.

For MORE – Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Pulaski NY.

Winter Steelhead Fishing Pulaski NY Report.

Winter is one of the Best Times for Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY. With only a few Winter steelhead anglers fishing Pulaski NY. It opens up additional Winter Steelhead fishing opportunities. With Ton’s of options on where to Steelhead fish.

Winter Steelhead fishing remains good in Pulaski NY. With fresh Winter Steelhead fishing runs on the Salmon River NY.

Winter Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY. TIP. 95% of your Winter steelhead are in the fishing pools in Pulaski NY. With 5% of the Winter Steelhead running the River. We have Winter Steelhead fishing from the Lower Salmon River to the Upper Salmon River NY.

The drift boat – wade fishing for steelhead continues to remain excellent for some, ok for others and slow for some-others. We will continue to see more fresh Steelhead enter, run, spread out and hold in the Salmon River as the season progress’s. With our past higher water flow levels we have received some more fresh Steelhead!

Today’s Humor: You Lie about the size of your fish and I’ll swear to it!
Wouldn’t it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer for 10 minutes and come out wrinkle free and 2 sizes smaller.

Another Winter Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY.TIP. If there is no Slush from Mid. River down, I’d highly recommend fishing it! Very few anglers have been fishing these areas. Leaving you presently with a lot of uneducated and easier to catch steelhead. Also, most anglers have been pounding the upper river. Causing the steelhead to become extremely educated and more difficult to fool.
For an Expert Analysis on Winter Slush, which makes fishing impossible for the Salmon River and local creeks and streams.
Please see – https://www.yankeeangler.com/winter-steelhead-fishing-pulaski-ny/ – Salmon River Slush – Planning your Steelhead fishing day around it.
This could save you a wasted trip to the middle or lower Salmon River or our local creeks and streams.

Give your favorite fishing buddy or guide a ring. The steelhead (8 to 12 lb. average) are here and just waiting for you.
It’s Time to Get yer FISH ON!
Sharing my 35 years total of guiding Experience with you has been a pleasure!
Best Steelhead Fish’s, Salmon River Guide Randy Jones of Yankeeangler.com from Pulaski NY.

For MORE – Winter Steelhead Fishing Pulaski NY.

Winter Steelhead Fishing Salmon River Pulaski NY Report.

Your Winter Salmon River Steelhead fishing season is looking good in Pulaski NY. Producing Winter Steelhead fishing in Pulaski from the Lower Salmon River to the Upper Salmon River NY. With fresh fishing runs of Winter Salmon River Steelhead. As everyday pass’s, more Winter steelhead will enter and run the River in Pulaski NY.

Currently 90% of your Winter steelhead are in all the Salmon River fishing pools. Offering You Opportunity with a presence of Steelhead. Things are looking great for your Winter Steelhead fishing trip on the Salmon River in Pulaski NY.

As Usual – Winter Steelhead fishing has been slow to ok. With a some Salmon River Winter Steelhead fishing anglers doing Great in Pulaski NY.

Salmon River Pulaski NY Winter Steelhead fishing. TIP. Cover your Steelhead water thoroughly in a good Winter fishing spot, and then move to the next. Repeat this all day. It works for me daily on the Salmon River NY.

Never know, that next BIG pod of Winter Steelhead might just be around the next bend of the Salmon River in Pulaski NY where fishing memories are made.

A nice Push of fresh dime bright silver missile Winter Steelhead entered and ran the Salmon River during our last high water period. These newly arrived fresh Winter Steelhead fought like a November Steelhead. With speeding bullet runs, numerous somersaults, tail walks across the pool and traveling 10 feet thru the air before splash down. AMAZING! While the older Steelhead gave us the normal sluggish cold water temp. fight.

If your Winter Steelhead fishing anytime soon. You will have older steelhead that have been entering the Salmon River since Sept. But also some fresh Winter Steelhead that will be easier to catch! Ye-Haa!

Winter Salmon River Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY.TIP. (Besides the D.S.R). The easiest to catch and less educated Winter Steelhead are in the Middle of the Salmon River. Very lil fishing pressure put on those Winter Steelhead. (Except for the Sportsman Pool, which see’s daily Winter Steelhead fishing pressure in Pulaski NY).

Today’s Salmon River Humor: My guest’s laughingly suggested that instead of calling the Best Spot in the hole “The Hole within the Hole”. To call it the G Spot.
Today we reached maximum pleasure by fishing some of the finest, most enjoyable and exciting G spots on the Salmon River. The only trouble us guys had was finding it.

For MORE – Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Pulaski NY.

Winter Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY.

Now is a Great Time for Winter steelhead fishing Pulaski NY. With only a few Winter steelhead anglers fishing the Salmon River. It offers you Ton’s of Winter Steelhead fishing options in Pulaski NY. With some Winter Steelhead fishing spots Wide Open!

Winter Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY. TIPS. I’ve been fishing Winter Steelhead beads, egg sacks and flies in Pulaski NY. All dead drifted to match the “Bottom” Salmon River current speed. So it will look natural to the Winter steelhead with perfect fishing presentations.

My Winter Steelhead rigging directly relates to the “education level” of our Steelhead. When your Winter Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY. Use Expensive 100% Fluorocarbon leader – tippet. You will increase your odds greatly.

All of my Winter Steelhead have come from different “Exact as fitting a key into a Lock” Spots. Which can change by the day.
Using Daily Salmon River water flow levels to decipher what CRITICALLY IMPORTANT Current Breaks. The Winter steelhead would be 100% using for each fishing day in Pulaski NY.
Our Salmon River water levels are always changing. And the Winter Steelhead change along with it, and so should you for best fishing results. Having a clear understanding of this will put you into the 10% of the Salmon River anglers that catch 90% of the Winter Steelhead.

Winter Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY. TIP. The Winter Pools are Steelhead fishing the best in Pulaski NY.

BONUS Fishing Videos. Fishing Winter Steelhead Pools in Pulaski NY.
3 Prime Current Breaks in every pool to help YOU catch more Winter Steelhead in Pulaski NY.
Where do Winter Steelhead hold for Extended periods on the Salmon River in Pulaski NY?
Winter Steelhead want Deep water for safety from predators. A food source. And less current to conserve their energy over a long Winter.
(You can find our Pulaski NY Steelhead fishing mapped named pools, parking and access roads. By doing a search on the internet or most of our Pulaski NY Shops have them).

Winter Steelhead fishing Salmon River NY.

I’m finding ok #’s of Winter Steelhead while fishing on the Salmon River NY. The Salmon River is not loaded with Winter Steelhead. 100% Winter Steelhead fishing Guarantee that EVERY Salmon River NY Pool has Steelhead.

90% of these Winter Steelhead are in the deeper fishing holes on the Salmon River NY. CURRENTLY we have 10% of the Winter Steelhead in Transition, running the Salmon River NY. While stopping to rest mid. day between approx. 9:30am until 5:30pm. Then continuing up the Salmon River until they have found a Winter Pool that satisfies it’s survival instincts. These NEW Winter Steelhead are now Top to Bottom of the Salmon River NY.

Winter Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River NY. Tip. These middle of the day resting area’s are often over looked by Winter Steelhead anglers fishing the Salmon River NY. And should always be fished during and right after a high water period when Steelhead are running the Salmon River. – Find out where the Winter Steelhead hold in the Middle of the day on the Salmon River NY.

Off the Salmon River NY Drift Boat, some Winter Steelhead fishing spot’s we are having to work for them. Making each Winter steelhead all the more rewarding. While other Salmon River NY Winter steelhead fishing spot’s. It’s almost been to easy. Obviously, this wouldn’t be a truthful fishing report, if I didn’t add that some Winter Steelhead spots left us wanting…….

Salmon River NY Winter Steelhead fishing. TIP. Due to higher Salmon River water levels bringing in fresh fishing Winter Steelhead. Currently, now is one of the BEST TIMES to fish for Salmon River NY Winter Steelhead.
Winter Steelhead fishing will only have the most die hard Salmon River Steelhead anglers out. Causing very light Winter Steelhead fishing pressure with easier to catch Steelhead. During these colder Mo’s. = Less anglers and drift boats = more opportunity for you.

Advantages of Winter Steelhead fishing after a High Water Period on the Salmon River NY. – Past higher water levels on the Salmon River have kept many Winter steelhead anglers away. Once the Salmon River water level drops, it will provide you with unpressured Winter steelhead that are easier to fool and catch!

BONUS Winter Steelhead fishing Opportunity’s Abound! – With the past Rain, above freezing temps. and Snow Run-off, causing higher water flows. Optional Local Creeks and Streams are with fresh runs of Winter Steelhead.
The BONUS presently, is you don’t have to trudge thru 5 feet of snow to fish for Winter Steelhead. You also don’t have to break off large junks of sheet ice covering the holes, so you can fish for Winter Steelhead. Or, worry about falling thru any shelf ice you might be standing on while Winter Steelhead fishing.

Steelhead Fishing Salmon River NY Report.

Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River NY is Superb! We have Steelhead fishing from the Lower Salmon River to the Upper Salmon River NY. With all the Salmon and Brown Trout eggs in the Salmon River, it continues to bring in fresh fishing Steelhead into the Salmon River in Pulaski NY. As everyday pass’s, we are seeing more steelhead trout enter and run the Salmon River. Offering You Opportunity with a presence of Steelhead. Ye-Haa!

Steelhead fishing will remain good into the Spring on the Salmon River NY thru April. In March and April the Spring Steelhead fishing on the River is Good. For Spring Drop Back Steelhead, April is the Best Time for fishing on the Salmon River NY.

Things are looking Superb, for your upcoming Steelhead fishing trip on the Salmon River NY.
For MORE – Steelhead Fishing on the Salmon River NY.

Fall Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Pulaski NY Report.

Your Fall Salmon River Steelhead fishing season is looking good in Pulaski NY! We have decent Fall Salmon River Steelhead fishing numbers around in Pulaski NY. For the last few weeks, Fall Steelhead have been entering the Salmon River to eat ALL the Salmon eggs. With decent fishing numbers of Steelhead entering the Salmon River in Pulaski NY this Fall.  You might come up now, before the Nov. Steelhead fishing crowds arrive. These current numbers of Fall Steelhead will increase in Nov.

Many Salmon River Steelhead fishing spots are WIDE OPEN! While other larger Steelhead fishing spots in Pulaski NY only have 1-2 anglers fishing for Steelhead. The Steelhead fishing in Pulaski NY has been BEST in the Lower Salmon River with some filtering into the Upper Salmon River.

Winter Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY. In December, we will have even MORE Winter Steelhead in Pulaski NY. The Bonus of Winter Steelhead fishing is you will see less Salmon River angler’s fishing due to colder temp’s. Offering you greater Winter Steelhead fishing opportunities in Pulaski NY.

These are the Best Times for Salmon River Steelhead fishing Pulaski NY all Fall and Winter. Spring Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River NY is another Best Time in Mar. and April. April is the Best Time for Drop Back Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River NY in the Spring. April Sight fishing Steelhead in the Spring is an optional Salmon River treat.

Things are looking Great, for your upcoming Salmon River Steelhead fishing trip in Pulaski NY.
For MORE – Fall Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Pulaski NY.

Fall Steelhead Fishing Pulaski NY Report.

Fall Steelhead fishing in Pulaski NY is One of the Best Times for Steelhead. Your Fall Steelhead fishing is starting right on schedule. The Best place to go Steelhead fishing now is in the Lower River in Pulaski NY. Nice Push of Fall Steelhead just entered the River in Pulaski NY for your fishing pleasure. With many more Fall Steelhead to come! Things are looking Good for your Fall Steelhead fishing trip in Pulaski NY.

For MORE – Fall Steelhead Fishing Pulaski NY.

Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report Pulaski NY.

I’m happy to report – Fresh Steelhead continue to enter and run the Salmon River daily. 80% Older and 20% fresher Steelhead Top to Bottom of the Salmon River. Always a chance for a Trophy Brown Trout. The Pools are fishing best!

Today’s Salmon River Fishing Report Tip. – Noticing 1/2 to 3/4 less drift boats and Steelhead anglers fishing mid-week. Offering you greater Salmon River Steelhead fishing opportunities. Plenty of prime Steelhead spots open to fish that are holding your Chrome!

As Usual – Steelhead fishing has been sloow, so-so, ok to good. With a few anglers hitting it just right with AMAZING results! The Best Salmon River Steelhead fishing has happened when you find a pod of’m.
Another Salmon River fishing report Tip. – Suggest covering your water thoroughly in the better spots and then move to the next. That’s what this Salmon River guide has been doing with success.

Never know, that next BIG pod of Steelhead might just be around the next bend of the Salmon River, where memories are made.

Thumbs up from this Salmon River fishing report guide with a Very Happy Steelhead Guest.

The Steelhead and Salmon fishing of your dreams…… ………… we’ll mak’m reeeeeeeeeeeeeel

The Salmon River, where Memories are Made!