I was on a solo drift trip down the Salmon River, a Lake Ontario Tributary, in the Great Lakes Region of New York, in my kick boat when I found a good spot to pull over and fly fish a side channel off of the main flow. I tied up the kick boat and waded out to have a look. Sure enough, there were a couple of king salmon holding on a seam in the current.
It wasn’t an easy spot to fly fish because a tree had fallen into the river and the salmon were holding just off of the top of the tree. I picked out a purple Egg Sucking Bunny Strip Leech and gave it a go. The ugly fly drifted through the fish a couple of times without them showing much interest; they simply moved to either side of it and let it pass. The fifth cast was a different story. A hen fish of about twenty pounds decided she’d had enough of the purple intruder and darted over and chomped the fly in her toothy jaws.
I set the hook and things got interesting. She, being a good size King or Chinook Salmon darted downstream peeling the line off of the reel, then decided it was time to speed back upstream in a hurry. I had all that I could do to keep the line tight when she changed directions. I scrambled to get things back under control. The next obstacle came when she decided to tangle the line up in the submerged branches of the tree. I put as much side pressure on the rod as I could without breaking the ten pound tippet. It took quite awhile, but in spite of the odds being in the fish’s favor, I managed to land her.
Salmon and fly fishing go together like peanut butter and jelly, and in freshwater there isn’t much that is more exciting than hooking a salmon on fly tackle. One of the reasons is that once hooked, salmon are a handful to land, even for seasoned fly anglers. They blast upstream and downstream so fast you will skin your knuckles if they get too close to the reel handle.
I’ve heard fellow outdoor writers and others claim that once salmon enter the river they won’t hit a fly, but nothing could be further from the truth. Becoming a successful fly angler for king salmon is simply a matter of knowing their habits and showing them the right fly in the right place.
When targeting king salmon, the choice of fly rod can significantly impact your fishing experience. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to use cumbersome, heavy rods; a well-balanced 7-weight fly rod that is at least 9 feet long is typically sufficient for most situations in Lake Ontario tributaries. My preferred rod is a 10-foot, 7-weight St. Croix single-handed fly rod, which provides excellent casting distance and control.
For those who wish to enhance their versatility, I sometimes opt for an 11-foot, 7-weight switch rod, which offers the advantages of both a single-handed and double-handed rod. The additional length of the switch rod helps absorb shock during intense battles, minimizing the risk of breaking the tippet or losing that hard-earned catch. This extra reach also aids in casting over various water structures, allowing for effective presentations in challenging environments.
While the rod is essential, investing in a high-quality fly reel is paramount, often more critical than the rod itself when targeting powerful Pacific salmon. When you hook into a king or coho salmon, prepare for an adrenaline-pumping fight; these fish are known for their fierce runs, often peeling off line at an alarming rate and potentially taking you into the backing.
Your reel must have a smooth, reliable drag system that can handle the stress of powerful fish without seizing up. Look for a reel that is robust and capable of holding at least 150 yards of backing, ensuring that you are prepared for any unexpected runs. A solid reel not only enhances your chances of landing that trophy fish but also provides durability and reliability for countless fishing adventures.
Selecting the right fly line is equally important in maximizing your success in Pacific salmon fly fishing. I recommend using multi-tip fly lines as they provide the flexibility to switch between sink-tips and floating lines effortlessly. This adaptability allows anglers to fine-tune their approach based on current conditions and fish behavior, optimizing the chances of a bite.
In addition to commercial options, we often create our own sink-tips by cutting deep-sinking shooting heads into manageable 5, 10, and 15-foot sections. Each section features loops on both ends for easy attachment to the fly line, providing a customized solution that meets specific fishing needs.
Color plays a crucial role in line selection; a dull green line is typically the best choice for salmon and steelhead, as bright colors can alarm these wary fish. If your line is brightly colored, consider using a permanent marker to darken the first 15 feet or so, helping it blend in with the stream bottom and increasing your chances of a successful presentation.
For effective Pacific salmon fly fishing, the choice of leader is critical. Leaders should typically be 8 to 12 feet long, striking a balance between visibility and strength. A commonly used rig consists of an 8-foot butt section made of 10-15 pound test line, which provides the necessary strength to handle the robust salmon. At the end of this butt section, tie on a small black barrel swivel to minimize line twist and allow for easy leader changes.
From the swivel, attach about 3 feet of 6-10 pound test fluorocarbon tippet. Fluorocarbon is preferred due to its low visibility underwater, enhancing your chances of enticing wary salmon. I recommend leaving a 3-inch section of the butt line tied to the swivel, which can be utilized to attach split shots. This setup allows for easy adjustments and ensures your rig is both effective and streamlined.
A variety of tried-and-true flies have proven effective for Pacific salmon fly fishing. One of my top picks is the Edge Bright Comet, available in vibrant colors like hot pink, red, and fluorescent chartreuse. This fly’s bright colors make it irresistible to salmon, especially in murky waters.
Another versatile option is the Egg Sucking Bunny Strip Leech, which I prefer to tie in purple and black. These colors mimic prey that salmon are likely to encounter in their natural habitat. Additionally, Wooly Buggers in various colors are highly effective; I often enhance mine with a wing, inspired by my buddy Jim Kelso’s “Wing-dinger” pattern, which adds extra movement in the water.
Basic egg patterns are also fantastic for catching king salmon. I frequently tie simple Iliamna Pinkies in different hues and use Otter’s Soft Egg patterns for added effectiveness. Lastly, a good dark stonefly pattern, like the Rusher’s Stone, can work wonders, especially when salmon are targeting larger prey.
When selecting hooks for your flies, remember that the gap should not exceed ½ inch, and flies should be weighted no more than 1/8th of an ounce. Generally, hook sizes range from #2 to #10, depending on the fly pattern and the size of the fish you are targeting. When salmon are particularly finicky, downsizing to smaller hooks can often yield better results, as it makes the presentation appear more natural.
In addition to the essential fishing gear, there are several other items that can enhance your Pacific salmon fishing experience:
Polarized Sunglasses: A quality pair of polarized glasses is crucial for spotting fish beneath the water’s surface and reducing glare, allowing you to see into the water clearly.
Wading Staff: A sturdy wading staff can provide stability in fast-moving water and prevent slips and falls. This is especially important when navigating rocky riverbeds.
Waders with Korkers or Cleats: When fishing during the salmon run, your waders should be equipped with Korkers or another type of cleated footwear to prevent slips on slippery surfaces, particularly when wading through icy waters.
During my fishing experiences in Alaska, I learned a crucial lesson about salmon behavior: even in pools teeming with fish, many will not bite. These salmon are often resting in the pools during their upstream migration, preparing to find suitable spawning grounds. While they may not be actively feeding, there are certain spots in the pool where spawning aggression can trigger a bite.
One of the most promising areas is the tail end of a pool, where the most aggressive salmon are likely to congregate. As new fish enter the pool, they often engage in shoving matches to establish their territory. This competitive behavior can lead to opportunities for anglers, as these aggressive fish are more likely to strike at a fly.
In addition to the tails of pools, look for resting spots amid fast-moving water. A significant boulder disrupting the current can create an ideal haven for salmon seeking respite during their upstream journey. These areas provide a perfect opportunity to set up and cast, as salmon frequently duck behind such obstacles to rest and regain energy before continuing their ascent.
When salmon enter the gravel beds to spawn, their behavior becomes markedly more aggressive. Male salmon, in particular, will fiercely defend their nesting areas and strike at anything that intrudes. This aggression is heightened during fights with other males, creating an unruly atmosphere in the spawning grounds. Both male and female salmon possess a natural instinct to protect their nests from predators, including crayfish and minnows that may attempt to sneak in and steal their eggs. As a result, anglers may often find dead minnows and crayfish on the riverbed when salmon are spawning.
Another interesting behavior observed during this time is the salmon’s instinct to conserve protein. Dead eggs drifting along the bottom can become a target for hungry salmon, making this an excellent time for anglers to present flies that mimic these natural food sources.
The key to successful fishing lies in locating active fish amid these various scenarios. Once you spot salmon, it’s essential to keep presenting your fly in their vicinity. If you’re not getting any strikes, consider changing colors, as this can often make a significant difference in attracting Pacific salmon.
Light conditions play a crucial role in color preference. For instance, salmon may favor a pink fly one day and a purple one the next, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different hues. Additionally, vary your retrieve technique. While a dead drift may be effective at times, cohos are particularly known for their predatory nature and may respond better to a strip retrieve.
For kings, sometimes a subtle twitch of a dead-drifted fly as it passes can entice them to strike. By understanding the behavior of salmon in different situations and adjusting your techniques accordingly, you can increase your chances of a successful catch.
During a solo drift trip down the Salmon River—a Lake Ontario tributary in New York’s Great Lakes region—I found an ideal spot to pull over and fly fish a side channel off the main flow. After securing my kick boat, I waded out to explore the area. To my delight, I spotted a couple of king salmon holding near a seam in the current.
The fishing conditions were challenging; a fallen tree created an obstacle, with the salmon positioned just off its top. I decided to try my luck with a purple Egg Sucking Bunny Strip Leech. After several casts, the ugly fly drifted through the fish’s zone multiple times without eliciting much interest. The salmon simply moved aside, allowing it to pass. However, on my fifth cast, everything changed. A hen fish, weighing around twenty pounds, had clearly had enough of the purple intruder. She darted over and clamped down on the fly with her toothy jaws.
Setting the hook ignited a thrilling battle. This impressive King (Chinook) salmon instantly peeled line off my reel as she darted downstream. Just as quickly, she changed course, rocketing back upstream. I struggled to maintain tension on the line as she changed directions, scrambling to regain control.
The situation grew more complicated when she tangled the line in the submerged branches of the fallen tree. Using all the side pressure I could without risking my ten-pound tippet, I fought patiently. After what felt like an eternity, I managed to outsmart the odds and land her, despite the challenges.
In New York State, the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) stocks an impressive 1.7 million Chinook salmon and 250,000 coho salmon each year, ensuring robust populations for anglers to pursue. The salmon runs can begin as early as late August, but the peak activity typically occurs from mid-September to mid-October. It’s important to note that the timing of these runs can vary depending on local water flows and conditions, so staying informed about specific stream conditions is essential for planning your fishing trips.
When it comes to prime fishing locations, a variety of streams across New York provide excellent opportunities for salmon fishing. From east to west, notable spots include the Black River, South Sandy Creek, Salmon River, Oswego River, Sterling Creek, Genesee River, Sandy Creek, Oak Orchard Creek, Eighteen Mile Creek, and the Lower Niagara River. Among these, the Salmon River stands out as the most renowned destination, offering an extensive stretch of fishable water. However, the other streams also provide exciting fishing experiences and should not be overlooked.
Catching a “wall hanger”—a fish large enough to be a prized trophy—can be an exhilarating experience that keeps anglers returning to the waters time and time again. With the thrill of the chase comes the importance of practicing good angling etiquette.
Respecting fellow anglers is crucial. If you hear someone shout “fish on,” take a moment to pay attention and reel in your line if necessary. This courtesy allows them to maneuver past you as they fight their fish, and in turn, you can expect the same consideration when you hook one. Remember that everyone is there to enjoy the sport, so maintaining a respectful atmosphere benefits all.
Pacific salmon fly fishing is not just a productive fishing method; it’s also an incredibly enjoyable adventure. The thrill of targeting these magnificent fish right here in the Empire State presents an incredible opportunity for anglers. Once you experience the rush of landing your first king salmon on the fly, you’ll understand why so many people become captivated by this pursuit, often falling victim to what many refer to as “salmon fever.”
Rob Streeter enjoys fly fishing for many species, especially trout and salmon in the Lake Ontario tributaries. He is the outdoor columnist for the Albany Times Union and freelances for several publications. He is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and the Outdoor Writers’ Association of America.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
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