Salmon River Fishing Guide: Seasons, Species, and Records
The Salmon River, situated in Oswego County in New York, is a renowned salmon and steelhead fishing destination, providing a fishing experience that stands among the finest in the country. Spanning 17 miles from the Lighthouse Hill Reservoir in Altmar, NY to its confluence with Lake Ontario at Port Ontario, this waterway boasts a rich diversity of fish species, making it a prime location for various fishing activities.
The river is flanked by 12 miles of Public Fishing Rights, offering ample access to its scenic and productive waters. The river’s proximity to Lake Ontario adds to its allure, creating a network of interconnected water bodies.
Fishermen can target a variety of prized catches, including chinook salmon, coho salmon, atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, fall fish, shorthead redhorse, and white sucker. Each species presents a distinct challenge, making the Salmon River a dynamic and rewarding destination for fishermen of all skill levels.
Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring (March to May)
During the spring months in the Salmon River, fishing enthusiasts eagerly pursue the formidable winter-run steelhead. This particular species attracts attention as it enters the river, drawn by the abundance of salmon eggs from spawning salmon. The period from March to April marks the peak of fishing activity, presenting a prime opportunity for anglers to engage in the pursuit of these powerful and acrobatic fish.
As the spring progresses and the water temperatures rise, another noteworthy event unfolds in the ecosystem. Rainbow trout, having completed their winter-run steelhead phase, begin to migrate back to Lake Ontario for their summer feeding rituals. This transition marks the conclusion of the winter-run steelhead fishing season, typically by mid-May.
Summer (June to July)
Summer offers diverse fishing opportunities in the Salmon River. Anglers may find success fishing for Atlantic salmon, resident brown trout, and rainbow trout. The river’s recent emphasis on stocking these species, along with minimum flow requirements, has improved summer fishing considerably.
Additionally, smallmouth bass fishing in the river during the summer, and northern pike fishing can be pursued in the estuary, providing additional and varied fishing options. With the enhanced stocking efforts and favorable river flow, the summer months provide excellent Salmon River fishing conditions.
Fall (August to November)
Fall is a peak season for salmon fishing in the Salmon River, especially during the salmon runs that peak between mid-September and early November. Chinook and coho salmon complete their spawning runs during this time, and bait presentation strategies must stimulate the aggressive nature of these semelparous fish, as they do not feed after entering the river.
Landlocked Atlantic salmon also spawn in October and November. Fall fishing is dominated by chinook salmon, with runs starting in early September. Coho runs often coincide with chinook runs, and both species can be found in the same parts of the river. Rainbow trout enter the river in October, feeding on salmon eggs.
Brown trout enter the river between mid-October and late November. The fall season offers an exhilarating mix of salmon and trout fishing, making it a favorite among avid anglers.
Areas of the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY both north and south of the Route 11 bridge see shoulder-to-shoulder salmon fishermen doing their best to land a trophy salmon in the fall. Another popular salmon fishing spot on the Salmon River is on Route 2A, just north of Route 13, south east of Pulaski, NY.
Winter (December to February)
Winter fishing on the Salmon River is primarily focused on steelhead trout (rainbow trout). The river remains open most of the winter due to constant discharge from upstream reservoirs. The fishing pressure is light during this season. While other streams may freeze and become unfishable, the Salmon River stays accessible. However, anglers should be cautious of ice and slush formation, particularly downstream from the dams.
Rainbow trout fishing in the Salmon River is the main angling opportunity during the winter months, providing a consistent and dedicated pursuit for fishermen even in the colder conditions. Winter fishing enthusiasts can appreciate the solitude of the river during the winter, making it a unique and rewarding experience.
What Salmon River is Known For
The Salmon River is legendary in the world of fishing, marked by two remarkable records that have etched its name in angling history. Notably, the river is home to the Great Lakes record chinook salmon, a colossal catch weighing an impressive 47 lbs. 13 oz. Additionally, the Salmon River proudly holds the world record for coho salmon, an extraordinary specimen tipping the scales at 33 lbs. 4 oz.
These outstanding achievements underscore the Salmon River’s status as a premier fishing destination for anglers seeking not only the thrill of the catch but the opportunity to land record-breaking fish. The chinook salmon record attests to the river’s capacity to support exceptional fish growth.
The Salmon River draws its name from a rich historical tapestry that intertwines with the cultural heritage of the Iroquois Confederacy. Once essential to Native Americans as seasonal hunting and fishing grounds, the river held various names, including Heh-hah-wa-gah, meaning “where swim the sweet fish.”
The indigenous significance of the Salmon River is further underscored by its role as a passage to interior hunting grounds and its mention in historical accounts, describing it as “the place where the greater part of the Iroquois embarked to go upon the trail of the beaver” in the 17th century.
However, the river’s historical narrative also bears witness to the disappearance of the native landlocked Atlantic salmon by 1872, altering the ecological makeup of the Salmon River. In response, since the late 1960s, the river has been stocked primarily with Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, and brown trout, along with a smaller proportion of Atlantic salmon.
These fish, undertaking annual spawning runs after residing in Lake Ontario, continue to contribute to the river’s ecosystem and maintain its allure for anglers seeking diverse fishing experiences.
Boat Ramps, Boat Launches, Marinas, and Public Access Points
In the scenic town of Port Ontario, NY, several access points cater to the fishing and boating community. Pine Grove Boat Launch, situated on Pine Grove Road just off Route 3, offers dual gravel ramps providing convenient access to Lake Ontario.
Just south of Route 13 at Port Ontario, it accommodates 120 cars and trailers, ensuring ample parking space for enthusiasts. For those seeking wheelchair access, the Port Ontario location on Route 3 provides a welcoming fishing environment with designated parking spaces.
Moving towards Pulaski, NY, the options for access to the body of water expand. The Blackhole, positioned at the intersection of North Jefferson and Bridge Streets, offers accessible parking for fishing enthusiasts.
Long Bridge Pool, located on South Jefferson Street, provides a unique staircase access point, while Short Bridge Pool on Route 11 in downtown Pulaski is another accessible fishing spot. Ballpark and Haldane Community Center, both on Route 11, and County Route 2A, offer additional parking facilities.
The Compactor Pool, situated on County Route 2A, not only provides parking but also serves as a drift boat launch. Further exploration along the waterways reveals a multitude of access points.
The Sportsman Pools, both North and South, accessible via Centerville Road and Route 13 respectively, cater to diverse preferences. The Fishing Museum on Route 13 offers parking for visitors. Pineville on Route 48 and Trestle Pools (North and South) on Sheepskin Road and Route 13, respectively, extend access with designated parking areas.
Ellis Cove and Wire Hole on Route 42, Altmar North and Lower Fly on Route 52, Paradise Pool and Upper Fly on Route 22, and Orwell Brook on Tubbs Road, and trout Brook on Route 48, all provide parking spaces for enthusiasts eager to explore the water.
For those interested in specific details and driving directions, the Boat Launch Sites for Oswego County page offers comprehensive information, including Google Maps directions. Additionally, the Salmon River Public Fishing Rights Brochure (PDF) provides valuable insights into the accessible features, such as the Route 3 Crossing in Port Ontario.
This particular fishing spot, located upstream from Lake Ontario marshes, features an accessible path to a fishing platform over the river. Despite being along a busy road, it provides a unique fishing experience with railings, landings, and designated accessible parking. Directions are available at the northwest abutment of the Route 3 Bridge, just north of the Route 13 intersection.
