When to Fish The Early Salmon River Run

An angler holding a big salmon caught during the early Salmon River run. — *The early Salmon River run can be fruitful for anglers who know where to look.*

Experience The Salmon River Run

I don’t want to start this article by sounding like an old-timer, but at the risk of doing just that, here goes. Anyone who has spent years fishing the tributaries of Lake Ontario will tell you how much things change and evolve over time.

Unfortunately, many of these discussions tend to focus on negatives. However, I have a strong positive to share: the growing numbers of early salmon in the Salmon River near Pulaski, NY. While these numbers have been increasing slowly but steadily over the years, recent seasons have seen a significant uptick in salmon running earlier than usual.

Why Are Salmon Running Earlier in the Lake Ontario Tributaries?

Wild Salmon

The question arises: what has driven the change in salmon migration habits, leading to earlier runs of kings in the Salmon River? While various theories have circulated to explain this shift, recent evidence indicates that these early salmon runs consist primarily of wild kings rather than those stocked by the DEC Salmon River Fish Hatchery. This realization points to potential changes in environmental conditions, such as water temperature, habitat availability, or prey abundance, that may be influencing the natural spawning patterns and migratory behavior of these wild salmon. Understanding these factors could provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the salmon population in the Salmon River.

A Research Project Was Born

How do we know this? For years, the Salmon River run in Pulaski, NY, has been known for producing large numbers of young Chinook salmon. However, it was unclear whether any of these fish were returning as adults for spawning season, and if so, how many. Recognizing the importance of this information, a research project was initiated on the Salmon River to track and analyze the return rates of these young salmon. This project aimed to gather crucial data to better understand the dynamics of the salmon population and the factors influencing their migratory behavior. Through tagging and monitoring efforts, researchers have been able to assess the health and sustainability of the salmon runs, shedding light on this significant ecological development.

Salmon Reproduction on the Salmon River

Over the years, an ongoing study on salmon reproduction in the Salmon River has been conducted. You may have noticed groups from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the spring, armed with buckets and seine nets, as they monitor various locations along the Salmon River run. These researchers are focused on counting the salmon fry, and the results have been impressive. Estimates suggest that the production of young Chinook salmon ranges between 7 to 10 million annually.

Fin Clipping for Hatchery Fish

The main concern was the uncertainty about how many of these young wild fish were returning to the river. To address this, a second phase of reproductive research was initiated. The state-run Salmon River hatchery in Altmar, near Pulaski, NY, acquired a specialized machine from out west to clip the adipose fins of all stocked salmon.

This project spanned three years and enabled researchers to easily distinguish hatchery fish from wild ones. In simple terms, over the past three seasons, any fish with an intact adipose fin was identified as a wild salmon. The results were surprising: the return rate of wild salmon was significantly higher than expected.

Implications Of Wild Salmon Migration

Longer Salmon Season

So, what does this mean for us fishermen? First and foremost, it means there are more fish to target during a good run. However, I must add a disclaimer: this observation is based on my personal experience. In a typical fall, we usually see hatchery fish start to appear around mid-September. However, the majority of the early salmon we encounter from August to mid-September are wild fish. This shift effectively extends our salmon season by 2 to 3 weeks, providing more opportunities for anglers to enjoy the thrill of the catch.

Trying to Predict the Wild Salmon Run

The surprising aspect of predicting a Salmon River run is that these fish often defy conventional expectations regarding water temperatures and flows. They seem to run on their own schedule, regardless of the conditions. In fact, these wild salmon can be found running even in low water and warmer temperatures, sometimes reaching as high as 74 degrees.

It’s crucial to remember that we are dealing with a wild population, which means fluctuations in both the timing and numbers of fish are to be expected. Typically, the timing of runs may vary by only a week or two. Therefore, don’t let low water levels or elevated temperatures discourage you from seeking out a run of fish; they may still be on the move.

Good Weather Runs on the Tributaries

Beyond the fishing opportunities presented by these wild salmon, we also gain the chance to enjoy tributary fishing in pleasant weather. While this may not seem significant to someone new to tributary fishing, seasoned anglers can truly appreciate the experience of targeting kings in the rivers while wearing short sleeves. It adds a level of comfort and enjoyment to the outing, enhancing the overall fishing experience.

Less Crowded Angling

Due to the inconsistent timing of the early wild salmon runs in the Salmon River, there are often fewer anglers on the water during this period. For those looking to avoid the crowds, this presents a valuable opportunity to enjoy a more tranquil fishing experience while still having the chance to catch impressive fish.

Fishing Techniques For An Early Salmon Run

Taking advantage of this new opportunity is straightforward, but it does require some adjustments to our fishing methods for these early runs. Despite the salmon entering the river under challenging conditions—such as low water levels and high temperatures—these factors will still influence our fishing strategies and how the salmon react to our presentations.

When fishing in these conditions, it’s essential to focus on locations that offer shade and cooler water, as salmon tend to seek out more comfortable environments. Adapting our techniques to include lighter tackle and stealthier approaches can also increase our chances of success. Being mindful of these factors will help us effectively target these early-rising wild salmon.

Location For Upstate NY Salmon Fishing

It won’t matter how far upstream the salmon travel if water temperatures reach the upper 60s to low 70s. From my experience, the best success comes from fishing in the Lower Salmon River. As salmon move further upriver and spend more time in the river, they become increasingly stressed and less willing to bite. While this might seem obvious to seasoned anglers, the impact of low water flows and high temperatures amplifies this phenomenon. Therefore, focusing our efforts in cooler, more stable environments will enhance our chances of hooking these early-running salmon.

Water Speed Affects Fishing Success

The type of water you choose to fish will significantly impact your success. In warm water conditions, oxygen levels can drop, making deeper pools with slower currents less ideal. These areas tend to have low oxygen, which can leave the salmon feeling lethargic and exposed—conditions that discourage them from biting during these early spawning runs.

The simple solution is to focus on the heads of the pools and target faster-moving water. Here, oxygen levels are typically higher, and the broken water creates a more comfortable environment for the fish. I’ve found that some of the most productive spots for early low-water salmon fishing are the pocket waters between popular pools. These areas offer fast-moving water, ample oxygen, and a broken surface, which helps put the salmon at ease. Additionally, fishing these less crowded spots can shield you from the pressure often found in more popular locations.

Fly Fishing Presentations For Early Salmon

Swing Flies

Fishing for salmon can be straightforward, and I typically use two basic presentations. My favorite is swinging flies—not necessarily because it’s the most productive, but because I genuinely enjoy the technique. When swinging flies for salmon, it’s important to slow down the swing and ensure your flies reach their level in the water column. Remember, salmon tend to hover near the bottom rather than sitting directly on it, so you’ll need to adjust your presentation accordingly to effectively target them.

Dead Drift

The second presentation I use is the more traditional dead drift technique. I typically start by swinging flies in productive water; if that proves effective, I’ll stick with it. Fortunately, this slow swing method is often highly effective during the early Salmon River run.

However, there are days when the salmon prefer a softly dead-drifted fly as it drifts into their holding water. While both presentations may sound simple, a little practice and time on the water can significantly enhance your effectiveness.

Flies for Early Salmon Fly Fishing

I primarily rely on woolly bugger patterns when fishing for salmon. They’re easy to tie and practically foolproof in the water. I also favor leech patterns for their effectiveness. Both types of flies are simple to create, and the materials are readily available.

On tougher days during the Salmon River run, a large black stonefly nymph can often be a game-changer when dead drifted into quality holding water. This approach can frequently turn the tide when fish are being finicky.

Original Article By Jay Peck

About The Author

Jay Peck is a fishing guide on the Lake Ontario tributaries. With 40+ years of fly fishing experience including 30 years as a licensed New York State guide, Jay has been applying his knowledge of the sport and local waters to help anglers in their pursuit of migratory fish, inland trout, and a variety of warm water species. Jay is also an accomplished spey caster and fly tyer. He has developed several fishing techniques and fly patterns for fishing the tributaries and inland trout streams. To learn more, check out Jay’s youtube channel, and get in touch with Jay at jaypeckguidesflyfishing.com.

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.