Mention the Salmon River and many anglers conjure up images of river banks lined elbow to elbow with fisherman, dragging their prized catch to the fish cleaning stations- which can be smelled long before they are seen. The Salmon River also brings back memories of heavy, lead weight "presentations", and the old chuck-n-duck "fly cast."
My last three outings on the Salmon River have been down right lonely. I believe I have seen 8 anglers in my last 3 trips! There's only a slight difference in my approach compared to others.
I fish the Salmon River in June, July and August, choosing to pursue the Atlantic Salmon and Summer Run Steelhead. The Atlantics enter the rivers during the Summer, and continue their upstream migration with the Chinook and Coho Salmon during September and October. I've caught Atlantics in November with the Brown trout run as well. The possible return of Atlantic Salmon could extend fishing on Lake Ontario tributaries into almost a year round event.
In 2012, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) estimates 600 Atlantic Salmon were caught, based on creel surveys. This is the current situation we (as anglers) are faced with. Yes, the Atlantic Salmon are present- but certainly not in numbers like their cousins- the Chinook, Coho and Steelhead.
The Salmon River had prolific runs of Atlantic Salmon, for which it was named in the mid 1800's. The Atlantics were extinct by the late 1800's due to several factors. Overfishing seems to top the chart. The creation of dams, timbering of nursery headwaters and the sedimentation that follows also contributed to the disappearance of the fish.
According to the DEC, 30,000 Atlantic Salmon fry are stocked each year in the Salmon River. Once the Atlantics spend a year in the river, they return to Lake Ontario to grow. Unfortunately, their main source of food is the Alewive, a small minnow which Atlantic Salmon love to devour. Alewives contain high concentrations of an enzyme called Thiaminase, which results in a Thiamine (B1) deficiency. Thiamine has been identified as a key for successful natural reproduction. For years, Atlantic Salmon were stocked and returned to the rivers to spawn. According to the Oswego County Environmental Management Council, the decline of Alewive populations in Lake Ontario has resulted in greater natural reproduction in the Atlantic Salmon, as they now are more healthy with increased levels of Thiamine.
Now, before you anticipate fish running the river, with their backs out of the water- let me tell you this... Believe in Unicorns, The Yeti, Bigfoot, Nessie and UFO's if you choose to fish for Atlantics. This type of blind faith will be necessary when the Atlantics refuse to show themselves to your best presented offering. There will be days when you start to question their existence!
Target Atlantics during low light periods, or overcast, rainy days. When the Sun is shinining on the water, you're better off going for a swim in Lake Ontario. Certain guides suggest only fishing until 10:00am for these fish, as warmer mid-day temperatures can increase mortality rates when released. When the water is running, at the minimum flows of 185cfs, use stealthy tactics. Wear tans, greens, pale blues, etc. Approach your fishing spot quietly, and wade slowly and stealthy- no need to rush to secure your spot like in September! The scheduled white-water releases raise the levels of the Salmon River. These releases always seem to draw in a few fish.
The next choice when fishing for Atlantics is a tough one. Three common ways to fish are dry fly fishing, Spey fishing and nymphing with an indicator. I will explain the common set-ups I have used on the Salmon River. For Spey fishing, I use a 13 foot 8 weight rods. For regular fly fishing I use a 10 foot 7 weight.
Drys- sizes 4,6,8 are my preferred sizes. Bombers, Caddis and Stimulators are always fun to watch, dead drifted or skated through the pool. I like using dry flys at the tail outs of pools, where the water tends to be slightly wavy compared to the rougher, white water. Drys are fished on a 3X leader 9 to 11 feet long. I use a gel flotant most of the time, and use it on the leader as well. This helps float the fly in rougher water.
Spey Flys or Streamers- anything from a size 4 to a size 10 is is my quiver. Some have a cone head and some don't. Cross cut rabbit strip "wrap" flies are a favorite of mine- and black, purple, blue, grey and white seem to show up in my fly boxes frequently. Green Butt Skunks, Purple Perils, Polar Shrimp, and Muddler Minnows all can take fish. for those who want to tie something simple, a conehead Wolly Bugger or Egg Sucking Leech tied from a size 4 to 10 can do the trick. something about purple and pink I always like. These can be fished with a 9 foot leader if fishing low water (350 release on the SR) or higher in the water column. If using sink tips, I'd suggest a 6 foot straight piece of 3X fluorocarbon tippet.
The third common method of angling for Atlantic Salmon, is indicator-nymph fishing. This is very typical for any Lake Ontario steelhead fisherman. A bobber, or indicator of sorts is used along with a nymph- usually from sizes 8 to 12. Stoneflies, Caddis, and Pheasant Tails all can be effective. I like to use a nine foot leader tapered down to 4X for these fish.
Whatever the method you choose for a chance encounter with Atlantics, be certain to have your drag adjusted for your tippet. These fish are known for very strong runs, amazing leaps, and down right stubborn nature. Another important part of fishing for Atlantics is the concept of "resting the hole." If you do raise a fish, make a second cast, then wait five minutes or longer before casting to it again. Oftentimes Atlantics will "swirl" on the fly but shy away before they actually strike it.
Okay, you're on the Salmon River in the Summer and there's no one around. The next decison would be, where to start fishing?
I look for moving water that is full of oxygen that empties into a slower, deeper pool. Other times, I'll take a chance and fish the fast moving water- I guess the point is, you've got time to cover a lot of water when targeting Atlantics and Summer Run Steelhead. There's no need to fish the same beat over and over. The old cast- take one step down, repeat comes to mind. Find the coldest part or section of a river, and it greatly increases your odds of a run-in with an Atlantic. I consider a thermometer to be one of the most effective fish catching flies in my quiver.
Fishing during the Summer months brings a lot more River etiquette with it compared to its Fall counterpart. If you should encounter someone else- please start fishing above them in the run. Fishing for Atlantics is generally a down and across style of fishing. Moving in, or crossing the river below someone is highly frowned upon. Atlantic Salmon fishing is tough enough with the perfect approach and presentations, lets not make even harder by stirring up someone fishing beat.
Hopefully by now you've learned a little about this elusive species. The only thing you need is time. Nothing beats time on the water when targeting Atlantic Salmon. I have gone a whole trip without seeing a fish, and I've raised 3 in a weekend. it all depends on many variables and a bit of angler's luck. If you enjoy solitude and can appreciate a fish-less day in exchange for catching a rare beauty, then consider a trip to the Salmon River during June, July or August!
