Salmon River, New York
Salmon River at Pulaski Fishing Report: May 18, 2026
Salmon River at Pulaski is in a useful fishing window today.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- rising
- Best window
- Late afternoon into evening
- Best methods
- nymphs, streamers, wet flies
Quick Summary
Salmon River at Pulaski is in a useful fishing window today. USGS showed 851 cfs and 6.43 feet at 7:15 AM, with the flow trend rising. Water temperature was Not reported. Start with nymphs, then watch for late-day mayfly, caddis, or midge activity where the water settles. With hot air temperatures forecast, carry a thermometer and stop targeting trout if afternoon water approaches 68 F.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 851 cfs at 7:15 AM |
| Gauge Height | 6.43 feet |
| Water Temp | Not reported |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Rising |
| Best Window | Late afternoon into evening |
| Best Method | nymphs; streamers; wet flies |
| Wadeability | Limited |
Weather
For Pulaski, NY, the National Weather Service forecast says: Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph. Plan around wind, changing light, and any showers or storms rather than assuming a full-day dry fly window.
River Notes
The best starting point is water that matches the current gauge: inside seams, protected banks, riffle drop-offs, and slower buckets rather than the heaviest current. A rising trend is worth watching through the day; if the hydrograph turns sharply upward, clarity and wade safety can change before hatch timing does. Missing field values are left as Not reported rather than filled from guesswork. Check current release and public access rules before committing to a section.
Hatch Activity
Current hatch guidance is based on seasonal May patterns for this river system, recent public report context where available, and today’s official gauge/weather check.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caddis | 14-18 | Trout food source in softer margins |
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Cloud-cover option |
| Stonefly nymphs | 8-12 | Useful searching pattern |
| Egg/forage | Not reported | Carry only where seasonally appropriate |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymph | Pheasant Tail | 14-18 | Mayfly nymph before hatches |
| Nymph | Caddis Pupa | 14-18 | Swing or dead drift before activity |
| Streamer | Olive Sculpin | 4-8 | Use on banks if water has color or light is low |
Tactics
Start with nymphs in defined lanes and adjust weight or leader length before changing flies. If fish begin rising, simplify to a single dry or dry with an emerger/dropper and lengthen the leader. In bright or windy periods, return to subsurface presentations along protected banks and broken water. Re-check the gauge before wading new crossings, especially if the trend changes from stable or falling to rising.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALMON RIVER AT PINEVILLE NY | 851 cfs | Not reported | USGS 04250200 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS station 04250200 and the National Weather Service forecast for the Pulaski, NY area. This report is an original Custom FlyBox summary based on current official gauge and weather data, with local public conditions reports reviewed separately for hatch, access, and method context.