Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Pulaski Fishing Report: September 15, 2026
The Salmon River remains low near 232 cfs, but fresh Chinook are moving through the lower river while other kings hold in deeper mid- and upper-river water.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- First light through midmorning
- Best methods
- streamers, egg patterns, nymphs
Quick Summary
The Salmon River remains low, but fresh local information supports a good early-season Chinook opportunity. USGS showed 232 cfs and 5.35 feet at Pineville during the morning check. Anglers reported kings moving through the Ballpark, Black Hole, and Douglaston Salmon Run, with additional fish holding in deeper runs farther upriver. Fish first light with a sparse streamer, leech, nymph, or natural egg pattern, and move after a clean pass rather than crowding a travel lane.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good. Kings are moving and holding throughout the system, though low water concentrates fish and anglers |
| Flow | 232 cfs at Pineville |
| Gauge Height | 5.35 feet at Pineville |
| Water Temp | 65 F reported by the current local source; not reported by the USGS gauge |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable |
| Best Window | First light through midmorning |
| Best Method | Sparse streamers, leeches, stonefly nymphs, and natural egg patterns |
| Wadeability | Good at established crossings, with care around concentrated fish and anglers |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Pulaski calls for partly sunny skies, a high near 70 F, and southeast wind around 6 to 12 mph. A chance of showers arrives after 11 p.m.; no active weather alerts were posted during the morning check. Morning cloud cover and cooler water should favor the first several hours before direct light reaches the pools.
River Notes
Pineville remains near the same low September flow as Monday. Current local reports describe kings moving through the Ballpark, Black Hole, and lower private water, while other fish are holding in deeper holes and broad runs farther upriver. The wider distribution gives anglers options, but low water still narrows travel lanes.
Start below Pulaski before direct sun reaches the river, or target a deeper midriver run where kings can rest. Cover pool heads and tails, walking-speed seams, and shaded slots with a sparse streamer or leech. If visible fish do not respond, change angle or location rather than adding enough weight to drag through them.
Hatch Activity
This is a salmon-run report, so fish movement and forage matter more than a trout hatch list. Official gauges do not report migration. The September 15 local report supplies current movement context, with Chinook reported in lower-river travel lanes and deeper holding water farther upstream.
| Activity | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon movement | Not reported | Fresh fish are moving through lower-river lanes while others hold upriver |
| Stonefly nymphs | 8-12 | A searching choice around pockets and seams |
| Eggs | 6-10 mm | Use sparse natural colors in low water |
| Baitfish and leech profile | 4-8 | Cover deeper slots and pool tails |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamer | Comet, Boss, or sparse salmon streamer | 4-8 | Swing through lower-river travel lanes at first light |
| Streamer | Egg-sucking leech, Woolly Bugger, or rabbit strip leech | 4-8 | Fish deeper slots with a controlled swing |
| Nymph | Black Stonefly, Prince Nymph, or Hare's Ear | 8-12 | Search pockets without dragging through resting fish |
| Egg | Single egg, sucker spawn, or estaz egg | 6-10 mm | Keep the rig sparse and avoid lining fish |
Tactics
Start at first light in a lower-river travel lane or a deeper upstream holding run. Fish pool heads and tails, undercut margins, and shaded slots with enough weight to reach the lane without dragging across salmon. Use tackle strong enough to shorten fights, keep landed fish in the water, and give other anglers room to rotate through a run.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALMON RIVER AT PINEVILLE NY | 232 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 the September 15 local fishing report reviewed separately for water temperature, Chinook movement, method, and access context.