Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Pulaski Fishing Report: October 5, 2026
The Salmon River remains low near 209 cfs, with kings and cohos reported through the system, strong northwest wind, and the lower Altmar fly-fishing section closed.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- First light through midmorning
- Best methods
- streamers, egg patterns, nymphs
Quick Summary
The Salmon River is near 209 cfs and 5.29 feet at Pineville. The latest local report continues to place kings and cohos through the river, but low flow and weekend pressure demand sparse rigs and careful rotation. Northwest wind gusting above 30 mph will complicate casting and tree-lined access. Fish early, choose a sheltered run, and stay outside the closed lower fly-fishing section in Altmar.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair. Salmon are distributed through the river, but low flow, fishing pressure, strong wind, and the lower Altmar closure limit options |
| Flow | 209 cfs at Pineville |
| Gauge Height | 5.29 feet at Pineville |
| Water Temp | Not reported by USGS; a local shop page displayed 60 F at the morning check |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable to slowly falling |
| Best Window | First light through midmorning |
| Best Method | Sparse streamers and natural egg patterns in travel lanes; leeches and stonefly nymphs in deeper holding water |
| Wadeability | Good at established crossings in open water; use caution around wind-thrown limbs and do not enter the closed lower Altmar section |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecast for Pulaski calls for a 30 percent chance of morning showers, then mostly sunny skies with a high near 59 F. Northwest wind should run 12 to 18 mph with gusts as high as 31 mph. Tonight should turn partly cloudy with frost possible late and a low near 36 F. No active NWS alert covered the forecast point at the morning check.
River Notes
Pineville has eased from roughly 213 cfs Sunday morning to 209 cfs while gauge height slipped from 5.30 to 5.29 feet. The latest available local report is dated October 4 and describes successful lower-river fishing alongside the normal increase in weekend pressure. Other recent reports place kings and cohos in lower travel lanes and kings in deeper pools through the middle and upper river.
Wind is today's extra safety and presentation concern. Choose a run with room for a controlled cast, watch overhead limbs, and avoid forcing a backcast into trees. New York State DEC delayed the normal September opening of the lower fly-fishing section from the Route 52 bridge in Altmar upstream to the hatchery property boundary. The emergency closure remains in effect through October 31.
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. Recent local reporting confirms kings and cohos in the system.
| Activity | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinook and coho presence | Not reported | Recent reports place fish in lower travel lanes and deeper pools farther upstream |
| 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, shaded seams, and pool tails |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamer | Comet, Boss, or sparse salmon streamer | 4-8 | Swing through pool heads and tails at first light |
| Streamer | Egg-sucking leech, Woolly Bugger, or rabbit strip leech | 4-8 | Fish deeper slots and shaded seams 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 an open lower-river travel lane, or choose a sheltered deep pool farther upstream. Stay outside the closed lower fly-fishing section. Cover the head, inside seam, and tail before changing locations. Use enough weight to reach the lane without dragging across salmon. Watch for falling limbs in strong wind, use tackle strong enough to shorten fights, keep landed fish in the water, avoid redds, and give other anglers room to rotate.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALMON RIVER AT PINEVILLE NY | 209 cfs | Not reported | USGS 04250200 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS station 04250200, the National Weather Service forecast and active alert feed for the Pulaski, NY area, and the September 14 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation closure notice. This report is an original Custom FlyBox summary based on current official gauge, weather, and access information, with the October 4 local report reviewed separately for fish distribution and fishing-pressure context.