Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Fishing Report: October 18, 2026
The Salmon River is low and steady near 240 cfs at Pineville, with kings, cohos, and some steelhead in the system; the Lower Fly Section remains closed.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Morning through midday
- Best methods
- egg patterns, nymphs, streamers
Quick Summary
The Salmon River is running low and steady near 240 cfs at Pineville. Kings, cohos, and some steelhead remain available through the open river, with the best chance in deeper travel lanes and holding pools during the morning. The Lower Fly Fishing Catch and Release Section remains closed under the current New York State Department of Environmental Conservation action; the rest of the river downstream of Route 52 and the Upper Fly Area remain open.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good in open water |
| Flow | 240 cfs at Pineville at 6:15 a.m. |
| Water Temp | Not reported by USGS |
| Clarity | Lower river improving after Friday runoff |
| Trend | Stable to slowly falling |
| Best Window | Morning through midday |
| Best Method | Egg patterns, nymphs, and streamers |
| Wadeability | Limited by slick rock, crowds, and deep slots |
Weather
Pulaski should be sunny with a high near 58 F and south wind around 8 mph. The morning begins in the mid-30s before warming into the low 50s around noon. Tonight will be clear with areas of frost and a low near 32 F. Monday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 60 F.
River Notes
Pineville has held close to 240 cfs through the morning, down from a three-day high near 289 cfs. That is low water for the October run, making deeper pools, shaded slots, and broken riffle water the most useful places to start. Recent local reporting still describes a mix of Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead from the lower river through the upper reaches. Friday's runoff stained the lower end, but the lack of additional rain should allow it to continue clearing.
The Lower Fly Section, from the County Route 52 bridge in Altmar upstream about one-quarter mile to Beaverdam Brook, is closed. The 16 miles downstream of the bridge and the Upper Fly Area above the hatchery remain open. Check posted boundaries before fishing.
Hatch Activity
| Forage | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon eggs | 6-10 mm | Primary seasonal food around active spawning fish |
| Stonefly nymphs | 8-12 | Useful in faster riffles and pocket water |
| Caddis larvae and pupae | 14-18 | Secondary option for steelhead and resident trout |
| Sculpins and small baitfish | 4-8 | Streamer option in deeper pools and low-light water |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Glo Bug | 8-12 | Match the low, clear water with a restrained color and profile |
| Nymphs | Stonefly Nymph | 8-12 | Work the faster seams and riffle edges |
| Nymphs | Caddis Pupa | 14-18 | Use as a smaller trailer for steelhead |
| Streamers | Olive Bugger | 6-8 | Swing through pool tails and shaded slots |
| Streamers | Woolly Bugger | 6-8 | Black or olive for low-light periods |
Tactics
At 240 cfs, approach quietly and fish the deepest part of each travel lane before moving. Keep egg and nymph rigs close to the bottom without dragging or lining fish. Swing small streamers through pool tails where steelhead can hold behind moving salmon. Do not target visibly spawning fish, stay off redds, and give other anglers room in the concentrated holding water. Cleats and a wading staff are sensible even at this low flow.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon River at Pineville (04250200) | 240 cfs | Not reported | USGS |
Sources
Official sources checked were the United States Geological Survey gauge at Pineville, the National Weather Service point forecast for Pulaski, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Salmon River closure notice and fishing hotline. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 8:01 a.m. Eastern.