Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Fishing Report: October 20, 2026
The Salmon River has risen to 260 cfs at Pineville, with salmon throughout the open river and increasing steelhead numbers; the Lower Fly Section remains closed.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- rising
- Best window
- Morning through midday
- Best methods
- egg patterns, nymphs, streamers
Quick Summary
The Salmon River has risen to 260 cfs at Pineville after several days near the low 230s. Current local reporting describes salmon throughout the open river and more steelhead entering the system. Fish deeper travel lanes and holding pools during the morning, then adjust as bright sun reaches the water. The Lower Fly Fishing Catch and Release Section remains closed; the river downstream of Route 52 and the Upper Fly Area remain open.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good in open water |
| Flow | 260 cfs at Pineville at 7:15 a.m. EDT |
| Water Temp | 58 F local reading published October 19; not reported by USGS |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Rising |
| Best Window | Morning through midday |
| Best Method | Egg patterns, nymphs, and streamers |
| Wadeability | Limited by slick rock, crowds, and deeper slots |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecasts sunshine, a high near 62 F, and north wind at 5 to 10 mph. Temperatures should fall toward the upper 50s during the afternoon. Tonight will be clear with patchy frost after 4 a.m. and a low near 32 F; Wednesday should be sunny after morning frost with a high near 58 F.
River Notes
Pineville has risen from 232 cfs yesterday morning to 260 cfs today. The increase adds some depth to travel lanes but remains modest for the October run. Recent local reporting continues to place salmon from the lower river through the upper reaches, with fresh steelhead joining them. Concentrate on deeper pools, broken riffles, and shaded lanes, and expect bright sun to make fish less willing as the day advances.
The Lower Fly Section, from the County Route 52 bridge in Altmar upstream about one-quarter mile to Beaverdam Brook, is closed through October 31 under the current New York State Department of Environmental Conservation emergency action. Check posted boundaries before fishing. The Upper Fly Area and the river downstream of the Route 52 bridge remain open.
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 | Use a restrained color and profile in the modest flow |
| Nymphs | Stonefly Nymph | 8-12 | Work 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 260 cfs, begin with the deepest portion of each travel lane and adjust weight so the fly reaches the lower water column without dragging or lining fish. Egg and nymph rigs should cover the broken water behind moving salmon, while a small streamer can reach steelhead in pool tails. Do not target visibly spawning fish, stay off redds, and leave room for other anglers around concentrated holding water. Cleats and a wading staff remain sensible.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon River at Pineville (04250200) | 260 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. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 8:01 a.m. Eastern.