Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Fishing Report: November 3, 2026
The Salmon River is holding near 240 cfs at Pineville with 48 F water, and steelhead are using faster pocket water throughout the system.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Morning through midday
- Best methods
- egg patterns, nymphs, streamers
Quick Summary
The Salmon River is holding near 240 cfs at Pineville with a locally reported water temperature of 48 F. A current local report places steelhead throughout the system and notes that the recent warm spell has pushed more fish into faster pocket water. The lower third remains the best starting point based on the latest official county report, while some salmon are still spawning farther upstream. Start with single-egg patterns, then work nymphs or small streamers through faster lanes and pool transitions. The Lower Fly Section remains closed under the current New York State Department of Environmental Conservation notice; the Upper Fly Area and river downstream of Route 52 remain open.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good in open water |
| Flow | 240 cfs at Pineville at 8:15 a.m. EST |
| Water Temp | 48 F locally reported on November 3 |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable |
| Best Window | Morning through midday |
| Best Method | Egg patterns, nymphs, and streamers |
| Wadeability | Limited by slick rock, deeper slots, and concentrated anglers |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecasts mostly cloudy skies, a high near 65 F, and southeast wind around 8 mph. A slight shower chance ends during the early afternoon, with expected rainfall below one tenth of an inch. Tonight should be partly cloudy with a low near 52 F. Wednesday should be mostly sunny and unusually warm near 74 F before rain becomes likely Wednesday night. No active weather alerts were posted for Pulaski during the morning check.
River Notes
Pineville has stayed between 236 and 240 cfs since Sunday and read 240 cfs this morning. This is modest, stable water without a runoff pulse. The latest official county report documents a fresh influx of steelhead and places the strongest recent action in the lower third. A November 3 local update places steelhead from top to bottom, reports 48 F water, and points anglers toward faster pocket water after several warm days. Egg patterns remain the first choice, but the effective color can change through the day. Wind has also put leaves in the drift at times, making natural or brighter non-leaf colors easier to track.
The Lower Fly Section, from the Route 52 bridge in Altmar upstream toward the Salmon River Fish Hatchery property boundary, remains closed under the current DEC access notice. The Upper Fly Area and river downstream of Route 52 remain open. Check posted boundaries before fishing, avoid redds and paired salmon, and do not drift directly over cleaned spawning gravel.
Hatch Activity
| Forage | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon eggs | 6-10 mm | The leading seasonal food for steelhead below spawning areas |
| Stonefly nymphs | 8-12 | Useful through riffles and broken pocket water |
| Caddis larvae and pupae | 14-18 | A smaller secondary option when fish avoid egg patterns |
| Sculpins and small baitfish | 4-8 | Streamer option for deeper pools and low-light water |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Glo Bug | 8-12 | Use a sparse profile and subdued color in the modest flow |
| Nymphs | Stonefly Nymph | 8-12 | Drift along riffle seams and pocket-water edges |
| Nymphs | Caddis Pupa | 14-18 | Use as a smaller trailer when fish reject egg patterns |
| Streamers | Olive Bugger | 6-8 | Swing through pool tails and shaded slots |
| Streamers | Woolly Bugger | 6-8 | Black or olive for the lower-light morning period |
Tactics
Begin in open lower-river riffles, pocket water, and pool transitions, where current reports place active steelhead. Drift one egg pattern through faster lanes below spawning areas without crowding or casting over spawning fish, and change egg color before abandoning productive water. If that stalls, use a stonefly or caddis nymph along the same seams, or swing a small dark streamer through pool tails. On windy stretches, choose egg colors that remain distinct from drifting leaves. Cover water, carry cleats and a wading staff, and verify that the access lies outside the closed Lower Fly Section.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon River at Pineville (04250200) | 240 cfs | Not reported by gauge | USGS |
Sources
Official sources checked were the United States Geological Survey gauge at Pineville, the National Weather Service point forecast and active-alert feed for Pulaski, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Salmon River access notice and regulations, and Oswego County Tourism's October 29 fishing report. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 9:02 a.m. Eastern.