Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Fishing Report: November 6, 2026
The Salmon River remains near 236 cfs at Pineville, with steelhead entering the low river and the best approach centered on egg patterns in faster water.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Morning through early afternoon
- Best methods
- egg patterns, nymphs, streamers
Quick Summary
The Salmon River remains near 236 cfs at Pineville, continuing the low, stable flow of the past several days. Oswego County's November 5 report confirms strong steelhead numbers entering the river, but the fish are moving upstream slowly. Start with single-egg patterns in riffles, pocket water, and other faster lanes during the morning and early afternoon. 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 | 236 cfs at Pineville at 7:15 a.m. EST |
| Water Temp | 48 F locally reported on November 3 |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable |
| Best Window | Morning through early afternoon |
| Best Method | Egg patterns, nymphs, and small streamers |
| Wadeability | Limited by slick rock, deeper slots, and concentrated anglers |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecasts a mostly cloudy day with a high near 63 F, southwest wind around 5 mph, and a slight chance of a shower late in the afternoon. Rain becomes likely tonight, followed by steady rain Saturday with one quarter to one half inch possible. No active weather alerts were posted for Pulaski during the morning check. Today's flow should be watched again after rain begins, especially before crossing.
River Notes
Pineville read 236 cfs at 7:15 a.m., the same flow recorded Thursday morning. That stability means there is still no meaningful runoff pulse to help fish move quickly through the system. Oswego County's November 5 update reports a substantial number of steelhead entering the Salmon River while low water slows their upstream progress. The report directs anglers toward faster water and individual egg imitations. A November 3 local update measured 48 F water and placed steelhead throughout the system, supporting the same riffle and pocket-water approach.
The Lower Fly Section, from the Route 52 bridge in Altmar upstream to the marked boundary at Beaverdam Brook, remains closed under the current DEC low-water notice. The Upper Fly Area and river downstream of Route 52 remain open. Confirm posted boundaries before fishing. Avoid redds, paired salmon, and pale, freshly cleaned spawning gravel. Rain tonight and Saturday may move leaves, alter clarity, and raise the river after today's stable morning reading.
Hatch Activity
| Forage | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon eggs | 6-10 mm | The primary seasonal food below active spawning areas |
| Stonefly nymphs | 8-12 | Work through riffles and broken pocket water |
| Caddis larvae and pupae | 14-18 | A smaller secondary choice when fish refuse egg patterns |
| Sculpins and small baitfish | 4-8 | Streamer option for pool tails and deeper slots |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Glo Bug | 8-12 | Use a sparse single-egg profile and carry several colors |
| Nymphs | Stonefly Nymph | 8-12 | Drift along pocket-water seams and riffle edges |
| Nymphs | Caddis Pupa | 14-18 | Use as a smaller trailer when fish avoid egg patterns |
| Streamers | Olive Bugger | 6-8 | Swing through pool tails and shaded slots |
| Streamers | Woolly Bugger | 6-8 | Black or olive for the cloudy day |
Tactics
Begin in open lower-river riffles, broken pocket water, and transitions above and below pools. Present one egg pattern through faster lanes without crowding anglers or casting over spawning fish. If repeated clean drifts do not draw a take, adjust depth and egg color before changing to a stonefly or caddis nymph. A small dark streamer can cover pool tails under the cloud cover. Carry cleats and a wading staff, verify that access is outside the closed Lower Fly Section, and do not cross if rain causes rising water, drifting debris, or poor visibility.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon River at Pineville (04250200) | 236 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 November 5 fishing report. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 8:02 a.m. Eastern.