Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Fishing Report: November 7, 2026
The Salmon River has edged up to 256 cfs at Pineville, with steelhead throughout the system and steady rain making changing flow and footing the main concerns.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- rising
- Best window
- Morning through early afternoon
- Best methods
- egg patterns, nymphs, streamers
Quick Summary
The Salmon River has edged up to 256 cfs at Pineville after holding in the 230s and 240s for much of Friday. Steelhead remain spread through the system, with egg patterns the sound first choice in faster lanes and pocket water. Rain is expected throughout the day, so fish the morning through early afternoon and recheck the gauge before crossing. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation now reports the Lower Fly Section open.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair due to steady rain and the potential for changing flow |
| Flow | 256 cfs at Pineville at 7:15 a.m. EST |
| Water Temp | Not reported |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Rising modestly overnight, then holding near 256 cfs |
| Best Window | Morning through early afternoon |
| Best Method | Egg patterns, nymphs, and small streamers |
| Wadeability | Limited by slick rock, deeper slots, anglers, and rain |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecasts rain throughout Saturday, a high near 51 F, and west wind at 7 to 10 mph. One quarter to one half inch of rain is possible during the day, with another quarter to one half inch tonight. No active weather alerts were posted for Pulaski during the morning check. Sunday begins with a chance of showers before partial clearing, but another round of rain is expected Sunday night.
River Notes
Pineville rose from 236 cfs Friday morning to 260 cfs before dawn Saturday, then settled near 256 cfs at 7:15 a.m. The increase is modest, but today's steady rain can change tributary input, clarity, leaf drift, and safe crossings faster than the main gauge shows. Check the live reading again before entering and leave room to return to the same bank.
Current local context from November 6 places steelhead from the lower river through the upper system, with fish using faster pocket water after several mild days. Oswego County's November 5 update likewise reports strong steelhead numbers entering the river but slower upstream travel under the recent low flow. DEC's November 6 fishing hotline says the Lower Fly Section is open again. Salmon fishing is slowing, while brown trout and steelhead remain the primary opportunity. Avoid paired salmon, redds, and pale, freshly cleaned gravel.
Hatch Activity
| Forage | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon eggs | 6-10 mm | The primary seasonal food below spawning areas; carry several colors for changing light and leaf drift |
| 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 under cloud cover |
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 rainy, overcast day |
Tactics
Start with one egg pattern in open-water riffles, pocket water, and transitions above or below pools. Use enough weight to reach the lane without repeatedly hanging bottom. If several clean drifts go unanswered, adjust depth and egg color before changing to a stonefly or caddis nymph. A small dark streamer can cover pool tails while rain and clouds reduce glare. Carry cleats and a wading staff, monitor leaf buildup on the rig, and do not cross if the river begins rising, visibility drops, or debris increases.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon River at Pineville (04250200) | 256 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 Central New York Fishing Hotline, and Oswego County Tourism's November 5 fishing report. A November 6 local report was reviewed separately for fish distribution and method context. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 8:02 a.m. Eastern.