Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Fishing Report: November 8, 2026
The Salmon River is rising gradually through 272 cfs at Pineville, with steelhead distributed through the system and a workable daytime weather window before heavier rain tonight.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- rising
- Best window
- Morning through midafternoon
- Best methods
- egg patterns, nymphs, streamers
Quick Summary
The Salmon River is rising gradually through 272 cfs at Pineville after Saturday's rain. Recent reports continue to place steelhead throughout the system, with faster lanes and pocket water the sound starting points while the river remains seasonally mild. Egg patterns remain the first choice, followed by nymphs or a small streamer when fish refuse the egg. The daytime forecast is manageable, but heavier rain tonight could change Monday's flow and crossings.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair due to modest flow, changing water levels, and limited current clarity information |
| Flow | 272 cfs at Pineville at 7:15 a.m. EST |
| Water Temp | 48 F in the latest local report from November 6; not reported by the USGS gauge |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Rising gradually overnight |
| Best Window | Morning through midafternoon |
| Best Method | Egg patterns, nymphs, and small streamers |
| Wadeability | Limited by slick rock, deeper slots, anglers, and a rising gauge |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecasts a high near 54 F with west wind at 7 to 13 mph. A slight shower chance early should give way to a mainly dry, partly sunny afternoon. Rain becomes likely tonight, with west wind increasing to 9 to 16 mph. Monday should remain rainy and breezy. No active weather alerts were posted for Pulaski during the morning check.
River Notes
Pineville rose from 256 cfs early Saturday to 272 cfs at 7:15 a.m. Sunday. That is a gradual increase rather than a sharp spike, but tonight's rain can add tributary water and change clarity before the main gauge fully reflects it. Recheck the live reading before any crossing and keep a same-bank route out.
Current regional reporting from November 5 supports strong steelhead numbers entering the river but slower upstream movement under the recent modest flow. A November 6 local update places steelhead from the lower river through the upper system and notes that the mild water has kept fish in quicker pocket water. Salmon activity is winding down. Give paired salmon and redds a wide berth, and do not wade across pale, freshly cleaned gravel.
Hatch Activity
| Forage | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon eggs | 6-10 mm | The main seasonal food below spawning areas; carry several colors for changing light and leaf drift |
| Stonefly nymphs | 8-12 | Fish along riffle edges and broken pocket-water seams |
| Caddis larvae and pupae | 14-18 | A smaller secondary choice when steelhead avoid egg patterns |
| Sculpins and small baitfish | 4-8 | Useful in pool tails and deeper slots under lower light |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Glo Bug | 8-12 | Use a sparse single-egg profile and rotate colors when the water or light changes |
| Nymphs | Stonefly Nymph | 8-12 | Drift along pocket-water seams and riffle margins |
| Nymphs | Caddis Pupa | 14-18 | Use as a smaller trailer after an unproductive egg drift |
| Streamers | Olive Bugger | 6-8 | Swing through pool tails and shaded slots |
| Streamers | Woolly Bugger | 6-8 | Fish black or olive when clouds or showers reduce glare |
Tactics
Start in quicker seams, riffle pockets, and transitions above or below pools with one egg pattern. Add only enough weight to reach the lane without dragging continuously. Change depth before changing flies, then try a stonefly or caddis nymph if the egg draws no response. A small dark streamer can cover pool tails during brief cloudy or showery periods. Carry cleats and a wading staff, monitor the gauge, and avoid crossings if the rise accelerates, visibility worsens, or debris increases.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon River at Pineville (04250200) | 272 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, and Oswego County Tourism's November 5 fishing report. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 8:02 a.m. Eastern.