Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Fishing Report: November 9, 2026
The Salmon River is rising gradually through 306 cfs at Pineville, with steelhead spread through the system and wind-driven rain limiting the best window to late morning through midafternoon.
- Status
- fair
- Flow trend
- rising
- Best window
- Late morning through midafternoon
- Best methods
- egg patterns, nymphs, streamers
Quick Summary
The Salmon River is rising gradually through 306 cfs at Pineville after weekend rain. Current local context places steelhead from the lower river through the upper system, with faster pocket water and broken seams still worth covering while the water remains seasonally mild. Start with egg patterns, then move to a nymph or small streamer when fish refuse the egg. Rain, northwest wind, and a continuing rise make late morning through midafternoon the more workable window, but footing and crossings require care all day.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Fair due to a rising river, rain, wind, and limited current clarity information |
| Flow | 306 cfs at Pineville at 7:15 a.m. EST |
| Water Temp | 48 F in the latest local report from November 8; not reported by the USGS gauge |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Rising gradually overnight |
| Best Window | Late morning through midafternoon as shower coverage eases |
| Best Method | Egg patterns, nymphs, and small streamers |
| Wadeability | Limited by slick rock, deeper slots, rising water, and reduced visibility in rain |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecasts rain showers, a high near 51 F, and northwest wind at 13 to 16 mph with gusts to 26 mph. Shower chances are highest during the morning and decrease through the afternoon. Tonight should stay cloudy with a low near 39 F and only a slight shower chance after 2 a.m. No active weather alerts were posted for Pulaski during the morning check.
River Notes
Pineville rose from 272 cfs Sunday morning to 306 cfs at 7:15 a.m. Monday. The rise has been gradual, but tributary input can change clarity and crossings before the main gauge fully reflects it. Check the live reading before entering, watch for debris, and keep a same-bank route out.
The latest local update, dated November 8, reports steelhead throughout the river and 48 F water. Faster pocket water remains useful starting water after the recent mild spell. Egg patterns continue to produce the most consistent action while some salmon remain active. Avoid paired salmon, redds, and 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 as light and leaf drift change |
| 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 while rain and clouds 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 rainy, lower-light periods. Carry cleats and a wading staff, and avoid crossings if the rise accelerates, visibility worsens, or debris increases.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon River at Pineville (04250200) | 306 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. Current local reporting from November 8 was reviewed separately for water temperature, fish distribution, forage, and method context. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 8:01 a.m. Eastern.