Salmon River, New York
Salmon River Fishing Report: November 13, 2026
The Salmon River is stable near 264 cfs at Pineville, with steelhead scattered throughout the system and fish holding in pocket and transition water.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Late morning through afternoon
- Best methods
- egg patterns
Quick Summary
The Salmon River is stable near 264 cfs at Pineville after holding between 264 and 268 cfs since Thursday morning. A new November 13 local report places steelhead throughout the river and identifies pocket and transition water as the main holding-water clue. Several techniques are producing, but the continued supply of salmon eggs makes an egg pattern the clearest starting point. Cloud cover, a high near 42 F, and manageable north wind make late morning through afternoon the practical window, while cold water, slick rock, and concentrated fishing pressure still require a deliberate approach.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good, with a current productive report and stable flow offset by low-water crowding and careful wading |
| Flow | 264 cfs at Pineville at 8:15 a.m. EST |
| Water Temp | 45 F in the November 13 local report; not reported by the USGS gauge |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable between 264 and 268 cfs since Thursday morning |
| Best Window | Late morning through afternoon as air temperatures rise |
| Best Method | Egg patterns through pocket water and transition lanes |
| Wadeability | Limited by slick rock, cold water, concentrated anglers and fish, and deeper slots |
Weather
The National Weather Service forecasts cloudy skies and a high near 42 F, with north wind from 7 to 10 mph. Measurable precipitation is unlikely through the fishing day. Tonight remains cloudy with a low near 26 F and a chance of snow showers after midnight. No active weather alerts were posted for Pulaski during the 9 a.m. check.
River Notes
Pineville held nearly flat overnight and read 264 cfs at 8:15 a.m. Friday, the same value recorded Thursday morning. At this level, fish and anglers are likely to concentrate in the deeper runs, broken pocket water, and transition lanes. The stable gauge gives anglers a clearer starting point than Thursday's rain, but check the live reading before entering because tributary runoff and release changes can affect individual sections before or after the main-stem gauge moves.
The November 13 local update reports another productive day, with steelhead scattered from the lower river through the upper system and fish holding in pocket and transition water. Several techniques are working, and 45 F water supports active fish without requiring a fast presentation. The November 12 county report adds that groups of fish are using faster water below spawning areas. Stay out of active spawning water, avoid paired salmon and steelhead, and do not cross pale, freshly cleaned gravel.
Hatch Activity
| Forage | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon eggs | 6-10 mm | The primary reported food source below spawning areas; begin with natural colors in clear water |
| Loose eggs and dead eggs | 6-10 mm | Use pale cream, peach, or subdued orange profiles when brighter eggs are refused |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Brite Glo Egg Dark Roe | 16 | Start with the subdued roe color in clear water and pressured lanes |
| Eggs | Brite Glo Egg Shrimp Pink | 16 | Use the pink profile after natural colors stop producing |
| Eggs | Estaz Egg | 8-12 | Carry chartreuse, purple, and blue for stained pockets or low-light water |
Tactics
Start below spawning areas in faster pocket water, riffle transitions, and the broken heads of deeper runs. Set the rig to tick occasionally without dragging through every drift, then change depth before changing color. Begin with a natural or subdued egg and reserve brighter profiles for stained pockets or low-light water. Move rather than crowd a productive seam. Wear cleats and carry a wading staff; 45 F water can quickly impair balance after a slip. Keep a same-bank exit route and leave spawning fish and redds undisturbed.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon River at Pineville (04250200) | 264 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 12 fishing report. Current local reporting dated November 13 was reviewed separately for water temperature, fish distribution, holding water, and method context. Gauge values are provisional and were checked at 9:02 a.m. Eastern.