Salmon River

The Salmon River Fishing experience is world famous for it’s Salmon and Steelhead runs the river receives each year. The Salmon River is home to Zero Limit Adventures.

Just North of Syracuse

The Salmon River fishing experience is world famous due to the Salmon and Steelhead runs the river receives each year. The Salmon River is home to Zero Limit Adventures. Only a short drive North of Syracuse, the Salmon River runs through Pulaski, NY, on the edge of the Tug Hill plateau. Not the sole fishing spot, the river is central to other streams and smaller tributaries of Lake Ontario. Also nearby is the Tug Hill Sportsman’s Club giving anglers the opportunity to catch Trophy Largemouth Bass when the Salmon are not running. Salmon River Fly Fishing is not like any other place East of the Mississippi that gives anglers the opportunity to catch trophy sized Coho and King Salmon, Steelhead, and Brown Trout.

World Class Fishery

The world famous Salmon River, located in Pulaski, NY sits on the edge of the Tug Hill region. The Salmon River feeds into Lake Ontario and the flow of the river is controlled by the two reservoirs. Smaller, less pressured tributaries occupy the surrounding area and feed into to Lake Ontario as well. This provides anglers with a vast opportunity to catch trophy sized Atlantic, Coho and King Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Carp. Located not far from Syracuse, the Salmon River is only a short drive from major neighboring cities.

The Salmon River is a river famous worldwide specifically for its Salmon and Steelhead run. Fish from Lake Ontario begin to pour into the river in September and stay until late May. The peak of Salmon fishing season happens when the spawning run occurs. From the second half of September to the middle of October, Salmon fill the streams in pods of 10 to 200. At times, there are so many Salmon in the river, you’d think you could walk across it without ever touching the river bottom. The Chinook Salmon range from 15 to 35 pounds, while the Coho Salmon that enter the river at the same time average 12 to 15 lbs. These Salmon can be very aggressive when they do take a fly. A mixture of egg patterns and woolly buggers tend to be the most productive choices of flies for anglers.

Following the Salmon up the river closely are the Steelhead. The main run of Steelhead will start at the end of the Salmon run but they will be mixed in as well. From late September straight through to March, these Steelhead will fill the river and give fly anglers a true test of their skill. Throughout the Fall 2014 season, we saw our largest Steelhead on the river. There are plenty of Steelhead in the weight class of 15 to 20+ pounds. The hardest fighting fish around, they will take all anglers, regardless of skill, for a ride. During this time, fishing with indicators and egg patterns as well as swinging flies with two handed spey rods are very productive methods.

Winter Steelhead fishing can be some of the best during the months of January through March. Steelhead can and are more predictable during this time. Winter Steelhead fishing during this time can be productive depending on the weather and water temperature. The best technique this time of the year is fishing the slower water with big flies or dead rifting pockets with natural patterns. Steelhead are continuously entering the river throughout the winter, entering the rivers to spawn. Once the Steelhead complete their spawn, they drop back to the lake. They are hungry and aggressive. The early spring can also be very productive. The peak spawning time for steelhead occurs from late March to early April. Steelhead remain in the river until late May, depending on the spring meltoff. These Steelhead average between 6 and 10 lbs. With the meltoff from the Tug Hill Plateau and local areas, the rivers rise and more of a bug life appears on the river. Swinging big flies is very effective.

The Salmon River isn’t just a three season fishery. The summer is another fun time for anglers on the river. With trophy size Smallmouth, Carp, Atlantic Salmon, Skamania Steelhead, and the stocking program done by the Douglaston Salmon Run with brown trout, the Salmon River is filled with fish to be caught.

Salmon River Fishing Report 09-01-2019

Salmon River Fishing Report - September  01, 2019Here is Zero Limit Adventures most recent Salmon River Fishing Report! It’s September and one of the best Labor Day weekends spent on the Salmon River for Zero Limit Adventures. Any salmon caught in August from the bank...

Salmon River Fishing Report 8-31-2019

Salmon River Fishing Report - August 31, 2019The beautiful weather and excellent salmon fishing is making this an excellent Labor Day weekend. Thursday evening the flow at Pineville jumped from 250 to 450 CFS with the bump from the reservoir. Friday morning the water...

EAT, SLEEP & FISH

EAT, SLEEP & FISH! This area’s cold April will extend the Spring Steelhead season into May this year. This year’s snowpack is repeatedly freezing and thawing, causing the Brookfield Dam to offer fishermen what should be a more consistent...

Midge Patterns – Spring 2018

Midge Patterns - Spring 2018 Trout Fishing this Spring, Upstate New York March is half way complete, which means trout opening day in New York State is just around the corner. Soon, the inland trout streams in Upstate NY will be calling all “Trout Bums” to...

The Flash Taco – Fly Tying Friday

The Flash Taco - Fly Tying Friday This pattern is a spin-off of the Original Fish Taco, with a few changes to the materials and color schemes. This pattern takes a little practice to get right, but after a few flies one often finds the right way of working...

Recommendations

Tailwater Lodge

Located on the banks of the Salmon River, the Tailwater Lodge is 5 star lodging and dining for all anglers. Luxurious rooms,  dining room with world class cuisine and a fly shop.

Douglaston Salmon Run

The DSR offers the best opportunities for anglers to avoid the crowds, easy access to fishing spots and high quality fishing grounds. The DSR is the first 2.5 miles of the Salmon River.

Headwaters Cabins

Located near the village of Altmar, across from the Salmon River Upper Fly Fishing Zone. Enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, rafting, snowmobiling, skiing & snowshoeing. 

Fox Hollow Campground

Stop in to stay, fish, hunt, camp, ATV, snowmobile, ski or just relax. They can accomadate your special party: Family outings, reunions, receptions, and catering.

Zero Limit Adventures

Western and Central New York’s full service fly fishing outfitter, we create lifelong memories of fly fishing for a multitude of fish species in both cold and warm water.

The 1880 House

Stay at the 1880 House overlooking the Salmon River in downtown Pulaski New York where you will enjoy a friendly atmosphere and all the comforts of home.

Zero Limit Adventures

Looking to experience the raw power of king salmon, trophy brown trout and steelhead or the beauty of browns, rainbows, and brook trout? Let Zero Limit Adventures put you in a position to do so. Our diverse team of guides are experienced, qualified, and equipped to provide patient instruction, remain positive, and remember the little details.We promise to do everything to the best of our ability to put your family, friends or clients in front of fish and ensure you have the adventure of a lifetime!

1 Person Guided Trip
$495
2 Person Guided Trip
$495
3 Person Guided Trip
$595

Why Choose US?

Satisfaction Guarantee

We promise to do everything to the best of our ability to put your family, friends or clients in front of fish and ensure you have the adventure of a lifetime

A One-Stop Shop

Zero Limit Adventures is a well diversified team that fits your needs at all times! Years of experience making lasting memories for a lifetime.

StReam-side Instruction

Need help fine tuning of your teqnique? Fill in the missing piece by enjoying stream-side instruction while fishing with our qualified guides. 

Salmon River Steelhead

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