How to Fish for Salmon on the Salmon River in New York

Chinook salmon are a common catch in the Salmon River.

New York's Salmon River is a popular location for anglers looking to catch chinook or coho salmon. In fact, the current world record coho was caught in the Salmon River. The river is restocked every year by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which means fishing for salmon is both productive and sustainable. The river flows for 17 miles, through the village of Pulaski to Lake Ontario in northern New York state. You can catch good-sized salmon from the shore or from a boat. Use fly fishing gear or, if fishing in the estuary, artificial lures.

Things You'll Need

• Spinning rod
• Fishing reel
• 20- to 40-pound test line
• Artificial lures
• Boat access (or waterproof waders)
• Landing net
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Choose a fishing location on the Salmon River. Some areas require private permits. All areas require New York state fishing licenses. Purchase a license from dec.ny.gov. Popular locations include around the bridge in Pulaski and in the Salmon River estuary during August and September. This guide focuses on spinning in the estuary.

2. Set up your fishing gear. Use a strong, medium-weight spinning rod and reel with a 20- to 40-pound test line.

3. Choose brightly colored lures. Rapala lures, silver plugs and reflective spinning lures all work well.

4. Charter or hire a boat. This is the best way of fishing the mouth of the Salmon River. Allow the boat to drift. Cast and retrieve your lure regularly. Aim for darker and shaded water, as salmon try to stay out of direct sunlight. Salmon are frequently found in shallower waters.

5. Strike firmly, but not too aggressively, when a fish takes the lure. Chinook and coho salmon in the Salmon River frequently reach sizes of around 20 pounds. Play the fish until it tires by allowing it to run, then reeling it back. Land the salmon using a landing net.

6. Unhook the lure from the salmon using pliers. Daily bag limits in the Salmon River are three fish in total, none of which may be under 15 inches.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a variety of lures to experiment with. Different colors and shapes work best in different conditions.

• Wear gloves when unhooking salmon to avoid getting hooked by the lure.

• Take care when wading in the Salmon River--look for secure footing and avoid loose rocks.

References

• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Salmon River
• Salmon River Fishing