The 2025 Salmon River salmon run is quickly winding down here in Upstate New York, and overall it’s been a solid season. Even with low water flows and bright sun almost every day, the fish showed up and gave us plenty of action. We had some incredible mornings when the migration was steady, and though the bite slowed once the sun hit the water, there were still plenty of opportunities for those willing to work for it. This week, the first steelhead have started to arrive in really good numbers — and the size of these early fish has been impressive. That means we’re shifting gears and getting ready for prime steelhead season on the Salmon River. If you’re one of my clients and haven’t locked in your 2026 dates, please do so as soon as possible. Early booking ensures you get the best tides and timing for your preferred trip dates. A huge thank you to everyone who joined me this salmon season. It was great sharing the river with all of you — tight lines until next time! Book Your Next Salmon River Adventure If you’re ready to experience world-class fly fishing on the Salmon River, now’s the time to plan your next trip. Whether you’re chasing steelhead this fall and winter or looking ahead to next year’s salmon run, I offer fully guided float and wade trips tailored to your experience level.👉 Reserve your dates today at www.paulsguideservice.com and make sure you’re on the water when the fish are running.
October 15, 2025
May 13, 2025
Steelhead Season Wrap-Up: Reflections from the River
Steelhead Season Wrap-Up: Reflections from the River As spring gives way to early summer here in Upstate New York, another steelhead season has come to a close. It’s always bittersweet wrapping up a chapter that brings so much excitement, challenge, and connection—to both the fish and the anglers who chase them. This season was no different. A Season of Highs and Lows (and High Water!) The 2024–2025 steelhead run kept us on our toes. From early fall pushes in low water to unpredictable winter thaws, Mother Nature threw everything at us. We had stretches of high water that shuffled fish and tested our ability to adapt. But when conditions lined up, the rewards were worth every cold morning and every long drift. Some of the highlights included: Early season chrome in October that came in hard and fast December days with fish holding deep and willing to eat swung flies A strong late-winter push in February and March with fresh fish showing up right when we needed them. One of many bright steelhead that made this late season special. Swing Season Success Spey anglers had a solid season. As always, covering water with a two-hander and watching a fish chase down a fly in the swing is something special. We saw good action on intruders, leeches, and smaller, sparse patterns in clear water. Anglers were rewarded who put in the time and moved with the fish. What Worked (and What Didn’t) Flies that consistently produced: Purple and black intruders Senyo's AI's Egg-sucking sculpins Tactics that paid off: Covering water instead of sitting in one spot. Adjusting sink tips and depth constantly. Staying persistent through cold snaps and tough days. Fishing confidence flies. Looking [...]
November 18, 2022
Fall Steelhead
Terry with one of many on a recent trip Steelhead season is in full swing now and with the recent snow on the ground and flows increasing its setting up for a great rest of the season. Swinging flies has been pretty consistent now with number of fish in the river. I'd say 90% of my clients are changing over to swinging flies and taking on the challenge of trying to catch a steelhead the hardest way to catch one. Nothing like swinging down a run with a fresh blanket of snow on the ground.
October 8, 2020
Fall Run
The Fall Salmon run is well under way and despite low water it has been pretty good. There has been some good pushes of fish over the past week with some brown trout and steelhead mixed in. It's almost time to breakout the two handers and start swinging, hopefully mother nature starts dumping some rain us soon. Open Dates - November 22, December 13,19,20,27. Make sure to follow and Like us on the our Social media pages for the latest pictures and updates.
February 26, 2019
Spring, Trout and Open Dates
It's hard to believe we're down to about two and half months of steelhead fishing left this season and what a season. If your looking to get in on the action before it ends in early May now is the time to book a trip. Here are my open dates I have left - March 24, April 6,7,13,14 & 28. I will begin trout trips on the Ausable May 15, if your interested in any of these dates email me or message me on social media.
October 17, 2018
Silver Bullets And Brown Trout
Steelhead are here now! The lower end of the Salmon River is fishing really well for steelhead as they migrate up the river to feed on salmon eggs. Seems this years run is bigger and kicking butt!
May 16, 2018
It’s a Wrap
Steelhead Season is a wrap. I want to thank all my clients for a great season and looking forward to seeing you all next season. If you haven't already booked your dates for the upcoming fall, now is the time to book your dates so you don't miss out on a great season.
February 6, 2018
“Common Mistakes Swinging Flies on Your Two-Hander”
Check out a recent article I wrote for Echo Fly Fishing "Common Mistakes Swinging Flies on Your Two-Hander." Click here to read it. Raft & Gear - Photo By Brad Loperfido
December 13, 2017
Winter Steelhead
Winter is in full effect right now on the Salmon River. The lake effect snow and single digits at night means slush will start being a factor. Here are a few tips to help you be successful. No need to start at first light. Usually the bite doesn't start til the sun hits the water and the air temp rises. Fish slow and deep especially in higher flows. Fish flies you have confidence in. Concentrate on the guts and tail-out of pools. Dress appropriately, wear layers and it help to be in a drift boat with heaters.
October 16, 2017
Got Chrome?
Got Chrome Steelhead season is upon us. Time to break out the spey rods and hold on tight. I'm now booking trips for mid to late December, if you want to get out and enjoy a day winter steelhead fishing give me a call. Paul