Steelhead Season Kicks Off Strong on the Salmon River
Steelhead season is off to a fantastic start here on the Salmon River in New York. With the recent rain finally raising water levels, fresh chrome-bright steelhead are pushing into the system in good numbers. After a stretch of low water and sunny conditions, this change in weather has really fired things up. The river is alive again — full of energy, life, and opportunity for those willing to put in the time and effort. Whether you’re an experienced spey angler or just getting started, now is the time to make sure your steelhead fly boxes are full and ready to go. The early part of the season can bring a mix of fish — aggressive early runners mixed with some that have been holding in deeper pools. Swinging flies on two-handed rods is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with these fish. There’s nothing quite like feeling that unmistakable pull as a steelhead grabs your fly mid-swing. As a steelhead fly fishing guide on the Salmon River, my goal is to help anglers make the most of every day on the water. From selecting the right flies and sink tips to reading current seams and adjusting your swing speed, small details make a big difference when targeting these powerful fish. Each run, tailout, and bucket offers a new puzzle to solve — and that’s what keeps us coming back. With cooler temperatures settling in and water conditions improving, the next few weeks should bring even more fish into the system. Anglers can expect great opportunities for both swinging flies and nymphing through late fall and into early winter. This is prime time to experience what makes the Salmon River one of the [...]