swinging flies

May 13, 2025

Steelhead Season Wrap-Up: Reflections from the River

By |May 13th, 2025|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , |

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 [...]

March 13, 2024

Guide Flies

By |March 13th, 2024|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

Lance Egan's thread frenchie. Guide Flies, We all have those quick, simple and effective flies that catch fish.  The thread frenchie are super quick to tie and catch trout just about everywhere.  You can fish them with a tight line rig, dry dropper or under a indicator. Tie a few up and give them a try.   Hook: Umpqua XC400BL Thread: UTC  70 Denier - Olive Bead: Slotted Tungsten Beads  Tail: Whiting Coq De Leon - Dark Pardo Ribbing: Semperfli Tying Wire - 0.2 - March Brown Hot Spot: Ice Dub - UV Pink or orange thread for a quick tie.

November 18, 2022

Fall Steelhead

By |November 18th, 2022|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

        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.

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January 6, 2021

2021 Here We Go

By |January 6th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

With 2020 behind us lets hope 2021 is better for all of us. I want to thank each and every client who fished hard and worked for every bite, you guys are awesome.   After a long fall season with low water, crowds and less fish around then we all would like it’s nice to take a break for a bit.  My calendar for next fall is getting pretty full with everyone rebooking the same days, so if you want to book for the fall I highly suggest not waiting to long. I have a few things happening this year so be on the look out for some announcements. Stay safe and see everyone soon.

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December 27, 2019

Swinging Into The New Year

By |December 27th, 2019|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

As we come to a close of 2019 looking back it has been a great year.  Maybe not in fish numbers, but in fishing experiences.  More and more clients are enjoying swinging flies with two hander's each season and are working hard on their casting and skills to fish thru a run move effectively.  And they are just enjoying being out there unplugged from work and devices. Enjoying time on the water with friends, just taking it all in, as we all know, life is too short not to live everyday to its fullest. Don't forget our Winter Special with the Douglaston Salmon Run now til March 31.                                                                     To book a trip or to discuss a trip click here.   Interested in casting a Echo Full Spey  7130 or Compact Spey 7012, contact me  and we can meet up on the Salmon River.

May 13, 2019

Salmon River Season Is A Wrap

By |May 13th, 2019|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , |

The 2018/2019 Salmon River season is a wrap and what a great season it was. I want to thank everyone who booked with me this season. I know I converted more clients over to swinging flies this year and looking forward to teaching more clients the swing game was strong this year. If you haven't booked your dates for the fall, don't wait any longer.  I have only 2 days left for the Salmon Run and only a couple of days open thru mid December.  

February 26, 2019

Spring, Trout and Open Dates

By |February 26th, 2019|Categories: Steelhead, Trout|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

  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.  

December 13, 2017

Winter Steelhead

By |December 13th, 2017|Categories: Reports, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

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.    

January 7, 2015

Got Cabin Fever??

By |January 7th, 2015|Categories: Reports|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

Cabin fever starting to set in?? Need a break from tying flies?? Or doing the "Honey Do List?" January has plenty of opportunities for the fly fisherman. The sport shows are all starting up all around, The Fly Fishing Show is make its annual rounds on the east coast and for the diehards there is plenty of decent days to get out and do some winter steelhead fishing on the Salmon River. We are still offering our "Winter Special" with Lodging at the Tailwater Lodge til the end of February, so give us a call or email to book a trip.  

May 5, 2014

Swinging – It Doesn’t Get Any Better

By |May 5th, 2014|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

Francois and Sylvain hit it right this time for their annual spring trip to the Salmon River after we had to reschedule due to the river running at 5000cfs. Swinging flies high in the water column was just what they wanted to do and they did. I will let the smiles tell the rest of the story.     Looking forward to seeing you guys next season!

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