If you are into fly fishing and live in the Northeast like I do there is no better time to wet your line than right now. I have been following the fishing reports coming out of the Douglaston Salmon Run (DSR for short), as well as Facebook posts from Zero Limit Adventures (the Orvis endoursed outfitters for Tailwater Lodge ) and all of the social media groups of which I belong. One thing is for sure, the salmon have come early and they have come hard. Many are already starting to whisper that this year’s salmon run has the potential to be one of the best in recent memory.
Reports have been coming in fast and furious, just like the fish, since late August that the Chinook salmon (Kings) were making their way into the estuary and up the lower section of the Salmon River, where the DSR is located. This was an earlier start than last year which didn’t have strong numbers pushing up even into October, when I was there. A few rumors started in early September that Coho salmon (Silvers) were intermixed with the Kings. By mid-September those rumors were confirmed when large pods of silvers could be seen moving up the river. With each passing day the runs seem to be getting better and better.
If you are looking to get into the action head on over to our Salmon River destinations page to learn more about fishing on the Salmon River as well as access to best guides in Pulaski, NY. Below is a recommended gear list, but not exhaustive by any means. If you should happen to catch and keep some salmon head on over to my friend Hank Shaw’s website for a killer smoked salmon recipe that is super simple and tastes great as well.
I’ve already planned ahead and snagged DSR passes for two days in mid-October but if you can get up there anytime between now and then you will not be disappointed. As I write this there are still limited passes available for the DSR this weekend and early next week. Don’t wait because not only might those DSR passes get snatched up quickly but the salmon run might suddenly slow down as quickly as it turned on.
Recommended Gear for your Salmon River Adventure
Waders
Wading boots
Large salmon net
Heavy duty stringer (if you plan on keeping some)
8/9 weight or larger fly rod
Large Arbor Reel (7/8 weight or larger)
WF-8 floating line
9ft leader
2X tippet
Egg pattern flies (orange and pink always do well)
Guest Blogger Shawn McCardell
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