Salmon Fishing - Pulaski, NY September 2023

Had the opportunity to go on a trip to the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY to fish the world famous fall salmon run out of Lake Ontario. We fished the Douglaston Salmon Run for 3 days. The trip was organized by ‪@risenfly8987‬ Risen Fly in Beaver, PA. Check them out for all of your fly fishing needs. https://www.risenfly.com/

10 of us were on the trip and most of the guys were much more experienced fly fishermen than me. I can hold my own and won't embarrass myself fighting a fish but my casting technique leaves much to be desired. Fortunately, not a lot of finesse casting needed for these brutes. Get your spot in the drift and work it 10 to 2 (or 2 to 10 on the other bank).

Baits that worked were egg patterns and wooly buggers/streamers. Color changed throughout the day. For me, black was best first thing and then switched to white later on. Other guys did well on green or red egg patterns. If you go to the Salmon River, learn your regulations! And if you fish the DSR, they have regs above and beyond NY's. Big one is snagging on purpose... If they (DSR) think you are trying to snag, they will toss you for the day. Snags happen (as you will see) and as long as it's unintentional and as soon as you realize, you pop the fish off, it's all good.

Didn't run into anyone with an attitude. Everyone on the river I met was pleasant and helpful and just there to have a good time. Highly recommend doing this once in your life.

My gear was real basic - 8wt - 9' fly rod. Had 2 with me in case I needed the backup at any time. Also had the 10' center pin rod but didn't use that very often. On all my setups, main line was 12lb and then 10lb leader/tippet. Heard a few guys using 8lb.
#fishing #salmon #salmonriver