Steelhead
Season - January to May
There’s nothing like the explosive grab mid-swing or the drag burning run after the take of a small nymph. We have two distinct seasons for steelhead on the Salmon River: November - February and March to early May. In the winter months, we pursue this fish as we would trout trying to match our patterns to what they are dialed into. Then, in the spring, we match out tactics based on conditions, whether it’s swinging leeches or drifting small nymph patterns on clear water days.
Inland Trout
Season - May to September
In the warmest months of the year, we turn to our spring creeks in Western New York where we can safely pursue inland trout. While these fish may not be the same size as their lake-run bretheren, the fight of these wild fish is equally rewarding. If there’s a hatch, we primarily focus on dry fly fishing although a hopper-dropper rig in the late summer is equally productive as terrestrials start falling into the water.
Northern Pike
Season - May to July
When the weather warms a bit and the focus shifts away from trout, chasing these tooth critters can be a lot of fun. We’ll jump in the boat and either throw game changers or top-water flies in pursuit of pike. There’s nothing like seeing these apex predators smash a fly on the surface or their wake in pursuit of a sub-surface fly being stripped. Be prepared to cast some heavier rods and lines in pursuit of these fish.
King Salmon
Season - September and October
These bruisers can make their way into the Salmon as early as August although the prime run usually starts in late September and goes until early end of October. King Salmon (or Chinooks) are know for the sprints up and then down the river so be prepared to chase. During this time, we also usually pick up a few Silver (Coho) Salmon and lake-run Brown Trout. And the fall foliage can make it a great time to be on the river.
Lake Run Brown Trout
Season - November to March
Salmo trutta is often a “by-catch” during the prime season for both King Salmon and Steelhead. However, in the Great Lakes tributaries, these lake-run browns often follow the salmon and steelhead in, feasting on their eggs in the system. It’s a great opportunity to target the magnificent creatures whether you want to chase them with streamers or drift eggs in the slots. However, be prepared for the fight of a lifetime as toe-to-toe, they fight as hard as their cousins.