Steelhead Fishing Salmon River Scenic
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sevenhour steelhead fishing adventure on scenic Salmon RiverAll equipment provided, guests only need wadersMultiple fishing techniques including float rods and fly fishing
Picture this: you're standing knee-deep in the legendary Salmon River, rod bent double, fighting one of the most powerful fish that swims these New York waters. Our 7-hour steelhead fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of the action from November through April, when these chrome bullets are running strong. With Apocalypse Fishing, you're not just getting a guided trip – you're getting an all-day education in how to read water, present baits, and land fish that'll make your buddies back home shake their heads in disbelief. We keep groups small at just 2 anglers, so you get the personal attention that makes the difference between going home with stories and going home with fish.
The Salmon River isn't called New York's premier steelhead destination for nothing. This drainage system creates the perfect storm of conditions that bring these Lake Ontario giants upstream, and we know every productive pool, run, and holding spot along the way. Your day starts early – these fish are most active when the light is soft and the pressure is just right. We'll work through different sections of river depending on conditions, water levels, and where the fish are showing. The scenery here is something else – towering hardwoods, rocky gorges, and that classic upstate New York river valley feel that makes you forget you're just a few hours from the city. Between fish, you'll have plenty of time to soak in the peaceful surroundings and maybe spot some of the local wildlife that calls this watershed home. The walk-in access points we use put you right where the fish want to be, without the crowds you'll find at the more popular public spots.
We've got you covered when it comes to equipment – all rods, reels, and tackle are included in your trip. You'll just need to bring your own waders, which gives you the freedom to move through the river safely and stay comfortable all day long. Depending on conditions and your experience level, we'll set you up with float rods for drift fishing, fly rods for swinging presentations, or centerpin setups for that perfect natural drift that steelhead can't resist. Backtrolling plugs is one of our go-to techniques when we want to cover water and trigger aggressive strikes – there's nothing quite like the violent hit of a fresh steelhead crushing a plug in the current. We'll teach you how to read the water, where steelhead like to hold at different times of day, and how to adjust your presentation based on what the fish are telling you. Every angler leaves with new skills and confidence to fish these waters on their own.
Steelhead trout are the main event here, and for good reason. These Lake Ontario fish average 6-10 pounds, with plenty of opportunities for double-digit fish that'll test your drag system and your patience. Fresh steelhead are pure silver muscle – they jump, they run, and they fight dirty in the current. What makes Salmon River steelhead special is their incredible strength and stamina. Unlike their Pacific cousins, these Great Lakes fish stay strong throughout their spawning run, meaning even fish that have been in the river for weeks can still peel line like freight trains. The best fishing typically runs from late November through March, with peak action during those cold February and March days when most fair-weather anglers are sitting by the fire. Brown trout add another dimension to the fishing here – these resident fish know every rock and log in the system, and they'll challenge even experienced anglers with their cunning and selective feeding habits. Browns in the 3-8 pound range are common, with the occasional wall-hanger pushing into trophy territory.
Steelhead trout are what bring most anglers to the Salmon River, and once you've tangled with one, you'll understand the obsession. These fish enter the system as early as September and continue running through April, with November through March being prime time. A typical Salmon River steelhead runs 24-30 inches and fights like it's twice that size. They're incredibly athletic fish – expect multiple jumps, long runs, and that heart-stopping moment when they shake their heads and try to throw the hook. What makes steelhead fishing so addictive is their unpredictability. One minute you're dead-drifting spawn bags through a quiet pool, the next you're chasing a fish downstream as it rockets toward Lake Ontario. The Salmon River strain has adapted perfectly to these conditions, with fish that can handle the rocky structure and strong currents that would exhaust lesser species.
Brown trout in the Salmon River system are a different animal entirely. These fish have been here for generations, and they've learned every trick in the book. Browns are ambush predators that use structure, depth changes, and current breaks to their advantage. They're most active during low-light periods and can be incredibly selective about presentation. A 5-pound Salmon River brown is a fish of a lifetime – these old-timers have seen every lure and bait combination imaginable, so when you do connect, you know you've done something right. Browns also tend to fight differently than steelhead, using their broad shoulders and powerful tail to bulldoze toward cover rather than making the spectacular runs and jumps that steelhead are famous for. The satisfaction of outsmarting one of these educated fish on their home turf is what keeps dedicated trout anglers coming back year after year.
The Salmon River steelhead run waits for no one, and the best fishing dates fill up fast with anglers who know what they're after. Our top-rated guides have been working these waters for years, and that experience shows in the quality of fishing we consistently deliver. This isn't just about catching fish – though we do plenty of that – it's about learning a fishery that you can return to for decades of world-class angling. The combination of technique instruction,
Our 16-foot Hyde drift boat is perfectly designed for serious steelhead fishing on the Salmon River. This 2004 model handles the river's currents with ease while keeping you and one fishing partner positioned for optimal casting and hooksets. The boat's shallow draft lets us access prime steelhead lies and holding water that bigger vessels can't reach. Built tough by Hyde, it's equipped with a GPS navigation system to help us locate productive runs and navigate back to hot spots where the fish are biting. The stable platform gives you solid footing whether you're working a float rod through deep pools or fighting a chrome-bright steelhead on your centerpin setup. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your gear without crowding your fishing partner during those crucial moments when the fish are running.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart guys of the trout world, averaging 8-24 inches but capable of hitting 39 inches in good water. They love cover - undercut banks, fallen logs, deep pools, and anywhere they can ambush prey. Fall and early winter are your best bet when they feed aggressively before spawning. Water temps between 54-65°F get them moving. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're educated fish that make you work for every bite. The reward is worth it though - they fight dirty with headshakes and runs, plus they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Pro tip for the Salmon River: fish the deeper slots early morning or late evening when they're less spooky, and don't be afraid to go bigger with your flies or lures than you think.
Oncorhynchus mykissThese chrome-bright fighters are what draws anglers to the Salmon River from November through April. Steelhead average 24 inches but can push 45 inches - they're basically rainbow trout that spent years in the Great Lakes, coming back beefed up and silver. You'll find them in deeper pools and current breaks, especially around boulders and fallen timber. They hit hard and fight like freight trains, making long runs that'll test your drag. The cold-water months are prime time when they're fresh from the lake. Here's a tip that works consistently: when drifting spawn or beads, keep your line tight but let the bait move naturally - steelhead often take so light you'll barely feel it. These fish are pure adrenaline on the end of your line.
Salmon River