Pulaski NY Spring Steelhead Fishing Guide
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Spring steelhead fishing during prime dropback seasonSmall group trips with maximum two guests capacityHungry postspawn trout provide excellent fishing opportunities
Spring steelhead season in Pulaski, NY is what every serious angler waits for all winter long. Captain Lorensen knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the hungriest, most aggressive trout you'll see all year. We're talking about drop-back season here – when these fish have finished spawning and are absolutely ravenous after months of barely eating. The Salmon River system around Pulaski transforms into a top-rated fishery during this time, and with only 2 anglers per trip, you're getting the personalized attention that makes all the difference between stories and photos.
Your day starts early on the renowned Salmon River, where Captain Lorensen has been guiding anglers for years through some of New York's best steelhead water. This isn't your typical crowded fishing trip – with just two spots available, you're getting a world-class experience without the elbow-to-elbow combat fishing you'll find elsewhere. Spring weather is typically more forgiving than the brutal winter conditions, so you can actually enjoy being out there instead of just surviving it. The fish are staging in predictable spots, moving between deeper pools and spawning areas, making them easier to pattern and target. Captain Lorensen reads the water conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether we're dealing with high, muddy water from snowmelt or perfect clear conditions that require a more finesse approach.
We're primarily drift fishing and float fishing the prime runs and pools where these steelhead hold up during their drop-back phase. Captain Lorensen provides all the specialized tackle you'll need, including center-pin reels and long rods that are essential for proper presentation in these fast-flowing waters. The technique is all about getting your bait or lure down to where the fish are holding without spooking them – and that takes local knowledge of every rock, current seam, and depth change in these runs. We'll be using everything from spawn bags and beads to small spoons and spinners, depending on water conditions and what the fish are responding to that day. The key is learning how to read the water and understand where these fish position themselves in different flows and temperatures. Captain Lorensen will teach you the proper mending techniques and line management that separate the successful steelhead anglers from the guys who go home empty-handed.
Brown Trout in the Salmon River system are absolute brutes that have been feeding heavily in Lake Ontario before making their spawning runs. These fish average 8-12 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into something pushing 20 pounds – it happens more often than you'd think during spring drop-back season. Browns are notorious for their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights, and they're particularly active in the early morning and late afternoon periods. What makes targeting them so exciting is their unpredictability – they'll slam a spinner one minute and completely ignore everything the next. Spring is prime time because they're recovering their strength after spawning and actively feeding to bulk back up before heading to the lake. These fish have seen every lure and bait imaginable, so Captain Lorensen's local knowledge of what's working on any given day is invaluable.
Rainbow Trout, or steelhead as we call the lake-run variety, are the bread and butter of spring fishing in Pulaski. These chrome-bright fish range from 6-15 pounds and fight like they're twice that size, with acrobatic jumps and screaming runs that'll test your drag system and your nerves. Spring drop-backs are particularly aggressive because they're in that post-spawn feeding mode where they'll attack anything that looks like food. The best part about targeting rainbows this time of year is their predictable behavior – they stage in specific types of water and move on fairly regular schedules based on weather and water conditions. Captain Lorensen knows exactly where to find them on any given day, whether they're holding in the deep pools during bright conditions or moving into the shallower runs when it's overcast. The fight you'll get from a fresh steelhead in cold water is something every angler needs to experience at least once.
Spring steelhead season doesn't last forever, and the best fishing happens when conditions align perfectly with the fish's feeding patterns. Captain Lorensen's calendar fills up fast during this customer favorite time of year, especially with only 2 spots available per trip. The low-rate deposit system makes it easy to secure your dates without breaking the bank upfront, but don't wait too long – prime spring dates book out weeks in advance. This is your chance to experience some of the best trout fishing New York has to offer with a guide who knows how to put you on fish consistently. Whether you're a seasoned steelhead veteran or new to this style of fishing, Captain Lorensen will make sure you're set up for success and have the skills to come back and do it on your own. Book your trip now and get ready for some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience all year.
Our 2013 Hyde drift boat gets you right where the Spring Steelhead are biting in Pulaski's waters. At 18 feet with room for 2 anglers, this rig runs smooth with a 9HP Mercury that'll push us to 15 knots when we need to cover water fast. The fish finder keeps us on top of holding fish while GPS gets us back to those hot spots that produced yesterday. Drop-back Steelhead are feeding heavy after spawning, and this boat puts you in perfect position to drift through their lies. The livewell keeps your catch fresh, and there's an icebox for drinks and lunch. These hungry trout don't mess around this time of year - they hit hard and fight harder. Perfect setup for working the productive runs where trophy fish stack up during prime season.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are smart, cautious fish that'll test your skills. Most run 12-18 inches around here, but we see plenty pushing 20+ inches. They love deep pools, undercut banks, and anywhere there's good cover - fallen trees, rock ledges, you name it. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're feeding heavy before and after spawn. What makes them special? These fish fight dirty - long runs, head shakes, and they'll use every piece of structure against you. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when the water's clear, fish early morning or late evening. Browns get spooky in bright light, but they'll hammer streamers and nymphs in low light conditions.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the classic Great Lakes fighter that'll give you a show every time. They average 14-20 inches but can push well over 24 inches during peak runs. Look for them in current seams, deeper pools, and gravel runs - they love moving water with good oxygen. Spring is money time when they're fresh from the lake, aggressive and chrome bright. What sets them apart? Pure acrobatics - these fish jump, run, and never give up easy. Their pink flesh is sweet and mild, perfect on the grill. Local trick: when they're holding deep in pools, dead-drift egg patterns or small nymphs right along the bottom. Don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are soft and you'll pull right through.
Oswego County