Expert Guided Salmon Fishing on Douglaston Private Waters
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private access fishing on renowned Salmon River watersTarget king salmon, coho, steelhead, and brown troutPremium fly gear and lunch included with guide
There's nothing quite like the rush of hooking into a fresh King salmon on the Salmon River, and fall is when things get seriously good. I'm talking about world-class fishing on one of New York's most legendary salmon runs, right here in Pulaski. The Douglaston Salmon Run isn't just another fishing spot – it's private water that most anglers only dream about accessing. When you book with us, you're getting exclusive entry to some of the most productive salmon water in the Great Lakes region, plus everything you need for a top-rated day on the river except your waders.
Your day starts early on the Douglaston Salmon Run, a private stretch of the Salmon River that's been producing monster fish for decades. This isn't crowded public water where you're fighting for elbow room – you'll have premium access to pools and runs that hold serious salmon. The fall migration brings Kings upstream in numbers that'll blow your mind, and these aren't the dark, spawned-out fish you might find elsewhere. We're targeting bright, chrome salmon fresh from Lake Ontario, plus the occasional coho, steelhead, or lake-run brown that'll test your skills. The setting is pure Adirondack beauty, with towering hardwoods showing their fall colors and the sound of rushing water that makes you forget about everything else. Since this is one-on-one guiding, I can tailor the entire day to your experience level and fishing style, whether you're a seasoned fly angler or picking up a rod for the first time.
We'll be working premium fly rods and reels that can handle the power of a 20-pound King salmon without breaking a sweat. I provide all the terminal tackle – leaders, tippet, and a selection of proven flies that these salmon can't resist during their fall run. Depending on water conditions and what the fish are telling us, we might be swinging streamers through deep pools, dead-drifting eggs through spawning beds, or working nymphs along current seams where salmon stack up. The Douglaston Run offers incredible variety – from deep pools where Kings hold before pushing upstream to shallow riffles where you can sight-fish to individual salmon. I'll teach you how to read the water, spot holding fish, and present your fly with the precision these smart salmon demand. The only gear you need to bring are chest waders and boots with good traction – the Salmon River's bottom can be slippery, and you'll want solid footing when fighting fish that can peel line like freight trains.
Chinook salmon are the main event during fall runs, and for good reason. These Kings average 15-25 pounds, with fish over 30 pounds showing up regularly in the Douglaston pools. They're fresh from the lake in September and October, still sporting that bright chrome that makes them fight like demons. What makes King salmon so special is their raw power – they'll take you into your backing on the first run, then spend the next 20 minutes testing every knot and connection you've got. The fall timing is perfect because these fish are aggressive and willing to take flies, unlike later in the season when they become more focused on spawning.
Coho salmon might be smaller than Kings, but pound-for-pound they're some of the most acrobatic fish in the Great Lakes. These silver rockets average 8-12 pounds and love to jump – expect multiple aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. Cohos are often more willing to chase flies than Kings, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. They show up in good numbers during the fall run, often mixed in with the King salmon in the deeper pools.
Steelhead trout are the wildcards that can show up any time during the fall season. These lake-run rainbows are built for speed and endurance, fighting harder than fish twice their size. Most steelhead on the Salmon River run 6-10 pounds, but their stamina is legendary – they'll make run after run until your arms are burning. What's really cool about fall steelhead is they're often just passing through on their way to winter holding water, so they're aggressive and hungry.
Lake-run brown trout are the ghosts of the Salmon River system. These fish can be absolute monsters – some of the browns that come out of Lake Ontario push 10-15 pounds and have the attitude to match. They're incredibly smart and spooky, often requiring perfect presentations and stealthy approaches. When you hook into a big lake-run brown, you'll know it immediately – they fight dirty, using every piece of structure and current to try to break you off.
Atlantic salmon are the holy grail species that most anglers never expect to encounter. These are stocked fish from Lake Ontario's restoration program, and hooking one is like finding a needle in a haystack. Atlantics are beautiful fish with incredible jumping ability and a fighting style that's completely different from Pacific salmon. They're rare enough that catching one becomes a story you'll tell for years – the kind of fish that makes a good day legendary.
The Salmon River's fall run is short and sweet – when conditions line up perfectly, the fishing can be absolutely off the charts. Your trip includes everything except waders: private access fees to the Douglaston Run, premium fly rods and reels, all terminal tackle, and lunch to keep you fueled for a full day of fishing. This is personalized guiding at its finest, with techniques and spots tailored specifically to what you want to accomplish on the water. Whether you're after your first salmon on the fly or chasing a personal best, the Douglaston Salmon Run offers the kind of fishing that creates lifelong memories. Don't wait too long – the fall migration waits for no one, and the best fishing windows fill up fast with returning customers who know what this private
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are rare treats here on the Salmon River - you might be fortunate enough to hook one during our fall runs. These fish average 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with their distinctive silver bodies and forked tails. Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantics can survive spawning and return to the lake multiple times. They're anadromous, spending years in Lake Ontario before returning to spawn. Fall through early winter gives you the best shot at one. What makes them special is their incredible fight and the fact that wild populations are so rare - most we see are from stocking programs. When targeting them, I always recommend using darker flies on overcast days and working the deeper pools where they tend to hold. Their bronze coloration during spawn makes them stunning fish to land.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - these lake-run fish are incredibly wary but worth the effort. They average 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, with that classic brown-golden color and black spots scattered across their backs and sides. During fall, they feed aggressively at night and hide in deep pools, under vegetation, or near rocks during the day. What makes browns special is their wariness - they'll test your stealth and presentation skills. The meat is mild and sweet, making them excellent table fare. They can live up to 20 years, so some of these fish have seen every trick in the book. My best advice: fish them at night if possible, or target the deep, shaded pools during the day. Crawfish imitations work great here, and don't overlook woolly buggers in darker colors. Move slowly and keep your profile low.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon - we call them "kings" for good reason. These are the biggest salmon you'll encounter, averaging 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but the Lake Ontario strain can push 30+ pounds. They're the main target during our fall runs at Douglaston. Kings have silver sides, blue-green backs, and black spots everywhere - head, back, fins, even inside their mouths. What makes them challenging is they're light-sensitive, so they hug the bottom during the day. Early morning and evening are prime time. The fight is legendary - pure bulldogging power that'll test your drag system. The reddish-pink meat is table fare at its finest. Here's what works: use weighted flies or jigs to get down where they're holding. Don't swing too far - keep that fly swimming naturally in the current. Dark colors like blue/black work well on overcast days.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are some of the most acrobatic fish you'll encounter on the Salmon River. They average 12-30 inches and pack serious fight into their 8-12 pound frames - these fish can jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. You'll find them in the calmer water under debris and near structure during our fall runs. Cohos have that classic silver body with dark spots on their backs, turning reddish during spawn. What guests love most is their aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly once hooked, making for some memorable fights. The meat is bright orange and excellent eating. Here's a local tip: when they're holding in pools, try twitching jigs with long tails for better action. In faster water, swing bright spinners in chartreuse or pink - cohos can't resist the flash and movement.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ultimate challenge fish on the Salmon River - basically lake-run rainbow trout that behave like salmon. These silver bullets average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and really test your tackle. They're incredibly streamlined from their time in Lake Ontario, with that distinctive silvery-brass color and black spots. Best fishing runs from mid-fall through spring when they're moving up to spawn. What makes steelhead special is their raw power and endurance - they'll make long runs and fight right to the net. Unlike salmon, they can survive spawning and return multiple times. Look for them around boulders, wood cover, and vegetation in holding water. My go-to tip: use a 13.5-foot spey rod if you can handle it, and work your flies through the swing methodically. Thin flies like Skunk or Silver Hilton work great.
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