Early Season Salmon on Douglaston Salmon Run
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private access fishing at Douglaston Salmon Run locationTarget King Salmon plus coho, steelhead, and brownsPremium fly gear and lunch included in trip
Picture this: you're standing knee-deep in the legendary Salmon River, casting into pools where massive King salmon are starting their spawning run. The Douglaston Salmon Run isn't just any stretch of water – it's private access fishing at its finest, and during early salmon season, it's where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of the Great Lakes' most prized fish. This top-rated guided experience puts you right in the heart of Pulaski's world-class fishery, where every cast could connect you with the fish of a lifetime.
Your day starts with exclusive access to the Douglaston Salmon Run, a private section of the Salmon River that most anglers only dream about fishing. No crowds, no fighting for pool space – just you, your guide, and some of the best salmon water in New York. We'll set you up with premium fly rods and reels that can handle the power of a fresh King salmon, plus all the leaders and tippet you'll need. The only gear you need to bring are your waders and boots – everything else is covered, including lunch to keep your energy up during those long fights with big fish. This personalized approach means we can focus entirely on putting you on fish and teaching you the techniques that work best in these waters.
Early season salmon fishing on the Douglaston requires specific techniques and timing. We'll be using heavy fly rods – typically 8 to 10 weights – that can turn these powerful fish before they reach the snags and cover they love. The key is reading the water and understanding where fresh fish are holding versus where the spawners are setting up. We'll work egg patterns, streamers, and nymphs through the deeper runs and tailouts where salmon stage before moving upstream. Your guide knows every productive lie on this stretch, from the famous Compactor Pool to the deeper runs downstream. The private access means we can fish prime water without the pressure you'll find on public sections, giving you better odds at hooking into multiple species throughout the day.
Chinook Salmon, or Kings as we call them locally, are the main event during early season. These bruisers average 15 to 25 pounds, with some pushing 30-plus. Fresh Kings are chrome bright and fight like freight trains, making multiple runs that'll test your drag system and your backing. They're most active in the cooler morning and evening hours, though overcast days can keep them feeding longer. What makes Kings so special is their raw power – when a 20-pound King decides to run, you better hold on tight.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the salmon family, known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Typically running 5 to 12 pounds, they make up for size with attitude, jumping repeatedly and making fast, erratic runs. Cohos are aggressive feeders and will often hit streamers and egg patterns with authority. They're perfect for anglers who love visual excitement – watching a silver coho cartwheel across the surface is pure fishing magic.
Steelhead Trout are arguably the most challenging and rewarding species you'll encounter. These lake-run rainbows are incredibly strong and smart, often requiring precise presentations and light tippets. Running anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds, steelhead are known for their endurance and ability to find every snag in the river. They're moody fish – one day they'll hit anything you throw, the next they'll refuse perfectly presented flies. That's what makes them so addictive to pursue.
Lake Run Brown Trout are the ghosts of the Salmon River system. These fish can grow massive in Lake Ontario, with some exceeding 20 pounds. They're extremely wary and typically feed during low-light conditions, making them a bonus catch that gets every angler's heart racing. Browns often hold in deeper, slower water and prefer more natural presentations. Landing a big lake-run brown is considered the ultimate prize by many local anglers.
Atlantic Salmon represent the success of New York's restoration efforts. These fish are rare treats – sleek, powerful, and absolutely beautiful. Most Atlantics you'll encounter are hatchery fish that have spent time in Lake Ontario, growing strong and developing the fighting spirit that made them legendary. They're methodical feeders and incredible jumpers, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. Catching an Atlantic salmon is like connecting with fishing history.
The Douglaston Salmon Run during early salmon season offers some of the finest fishing opportunities in the Great Lakes region. With private access, premium equipment, and expert guiding, this customer favorite trip eliminates the guesswork and maximizes your time on productive water. The one-on-one format ensures personalized instruction and the flexibility to adapt techniques based on conditions and your skill level. Whether you're chasing your first King salmon or looking to improve your steelhead techniques, this renowned fishery delivers the goods. Early season is trending as the best time to target multiple species in prime condition – don't miss your chance to experience world-class salmon fishing at its peak.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the rare prize of the Salmon River - we might hook one, but they're protected so catch-and-release only. These silvery beauties average 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with that classic forked tail and bronze coloring when they're spawning. Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantics can survive spawning and return to the lake multiple times. They're incredible fighters with serious jumping ability that'll test your skills. You'll find them in the deeper pools and runs, especially during cooler fall conditions. When one takes your fly, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - their soft mouths tear easily. The swing technique works best here, letting your fly drift naturally through their holding water.
Tylosurus AcusLake-run brown trout are some of the wariest fish in the river, but they're worth the extra effort for their beautiful golden-brown coloring and incredible table fare. These fish typically run 8-24 inches and can weigh up to 9 pounds, with distinctive black spots and sometimes a reddish adipose fin. They prefer cooler, calmer water with good cover - think deep pools with overhanging structure or undercut banks. Fall brings the best action as they move up to spawn, often feeding aggressively at night. Browns are notorious for their selectivity and spookiness, making them a real challenge for fly fishers. They'll test your skills but reward patience with strong, determined fights. The meat has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's hard to beat. My advice: fish the deeper, slower water others might skip, and try smaller, more natural patterns. These fish have seen it all.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of the Salmon River, running 12-39 inches and averaging 15-30 pounds. These bruisers have blue-green backs with black spots covering their heads, backs, and all fins - plus that distinctive black mouth. They're light-sensitive fish that stay deep during the day, so focus on the deeper pools and runs, especially early morning or evening. September through October is peak season when they're fresh from the lake. What makes kings special is their raw power - no fancy jumps, just bulldogging runs that'll test your drag and your arms. The meat is top-notch too with that rich orange-pink color. They prefer weighted flies fished deep, so don't be afraid to get your offering down to the bottom where they're holding. Keep that fly swimming naturally and be ready for a freight train when they grab it.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are absolute acrobats that'll jump six feet straight up when hooked. These fish run 12-30 inches and typically weigh 8-12 pounds, with bright silver sides and distinctive black spots on their backs and tails. They love calmer water near cover - look for them under debris piles or in deeper pools close to structure. Fall is prime time as they move up from the lake to spawn. What makes coho special is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial shows once hooked. They hit hard and fight dirty with multiple jumps and long runs. For consistent success, try bright flies like chartreuse or pink patterns. Local tip: when they're jumping, keep your rod tip low and maintain steady pressure - don't try to lift them out of the water.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are lake-run rainbows that develop into chrome-bright fighting machines after spending years in Lake Ontario. These fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and weigh up to 55 pounds. They're incredibly streamlined with silvery bodies and black spotting on their backs. Look for them in faster water along current breaks and boulder fields where they rest between runs. Mid-fall through spring offers the best action as they migrate upstream. What sets steelhead apart is their stamina - they'll make multiple long runs and have serious staying power. The fight can last 15 minutes or more on a good fish. My go-to technique is swinging flies through likely holding spots. Pro tip: use a 13.5-foot spey rod if you can handle it - the extra reach and leverage makes a huge difference when battling these bulldogs.
Oswego County