Fall-Spring Steelhead Off DSR
Private Trip
River Fishing
Multiseason steelhead fishing on Salmon River and tributariesSingle or double handed fly fishing plus spin techniques availablePrivate guided trips with flexible locations based on conditions
Picture this: you're standing waist-deep in the crisp waters of New York's legendary Salmon River, your breath visible in the cool air as chrome-bright steelhead push upstream beneath your feet. This isn't your typical fishing trip – it's a personalized, one-on-one adventure that puts you right in the heart of one of the East Coast's most renowned steelhead runs. Whether you're swinging flies through deep pools or drifting bait sacs along rocky bottom structure, these late fall through spring trips offer some of the most consistent and rewarding steelhead action you'll find anywhere.
Your day starts early, meeting up at the DSR (Douglaston Salmon Run) area where we'll assess current conditions and game plan our approach. The beauty of fishing the Salmon River system during steelhead season is the variety – we might start on the main stem if water levels are right, or slip into one of the smaller feeder creeks where fish stage before making their spawning runs. You'll get the full treatment here: I'll read the water for you, point out the subtle current breaks and pocket water where steelhead love to hold, and adjust our tactics based on what the fish are telling us. Some days they want a swung fly presented just right in the swing zone. Other days, they're hugging bottom and only a perfectly drifted bead or spawn sac will trigger a strike. That's where having a seasoned local guide makes all the difference – I know these waters like the back of my hand and can adapt quickly when fish behavior changes throughout the day.
Here's where things get interesting – we can fish however you're most comfortable, or I can teach you something completely new. If you're a fly angler, we can work with single-handed rods using traditional nymphing techniques, or step up to double-handed spey rods for that classic steelhead swing. There's nothing quite like feeling a winter steelhead grab your fly on the dangle and then tear off downstream. For those who prefer spin fishing, we'll set you up with float rigs that let you control your drift perfectly, or go with bottom-bouncing setups using spawn sacs, beads, and soft plastics. I've got all the terminal tackle dialed in – the right hooks, the perfect bead colors for current conditions, and those homemade spawn sacs that local steelhead seem to find irresistible. The water dictates the approach, and I'll make sure you're fishing the most effective method for the day's conditions.
The Salmon River steelhead run has been producing some absolute tanks lately. These aren't your average trout – we're talking about fish that have spent years feeding in Lake Ontario, packing on serious weight before returning to spawn. Fresh steelhead straight from the lake are pure silver rockets, often jumping multiple times when hooked and making blistering runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. The smaller feeder creeks can be especially productive during stable weather patterns, as fish use these tributaries to stage before moving into prime spawning areas. I've been guiding these waters for years, and the consistent thing about Salmon River steelhead is their unpredictability – they'll surprise you when you least expect it. One minute you're methodically working through a run, and the next your rod is doubled over with a fish that's trying to get back to the lake as fast as possible.
Steelhead trout are the main event here, and for good reason. These lake-run rainbows typically range from 24 to 30 inches, with some real bruisers pushing well beyond that mark. Peak season runs from late October through April, with some of the best fishing happening during those cold winter months when most fair-weather anglers have hung up their rods. What makes steelhead so special is their fighting ability – they're incredibly strong, acrobatic, and absolutely relentless once hooked. The Salmon River fish have a reputation for being particularly aggressive, probably due to the abundant food sources in Lake Ontario. They'll hit everything from traditional egg patterns to modern rubber worms, but timing and presentation are everything. Fresh fish moving up from the lake are the most active, while fish that have been in the river for weeks can be more finicky and require a stealthier approach.
Brown trout are the bonus fish that can really make your day special. The Salmon River browns are year-round residents that have grown fat feeding on salmon eggs, crayfish, and smaller fish. These guys are typically more selective than steelhead, but when you hook into a good one, you'll know it immediately. Browns tend to be heavier for their length than steelhead and fight with a different style – less jumping, more bulldogging and trying to wrap your line around every piece of structure they can find. Fall and spring offer the best opportunities for browns, especially when they're actively feeding before and after their spawning periods. A 20-inch Salmon River brown is a fish worth bragging about, and anything over 24 inches is a genuine trophy that'll give you a fight you won't forget.
Look, steelhead fishing on the Salmon River isn't just about catching fish – it's about experiencing one of New York's best-kept fishing secrets with someone who knows every pool, every run, and every trick these fish like to pull. With just one angler per trip, you get personalized instruction, prime fishing spots, and a hot lunch to keep you fueled during those long winter days on the water. The steelhead run is happening right now, and these fish don't wait around for anyone. Whether you're a seasoned steelheader looking to explore new water or a trout angler ready to tackle something bigger and stronger, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot today and let's get you hooked up with some of the finest steelhead fishing the
Oncorhynchus mykissThese chrome-bright beauties are sea-run rainbow trout that return to the Salmon River to spawn, typically running 24-30 inches and 6-12 pounds. They're built for ocean living - streamlined, silvery bodies with that signature steelhead strength. You'll find them in deeper pools, current seams, and gravelly runs throughout the main stem and feeder creeks. Late fall through spring is prime time when water temps drop and they're moving upstream. What makes them special? Pure fighting power - they'll jump, run, and test your gear like few fish can. Plus they're fantastic eating with that clean, mild flavor. My go-to tip: focus on the transition water where fast current meets slower pools. That's where they rest and feed, and where you'll get your best shots at hooking into one of these fighters.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the wary veterans of the Salmon River system, averaging 12-18 inches but with some real trophies pushing 24+ inches hiding in the deeper holes. These golden-brown beauties with their distinctive black spots love cover - think undercut banks, fallen timber, and boulder pockets where they can ambush prey. Fall and early winter are peak times when they're feeding heavily before spawn. What sets them apart is their intelligence and fight - they're incredibly selective and will test every inch of your tackle once hooked. They're also some of the best eating you'll find, with firm, flavorful meat. Here's an insider tip: fish the shadows during daylight hours. Browns are notorious for hiding in dark water under overhangs and behind structure where other fish won't venture.
Oswego County