Winter traditional fly-fishing can have its highs and lows, just like the flows of the Salmon River, Oak Orchard River and the many other Lake Ontario Tributaries. More highs and lows of concern are the air temperatures. Air temperatures are crucial to line and guide freeze ups, which could lead to a frustrating day and possible equipment failure or even worse, breakage.
How you can increase you're odds when looking to have the best possible time while winter fly fishing is to look for safe and fishable water flows in addition to daily temps preferably above freezing. With these two critical enjoyment factors in place, you'll be 50% there to having a good winter experience. The other and just as important half is having a good professional fly fishing guide, like me, to be your host for the how to and where to for better fishing and placing you over fish. Now there’s the unforeseeable, weather changes not forecasted a few days earlier that we relied on, which could bring better fishing, which is always great. On the other hand, we could have changes that keeps us off the water completely. My profession can be an enviable one when mostly all things fall into place for clients, as they do nearly all the time. It’s also very tough when I must rely on the weather, water flows, fish and hoping the bite is on for you when you arrive. Another words, there is always some sort of risk factor when heading off for fly fishing in general, but there’s also a little more when planning a winter trip.
During the Winter months, be ready to drop everything at home and work then travel to Upstate New York to take advantage of the flows, weather and the fishing, because any or all of these vitals can change in a day or two!
The Salmon River has a good number of fish spread through out with the heavier pods of fish located from the Trestle Pool up and into the Lower Fly Zone. From Pineville down through Douglaston you’ll find more silver / fresher fish than above as well as some earlier runners. In general, the Salmon River has fish from top to bottom so pick you spots carefully, fish them hard and be sure to cover the water completely. Look for waters of winter holding areas, as many of the steelies will also be searching these areas out as well with the arrival of sub freezing temps.
The Oak Orchard River, which we fished on Jan.2 and 3, was excellent for seasoned fly fishers, as two of us hooked up about six to eight times per day and landed three each per day. For traditional fly-fishing that’s a great couple days! Steelies, taking mostly nymph patterns, averaged 6 to 8 pounds with one trophy of about 15 pounds landed under moderate to light fishing pressure. Many post-spawned browns, averaging 3 to 6 pounds were in the lower end of the river and were taking egg flies. Always be aware of the daily flow fluctuations from an extremely safe level of low to medium or higher levels that may require more wading experience. Only wade where you are comfortable and be sure to have studded soles and a wading staff.
With all the fish present and more fish to come, the 2004 spring season is looking to be another great season on the Salmon River, Oak Orchard River and all the other Lake Ontario Tributaries.
With more wild fish showing up seasonally in the big rivers and the smaller tribs, it’s very important to promote conservation practices. Feel good about being a part of our conservation efforts to ensure a healthy mix of wild and planted salmon and trout not only in the Upstate New York Trophy Fishery, but all fisheries, for all fishermen to enjoy tomorrow.
Promote and Practice Catch and Release for Future Fishing Fun!
"World Class Waters"
Carry a camera and a cloth measuring tape then use the formula, which is fairly accurate, if you'd like to have the weight, (length X girth X girth / 800 = lb.) and this should give all the info needed for bragging rights without over stressing the fish. Once you land that trophy fish of a lifetime, it's your choice to kill and have mounted and no one should condemn you for your decision to do so. You can also send a good photo and measurements to a professional taxidermist where they can make a reproduction of the fish that you released.