1. Troutnut Forum
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3. Spring Steelhead Salmon River

I might have the chance to go up to the Salmon River (New York) this March or April for steelhead. Does anyone have any helpful advise as far as flies and techniques for that time of year? Are there any small tribs that could be good for some sight fishing?

From what I've heard from friends who have gone up and a few articles I've seen in newspapers from the area the steelhead fishing has been absolutely terrible. Guys are spending the entire weekend up there and not touching a fish. There are a number of smaller creeks that enter the Salmon River. One is named Orwell Brook and another is called Trout Brook. Both of these tribs near the Pineville bridge. Trout Brook enters the SR on just north side of the bridge. Orwell creek also enters from the north side of the river a few miles south of the town of Altmar. Way down at the Lake and a bit south of where the Salmon River enters the lake is Grindstone Creek. It goes right under the road.

For flies in the spring you can't go wrong with Blood Dots, various colors of sucker spawn, typical nymphs but on 1x or 2x strong hooks,a Prince, Hares Ear, Black stoneflies. If you swing I like some of the more traditional hair wing steelhead patterns as well as some of the newer marabou flies.

Thanks, I'm hoping it somehow improves a bit. I've heard from a few guys that have done terribly and a few that had some really good days. Fingers crossed!