Fishing New York's Famous Salmon River

A fisherman of over 25 years, my ignorance knows no time, as I had never heard of Pulaski, New York’s famed Salmon River. A customer came into my shop boasting about a trip to New York State where he landed countless Coho and Chinook salmon on his fly rod. Really? This guy had to be putting me on. A picture of a healthy 20 pound Coho in the angler’s paws was produced to my chagrin. These salmon are native to the pacific, I thought. How did they get here and why have I not heard about this fishery? I was way out of the loop.

Like many other fresh water species we chase, these salmon are not native to the east coast. They were introduced in the 1960’s to solve a problem created by the disappearance of the Atlantic salmon. When they were the apex predator of this watershed, the Atlantic salmon kept the populations of mooneye and smelt in check. A solution was needed, thus the introduction of the Coho and Chinook salmon. As a result, the Salmon River has become a world class fishery.

The state of New York operates a salmon, steelhead, and trout hatchery in nearby Altmar, NY and stocks 3.5 million salmon and trout annually. It is believed that large populations of these fish spawn successfully in the river, which adds to the large number of fish in this waterway. Starting in August and early September, the first of many salmon start their migration, working their way upstream to spawn and eventually die. The word of salmon in the river again stirs up a frenzy with fisherman from western Pennslyvania to the North woods of Maine. Columbus weekend of 2012 I had my first opportunity to tackle with these hearty predators. My brigade of salmon slayers and I left on a Thursday afternoon for the 5 hour trip to Pulaski, NY, our final destination being the Double Eagle Lodge.

Owned and operated by Stan Pietrzyk and his lovely wife Barb, the Double Eagle offers everything you could imagine when you think of a waterfront fishing lodge. Starting with 400’ of river frontage, you do not have to leave the lodge to find fishable water, not to mention the salmon were right at our feet! His lodge is more than modest, accommodating parties to 25. Our group of 10 had almost the whole lodge to ourselves that weekend and it was delightful. Fresh coffee and pastries were always ready in the kitchen by the time we rubbed away the sighs of a restful sleep on the super-comfortable beds. A look out of any of the bedroom windows could be described as nothing less than breathtaking, the Salmon River in all her glory staring back at us. The occasional sight of a 20-30 pound salmon scurrying upstream triggered enough volts inside us to jump-start a dump truck and fueled the rush to make the 100-step walk to the banks of the flow. Stan has a well-stocked fly station in the main lodge adjacent to the kitchen, complete with tying materials, vice, and pre made flies that have served him well time over time on the river. This makes it very convenient to grab a coffee and a fist full of flies on your way to the river. The lodge has a large covered deck complete with a commercial grade grill, as well as a patio with chairs on the edge of the tall riverbank overlooking the river. At the banks of the river you will find a quaint fire pit surrounded by wood benches, perfect for some après fishing relaxation and occasional fish story.

Aside from the continental breakfast, meals were our responsibility, which seems to be the norm at most lodges on the river. The area has no shortage of eateries, but we opted to stay in and share the responsibilities. Most nights consisted of a hearty crock pot chili or venison stew.

As I said, we departed for Double Eagle on a Thursday morning and had lines in the Salmon River by 2pm that afternoon. Most in my group at least hooked a fish that afternoon and some were landed.

Day two however, was nothing short of amazing. We awoke to sunny skies and a river alive. Boils everywhere! Shadows raced upstream with the speed of a pelagic fish. This would be the morning that the Salmon River introduced herself to me formerly.

I have been told that the next two days of fishing may have spoiled any return trip I have planned to Pulaski. That Friday morning began a two and a half day melee of hook ups. Many of us experienced hook ups on our first drift and salmon were landed from bank to bank of the river. We experienced low water in the river on this trip, aiding sight fishing in the dark and fast moving runs. Chartreuse Estaz eggs along with egg sucking leaches were the flies of choice. Saturday brought some rain and opaque water conditions but the fishing did not slow down. Brightly colored salmon egg patterns did the trick and monster Kings were landed right behind the Double Eagle.

Sunday’s half day of fishing was HOT, with cooperative fish willing to take an egg pattern if you got it close to their face. The water was high and dirty from Saturday’s rain, but spirits among our group where higher. We all managed to land multiple fish that morning. Stan even came down to the banks to put some of the guys that struggled on some monster salmon.

By noon it was time to pack it up and my first trip to the Salmon River came to an end.

The Salmon River offers world class fishing within a manageable drive of much of the Northeast. Don’t feel like you need to be a fly-rodder to tackle this waterway. Noodle rods with spinning reels are the choice of many anglers. Salmon egg sacks are candy to these pacific speedsters and the occasional steelhead.

I can’t speak kinder words about Stan and his wife at the Double Eagle Lodge. From arrival to departure they could not have treated us better. I highly suggest that when planning your trip to the Salmon River you give Stan a Call at the Double Eagle.

Double Eagle Lodge
3268 State Rd 13
Pulaski, NY 13142
315-298-3316