Salmon River (Franklin)

About Salmon River (Franklin)

The Salmon River in the northern Adirondacks offers diverse angling opportunities as it flows north to the St. Lawrence River. Below Mountain View dam, the river transitions into gentle meanders and scenic waterfalls, carving its way across a glacially sculpted plain. This upper section provides excellent summer and winter habitat, characterized by deep pools and cool temperatures. Further downstream, the river undergoes a dramatic change with a precipitous descent at Chasm Falls, dropping 900 feet in a mile, creating significant whitewater and waterfalls. From Chasm Falls to Malone, the current is swift, and anglers will encounter numerous boulder hazards. Access to the Salmon River is well-established through six designated Public Fishing Stream areas, marked with yellow signs for bank access. Key entry points include Route 27, which features a hiking path, and a footpath off Pond Road. Anglers can also reach the river from River Street School, River Road, Cady & Shears Road, Cargin Road, and Townline Road, as well as near Westville Center. For those looking to explore the headwaters, canoe access is available from Mountain View Lake. Additionally, a car-top boat launch on Lower Park Street provides direct access to Lamica Lake, a major impoundment on the river's northern edge near Malone. Below Lamica Lake, the Salmon River carves through a gorge before opening into meandering, deeper waters marked by large cut-banks and substantial pools, eventually slowing significantly as it traverses farm fields towards its mouth. The Salmon River supports a robust trout fishery, with brown and rainbow trout stocked annually throughout its accessible stretches. Native brook trout are also present, particularly in the waters from Whippleville south to Mountain View. Anglers targeting brown trout will find them dispersed from Mountain View down to Westville, while rainbow trout are common downstream from North Country Community College. The best overall trout fishing on the Salmon River is concentrated from Westville south to Chasm Falls. Key food sources for these fish include stoneflies, various mayflies, and caddisflies, indicating the highly oxygenated water present in many sections. A significant Hendrickson mayfly hatch also occurs, providing prime dry fly opportunities. Fly fishing is a primary method for success on the Salmon River. Focus on studying the current and refining your casting techniques to present flies effectively. A 7-foot 5x tippet paired with a size-12 fly imitation is a suggested starting point for many situations. When fishing, mend your line to prevent drag and keep your rod tip high to maintain control and feel subtle takes. Once a fish is hooked, give it line to absorb runs and move downstream if necessary to play it effectively, especially in the swift sections. Always be aware of your footing, particularly in the boulder-strewn areas below Chasm Falls.