Salmon River (Pulaski)

About Salmon River (Pulaski)

The Salmon River flows 17 miles from Lighthouse Hill Reservoir down to Lake Ontario, offering extensive public access for anglers. Twelve miles of Public Fishing Rights ensure numerous fishing sites along its course. The river features distinct deeper pools where fish hold, along with areas of spawning redds. Access points like Pine Grove provide dual gravel ramps for motor boats, while Compactor Pool, Pineville, and Lower Fly are set up for drift boat launches. For those needing easier access, the Route 3 Parking Area in Port Ontario includes a fishing and viewing platform with wheelchair accessibility. Anglers on the Salmon River target several anadromous species. Chinook salmon average 18 pounds, though fish up to 30 pounds are common, and this river holds the Great Lakes record. Coho salmon average 8 pounds, with the world record also coming from these waters. Atlantic salmon, typically 5-20 pounds, begin their spawning run as early as July. Steelhead, also known as rainbow trout, enter the river from late October through the spring, feeding aggressively. Brown trout, ranging from 2-20 pounds, arrive from mid-September to mid-November during their spawning run. Smallmouth bass, rock bass, and other species are also present. When fishing for staging salmon in the estuary, trolling with spoons, dodgers, flies, cut-bait, or plugs can be effective. Once salmon are in the river, focus on deeper pools or areas where fish are actively running. Egg sacs, egg imitating flies, plastics, and streamers are productive choices. Aggressive male salmon will strike gaudy streamers swung past their spawning redds. For steelhead, particularly in the fall, use egg sacs or egg imitating flies and plastics. Winter steelhead fishing in deeper pools also calls for egg sacs, egg imitating flies, or nymphs. Post-spawn steelhead can be caught on plugs, spinners, flies, egg sacs, and night crawlers, with Atlantic salmon techniques mirroring those for steelhead. To target brown trout, fish downstream from actively spawning salmon using egg sacs and egg imitating flies and plastics, as they feed heavily on the salmon eggs. Approximately 70% of the Chinook salmon caught here are wild, a testament to the river's character. Always be aware of your surroundings and other anglers, especially in popular spots.