Do you want to know when and where to fish the Salmon River in New York to catch salmon? In this post, learn about where you can catch salmon in northern New York.
I will never forget the first time that I saw a salmon jump out of the water during the salmon run. I was standing on a fishing platform, watching lots of very excited people fish for the salmon, when an absolutely huge salmon just jumped several feet into the air and came down with quite a splash.
You can also see salmon swimming in groups in the shallow rivers and creeks, which is also pretty exciting.
On the way home after my first salmon spotting, I also saw a black bear meandering down the road. A cool end to the day.
When we first moved up to northern New York, I had no idea about the amazing fishing opportunities that were available in the Thousand Islands Region and other North Country locations. And for sure, it was a huge surprise that we could catch salmon within a 20-minute drive from our house.
Whether you live in North Country or want to visit to experience the fishing, I hope that you try out one of the fishing spots that I mention below. And of course, I hope you catch a huge salmon.
Before we get started, it is important to know that New York has extensive fishing regulations that are designed to protect our fish and waters, and make sure that we all can continue to have lots of fun fishing for the many available species for generations to come. New York fishing regulations are different from region to region, and there are many bodies of water, or even locations within the same river or lake, that have special rules that we must follow.
The Salmon River is one of these special rivers that has different rules depending on where and when you are fishing and what you are fishing for. So, I would definitely recommend reading up on the rules (link to NY DEC fishing regulations for 2022) in order to make sure that you know what rules you should follow during your fishing trip.
When do the salmon run in the Salmon River and its tributaries?
You can find salmon running the Salmon River and other nearby rivers beginning in late August or early September. Most of the salmon that will run have come upstream from Lake Ontario by late October, though you might still see salmon as late as the first week of November.
The weather is best for salmon fishing during September and early October. It can get pretty cold standing in the middle, or on the shore of, a river in November in northern New York, so we try to get our salmon fishing done towards the beginning or middle of the season.
Watching the salmon jump is pretty exciting, and there is nothing better than watching another angler catch one – or catching one yourself!
What rivers and streams connect with the Salmon River?
Below are the names of the rivers, brooks and streams, some with salmon, that connect, or feed into, the Salmon River. These smaller bodies of water flow into the Salmon River, and eventually into Lake Ontario.
- John O’Hara Brook
- Orwell Brook
- Pekin Brook
- North Branch Salmon River
- Mill Stream
- Mad River
- Cold Brook
- Beaver Creek
- Castor Brook
Not all of rivers and streams listed above have public fishing access, but many do. In addition, some of the creeks and brooks listed above feed into the Mad River (which flows into the Salmon River), and while salmon may be present, they will probably not be as numerous as they are in spots closer to the Salmon River.
However, some of the most popular places on the Salmon River can get really crowded in the peak of the upstate New York salmon run, so you might be more likely to catch salmon in some of these less-visited places. As every fisherman knows, it pays to try out different places to find the best one.
Where are the public fishing spots on the Salmon River?
There are at least 23 places where you can access fishing the Salmon River. In some locations, you can walk on one side of the bank in a narrow strip that the state has secured for public fishing rights, but be sure to check the official NY DEC Salmon River map and look for signage to make sure you have legal permission to access the location where you plan to fish.
Some of the most popular places to fish the Salmon River are:
- Salmon River Universally Accessible Fishing Access – Route 3 Crossing, Port Ontario (Google directions)
- Pine Grove Boat Launch
- Ballpark (Rte 11 in Pulsaki)
- Orwell Brook – Tubbs Rd. Parking.
- Trout Brook – Rte. 48. Parking.
The photos below are from the Salmon River Universally Accessible Fishing Access site on Route 3 in Port Ontario. This site has a large parking lot with interpretive signs, as well as a ramp that goes down to the fishing platform.
In the summer, vegetation grows pretty quickly, so if you do come down the ramp, be sure to bring bug spray. Other than the ample greenery, the ramp and fishing spot seems to be well-maintained.
If you are wanting to fish for salmon from your boat, then you might want to check out Pine Grove State Boat Launch, which is adjacent to the Selkirk Shores State Park in Richland, New York. The boat launch will give you access to Lake Ontario and the mouth of the Salmon River.
Pine Grove State Boat Launch is located off of State Rte 3, you’ll see the sign below. The boat launch is a little bit of a drive off of the main route.
What species of salmon are in the Salmon River?
There are a few different species of salmon that can be caught in the Salmon River and other rivers that flow into Lake Ontario. Some species are native and stocked by the state, and others are non-native.
Theses species of salmon are:
- Chinook salmon
- Coho salmon
- Atlantic salmon (aka “landlocked salmon”)
- Steelhead (rainbow trout)
Is there anywhere else to catch salmon in Northern New York?
As I mentioned above, the salmon are coming in from Lake Ontario, which means that there are several other rivers where you can catch salmon other than the Salmon River. This is good news because it can get pretty crowded in the river.
Anyone who has pulled up the Salmon River on Google Earth can see the tiny fishermen in satellite images, spaced out several feet apart. If this isn’t for you, then try some of these nearby, lesser known (but still pretty popular and great) spots:
- Black River (try fishing the lower section near the boat launch in Dexter, boat fishing only, since the Black River has strong currents and drop-offs and is dangerous for wading)
- Little Sandy Creek (try fishing off of Norton Rd. at the public fishing access site)
- South Sandy Creek (try fishing at the boat launch)
- Oswego River
My favorite place is South Sandy Creek, but make sure not to tell anyone!
Conclusion
I hope that this post has helped you learn a bit more about where you could go to catch salmon in New York. I’m not the best person to give advice about how to catch them, since I’m still learning, but I know for sure that they salmon are in the water because I’ve spent hours all over North Country watching them jump out of the water (or get pulled out by fishermen!).
Please let me know in the comments below where you like to go fishing for salmon!