Is The Run Over

Image used by permission from Instagram user patrickclark119 – follow patrickclark119 on Instagram.
Many of you have been asking if the Run is over. I asked on Instagram (follow me on Instagram salmonrivernewbie) and over 800 people voted and 70% said No and 30% Yes. Based on the response it really depends on what you consider a run and how close you live to the river. Most locals I have spoken to are more likely to say the Run is over because of the current condition of fish in the upper river. If you are fishing from the Wires to Upper Fly Fishing Zone you are going to see more zombies. Spawned out kings that are starting to be dark with white spots. There are still fresher fish in these areas but primarily you are going to see very dark Kings. However, if you fish below RT2A you are going to see a mix of 50% fresh kings and some zombies. These fresher kings are not going to be silver but they will be green. Also based on the results looks like the 30% claiming the run is over were more likely to be hardcore steel headers waiting for the salmon migration to be over so that steelhead season could start. I personally am not looking forward to the cold of the Tug Hill. So I am very excited to see that the run is not over but is being enhanced this year. Usually, steelhead tends to trickle in but as of the last few days, it seems like steelhead are coming in quickly. Lots of anglers who are used to targetting kings right now are actually hooking up with steelhead instead. On Instagram, I am gettings lots of reports of first-time steel headers. Right now from the Lower Staircase to the Long Bridge, there have been a steady and consistent steelhead hook ups. This week we should start seeing those steelhead move past 81 and head into the upper areas of the run.

So is the Run over? No. Just today DSR was reporting some new fresh silver kings coming in so the run is not over. However, this year we are seeing an enhancement by seeing steelhead come in early.

If you have never caught a steelhead now is the time before the weather becomes brutal.

Lake Ontario

There is less fish in the Estuary and Lake because they have migrated up but there is more steelhead in the Estuary and new smaller waves of kings should be coming up.

Douglaston Salmon Run

DSR reports lately have been more conservative then what anglers were reporting to us. There are lots of kings in the DSR, however, some of them are darker but anglers were very optimistic because small pods of fresh kings were still coming up and there were lots of Steelhead. Most anglers that we spoke with stated that there was more steelhead in the DSR then in previous years for this time of year .

Pulaski

If looking for steelhead and not fishing the DSR there are lots of steelhead from the lower staircase to the Long Bridge.

81 To Altmar

If looking for fresh kings look below RT2A most of the fish are above the Trestles but they are darker.

Oswego

Oz Angling is reporting that the water level is going down which will make fishing ideal on the wall and the dam.

Oak Orchard

Last of fish at the Oak with kings and steelhead and some trophys at the Dam and by the Archery Club.

Burt Dam

Fishing is doing well by the bridge and the dam.