Image used by permission from instagram user sgt_chevy
The river continues to fish consistently. There are fish all over the system from the Upper Fly Fishing Zone to the Douglaston Salmon Run (DSR). However, that does not mean that fishing is like as they say “shooting fish in a barrel.” A few weeks ago, we had a strong sustained push of fish into the system and fish were stacked down low in the river(closer to the lake). Those fish have either moved into the upper river, and some have finished their course by getting to the Hatchery. Fishing is currently at what is normal for this time of year. The only difference it seems like this year the Cohos seem to be in the river longer than usual. Cohos in the last few years usually run for a few days or few weeks and then they all race to the Hatchery. Also, we are seeing more Steelhead right now than normal but otherwise the last few days are fishing like a normal run.
As I am writing this, there are reports from Douglaston Salmon Run.
“lower area “very slow” however middle sections have “a lot of fish” moving through (but very few fishermen), and the upper section action has been constant, with a mix of Cohos and Kings.”
Fat Nancy’s is reporting from October 2, 2018
“Lots of rain today has fish moving fairly steady into the river but not in large numbers.”
Whitakers is reporting
“Overall we had mixed reports from anglers, some groups did well and had plenty of action, while others had a slow day.”
Some are currently predicting another big push of fish like what we had a few weeks ago. However, if that does not happen, then we recommend that you fish the river like an average run.
We recommend that you fish early morning and fish lower in the river system. The Staircase and Ball Park and RT2A are decent places to catch fish in the morning. The water level is lower in those areas so you can see the fish move and gives you an advantage to where to cast and drift.
From 10 AM to 4 PM you will go up the system and fish the bigger holes. Sportsman, Trestles, Ellis and Altmar are good holes. Fish are holding in these holes waiting to move. Fish the tailouts and the top of the holes. Lower your weight of leader down to 8lbs and slow your drift. For the fly fisherman, you want to use a weighted fly and mend so that when you get to the fish, the fly will be in the strike zone.
Here is a breakdown of fishing reports visually. Also, check out the added reports of the Oak Orchard and 18 Mile Creek / Burt Dam.
Fish continue to move into the Estuary from Lake Ontario. Although fish are not bursting into the rest of the river they are are trickling in. There are still fish in the lake waiting to enter.
As fish are holding up in the Estuary the lower end of the DSR is slower, but fish continue to enter inconsistently, so the middle and especially the top end of the run are doing well.
Fish are spread out in the Town pool but the crowds make fishing not enjoyable for some however for some others they enjoy the crowds At the Town Pool being at the right place makes a big difference. Fishing is good along the Ball Park if you are there in the morning.
Fishing is good in the larger holes. Sportsman, Trestles, Ellis and Altmar and the Fly Zones are doing well. If you are having an issue hooking up, we recommend you go down in your leader line to 8 lbs.
Reports are showing that fish are moving to the bridge and dam. PSA. Do not eat the fish from 18 Mile Creek.
Reports are showing that Oak Orchard is fishing well with fish moving up every day as the temperature cools down and some precipitation.
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