Image Used by Permission from @flywithme_adk_ang
Summary
The river continues to produce typical Steelhead days and then less than mediocre days. Due to the quick warmup and snowpack, the water level was raised to 1000 CFS with 1300 CFS at Pineville. Due to this rise in the water levels, the visibility was not great. High water levels on the river were causing most fish to move to the outside. Some anglers were able to find fish outside of the usual spots. During high water periods, we recommend that you be cautious of literally stepping over fish as you try to wade. The fish are going to be closer to the banks.
This weekend the water levels should go down to 750 CFS, it is currently snowing, and road conditions will be slick until Friday, but the rest of the weekend’s weather looks to be unseasonably warm. If the water level continues to be at 750 CFS for this weekend, this is an ideal water level during the Steelhead season. This will spread out the fish and move fish around. The higher water will possibly give fish enough cover to pursue some swung flies.
As of Thursday Dec 12, 2019 the predicted water level has gone from 750 CFS to 1000 CFS. At this time there is no weekend water level. We should assume due to precipitation and warmer weather that they will stay at 1000 CFS or higher. Please keep up on Instagram Stories at @salmonrivernewbie for more frequent updates.
If you look on the map, there are two additional icons to look at for better reports.
The ice cube icon is for shelf ice or ice. This is to caution you of shelf ice, which can be dangerous. Please note that we can only give you a report on areas where our anglers are fishing and send us reports. We cannot cover the whole river during this time, so we recommend that you use caution when stepping out to fish on the river.
The snowflake icon is for slush or heavy snow. This is just to give you an idea that slush is causing issues.
Douglaston Salmon Run
The DSR was reporting mixed results due to the higher water level. The anglers that I spoke with were able to find fish down low and up on top of the run. The middle, which has been good during the lower waters, was not as productive. When the water moves down to 750 CFS, we should see all three sections have more active fish. (Please see note above)
Town
Anglers reported having success from Little Black Hole, The Town Pool and offshoots of the river in town. Parts of the upper Ball Park were productive.
Altmar
Again received reports from above 2A to the Railroad Tracks that there was some activity. As for the concentration of fish, it will be between Trestles to the Lower Fly Zone. In these sections, if you are swinging it, will be tougher to find success. Most fish because of the concentration of eggs, fishing pressure, and cold will only grab if it gets down to them and directly in front of their faces.
Oak Orchard Fishing Report
The fishing has been a little bit up and down due to high water levels. However, some anglers have been able to get into Steelhead in the slow water by drifting sacks and egg patterns. The Oak is really dependent on water levels that are dictated by the water release from the canal and also by warm weather and snowpack. When these flows settle the fishing should return to normal.
Oswego Fishing Report
The Oswego River fishing slows down a bit due to angler traffic in the winter. Although for locals this is a good time to get into Brown Trout or Steelhead. The Wall fishing using floats with jigs, beads, and sacs can do well. Currently, the water is a bit high to wade to the dam but most successful local anglers go down past the Power Plant and fish from the banks where the fish are sitting.
For more day to day reports follow us on Instagram Stories at @salmonrivernewbie
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