Randy Jones
12-19-2013, 09:39 AM
Pulaski New York fishing river guide has Pulaski NY river guide fish report off drift boat for salmon-steelhead on Pulaski NY river
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Dec. 19 Salmon River Pulaski NY Steelhead Drift Boat Guide Spin Fly Fishing Report Update:
-
Ol'man Winter has arrived with snow and colder temp's. If your coming up to fish or are thinking of coming up to fish this Winter, this complementary article may help you to prepare, be more comfortable, have fun, be safe and hopefully help to make your trip here memorable in many ways.
-
Fishing in Jan. and Feb.? Are you Nuts? -Yup:
-
Here are some things to consider when fishing here in the winter. The Salmon River is a dam-released river, so it never totally freezes over.
-
Slush - Planning your fishing day around it:
-
No it's not the stuff you put in a cone and eat but rather a winter occurrence that causes certain area's of the river to be unfishable.
-
(For all Photo's, please see profile - linked to Fishing Report page)
Nice looking Female Steelhead. Super!
-
Knowing current water -air temp. current water and future water flow level's, tonight's predicted lows with tomorrow's highs will help you decide where to begin your day of fishing.
-
Sample:
Water temps. are 34 deg. up top and the flow is 285 cfs. Evening lows are swinging around 5 deg. and daytime highs are around 32 deg. (No heavy snow is forecast) The Key here is the nighttime low. Normally if the low is below 20 deg. you will have slush from Pineville down. If the low is only 20 deg. then you may not have any slush the entire length of the river.
-
When slush is present at these air temp's then normally by 10-11 A.M. the lower part of the river will clear out and make fishing possible. If you're ever not sure, than do what I sometimes do and go to the short bridge in town and have a look for yourself, before planning your day. If air temp's do not rise above 20 for the daytime high then you may have slush downriver all day.
-
(Photo)
Nice colored up Male Steelhead. Notice the bump on the lower jaw. Also the red rosy cheeks and red stripe down its side. What a beauty!
-
If I'm planning to start my fishing at dawn, then I'll start up top. And then later possibly move down river once the slush has had a chanceto clear. If certain areas of the river are slushed up and you are the first to arrive after it has cleared than the chances of hooking-up are good.You will be the first angler fishing to fresh fish that have not been disturbed or pressured.
-
This same condition occurs on the smaller creeks around the SalmonRiver in early-late winter. Many an early A.M. trip North has ended witha return trip when slush was not considered. I will always check air temp'sthe day before I plan fishing the creeks. Often, I will arrive at 10 A.M.and fish while the last balance of slush is clearing and getting firstshot at the prime spots. Fish-on!
-
If you wanted to fish during the prime time during the winter than here are a few things I would consider. (Work and family schedule must beflexible)
1. 3 day warming trend. If there is run-off expect fresh fish in the lower end!
2. Drop in water level or rise.
3. Fish around a holiday, not on it.
4. Mid-week
5. Springtime creeks and streams- Wait till ice out and fishthem on the rise or fall of water levels. If you fish them after they havecleared for to long they tend to get fished out. If you can find your honeyhole when the water is up, then the fish will be there.
-
(Photo)
Another Male steelhead. Congrats!
-
If you arrive and the air temp's are in the low 20?s for the high then here are a few tip's to staying warm and catching some fish!
-
1. The days of me fishing a full 8 hours with these air temps are almost over, unless there is sun and no wind. It is actually very pleasant under these conditions.
-
2. Only fish the most productive part of the day. Normally this occurs during the warmest part. 4 hr's is sufficient between 11-3.
-
3. Fish spots where the sun is shinning on you, instead of fishingspots where you are in the shadow of a cliff or tree's.
-
(Photo)
Another client with a Female Steelhead. Both smil'n!
-
4. Where dark clothing so the suns warm rays can be absorbed into your clothing.
-
5. Use a spinning rod. I'm a fly addict, but when it's cold, I love my spinning rod! Hands can stay warm in gloves, guides ice up less frequently, my bait or fly is in the water more due to the mechanical nature of a spinning rod which allows me more chances of hooking up.
-
6. By yourself a pair of fleece wind blocker fingerless gloves with a pull over mitt. I'm out in this weather a lot, and these gloves are all I wear, they are the best! I also reeely enjoy wool gloves with a pull over mitten. Even if wet, they still insulate. I normally carry 2-3 extra pairs of gloves as I hate wet-cold hands in the Winter time.
-
7. Put heat pads in your gloves and underneath your arch in wader boots. These are sold at most tackle shops in the area.
-
8. Treat yourself to a pair of 4-5 mil neoprene boot foot waders preferably with a polypropylene wool insert that wraps your feet or a Thinsulate rating of approx. 1200 or more in the boot. You work hard so you deserve it - right? Make sure they are 1-2 sizes bigger than normal as air circulation is key tokeeping warm. My feet and body actually perspire on even the coldest ofdays and when standing in the freezing water all day! If you walk any greatdistances then these are not the best as you will perspire like crazy andthen be damp all day. A lot of us full-time Winter guides use Cabelas (hunting?)waders that used to sell for around $200.
-
9. Wear high tech. under garments that insulate as well as breath.I use Orvisand have found them to work great!
-
10. Being in a drift boat with a big heater is always a treat.
-
11. You all know about eating right. Stay away from things that take along time to digest. I find a nice pasta dish works for me. A good breakfast and lunch are also an important ingredient to staying warm in the afternoon.
-
12. I find that when my toes and fingers start to sting, it's time to actively start moving them and think of warmer places. Going for a quick walk along the river is one of the best ways to get that feeling back. The trick is to never let your feet go numb. It can take all night to get the feeling back into them. If they start to sting, then thats your clue totake some kind of action. With stocking foot waders, where your laces loseor what I call "a sloppy fit". This also helps with blood circulation. Once,I stumbled into the river water when I let my feet go numb. Can't feel themand its easy to fall.
-
13. Take breaks to your car or local restaurant to warm up.
-
(Photo)
I think it was a toasty -2 degrees outside when this picture was taken. Approx. 16 lb's. Fish kept for Ken's dinner table. Congrats Ken!
-
14. Keep moving from spot to spot only hitting the most productive areas in each hole.
-
15. Start the morning off with a nice long walk to one of your favorite spots. There is nothing like a little exercise to warm you up. This warmth will also stick with you for awhile.
-
16. Make sure you have on some good solid spikes, chains or korkers on your wading boots to keep you steady on your feet while on ice or slippery rocks. Felt is not enough.
-
Hope this helps a lil, Randy
-
-
Archived Dec. Salmon River Report
Im finding less fish around then the last few weeks. But, we are really justgetting back to where the numbers are making more sense and where they normallyshould be at.
There are 2 reasons why Im finding less fish.
1. These fish have a very difficult time getting out of peoples freezers and making there way back into the river.
2. Natural fish movement.
-
Today it was hard NOT to find them. We witnessed some incredible fights today and a few left us wanting.
We used the drift boat and John was 5 for 12.
Found them in 4 out of 6 spots.
3 from the first spot.
Nothing from the next 2 spots.
3 from the 4th.
3 from the 5th.
3 more from the 6th spot.
We left fish to find fish and probably could have played with more but the day had to end sometime.
-
John has been having a problem landing fish over the last few years. So todayhe was hopeful to actually see what they look like up close and personal.He also was interested in learning some new and exciting water that he couldcome back too on his own and fish. We succeeded on all fronts. Just aboutevery spot was hold'n. I noticed other anglers and other guides clients alsohaving pretty good luck today. Top to bottom of river.
-
(Photo's)
The Santa hat magically appeared out of my bag, just in time for the firstfish picture. This next Steelhead we had to give chase in the boat and barelylanded it. Directly below us was a fallen tree and shallow white water rapids.I set the anchor in the middle of the river, jumped out of the boat, gavechase and netted the fish just before it ran into the brush pile. John gaveout a howler of satisfaction and excitement.
-
(Photo's)
Caught John in the middle of doing battle. This picture shows who won!
-
(Photo's)
What a honk'a! Approx. 16 lb'r. Great way to end the day! Congrats!! (All fish released)
-
I'd like to take a minute and THANK all of you, who are putting some ofyour catch back. If it were not for some of you, I believe sincerely, thatwe could not have had such a productive day.
Thanks again!
Randy
-
-
From the Mail Bag:
Randy, I found a book called Fly Fishing for Salmon and Steelhead of theGreat Lakes, by Kenn Filkins, to be very instructive (but not quite as helpfulas your web site, of course).
-
By the way, congratulations with the success of your 12'6" 7 wt. Orvis. It sounds like a great rod. I went with the 11'6" 8/9 wt. Loomis, whichI am loving, but (as you pointed out) it may not be the most appropriatefor winter steelhead on the Salmon River. Maybe I need to get another rod. . .
-
Who would have thought that less than two years ago I had never fly fishedfor steelhead or salmon. This year, by contrast, I've had seven great daysof steelhead fishing and 13 great days of salmon fishing and my confidence(if not my skill) is growing by leaps and bounds as is my interest in thesport.
Thanks again for all of your help these past two years. I look forward to more instruction next year.
Have a great holiday season.
Mark
-
Mark, I could not be happier for you! The fish gods have been smiling down upon you for sometime now. Happy Holiday's, Randy
-
Hi Randy, how are you. Was wondering if you could give me some fly rod/reelequipment recommendations without me having to rob a bank to purchase stuff.Would be looking for a 9 foot, 9 weight outfit.
A place near me has some St. Croix rods with lifetime warrantees for between150 and 200 bucks but as far as reels go, I have no clue. Would like to keepthe reel under 200 bucks.
Perhaps I will see you this summer. Thanks Dave
-
Hi Dave, Great rod for the bucks! Buy it!! Try an Orvis Battenkill LargeArbor 9-10 reel. Its one of the most reasonably priced L-A reels out there.I have used one for about 2-3 years, on a year round basis for steelhead,Salmon and Striped Bass. If you buy a lighter weight rod for Steelhead, thenuse it on that rod also. All of my 5, 6, 7 weight Steelhead rods all have9-10 reels on them. Why buy another reel when the larger reel picks up moreline, better drag, etc. Who cares if it does not balance with the rod perfectly.The fish dont seem to mind!
Hope this helps,
Randy
-
-
Con't below :)
-
Dec. 19 Salmon River Pulaski NY Steelhead Drift Boat Guide Spin Fly Fishing Report Update:
-
Ol'man Winter has arrived with snow and colder temp's. If your coming up to fish or are thinking of coming up to fish this Winter, this complementary article may help you to prepare, be more comfortable, have fun, be safe and hopefully help to make your trip here memorable in many ways.
-
Fishing in Jan. and Feb.? Are you Nuts? -Yup:
-
Here are some things to consider when fishing here in the winter. The Salmon River is a dam-released river, so it never totally freezes over.
-
Slush - Planning your fishing day around it:
-
No it's not the stuff you put in a cone and eat but rather a winter occurrence that causes certain area's of the river to be unfishable.
-
(For all Photo's, please see profile - linked to Fishing Report page)
Nice looking Female Steelhead. Super!
-
Knowing current water -air temp. current water and future water flow level's, tonight's predicted lows with tomorrow's highs will help you decide where to begin your day of fishing.
-
Sample:
Water temps. are 34 deg. up top and the flow is 285 cfs. Evening lows are swinging around 5 deg. and daytime highs are around 32 deg. (No heavy snow is forecast) The Key here is the nighttime low. Normally if the low is below 20 deg. you will have slush from Pineville down. If the low is only 20 deg. then you may not have any slush the entire length of the river.
-
When slush is present at these air temp's then normally by 10-11 A.M. the lower part of the river will clear out and make fishing possible. If you're ever not sure, than do what I sometimes do and go to the short bridge in town and have a look for yourself, before planning your day. If air temp's do not rise above 20 for the daytime high then you may have slush downriver all day.
-
(Photo)
Nice colored up Male Steelhead. Notice the bump on the lower jaw. Also the red rosy cheeks and red stripe down its side. What a beauty!
-
If I'm planning to start my fishing at dawn, then I'll start up top. And then later possibly move down river once the slush has had a chanceto clear. If certain areas of the river are slushed up and you are the first to arrive after it has cleared than the chances of hooking-up are good.You will be the first angler fishing to fresh fish that have not been disturbed or pressured.
-
This same condition occurs on the smaller creeks around the SalmonRiver in early-late winter. Many an early A.M. trip North has ended witha return trip when slush was not considered. I will always check air temp'sthe day before I plan fishing the creeks. Often, I will arrive at 10 A.M.and fish while the last balance of slush is clearing and getting firstshot at the prime spots. Fish-on!
-
If you wanted to fish during the prime time during the winter than here are a few things I would consider. (Work and family schedule must beflexible)
1. 3 day warming trend. If there is run-off expect fresh fish in the lower end!
2. Drop in water level or rise.
3. Fish around a holiday, not on it.
4. Mid-week
5. Springtime creeks and streams- Wait till ice out and fishthem on the rise or fall of water levels. If you fish them after they havecleared for to long they tend to get fished out. If you can find your honeyhole when the water is up, then the fish will be there.
-
(Photo)
Another Male steelhead. Congrats!
-
If you arrive and the air temp's are in the low 20?s for the high then here are a few tip's to staying warm and catching some fish!
-
1. The days of me fishing a full 8 hours with these air temps are almost over, unless there is sun and no wind. It is actually very pleasant under these conditions.
-
2. Only fish the most productive part of the day. Normally this occurs during the warmest part. 4 hr's is sufficient between 11-3.
-
3. Fish spots where the sun is shinning on you, instead of fishingspots where you are in the shadow of a cliff or tree's.
-
(Photo)
Another client with a Female Steelhead. Both smil'n!
-
4. Where dark clothing so the suns warm rays can be absorbed into your clothing.
-
5. Use a spinning rod. I'm a fly addict, but when it's cold, I love my spinning rod! Hands can stay warm in gloves, guides ice up less frequently, my bait or fly is in the water more due to the mechanical nature of a spinning rod which allows me more chances of hooking up.
-
6. By yourself a pair of fleece wind blocker fingerless gloves with a pull over mitt. I'm out in this weather a lot, and these gloves are all I wear, they are the best! I also reeely enjoy wool gloves with a pull over mitten. Even if wet, they still insulate. I normally carry 2-3 extra pairs of gloves as I hate wet-cold hands in the Winter time.
-
7. Put heat pads in your gloves and underneath your arch in wader boots. These are sold at most tackle shops in the area.
-
8. Treat yourself to a pair of 4-5 mil neoprene boot foot waders preferably with a polypropylene wool insert that wraps your feet or a Thinsulate rating of approx. 1200 or more in the boot. You work hard so you deserve it - right? Make sure they are 1-2 sizes bigger than normal as air circulation is key tokeeping warm. My feet and body actually perspire on even the coldest ofdays and when standing in the freezing water all day! If you walk any greatdistances then these are not the best as you will perspire like crazy andthen be damp all day. A lot of us full-time Winter guides use Cabelas (hunting?)waders that used to sell for around $200.
-
9. Wear high tech. under garments that insulate as well as breath.I use Orvisand have found them to work great!
-
10. Being in a drift boat with a big heater is always a treat.
-
11. You all know about eating right. Stay away from things that take along time to digest. I find a nice pasta dish works for me. A good breakfast and lunch are also an important ingredient to staying warm in the afternoon.
-
12. I find that when my toes and fingers start to sting, it's time to actively start moving them and think of warmer places. Going for a quick walk along the river is one of the best ways to get that feeling back. The trick is to never let your feet go numb. It can take all night to get the feeling back into them. If they start to sting, then thats your clue totake some kind of action. With stocking foot waders, where your laces loseor what I call "a sloppy fit". This also helps with blood circulation. Once,I stumbled into the river water when I let my feet go numb. Can't feel themand its easy to fall.
-
13. Take breaks to your car or local restaurant to warm up.
-
(Photo)
I think it was a toasty -2 degrees outside when this picture was taken. Approx. 16 lb's. Fish kept for Ken's dinner table. Congrats Ken!
-
14. Keep moving from spot to spot only hitting the most productive areas in each hole.
-
15. Start the morning off with a nice long walk to one of your favorite spots. There is nothing like a little exercise to warm you up. This warmth will also stick with you for awhile.
-
16. Make sure you have on some good solid spikes, chains or korkers on your wading boots to keep you steady on your feet while on ice or slippery rocks. Felt is not enough.
-
Hope this helps a lil, Randy
-
-
Archived Dec. Salmon River Report
Im finding less fish around then the last few weeks. But, we are really justgetting back to where the numbers are making more sense and where they normallyshould be at.
There are 2 reasons why Im finding less fish.
1. These fish have a very difficult time getting out of peoples freezers and making there way back into the river.
2. Natural fish movement.
-
Today it was hard NOT to find them. We witnessed some incredible fights today and a few left us wanting.
We used the drift boat and John was 5 for 12.
Found them in 4 out of 6 spots.
3 from the first spot.
Nothing from the next 2 spots.
3 from the 4th.
3 from the 5th.
3 more from the 6th spot.
We left fish to find fish and probably could have played with more but the day had to end sometime.
-
John has been having a problem landing fish over the last few years. So todayhe was hopeful to actually see what they look like up close and personal.He also was interested in learning some new and exciting water that he couldcome back too on his own and fish. We succeeded on all fronts. Just aboutevery spot was hold'n. I noticed other anglers and other guides clients alsohaving pretty good luck today. Top to bottom of river.
-
(Photo's)
The Santa hat magically appeared out of my bag, just in time for the firstfish picture. This next Steelhead we had to give chase in the boat and barelylanded it. Directly below us was a fallen tree and shallow white water rapids.I set the anchor in the middle of the river, jumped out of the boat, gavechase and netted the fish just before it ran into the brush pile. John gaveout a howler of satisfaction and excitement.
-
(Photo's)
Caught John in the middle of doing battle. This picture shows who won!
-
(Photo's)
What a honk'a! Approx. 16 lb'r. Great way to end the day! Congrats!! (All fish released)
-
I'd like to take a minute and THANK all of you, who are putting some ofyour catch back. If it were not for some of you, I believe sincerely, thatwe could not have had such a productive day.
Thanks again!
Randy
-
-
From the Mail Bag:
Randy, I found a book called Fly Fishing for Salmon and Steelhead of theGreat Lakes, by Kenn Filkins, to be very instructive (but not quite as helpfulas your web site, of course).
-
By the way, congratulations with the success of your 12'6" 7 wt. Orvis. It sounds like a great rod. I went with the 11'6" 8/9 wt. Loomis, whichI am loving, but (as you pointed out) it may not be the most appropriatefor winter steelhead on the Salmon River. Maybe I need to get another rod. . .
-
Who would have thought that less than two years ago I had never fly fishedfor steelhead or salmon. This year, by contrast, I've had seven great daysof steelhead fishing and 13 great days of salmon fishing and my confidence(if not my skill) is growing by leaps and bounds as is my interest in thesport.
Thanks again for all of your help these past two years. I look forward to more instruction next year.
Have a great holiday season.
Mark
-
Mark, I could not be happier for you! The fish gods have been smiling down upon you for sometime now. Happy Holiday's, Randy
-
Hi Randy, how are you. Was wondering if you could give me some fly rod/reelequipment recommendations without me having to rob a bank to purchase stuff.Would be looking for a 9 foot, 9 weight outfit.
A place near me has some St. Croix rods with lifetime warrantees for between150 and 200 bucks but as far as reels go, I have no clue. Would like to keepthe reel under 200 bucks.
Perhaps I will see you this summer. Thanks Dave
-
Hi Dave, Great rod for the bucks! Buy it!! Try an Orvis Battenkill LargeArbor 9-10 reel. Its one of the most reasonably priced L-A reels out there.I have used one for about 2-3 years, on a year round basis for steelhead,Salmon and Striped Bass. If you buy a lighter weight rod for Steelhead, thenuse it on that rod also. All of my 5, 6, 7 weight Steelhead rods all have9-10 reels on them. Why buy another reel when the larger reel picks up moreline, better drag, etc. Who cares if it does not balance with the rod perfectly.The fish dont seem to mind!
Hope this helps,
Randy
-
-
Con't below :)