Jay Peck's Blog

 April first has come to pass, the traditional start to trout season.  Most Springs this time of year our trout streams are iced up or at flood stage or very close to it. This spring water flows in many of our trout streams are at ideal levels. We are having a cold snap over next few days, No sense in looking for any bugs hatching. However do not hesitate to get on the water, don’t let a little cold weather stop you.  Consider doing a little winter style nymph fishing.

Back to steelhead fishing, Western New York, Oak Orchard River and the surrounding creeks and rivers. Too early for me to tell but it looks like the steelhead fishing is winding down of the Western New York Rivers. I hope this is only an intermission between runs, But only time will tell. Other than a slow down in the numbers of steelhead not much for changes this past week. We still had to fish smart and hunt for the steelhead, same batch of flies got the job done, willy buggers and leech patterns.  Water flows everywhere have been excellent and water temperatures have been in the mid 40° range. This is why I’m still hopeful we will see at least another week of decent steelhead fishing.

Salmon River Pulaski NY; true to form the steelhead fishing is still going as consistent is it always does for this time of the year. Water flows remain constant with a 500 CFS dam released. This is a very convenient flow for both fishing and running the drift boats. Water temperatures also remain fairly consistent, fluctuating between the low to mid 40s degree range. The recent cold snap and more consequently the cooler water temperatures that come with it, will cool down the water temperatures. This cold snap is also slowing down the fish activity, for a few days. With the cold snap, water temperatures drop into the mid 30° range. Sharp drop in water temperature is what will bring the fishing to a standstill until the water temperatures start to warm back. Fishing pressure over the weekends, have been intense. As a result we’ve had to adjust to work around all the pressure. Lower river is seeing way less fishing pressure. Even though there are fewer fish you’re able to work the water efficiently and having good success doing it. Do not forget that once the pressure gets off the water the fish will become active once again. Late in the day the upper River can become very productive. The fly box; stoneflies nymphs still getting it done, in size 12 to 10, For the swing, small intruders around two and a half to 3 and half inches long. We have been having the best success with size for size 4 and size 6 Black and brown willy buggers.

Note;

A reminder, Rick Smith and myself still have dates for spring steelhead fishing both April and May. Early May is what we call, swimming season. A great time to fish for steelhead with two-handed rods and a singing fly. Feel free to call to discuss dates and fishing opportunities. Cell 585-233-0436