Steelhead provide world-class fishing

All along the Salmon River from now until early May anglers will pursue these migratory rainbow trout.

Anglers stand along the banks of the river casting or drifting their lures or bait while trying to stay warm.

Suddenly there is the cry of “fish on” and a silver torpedo erupts from the water downstream. Soon, the angler is racing along the slippery rocks along the rivers’ edge, his rod held high as a powerful fish strips line from the reel at an alarming speed.

The subtle presentation, the excitement of a strike, and the thrill of battling an acrobatic and powerful fish on light tackle are all part of the excitement of steelhead trout fishing.

All along the Salmon River from now until early May anglers will pursue these powerful migratory rainbow trout that can reach as long as your arm. It is world class fishing right here in our own backyard, and it is equal or better than any you will find in the upper Great Lakes or the Pa- cific Northwest.

There are lots of fish in the Salmon River and other streams just waiting for the water temperature to warm up a bit before they spawn in a few weeks and return to the lake. For much of the winter the fishing action has only been fair due to big fluctuations in water level and temperature. Stable weather patterns usually produce the best action.

Earlier this week I spent some time talking with Nick Mulpagano, a former local res- ident, about steelhead fishing and current conditions on the Salmon River. Nick is the son of Chris Mulpagano, whom most people consider one of the top guides on the Salmon River. Although Nick sometimes works with his father, he has his own guiding license and has been fishing for salmon and steelhead for quite some time. He has his own driftboat and runs his own charters.

Nick said that the Salmon River was somewhat high but

fishable. At 2,500 cubicfeet-per-second, it could be difficult for shore anglers, but with his driftboat he was able to get to areas where the fish are holding without much trouble. Recently, he has been taking some nice fish with egg sacks or pink worms. When the water warms up and fish are closer to spawning, he will run lures such as Hot Shots or similar small wobbling plugs.

The usual method of fishing for steelhead includes drifting egg sacks using spinning rods and reels, or fly fishing with small stone fly nymphs, Wooly Buggers, or imitation egg flies. Baits and flies (sizes 8 – 12) that you will use are remarkably small considering the huge size of the fish involved. Many people also like to use beads, which we will discuss in a future column.

Long, light, and sensitive rods help you fight the powerful fish. Many anglers use 8 or 9 weight rods at 10 foot length. They are also an advantage in casting or keeping the line off the water while drifting your lure into a likely holding area. Leaders ranging between twoand four-pound test fluorocarbon are best attached to the main line with a swivel. Many anglers leave a tag end to clip on a split shot or two so the bait bounces along over the bottom in a natural movement with the current.

When fishing for steelhead, you should remember that they are still rainbow trout so drift your bait or fly into likely holding areas such as breaks in the current. If you are wading in over your ankles, you are probably standing where the fish are. If you are new to the sport you should fish some of the areas off gravel bars where you can get solid footing and make short casts to likely holding water

Drift your fly or egg sack so that it moves naturally along, lightly tapping the bottom. It takes skill to detect the gentle pickup so your best bet is to watch your line and raise the rod tip whenever it stops. However, there is nothing gentle about their run once you have hooked a fish. Let it run and only apply pressure when the fish slows or allows it. It takes stamina, a large net, and a strong heart to land a big steelhead.

Of course the best way to learn a lot about steelhead fishing as well as increase your odds of action is to hire a guide. I can personally tell you that their experience and knowledge of the river is invaluable when it comes to hooking up with these exciting fish. Their driftboats will not only allow you to fish the deep holes in mid river from the boat, but will allow you to reach and fish places that are inaccessible to the wading angler.

In the near future we will have a longer column on Nick and his advice and tips for steelhead fishing. For more information contact Nick Mulpagano at 315-897-0737.

All Seasons Sports on Route 13 in Pulaski is owned by local resident and sportsman Jim Dence. His well-equipped store is a mecca for guides and sportsmen in the area, so they can tell you what is the best bait or lure, as well as the best spots to go to. Stop in or call 2986433 for more information.

March and early April are the peak times for steelhead fishing since there will be lots of fish and they will be more active. Weather is also a lot more comfortable than the extremes of mid-January. But when you have one of these exciting trout on the end of the line you won’t care what the temperature is!

Short Casts

March Mudness: Some years March still is still bound by winter weather. In most years it considered the “mud season” – too warm for traditional winter sports yet too early for spring activities. Generally March is characterized by preoccupation with the NCAA basketball tournament, St. Patricks Day celebration, and people falling through the ice.

It seems as if every year some people are eager to prolong the snowmobile season or get in some last ice fishing trips before the walleye season closes and push their luck by going out on the ice. Many find out the hard way that the ice is unsafe, sometimes with tragic results.

At this time of year the warming temperatures will soften the ice, even if it is thick. The biggest danger is often rising water levels from melting snow that weakens or melts the ice from underneath. Don’t be one of the statistics this year. Use caution, test the ice, and avoid areas where streams come into the lakes. Areas near the shore are often thin or have.open water. Especially with the forecast for the next few days calling for unusually warm temperatures and rain, you should play it safe and avoid the ice

Chenango Valley TU Intro Fly Fishing: The Chenango Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold an introduction to fly fishing class on Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18. Classes will be held at the Sherburne Earlville Middle School, Room 229 from 1 – 5 pm each day. Cost is $45 for adults and $35 for kids under 18. Contact Sam Scafidi at 607-334-3197 for more information.

Youth Turkey Hunt Signup: The Oneida County Sportsmen’s Federation, Madison County Sportsman Alliance, Mad- ison County NWTF, and ECOs will mentor youngsters during the Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend, April 21 and 22, 2018. This is for youngsters eligible for the youth hunt and do not have the opportunity to learn from a family member or an adult mentor.

On April 14, 2018, prior to the hunt, youngsters will learn from experienced mentors the basics of turkey hunting and practice their marksmanship at a shooting range under the supervision of certified instructors. On April 21 and 22 they will hunt with their mentors.

Youth can sign up or get the application at web site www.cnymyhunts.org. You must sign up by April 1, 2018. Email the application to sfcf@tds.net or by USPS mail to Youth Turkey Hunt, C/OMr. Scott Faulkner, 3720 Gifford Rd, Vernon Center, NY. 13477. For questions call 315-225-0192.