Nj fishing steelhead/salmon meet and greet???

[Mikey topaz]

Hey guys was thinkin bout this for a little while and ran it by fasteddie and he agreed lol we should try for a meet and greet at salmon river for a steelhead/salmon trip. Basically this is what im thinking oct 18,19,20th plenty salmon still around and steelhead galore!! Come for one day or whole wknd,spin,spey,fly whatever u would like! Bring whoever, anyone need help finding a room or what gear anything be more than happy to help! Fishing area wise will be determined few weeks before depending on water flow, (talked to my buddy last week and reservoir is at good level right now should hopefully see a flow of 500 to 750cfs this year) so should be a good year if u guys are intrested lemme know heres a few phots from past years to hopefully get ur blood pumpin hahahhttp://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag82/fvkathyk/689C56CD-7ACD-4DF1-BEBD-4A6069F5F3B2-381-000000256B2FC82B_zps6161c554.jpghttp://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag82/fvkathyk/6D735806-81C6-4AED-96E7-20AC39909CD1-381-000000253ADD705D_zpsa9c3bdb6.jpghttp://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag82/fvkathyk/C9A96D2E-E254-4C8E-9648-47D507055415-381-00000025460C41E6_zps7cf84ee1.jpghttp://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag82/fvkathyk/08CD1852-8FC9-4AEF-BA4F-8D8ED5DD4028-381-0000002556A43BCC_zps09a7b396.jpghttp://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag82/fvkathyk/11B64C01-2173-46D5-8237-BA5101A75E11-381-000000254E7A537C_zpsa9b29c89.jpg

[FASTEDDIE29]

This could be an EPIC event. I e been going up for 15 years straight. I got a good crew I've been going with for the last 10 years. Myself and at least 4 other guys are in. My room will be booked by the end of this week. I live for this!!!! Great pics Mikey!!!!!

[Fishon1982]

I am in +1

[Fishon1982]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k39/robbieq16/08EDB197-64BC-4DA1-BB39-B39118F2DD5C-27822-000019CC3A3786D8_zps9517bec3.jpg

[Mikey topaz]

Yeaaa man coho!

[JimmyLivebait]

No Snaggers! They Will Eat....throw A Mikey Topaz Fly They Will Come!

[Madman9132]

I'm in!!!!! I already booked a room.fishing the 4th, 5th and 6th... I can't wait!!!!!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

No snaggers and no DSR. No way in hell Im paying those BASTARDS!!! Plenty of spots that are better than the DSR!

[Duck or Bleed]

I am in Mikey save me a spot in your cabin :D FISH ON !!:cool:

[gwl2oneida]

My cabin is close by, hope I can make it.

[15FOOTER]

Im in if you guys get the dates out 2 weeks in advance. Brendas motel is an awesome really clean super affordable place to stay. Owner will only charge 20$ a night per person if you can get a group. Steelie season!!!!!!!!!!!

[liveitup1.75liter]

Im goin this year been putting it off way too long.. were is a good place to go..not worried bout the difficulty level of the river prefer some movein water... n what weight fly rod u recommend??

[Mikey topaz]

Live it up! 7,8, weight rod is fine also you can use a 9wt too. Also you can use a bunch of diffrent lines too floating, braided mono might wanna check out just a heads up too basically nymphin for steelhead

[NickN]

Gotta love those steelhead. Keep me in the loop if you are looking for one more I am interested.

[Mikey topaz]

Nick n more than welcome to come man were def going and theres no limit to guys all are welcome to this epic event

[sam18014]

I did 8 trips last year brendas motels greats hotel and Awsome owner game room down stairs order pizza wings and beer hang out down there if u get date need to call hotel he books fast

[FASTEDDIE29]

Come on up!!!!! NJF party in Salmon Country, YEA BUDDY!!! My rooms booked the All Seasons Inn! I like to stay midway between Oz and the SR. Plus all the tribs that could light up at any time. I've been stayin at this dump for 10 years. You can do whatever you want at All Seasons!!!!! FISH ON FISH OFF!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!! Goons beware, Jerzy's Rollin DEEP!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jigman13]

Never been. Would be a cool trip. All of you guys use fly rods? If not, what type of spinning set up do you normally use? Just trying to get an idea of what would be needed. I have a few acquaintances who go up each year and have beasts mounted on their walls that they caught up there...

[Mikey topaz]

Jigma. 9 or 10 ft spinning rod reel spooled up with 17 lb test and for ur leaders 8lb test 10 12 max! Just rig it for bottom bouncing upper leader to a swivel with slinky weight or shot from the othe end of the swivel four ft leader with fly or sac etc. flyrod 7 8. 9 weight fly rod use braided mono for bottom bouncing or weight foward line so you could cast easy rigged same way as spinning rod with dinzmore lets go guys all are welcome!!! Lets show these ny guides lol / locals the jersey boyz are in town!!! Fish on!

[Outofline]

I'm in! Looking to land my first steelie.
Gonna be one hell of time!

[15FOOTER]

Jigman I use 11ft med light action rods steelie rods (def get some looks lol)with 10lb ultragreen line and 8lb drennen fluoro leader. I fish eggsacks 3 to 4 ft under floats with some split. Crazy fish light line its a blast..I have 2 extra rods to lend if ur interested

[Jigman13]

Thanks for the info and offer!

I'm curious as I've never been up there and have always wanted to make the trip--esp after seeing the pics and mounts my friends have. They're ridiculous... My one buddy has a 13 lb brown from up there. Not to mention the salmon and steelies.

As far as reels go, do you go as far to use something like Shimano Sustains and Stellas? I assume such beasts would require super smooth drag systems in moving water.

I'm just trying to get an idea of the type of gear etc.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Deep spool, strong drag! Load it up with 10 lb test. I use alot of flies when I'm up there.

[15FOOTER]

I dont use expensive reels at all..pfleugrer presidents and shimano sahara 200-300yd 10lb capacity..any bass reel will work

[15FOOTER]

Spend the money on good boots..good waders..and good winter river apparel because once you get a few on the line ull be hooked fishing into deep january in lake efect snow and single digit temps 15lb plus browns happen all the time. Crazy thing is after a few steelies you wontwant to be bothered with the "sluggish" browns lol

[FASTEDDIE29]

I have the President on my ultra lite salmon rod. Best reel on the market that you don't have to go into a glass case to get. My other rod has some fancy Shimano on it. Don't remember the name but its a hell of a reel.

[Mikey topaz]

15 footer just like you said man once u hookup with one of these steelies thats it the bug has been planted lol! Leavin at 2 am driving get there as suns comin up fish til dark home at 10 lol suicide runs!!! Btw president reels good choice i got the large arbor fly reel and thing is awsome in jan and feb doesnt freeze up like some reels good price too! O btw is it steelie season yetttt!!!:D :D :D

[Jigman13]

Saharas are my go-to sweetwater reel. 3000s. Def not glass casers as Eddie mentioned lol... Some of those higher end reels are nuts in the $$$ dept.

I'm def interested in taking a whack at the salmon/steelie fishery though. I hear way too many good things about it. Reading everyone's excitement magnifies the curiosity.

[FASTEDDIE29]

You want freshwater fish that can make your arms sore???? This is where it's at!!! Suicide runs are the best. Like Mikey said, leave at 2 am, on the water by 6 or so, fishing all day, catching all day, hopefully. Leave Salmon Country tired with sore arms and a smile on your face. The adrenaline keeps you going. Ahhhhh damn, it can't come soon enough. FISH ON, FISH OFF!!!!! Drag screaming, broken rods, burnt out bearings, LOVE IT!!!

[Mikey topaz]

Well some guy nailed a early king at oswego few days ago lol guys just a few things if you need a place to stay you can try cannons hotel,brendas,motel 8,whitakers, just few places incase you guys need a place to stay. Anyone need help with tackle suggestions,flys, concerns please feel free to send me a message lookin for a real good turn out on this one! I started bangin flys out past couple days lets do this guys ! Fish on!!!http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag82/fvkathyk/61AE128F-1BD1-4CCA-AD21-ED8B888B20DE-3588-00000556DB55AEA1_zpsb1cef09f.jpghttp://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag82/fvkathyk/61AE128F-1BD1-4CCA-AD21-ED8B888B20DE-3588-00000556DB55AEA1_zpsb1cef09f.jpghttp://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag82/fvkathyk/94109DBC-AB37-4896-9483-505965325E90-3588-00000556CEAE6FF8_zps071c36f8.jpg

[Mikey topaz]

http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag82/fvkathyk/562C257C-ED86-4F0A-89CB-767001F7E03F-3588-00000556E1582A72_zps5edf29ac.jpg

[JustGoFishing]

Mikey, you're getting me excited with all this fish porn lol. I'm in if I can make it and I'll try to drag Marc up with me.:cool:

[Mikey topaz]

Super pumped up!!!! Dont let me be the only one lets see em post some pics!!

[JustGoFishing]

Black Hole Mud Shark


http://static.dyp.im/sGIUFatwbL/8168eeef62828a901279100e81735f64.jpg

[Mikew36]

As a fishing newbie, is fly fishing the only way to fish this river? I am sure it is the best way but will it be worth me going up there with spinning rod/reel?
If so what are most effective baits?

[JustGoFishing]

Do you know a good place that cleans, smokes and stores fish? Also, if you get it smoked will they have it done quick?

[Mikey topaz]

Mikew lots people spin fish up there its all personal preference spin fly spey centerpin all are effective ways up there that work! Rig them up with light fluro and splitshot dinzmore or slinkyweights and flys some lures and egg sacks just gotta have a nice drift and make sure ur drifting tight to the bottom and whammmmm fish on!!::D

[FASTEDDIE29]

Awesome!!! Random creek pics. Random 30 lb class king out of a creek on 10 lb Suffix Mono! My first Steelie many moons ago out of the lower black hole, 30 inches, 10 lbs on the nose!!! I have more pics in this computer somewhere but I cant find em!!! AHHHHHHH, its all good. SUICIDE RUNS COMING SOON!!!

[onemorecast]

I've been fishing up there for the past 20yrs + Spin, fly and centerpin steelies , browns and salmon. Just wish I could go as much as I use to but now I make them quality trips for my kids. Both of them have been going since they were around 8 now they are 17 and 14 boy do they grow up to fast.

Here are just a few from last year what a great trip!! Can't wait for this year counting the days.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Nice pix dude. My son is 3 1/2 now, I cant wait to get him up there!!!

[onemorecast]

This was the first trip for my oldest when he was 8 and it was an epic early coho run. I will never forget that trip!! When you bring them too young they need a nap after getting up at dawn my youngest at 6 steelhead season. Dude you will never forget the trips up there with your kids!!!

[Mikey topaz]

Nice pics man!!! Thats a hell of a spot to take a nap lol 😄

[cmoran719]

ugh I booked an Amazon local deal for a concert with my gf on the 19th, of all the weekends.... oh well, I'll just have to take off friday or monday and get up there anyway! I am SO IN!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Leaves are starting to change already. Fall is right around the corner. There's been a slow trickle of fish coming into the river. Buddy of mine who lives on the river has been getting a couple of SALMONOIDS after work everyday this past week. WOW!!!!! It's almost go time!!!

[iceehot6766]

I'm gonna try to find the time and excuse to join you guys...Last time i was there it was fish on from jump street for 3 days straight....I never caught so many 15 pound + fish in 3 days as we(the 3 of us) did in my life.....Here's a few of the madness!!

First cast of the day!!!!!
http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k538/iceehot66/001.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/iceehot66/media/001.jpg.html)

Off the jetty near Brennan's Beach Campground right at the mouth where the fish are still chewin'
http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k538/iceehot66/0014.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/iceehot66/media/0014.jpg.html)

A long day at the Big O!!!
http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k538/iceehot66/0012.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/iceehot66/media/0012.jpg.html)

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k538/iceehot66/0015.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/iceehot66/media/0015.jpg.html)

[Mikey topaz]

Okay guys its started!!! Nice run of fish shot through last night, i just wanna put a sign up together of who is comin and how many extra people so we can plan what part of the river we wanna own :D

[FASTEDDIE29]

FASTEDDIE + possibly 6 others!!!!!!!!

[gwl2oneida]

I'll be there and don't forget a lil camp side get together at my place later on. All welcome.

[cmoran719]

Me +2

[Duck or Bleed]

i am in if anyone has a place i can park and sleep in my truck and use your bath room let me know thanks :D

[Duck or Bleed]

CANT WAIT !!!:cool: Fish On!!:D

[FASTEDDIE29]

My boyz Mike and Frank did a suicide run today. Hooked a couple fish in the SR and managed to land 1 King. They headed over to OZ in the afternoon to see if anything was going on. Not much Salmon yet but my buddy Mike did manage to land a 4 ft STURGEON on 8 lb test. YES, a 4 ft STURGEON on 8 lb test!!!! SICK CATCH!!! Thats the 10 th one that I know of that has come out of the deep water off the wall in OZ!!! Why go Salmon fishing? First of all a 10-20 lb Salmon makes a 30-40 lb Striper look like a guppy. 2nd of all, you have a chance3 to catch all other BEASTLY SPECIES!!! TIGHT LINEZ!!!


Come on up, this is the only freshwater fishing that will make your arms sore!!!

[kcritch]

Not much Salmon yet but my buddy Mike did manage to land a 4 ft STURGEON on 8 lb test. YES, a 4 ft STURGEON on 8 lb test!!!! SICK CATCH!!!!

That's gotta be the the top catch of the year on this site....unless I missed something....Awesome! Nicely Done "buddy Mike"!!!

[lakeOangler]

Was up there all last week fishing mexico bay on my dad's boat. Great time and we weighed a 32lb5oz fish into the LOC derby. Hopefully it stays in the money! Gonna try to get up again in a week or two and would love to learn the river.


rookie with his derby fish
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/snowfool/IMAG1619.jpg


Dad with one we weighed for fish of the day
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/snowfool/IMAG1623.jpg

[lakeOangler]

average fish boated

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa229/snowfool/IMAG1613.jpg

[Mikey topaz]

Very nice snowfool67 eddie thats ridiculous!!! Cant wait all i know is its Salmon season boyz!!!:D with the early runs of these fish i have a feeling theres gonna be alot of salmon this year more than the past few years and the more salmon the more steel 😎

[Mikey topaz]

Roccco call pat!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Hey guys, make sure you book your rooms now for the trip. Things fill up quickly up in Salmon Country. If you don't have a room soon you will have a hard time getting one. It's almost go time. YEA BUDDY!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Big pod of fish entered the SR earlier this week. Man oh man, I smell a SUICIDE RUN COMIN!!!!!!!!

[420*NightCrawler]

i am in if anyone has a place i can park and sleep in my truck and use your bath room let me know thanks :D

Glad to find out I'm not the only one who does this. :D Just be prepared for upstate NY fall weather. I've anchored and slept on my boat a few times too (which is not big).

[Duck or Bleed]

Hey guys, make sure you book your rooms now for the trip. Things fill up quickly up in Salmon Country. If you don't have a room soon you will have a hard time getting one. It's almost go time. YEA BUDDY!!!Hey can you give me some names of places in town or close was on line looking not sure where to call dont give a shit what it cost at this point :D Thanks

[FASTEDDIE29]

Places to stay in Pulaski-

-PORT LODGE
-SUPER 8 PULASKI
-MAPLE GROVE RESORT
-HIDDEN ACRES LODGE
-SALMON ACRES FISHING LODGE
-1880 HOUSE
-TRAVELODGE PULASKI
-STEELHEAD LODGE
-FISH-ON MOTEL

There's alot more places than this in the area. Book you rooms now guys!!!

[Duck or Bleed]

Places to stay in Pulaski-

-PORT LODGE
-SUPER 8 PULASKI
-MAPLE GROVE RESORT
-HIDDEN ACRES LODGE
-SALMON ACRES FISHING LODGE
-1880 HOUSE
-TRAVELODGE PULASKI
-STEELHEAD LODGE
-FISH-ON MOTEL

There's alot more places than this in the area. Book you rooms now guys!!! Thanks Eddie booked a room knights inn octorber 19 20 they still have rooms:D

[bulletbob]

I live about 2 to 2/12 hours away, not far from ithaca.. I would like to get in on this.. I usually don't fish Pulaski, as the crowds are horrendous, and unruly.. I fish the Finger Lakes mostly these days. However it sounds like fun, and I would like to meet some of you lucky NJ guys that have great fresh and saltwater fishing right at your fingertips.
bob

[Duck or Bleed]

I live about 2 to 2/12 hours away, not far from ithaca.. I would like to get in on this.. I usually don't fish Pulaski, as the crowds are horrendous, and unruly.. I fish the Finger Lakes mostly these days. However it sounds like fun, and I would like to meet some of you lucky NJ guys that have great fresh and saltwater fishing right at your fingertips.
bobHope you make the trip :D Book a room now

[AndyS]

Someone talk about a NY License, post a link, I think they expire in October, thanx.

[bulletbob]

Hope you make the trip :D Book a room now

Actually, its 105 miles from here to Pulaski.. I would probably just drive up.. I can make it in just about 2 hours... bob

[FASTEDDIE29]

Come on up bulletbob!!! Maybe you can crash with Duck or Bleed if he has room. The more the merrier!!!!

As for licenses, you can renew online at www.dec.nj.gov. NY Licenses run from October 1st and expire September 30th. Very easy process online especially if your already in the system.

TIGHT LINEZ!!!!!! FISH ON!!!!!!!!

[PAMonger]

FastEddie talked me into signing up. I'll be up there visiting family/friends so i won't be able to fish as hard as you guys but i'll be there the 18th-20th and looking to learn from you sharpies.

[FASTEDDIE29]

FastEddie talked me into signing up. I'll be up there visiting family/friends so i won't be able to fish as hard as you guys but i'll be there the 18th-20th and looking to learn from you sharpies.


Good stuff! PM or call me to let me know where we can meet you. Or if your familiar with the river I can let you know where we'll be fishing. You can meet us at the spot!!! I guess we'll figure it out when the time comes.

[Mikey topaz]

Guess we should pick a spot to meet open to suggestions.....? Rather meet at fat nancy or at the spot personally id say altmar parking lot easy to find lots of steelies up there at those dates plenty of room and fly stretch right there too!?

[FASTEDDIE29]

Guess we should pick a spot to meet open to suggestions.....? Rather meet at fat nancy or at the spot personally id say altmar parking lot easy to find lots of steelies up there at those dates plenty of room and fly stretch right there too!?


It's hard to determine a spot until we get a major run. I say meet at Fat Nancy's at 6-630 so the guys can renew there licenses. I'm renewing mine online so I'm ready. I say we play it by ear and go with the word on the river a couple days before hand. I know a bunch of guys that fish up there. My friends are sending me fishing report texts everyday. Salmon everywhere with some light STEEL action. Ahhhhhhhh, it's go time!!!!! Lets just go now and stay up there for 2 months!!!!!! YEA BUDDY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gwl2oneida]

Don't forget Saturday night BBQ at my camp on rt 69. All invited.

[FASTEDDIE29]

What time are the festivities beginning. If you need me to bring something just shoot me a PM and I'll gladly bring whatever you want!!!

[gwl2oneida]

Just chairs. And a firm body count. Women children? I wanna cater to all. I'm thinking 6 or so when everyone is off the water.

[FASTEDDIE29]

I have possibly 6-7 people in my group. That can change of course. Could be 1 more, could be 1 less. Can't wait, getting very fired up. FISH ON!!!!!

[Mikey topaz]

Gwl2oneida- how far away are ya from the river? Jw me and few the boyz will swing by! Might make a run this wknd still trying to decide.....the following weekend ill be up there sept 27-oct 8 then the meet and greet week after that guys come on out!! The russians are there and that means one thing its salmon season!!!:D

[FASTEDDIE29]

Dont forget your Michigan Crickets boyz!!! They are the hottest bait out there!!!

[kcritch]

Dont forget your Michigan Crickets boyz!!! They are the hottest bait out there!!!

Dude....how do you even know about those??? That's funny. Kinda crazy that people would use 'em....is that really a thing up there still?

Its' still funny! :D

[FASTEDDIE29]

Dude....how do you even know about those??? That's funny. Kinda crazy that people would use 'em....is that really a thing up there still?

Its' still funny! :D


Oh man, the stuff you see up there is insane!!! Head over to Rochester and just sit there and watch the mayhem. Dudes are using Bunker trebles and surfrods, blatantly snagging with the old side arm rip!!! Oz is another place to witness the mayhem. It happens everywhere!!! LOL!!!

[NickN]

OK... Room is booked. I will be in Ontario walleye fishing for a week and stopping off in Pulaski on the way back. Plan to fish 19th and 20th. Hope to meet up with some of you guys a some point.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Come on up Nick!!! We'll all be fishing together Friday and Saturday, and dont forget the SALMON COUNTRY Meet-N-Greet at gwl2oneidas house Saturday night at 6. His house is very close to the fishing grounds, rt 69. PM myself or Mikey Topaz for details on where were meeting Saturday. As of now we'll be fishing the SR and we have about 15-16 people between members and non members. We will have the ability and man power to take over whatever stretch we want. YEA BUDDY, TIGHT LINEZ!!!

[GetANet]

Love That Saying: We Have The Ability And Manpower To Take Over!!!!!!

[gwl2oneida]

Its more like a one room cabin than a house at the moment. I DO NOT have a flushing toilet or shower presently so anyone who needs those facilities should use them before they come out. I do have generator power and plenty of potable for other sanitary needs. Can't wait to meet everyone! I've heard from a few but I do need a headcount so drop me line. Don't bring anything but a chair!

[FASTEDDIE29]

18 days away from the MAYHEM!!!! Approximately 15 guys heading up to SALMON COUNTRY!!!! Sore arms, phenomenal fishing and some great pics and stories coming soon. This is going to be a good one. C'mon up!!! This is a WORLD CLASS FISHERY!!!!! Trout average between 5-15 lbs. Salmon average between 10-30 lbs. Most of us veterans land these fish on 10-12 lb test with a 6-10 lb leader. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, now that's a good time!!!:D

[gwl2oneida]

I can't wait! I plan on hitting steelheads all winter if anyone else is down for it!

[Duck or Bleed]

Leaving now to meet Mikey FISH ON !!!:D

[FASTEDDIE29]

Leaving now to meet Mikey FISH ON !!!:D


Get em buddy! Good luck! TIGHT LINEZ!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

We'll fellas, the shit just hit the fan up in Salmon Country. Mikey Topaz reports that a huge push of fish just entered the river. Him, Duckorbleed and Jimmylivebait are enjoying a fish a cast with some small Chrome mixed in. Big Kings are everywhere, it's complete MAYHEM!!!!! They've been catching since 2 this afternoon. SORE ARMS and TIGHT LINEZ FOR EVERYONE!!!!!
Looks like some rain is on the way which will make the trip in 2 weeks even more EPIC!!!!! Oh yea, can you feel that????? That's the feeling of SALMON FEVER!!!!!!!!!

:D
YEA BUDDY!!!!!!!!!!

[Outofline]

Takin' over the SR! Let's do it! Less than two weeks!!!!

[dakota560]

To all the guys heading up to the Salmon River, good luck. It is a world class fishery and truthfully for those of you who haven't experienced it you've never seen anything like it. That being said, a few comments. I've been fishing the river for twenty years or so and have had some really great experiences and have seen unfortunately the worse of fisherman as well. It's hard not to get excited when you see 20 to 30 lb fish porpoising all around you and fish being hooked up on all sides. There's parts of the river where you will see absolute insanity......and you'll know what I mean when you see it. Don't be afraid to get off on your own or spread out. The fish at this time of year are shooting the river and typically will run where the current is strongest. The steel have a tendency of holding in the seams and if you want to target steel, go lighter with your leader. You'll lose most of the salmon but your chance of legitimately hooking a steel will go way up with 6 - 8 lb vs 10 - 12. Steelhead and brown will hit, for the most part salmon are not feeding when they run the river. I know many will argue this point but imo for the most part these fish are mostly lined or foul hooked. The fight is phenomenal but again they are in a migrating mode and for the most part they're not interested in your offering. Not sure when you're going up but the worst weekend to go is Columbus Day....it's an absolute zoo. You'll know what I mean if you go. You'll witness guys fishing with heavy salt water outfits openly snagging salmon and truthfully it's a shame and the bad part of this fishery. The more you get into the season, November and beyond, you'll get more and more steel and browns in the river, the temperature drops, the clowns will stop coming and the fishing imo really starts then.

Treat the river with respect, please clean up after yourself, you see way too many people leaving crap on the banks. As a few have said, the fishery itself is world class but it's what you make of it as well. Don't try snagging fish, the trout will hit regularly and on good days and once you learn their habits you'll experience fishing like you've never seen. It's incredible both in quantity and quality. I've had days where legitimately I've hooked 50 or more steel and browns in a given day. Trout will spawn and return to the river. Cohos and Kings die unfortunately every year they run the river. If you want to keep a trophy trout, do so but imo don't put these fish on a stringer for a few pictures and table fare. They're far too valuable a resource and deserve a better fate. They are trophy fish and will keep returning to the river every year to guarantee the future of the fishery.

Enjoy and learn the river. Once you learn the techniques, you can apply them to any pool on the river. Thin time of year, fish are running and will look for fast water and seams. Fish will hold up in deep pools right after or before running rapids. Steel as I said earlier tend to hang along the seams picking off eggs being dropped by the salmon or behind them when they're creating their reds on gravel. When the water temperature drops, they will winter in the deeper pools and you need to adjust your presentation accordingly. Either way, pay attention to details and learn how to make a natural presentation. That's probably the most important aspect of being successful. Whatever you do, don't let your excitement turn you into a goon. You'll know what I mean when you see some of what takes place on the river.

I wish everyone well and hope all the newbies land your first chrome this year. You won't ever forget it! Enjoy what the river has to offer and remember to protect the resource regardless of what you see some of the idiots doing up there!

Dakota

[FASTEDDIE29]

Good post dude. I myself have seen the insanity as well, been running up for 16 years. We have a good group of experienced anglers going up. Most of us will be looking for CHROME. Some guys will be targeting Salmon including myself. Not having the time to run up for an over nighter this year killed me. I have alot of catching to do in 2 1/2 days. We'll be up the 18-20th. I have 1 rookie coming up, hopefully he'll hook into something. No side arm snaggers or compulsive lifters in this bunch. The right way or the highway. We'll do our best to represent NJ and NJF.com in a respectable manner.

Columbus week is the absolute worst time to go. Surf rods, bank sinkers and rotting Salmon on ropes everywhere. Horrible!!!!! TIGHT LINEZ DUDE!!!!

[Mikey topaz]

Unfortunatley like dakota said there are morons, i just got back i watched a guy land a nice female steelie, guys does a beautiful release i turned to the guy and said u dont see that much i said say alot of guys especially this time year woulda threw that on the stringer u dont see to many peolple throwing em back besides the guys with myself thanks while hes reviveing the fish two russian kids maybe ten run down to watch the fish swims out no more than three ft from the shore russian kid grabs a rodd soon as guy releasing fish turns his back kids rips a hook i. The fish and in the net in two sec takin pics on the stringer bloody like really what the $&@"???? Guys like dakota said these fish hit are a trophy fight and catch take a pic and throw em back i use a cat h an release glove they cost like 15-20 bucks and are a big help to the fish

[FASTEDDIE29]

Who's attending the BBQ at gwl2oneida's place? Please post your name on his thread. He's looking for an accurate head count. It's gona be a good time, c'mon fellas!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

From a friend in Pulaski right now; The largest run of fish we've ever seen has entered the river. Fish are so thick guys can't wade in the water without tripping or stepping on a Salmon! Haven't seen a push like this in 30 years!!!!!!

Largest run in 30 years is happening RIGHT NOW FOLKS!!!! This is no BS!!!!! You can't cast right now without hooking a fish, they're are too many fish. WOW!!!

[SnackAttack]

The fishing this week was unreal. I have been fishing up in Pulaski for over 30 years, Man I'm getting old!!! I don't move as fast as I use to around the river, but this week there were fish everywhere. I was targeting Steel Head but there were way too many Kings in the river to get a good drift without hooking one. I did get to come tight on two nice fish but they got unbuttoned and life goes on. I don't know if I can make it up this weekend to meet everyone, but the fish are in the river and new fish are coming in daily. Please everyone be safe, watch your steps on the rocks and be patient.
From what I heard, most of the cohos are done, but as the nights get cooler, the steel head will be moving up. I can't wait to see the posts from the trip, please everyone, take pictures and post them.
Have Fun.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Good stuff dude. Fish are thick up there. This weekend is going to be epic!!!

We plan on taking tons of pics and possibly some videos.

TIGHT LINEZ!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

ITS GO TIME BOYZ!!! Let's get out of here! I'm awake, my adrenaline is PUMPING!!!!!!

[Wilson]

ITS GO TIME BOYZ!!! Let's get out of here! I'm awake, my adrenaline is PUMPING!!!!!!
Soooo how'd you do today?

[Mikey topaz]

We got in to them wilson bunch of small steelies no big boys but tomorrow is another day will post some pics tomor were fishing down low been pouring up here last night and this mrng hope it has so fish on the move:D

[PAMonger]

Man, some things came up that blew away my chance to go this weekend, but I have reservations for next weekend! :D