By: Michael Johnson
PULASKI – The dark, winding waters of the Salmon River meander down from the verdant forests of the Tug Hill Plateau, across the rolling countryside, through tiny villages, and eventually spill into Lake Ontario.
Along the way, the river provides places to enjoy a day on the water, places to attempt to hook into a migrating fish, and places to create some distance from the rest of society. It would be difficult to maintain social distancing requirements during the madness of the Fall Salmon run, but in the much more sedate Spring fishing season, there is plenty of space for each angler to enjoy a small amount of solitude.
Steelhead, a winter run species of Rainbow Trout, is the fish most often pursued on the Salmon in the spring. Landlocked Atlantic Salmon can occasionally be found in this tributary during the time of cool weather and cold water that follows the winter, although usually not in large numbers.
Fishing at this time of year requires the proper gear, as the cold water puts a chill on anyone who stands near or wades into it. The frequently strong winds that blow in from frigid Lake Ontario add to the challenge of staying comfortable outdoors for long periods of time.
As anyone who makes angling a habit will tell you, fishing is for the patient, and being patient on a cold , windy day is a challenge in itself.
The ongoing quarantine places a premium on getting out of the house occasionally, but doing so without getting too close to others can be difficult. Luckily for those who enjoy fishing, the Salmon River is not too crowded in April.
Larry Czarnecki, a retired ironworker, visits the Salmon River as often as possible. The small crowds also reduce the pressure on the fish, resulting in an increase in the possibility of a catch.
“I seem to have a little more luck in the spring… This is the best time of year to fish the Salmon,” Cznarecki said recently as he waded into the swirling water. “I really look forward to having a little elbow room when I fish here.”
Choosing the most effective bait for successful angling is always a challenge, and of course there is never a definitive choice. Asking around at the local tackle shops will help get you in the ballpark, but different days yield different results.
Water temperature, time of day, and depth are just a few of the variables that play into success or failure. Salmon eggs are highly respected, but a small spoon such as the Little Cleo can also produce an exciting tug of war with a large fish. Steelhead seem to respond to lures that imitate the struggles of an injured minnow, or produce vibration or a visual flash.
Resources that are shared by all such as the Salmon River are sometimes under-appreciated, as it is easy to take a small body of water for granted in a state that is dotted with lakes and rivers.
For an outdoorsman or woman suffering from a case of cabin fever, a few hours spent casting a line across a gently rushing river can be a priceless commodity, satisfying a desire to connect with nature.
The need to distance ourselves from others is a new challenge, but the Salmon River in April is a great place to leave the crowd behind.
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