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When I was first told about the Salmon River trip, sometime in late October, I didn’t think much of it. I said I’d consider going and see how I felt when the time got closer. I was also told that it would be an epic experience, well worth the long cold days in the water. I didn’t even know what a steelhead was, and I sure as heck didn’t know where Pulaski, NY was. The end of November rolled around and I needed to make my decision. Sure, why not. I had nothing better to do really.

The pilgrimage began around 10pm on December 9. Itchi, our chauffer for the next five days, helped us pack our abundance of gear in the car and we headed off in the darkness. He drove. I slept. Make that, I tried to sleep. The “Mexican Mix” my friends fed me for dinner was doing somersaults in my stomach. It was going to be a loooong ride. At 5am we were finally there, waiting for the fly shop to open so we could get our licenses. Several other members of our party also pulled up right around the same time. I admit, I was nervous about meeting these guys for the first time. I was still a newbie to fly fishing, and wasn’t sure I would be accepted into this group of buddies.

Photo by: yashuone

The fly shop was crawling with fisherman telling stories of the “big ones,” and those that got away. They were all standing around in their waders, a sight I imagine is commonplace only in fishing towns like this one. After getting our licenses and attempting a quick nap (unsuccessful due to sheer excitement), we headed for the river, dawned our waders, tied on, and got wet.

Over the course of the next few days nearly everyone in our group hooked up and brought steelies to hand. The days were long, and sometimes quite cold. My lack of body fat, and too-tight boots made things even colder. Thankfully, we had a great camp set up and were able to make hot food to stay warm. But really, no amount of cold could shake my desire to land one of the beasts.

Troy's 16th birthday beast.

It was now day four. Not much time left for me in NY. There was snow on the ground, and now big flakes falling. I had decided to fish the opposite side of the river that day, although it provided much tougher landing area. I just needed to try something different. And finally, I hooked into a steel giant. As soon as it was on, it raced downstream, tearing line from my reel. There is only one way to describe my first steelhead battle…EPIC. I don’t remember the number of times it ran me into my backing, and I don’t know how long it took me to get him to hand, I just remember the rush. Luckily at the moment I was getting him close enough to grab him, a couple nice guys walking along the bank loaned me their net and boca grippers so I could get a couple glory shots on the camera. Ahhh, a sigh of relief. Pressure off.

Snowy conditions. Photo by: Nome

My first steelhead.

I did hook into a few more fish that day and the next, but none were brought to hand. When I left the banks of the Salmon River I felt somewhat disappointed. I had only landed one, while all of my comrades brought multiples to hand. They all assured me that it was a great success to even land one my first time out, especially since I had only been fly fishing since August, and that I should be proud of my week on the river. Now when I look back at the photos, and see the memories in my head, it was all worth it…the freezing cold water, the endless days and early mornings… I can’t wait to go back again, for the friends and the fishing.

If you have the opportunity to make a trek to the Salmon River to fish for steelhead, I highly recommend it. Yes, there are other great steelhead fisheries in the U.S., but I think Pulaski, NY provides an interesting experience in addition to big fish. It’s a town that has nothing going for it except fishing. You’ll find locals in the grocery store shopping in their waders (studs included, shhh!). There’s a Ponderosa Steakhouse there, that if visited around 4 pm, suddenly is chock full of elderly, and that’s when they restock the buffet bars. I also recommend staying at Whittakers. The cabins are affordable and well kept. Just make sure it’s your non-snoring friends in the cabin next to you.

Itchi and his catch.