As we're nearing the start of the King salmon season in the northeast, my mind is almost constantly on this season. I've never fished for kings before, but this might be the year I do it. It's more a matter of timing than anything, though the number of people to contend with on the Ontario tributaries is a big factor too. My buddy and fishing friend Rusty is also a big bow hunter, and it just so happens that the salmon run coincides with bow season in Pennsylvania. That means that I either have to fish by myself on unfamiliar water, or go with someone else. I haven't found someone else for now, and I'm not keen on fishing a big river like the salmon river alone, so it's up to Rusty. I started laying the groundwork the other day and hopefully, he bags a buck early and we can try out the Salmon River for the first time this season.
Another key factor in this year's season is the lack of any gear sturdy enough to handle a King. Being primarily a medium stream and river fly fisherman, I mainly own fly rods in the 3wt to 6wt range and 7'-0" to 9'-0" class. If I'm going to hit the big water in search of big fish, I'm going to need some new gear. Right now, I'm leaning toward a Redington Red.Fly 2 - 9'-0" 8wt rod and a Redington Surge #8 reel. This with some line should be acquired for the $250. range, and while you can spend a lot more money, the question for me right now is why. For me, this is something that I might do once or twice a season. It's a bit of a drive for us to get up to Pulaski NY, and due to our lack of interest in fishing elbow to elbow, the trip has to be in the middle of the week, which means we have to take vacation time to make the trip. In other words, If I do hit the SR this year, It will be a one time deal. I can't justify spending $600-$800 on gear that I might use once a year. If anyone has a better suggestion for gear, feel free to post it in the comments.
On top of Salmon season, it's getting to be close to the time of year that the steelhead start running in the lake Erie tributaries. Our trip last year was fantastic, and while I'm hopeful for another stellar steelhead season, that has to compete with my vacation time too. Top that off with Rusty's work schedule, and his interest in other outdoors activities, and you've got yourself a challenge for trying to hit the water with any real purpose. This has been a rough year for fly fishing for me. The spring was too wet, and my schedule was hectic, the summer has been too dry and my schedule was hectic, and now we're approaching fall and one of the best times of the year to be on the water, and it looks like something will prevent me from fishing it. All I can do is keep playing the lottery and hoping for the right opportunity to get on the water.
Anyone with comments or suggestions for salmon fishing on the lake Ontario tribs is welcome to post them in the comments section below.