Lower Salmon River Fishing Report – Browns & Steelhead on the Swing

  We’ve been seeing some solid action on the lower Salmon River lately, with a good mix of brown trout and steelhead showing in the pools. Right now, you’ll likely need to fish through a few browns before connecting with a steelhead—but that’s not a bad problem to have. Both species are actively taking swung […]

Book a Spring Steelhead Fly Fishing Trip in New York

    Spring offers some of the most enjoyable steelhead fly fishing in Upstate New York, with rising water temps, active fish, and lighter pressure than the fall season. Paul’s Guide Service provides guided spring steelhead trips on the Salmon River, offering both Spey fishing and single-hand fly fishing trips. If you’re new to steelhead […]

Winter Trout Spey Fishing in Upstate New York

  Winter Trout Spey Fishing in Upstate New York Winter is one of the most overlooked — and rewarding — times to be on the water. While many anglers wait for spring, winter offers quiet rivers, light pressure, and ideal conditions for swinging flies to trout. Cold water slows fish down, making a well-presented swing […]

10 Tips for Swinging Flies in Low, Clear Water for Steelhead

10 Tips for Swinging Flies in Low, Clear Water for Steelhead 1. Lighten Your Leader Setup Use a long, light leader with a fluorocarbon tippet to avoid spooking fish. A  4-6 ft leader with a 8-12 lb tippet works well. 2. Downsize Your Flies Smaller, more natural flies like sparsely tied patterns in muted colors […]

Steelhead Season Kicks Off Strong on the Salmon River

Steelhead season is off to a fantastic start here on the Salmon River in New York. With the recent rain finally raising water levels, fresh chrome-bright steelhead are pushing into the system in good numbers. After a stretch of low water and sunny conditions, this change in weather has really fired things up. The river […]

The 2025 Salmon River salmon run is quickly winding down here in Upstate New York, and overall it’s been a solid season. Even with low water flows and bright sun almost every day, the fish showed up and gave us plenty of action. We had some incredible mornings when the migration was steady, and though […]

DIY Raft Trailer Mods – Affordable and Functional Upgrades

  If you spend enough time around boat ramps or scrolling raft forums, you’ve probably seen the same question pop up over and over—“What’s the best way to add a roller to a raft trailer?” I’ve experimented with a few setups over the years, and I’ve finally landed on a simple, effective, and affordable DIY […]

Prime Trout Conditions on West Canada Creek – Book Your Float Trip Now!

  West Canada Creek brown trout on a streamer If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get out on the water, now is it. Fishing conditions on West Canada Creek are as good as it gets right now, with ideal flows, rising trout, and a smorgasbord of hatching bugs keeping the fish active […]

Steelhead Season Wrap-Up: Reflections from the River

Steelhead Season Wrap-Up: Reflections from the River As spring gives way to early summer here in Upstate New York, another steelhead season has come to a close. It’s always bittersweet wrapping up a chapter that brings so much excitement, challenge, and connection—to both the fish and the anglers who chase them. This season was no […]

Experience the Thrill of Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass on the Salmon River, NY

Looking for an exciting new angling adventure this season? Join us for a guided fly fishing trip for smallmouth bass on the Salmon River in Upstate NY! Known for its world-class salmon and steelhead runs, the Salmon River also boasts an incredible smallmouth bass fishery that peaks during the warmer months. Our experienced guides will […]