The Central New York Fly Fisher


New York Atlantic Salmon by Matt Chapple	Atlantic Salmon Taken Fishing the Olive Bead-head Wet
History in New York Of all the salmon species that exist in New York’s waters today, including Chinook, Coho, Pink and Sockeye, only the Atlantic Salmon is native to the state. Lake Ontario once supported a population of wild Atlantic Salmon. This population may have originated from the anadromous form, one that lives its life in the ocean and spawns in freshwater, that migrated up the St. Lawrence River to Lake Ontario and into its tributaries and never returning to the Atlantic Ocean but using Lake Ontario as a substitute for the ocean. This form of Atlantic Salmon is referred to as “Landlocked.” This population of Landlocked Atlantic Salmon was once quite large and there were major spawning runs that existed in The Salmon River system, Oswego River system, and the Genesee River system as well as many others. The loss of suitable spawning habitats caused by, dams which blocked access to prime spawning areas, agricultural run off causing silted up spawning areas to silt up, and the removal of stream-side trees which causing increased water temperatures, over harvesting, and water pollution are all major contributors to the decline of the Atlantic Salmon. By the late 1800's the native Lake Ontario salmon were gone.
New York at Present At present there are many lake and tributary systems across New York State that maintain populations of Landlocked Atlantic Salmon. Unfortunately these populations are maintained by annual stocking programs. There is very little if any natural reproduction due to the introduction of alewives into the ecosystem of the Atlantic Salmon. Two examples are Lake Ontario and Cayuga Lake which both harbor populations of Alewives. The skin of the Alewife contains an enzyme (thiaminase) not found in the natural forage base of the Atlantic Salmon. This enzyme causes the breakdown vitamin B-1 (thiamine) which is essential to successful reproduction. Although natural reproduction does not occur, many stocked Atlantic Salmon return to the streams were they were stocked and can be viewed as they spawn from mid October to mid November during the peak of spawning activity. Unlike pacific salmon such as Chinook and Coho which have also been introduced into New York’s waters, some Atlantic Salmon may return to their home lake after spawning and may return to spawn again. So they can sometimes become quite large, which is a good reason to practice catch and release. There is research being conducted in a combined effort between Universities, state and government agencies to determine the feasibility of Atlantic Salmon restoration to New York. At present through stocking programs Atlantic Salmon can be found in Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, some Adirondack lakes and Lake Champlain.
Fly-fishing for Atlantics The Atlantic Salmon is still regarded as one of the top game fish in New York They are known for their hard runs and incredible leaping ability which makes fishing for them an exciting experience. New York anglers can use a variety of fly-fishing techniques at various times of the year to fish for Atlantic Salmon. In the spring when in shore water temperatures are still below 60 degrees salmon can be found along shorelines feeding on bait fish and will even enter the lower stretches of tributaries to feed on schools of bait fish, such as the rainbow smelt. Steamer patterns that mimic small bait fish are effective at this time. A 9 or 9 ½ foot 6 weight fly rod is a good choice for battling the wind and casting streamers in the early spring conditions. Sink tip or sinking lines work well but at certain times a floating line can be used when salmon are in close to shore chasing bait fish near the surface. Salmon will even move into the lower stretches of tributaries following the smelt as they migrate upstream to spawn. During these periods the salmon feed furiously but the action often does not last more than an hour or so as they move out as quickly as they came in. Streamer patterns are also effective when the salmon are in feeding on smelt. Swinging the streamer as well as varying the retrieve with quick stripping motions will entice salmon to strike. During the spawning season when salmon move upstream in search of a matethe fly-fishing strategies are different. The salmon are not moving into the stream in search of food as they are in the spring. Although in theory are not feeding, they will still strike a variety of flies possibly out of aggression and territoriality as they protect their spawning areas. Post spawn salmon may also resume feeding and can become veracious feeders. Salmon can be taken using a variety of both techniques and patterns in the fall. Stripping and swinging streams in one method as often salmon will violently strike a streamer as it moves through the area in which the salmon has taken temporary residence or where the female has prepared a spawning bed. Swinging small wet flies and nymphs will also produce strikes. When the water temperatures start to drop and the salmon in the tributaries become less active, dead drifting a nymph imitation becomes the technique of choice. When the water temperature starts to drop, the salmon will be less likely to move aggressively and will be more likely to strike a nymph on the dead drift. Atlantic Salmon, the only native salmon to New York, is a prime example of how the pressure of modern civilization can cause the decline wildlife. Although the wild salmon are gone from New York, there is still opportunity to see salmon as they take part in their annual spawning migration and feel their unharnessed energy. As they are truly one of the most exciting fish to pursue with a fly rod.
Effective Wet-fly Nymph It is a cross between a wet fly and a nymph. They are fun to tie and are deadly fish catchers. Add a thorax to a wet fly, which extends the body length and the fly becomes a versatile nymph. Add a bead-head for times when you want to get down to the fish. The bead also adds some flash and seems to increase the fish catching effectiveness of the fly. The soft hackle has lifelike action in the water, making the fly appear alive, like a swimming, struggling, or emerging nymph. These flies can be fished in using various techniques including the dead drift, the wet-fly swing, and in slow water they can be retrieved using a very slow stripping action. All of these techniques I found to be effective in the fall at various times and conditions while fishing for Finger lakes brown trout and Atlantic Salmon.
	Olive Bead-head Wet Hook: curved nymph hook 6-12 Thread: olive 6/0 Tail: pheasant tail fibers Abdomen: Olive hare's mask spun in a brush Rib: fine gold wire Thorax: peacock herl Collar: Hungarian partridge two turns Head: Two turns peacock herl and gold bead



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