Fishing Spot: Salmon River - Douglaston Salmon Run
🎣 Fishing Spot: Salmon River – Douglaston Salmon Run (DSR)
🏞️ General Details About DSR
The Douglaston Salmon Run (DSR) is a private, 2.5-mile section of the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York. Located at the river’s lower end where it meets Lake Ontario, DSR is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive and productive stretches of water for salmon and steelhead fishing in the Great Lakes region.
The property is privately managed with limited daily angler access to maintain a low-pressure, high-quality fishing experience. All anglers must purchase a daily pass to enter the property. Fishing is catch and release only, and all DSR rules are strictly enforced to protect fish populations and ensure a sustainable environment.
🌟 Why the DSR Is Special
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Private Access & Limited Anglers
DSR restricts the number of daily anglers to preserve fish behavior and water quality. The result is less crowded fishing, better opportunities to sight-fish, and a more relaxed experience than the public stretches upstream. -
First Access to Fresh Fish
Since the DSR is the lowest section of the Salmon River, fish entering from Lake Ontario encounter DSR first. This means anglers often get first crack at fresh, chrome-bright salmon and steelhead before they move upstream. -
Pristine Habitat & Management
The property is meticulously maintained — with well-kept trails, monitored bank conditions, and active conservation efforts to reduce erosion and promote natural reproduction. -
Variety of Species
From king salmon and coho to steelhead, brown trout, and even smallmouth bass, DSR offers year-round opportunities to target a diverse range of gamefish.
💵 Cost and How to Book (2025 Season)
Daily access passes can be purchased directly through the official site:
👉 Book or Check Availability Here
The DSR operates on a seasonal pricing structure based on demand and fish activity. Below is the 2025 pricing and angler limit schedule.
🎫 2025 DSR Pricing Table
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Mon–Thurs | Fri–Sun | Angler Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 1 | Jan 1 | Mar 6 | $40 | $50 | 30 |
| Spring | Mar 7 | May 11 | $50 | $60 | 50 |
| Summer 1 | May 12 | Jul 3 | $20 | $30 | 30 |
| July 4 (Closed) | Jul 4 | Jul 4 | N/A | N/A | 0 |
| Summer 2 | Jul 5 | Aug 7 | $20 | $30 | 30 |
| Fall 1 | Aug 8 | Aug 28 | $50 | $60 | 85 |
| Fall 2 | Aug 29 | Sep 18 | $95 | $105 | 250 |
| Fall 3 | Sep 19 | Oct 13 | $105 | $115 | 250 |
| Fall 4 | Oct 14 | Oct 30 | $95 | $105 | 250 |
| Fall 5 | Oct 31 | Nov 16 | $85 | $95 | 70 |
| Fall 6 | Nov 17 | Nov 26 | $75 | $85 | 50 |
| Thanksgiving (AM Only) | Nov 27 | Nov 27 | $45 | $45 | 50 |
| Fall 7 | Nov 28 | Dec 7 | $75 | $85 | 50 |
| Winter 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 23 | $50 | $60 | 50 |
| Christmas Eve (AM Only) | Dec 24 | Dec 24 | $30 | $30 | 30 |
| Christmas Day (Closed) | Dec 25 | Dec 25 | $0 | $0 | 0 |
| Winter 3 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | $50 | $60 | 30 |
💡 All fishing is mandatory catch & release.
🐟 Species and Seasonal Timing
Fishing at DSR changes dramatically with the seasons, offering unique opportunities throughout the year:
| Species | Season (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| King Salmon (Chinook) | Aug – Nov | The largest and most abundant salmon in the Salmon River. Known for their strength and explosive runs. Peak in September–October. |
| Coho Salmon | Aug – Nov | Smaller but highly aggressive. Average 8 lbs; world record 33 lbs 4 oz was caught in this river. Peak mid-September to late October. |
| Steelhead | Oct – May | Enter in late October after the salmon spawn. Excellent fishing through winter and spring; feed on salmon eggs and nymphs. |
| Brown Trout | Oct – Aug | Spawn in late fall; can be found throughout winter and spring feeding on salmon eggs. Range 2–20 lbs. |
| Atlantic Salmon | Apr – Nov | Occasional catches due to NYSDEC restocking. Rare but prized fish. |
| Smallmouth Bass | Apr – Aug | Thrive in warmer months, often found in deeper pools and current seams. Excellent early summer sportfish. |
🧭 Summary
The Douglaston Salmon Run is a premier Great Lakes tributary fishery offering access to world-class runs of salmon, trout, and steelhead in a controlled, well-managed environment. Whether you’re after the thrill of fresh kings in September, winter steelhead in January, or summer bass on the fly, DSR provides an exceptional experience for serious anglers.
Website: https://douglastonsalmonrun.com/fishing/
Location: Pulaski, New York
Fishing Type: Catch & Release Only
Access: Paid Daily Pass, Limited Anglers
Target Species: King Salmon, Coho, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Atlantic Salmon, Smallmouth Bass
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