🎣 Fishing Spot: Salmon River – Upper Fly Zone (Altmar, NY)

🏞️ What Is the Upper Fly Zone

The Upper Fly Zone is one of two fly-fishing-only sections of the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York, located near the Altmar Dam. It stretches from the upstream boundary at the Lower Reservoir (Altmar Dam) down to the County Route 52 bridge, covering approximately 0.25 miles of river.

This section is world-famous among fly anglers targeting steelhead and salmon. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), it is designed to offer fly fishers a quieter, more technical section of the river where wading and presentation skills truly matter.

🌟 Why It’s Special

• Fly-Fishing Only Zone
  No spinning, baitcasting, or centerpin gear is allowed — creating a calm, fly-specific environment. This makes it one of the few places in the region dedicated entirely to traditional fly fishing.

• Prime Holding Water
  Being so close to the Altmar Dam, this zone maintains steady, cold flows year-round, providing ideal habitat for steelhead that overwinter and salmon staging to spawn. The deep pools and oxygenated riffles make it a magnet for fish throughout much of the year.

• Early Access to Steelhead and Late-Season Action
  Because of its location near the dam, this zone often sees early arrivals of steelhead in fall and lingering fish well into spring after other parts of the river slow down.

• Technical and Rewarding Fishing
  The fly-only restriction and clear, slower water conditions demand precision. Anglers who can match drift speed, depth, and fly choice are rewarded with some of the most memorable hookups in the Salmon River.

⚖️ Regulations Specific to the Upper Fly Zone

The Upper Fly Zone is governed by strict NYSDEC regulations to protect fish populations and maintain fair angling practices.

🎣 Key Rules

🗓️ Seasonal Open and Closed Periods

The Upper Fly Zone operates on a seasonal schedule, opening after salmon spawning and closing for protection during key migration periods.

⚠️ Exact opening and closing dates can vary slightly year to year depending on water conditions and DEC notices. Always verify current regulations before fishing.

🧭 Summary

The Upper Fly Zone in Altmar offers one of the most iconic fly-fishing experiences in New York. From chasing chrome-bright steelhead in March to swinging flies for fresh kings in September, it delivers technical yet rewarding fishing in a peaceful, fly-only environment.

With strict regulations, scenic surroundings, and consistent fish presence, this zone remains a must-fish destination for serious fly anglers visiting the Salmon River.

Location: Altmar, NY (Below Altmar Dam)
Management: NYSDEC
Access: Public (fly-fishing-only)
Season: April 1 – November 30
Best For: Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Atlantic Salmon
Regulations: NYSDEC Salmon River Regulations