I have another question going up Columbus day weekend is there a good chance that the salmon will be up higher in the river where it will be easier to not have to cross or do you have to cross no matter where you fish at on the river

By that time the SAlmon,Steel,and browns could be anywhere on the river and yes they will be waaay up river.You do not have to cross anywhere on the river,that's up to you to decide.I gave you a tip on where to go with the wife for a good experience,try it out.

Ok thank you very much Ill take her there I appreciate the advice

pafisher
By that time the SAlmon,Steel,and browns could be anywhere on the river and yes they will be waaay up river.You do not have to cross anywhere on the river,that's up to you to decide.I gave you a tip on where to go with the wife for a good experience,try it out.

                                                        ^^^


What he said. 
As good advice as there is. 
The lfz-lower fly zone on the rock wall is the sweet spot for your trip.
 
I assume the two of you are fly fishing?
Don't let the crowding get to you.
The fish will be there so just keep casting.
 

Steelies4ever,
Sent you a PM.
 

If you're fishing the wall, bring a long handled net.  

I just realized that we can not fish the LFZ.  Although we fish with flies we use spinning rods.  I have a fly rod set up but my wife has not learned to fly fish yet so I taught her how to tie sucker spawns on and drift them with a small bb weight and a float.  So I will have to find an easier place for her to fish.

The compactor hole is a nice area.  

Ok I will check it out here thanks for the info I really appreciate it

A license can be purchased online or on the phone if you don't want to wait in line. Sometimes the computers go down , too.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html
The compactor has some tough wading where the fishing is good . Pineville Bridge is a little friendlier to your girlfriend wading. Same for the north side of the river below the 52 bridge in Altmar. A few hundred yds. down is the area called the barrel. All these areas will be CROWDED. Grin and bear it. Go EARLY!   Don't be fooled by the snaggers, watch and you'll see people actually fish, they usually are good about answering questions, as they are the real deal.
I've done well with steel on sucker spawn and a few salmon to boot. Light blue, pink  and  a lime/chartreuse have  been the best colors for me. Sz. 6 with a beadhead for salmon and early steel. Black or brown wooly  buggers also are good. 4 thru 8's.  Any other advice you got from the veterans was golden. Have a great trip!
PS- put your girlfriend above you, you can get her a little longer drift and you can time yours with hers and maybe avoid some tangles with others.