Longknife gave perfect advice , set up.
Just to note. Your leader can be as long or none is required ( outside of fly zone ) . The regulation is weight restriction - distance from hook to weight can be no more then 4 feet , anywhere on the river . Seriously though you need it to be no more then 2'
Good luck

I Thank you both for your input. It looks like I have some work ahead of me. Do either of you recommend a trustworthy tackle shop up in Pluaski or Altmar.

There are many and some are speciality such as Malinda's and Whittakers ( fly shops )
As for general fishing and all around I personally prefer All Seasons Sports , it's just my choice and after years of frequent in there . Heck I will probably be shopping for ice fishing gear in there when I'm up 😀
That said , honestly I have not had a bad experience with any shop ( well , except the one 2 bob knows about ) but for the most part all are very helpful

www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/62216.html Cruise the site, there is also a section for chromers.
 
Finding a room for when you are planning to go could be problematic between Watertown and Oswego, unless you've already got something booked. 

There's some cheap motels in Rome and in Westmoreland, about an hour out from the river. I stay in them sometimes in the winter, as they are on my way in. Better than the bunkhouses and cheaper, just a drive from the river.

Solid advice Charlie

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I will check out the site along with the tips from all the posts. I do have lodging booked for October 8th -12th I just hope to come up a day earlier to get the rest of my gear squared away and together. If anyone is going to be around let me know.

Watch for the detour halfway to SR out of Rome- been a bridge out all summer.

I will look out for it. I will be coming up 81 not familiar with the area.

Don't stay in Rome. Syracuse is an option. Look around at rooms at Whitakers, schoolhouse inn or look on Tripadvisor. Rooms are gonna be tight but it's worth checking around.

Your rig for spin rod is 12-15 lb mainline and 8-12 lb Tippett. Get some teeny black swivels, small thru medium lead split shot on Amazon and some egg sucking leaches, black stoneflies, estaz eggs, and maybe caddis, or bead head jumbo johns.

It's all in the art of where, when and how you fish an area. Move around, watch others and don't be afraid to ask others for help.

Good luck.

ft09