IF they (the DEC) would really crack down on the snagger/rippers and they would not come to the area anymore a lot of the bad stuff would end.These types are the litterers/boozeheads/disrespectful Aholes that make the "silly season" what it is.I know many FISHERMEN that quit the Salmon fishing because of the Aholes and I bet they would return if it would be cleaned up.

Those stealerships are nice looking, we have bought a car or 2 from them.   I would like to know how many more NEW jobs were created when they opened as both were already operating elsewhere.  I would think the builders were not local. Sales tax from the purchases will stay in the county. I am torn on the PILOT program.  They really need to look at each case individually. Jailwater would have been built no matter what PILOT or not.
 
Back to tackle. What is the smallest fly you consistently fish for steel.  I use 12's all the time. Do any use 14's.  Thinking of tying up some of my green nymphs in a 14. All the worms I have seen are that small or smaller. Do you get to a point where the Steel CA not see it as well..............
 

Clint I use size 14 glo bugs for Steel and have caught many fish on size 16 peacock nympths.

I know shot size varies a lot, depending on the flow and the depth of the water.  But, what is the most common size shot to use?

dtrobe
I know shot size varies a lot, depending on the flow and the depth of the water.  But, what is the most common size shot to use?

Apologize for jumping in without reading the entire thread but for salmon, for me, it's usually lower water level of 335-750 and I " like " to fish shallower pockets.
My streamers are also weighted via bead eyes so my preferred shot when used is bb or a 3/0 when needed and keep the shot close to the fly, not the standard 4' as most do.
I like my streamers to have action and swim as opposed to say a dead drift method of an egg.
P.S. ( edit ) my flies rarely hang up on bottom for salmon

For cold water steel then I will go more towards a dead drift with a heaver weight in deeper runs and pools . Still I feel the 1/8 oz such as in the lfz is mostly adequate .
I can't recall the chart I posted but I think 2 number 7 shot = 1/8 oz, I may be wrong but in most cases I may use a # 3/0 , a # 7 or a combination of the 2 if needed to dredge and remain in the 1/8 th regulation

dimebrite2
I believe it was 10.5 million to build those dealerships clint. And guess what... They are on a payment in lieu of taxes program in which they do not pay taxes based on full assessment... The fisherman should be just as heated towards them as they are towards jail water... you'd think???

Just having a little fun here folks... Nothing too serious :)

Another mid stream jump in here, heck I feel like you brother with the busy end, but 10 mil ?? Shoot I could buy my entire town for that coin , lol.
NYS is offering start up biz a tax incentive .Not all are as lucrative as a tax shelter jail water or a new 20 year deal of a cement plant . We ( little people ) seem to be the grunts that keep the wheels turning , only wish we were greased a little bit too.

The biggest key to the fishery has always been the LAKE, us river walkers are supplemental income on a small window.
I love and have loved the area in the summer for many years , honestly more then the circus of the salmon.
Notice my avatar is of the Lake :)

So, this could be an ignorant question, but is it unheard of to use a floating powerbait or something like it on a fly rod to target browns or anything else in the river?

No bait  allowed in the fly zones.  I would guess it would be hard to keep on the hook, casting with a fly rod. You also can't use a running line and mono (chuck and duck) in the fly zones.  A simple egg fly is cheaper and probably just as effective. You might want to review the special regulations for the SR before going.  If I was going to fish bait (if I did it would be skein or sacks under a float) I would use a spinning rod. Way more effective for what you're presenting.

Here, here!
 
Unfortunately, you can use a weight forward line and way too much weight in the flyzones for the new chuck and lift technique that is so popular with many of the "sports", especially for the north bank in the riffs between the church pool and the kiddie pool.  But if you want to fish bait, get there really early, go below the bridge and stake out a claim in the unemployment line and you are sure to be hooking up all day long on eggs.
 
L13

Never used myself but I've known and heard of power bait working very well for steel and browns