While I must say I do lack a bit of confidence.  I do have reasonable expectation of things.  I have hooked and fought plenty of sharks (and notice I say hooked ) so I do not need to go up and do it anymore.  if I can get one or two to hit in a day I am good.  jack I do need to get more colors in my salmon arsenal I am so into the steel flies I do not tie slot of salmon stuff.  I know a few easy ones too that should work.  collar, estaz, tail, easy.  Those magical days are what keep me coming back for more............................
 

Jack and Tuna I have always said early and late.
When they first come into the lower river they can still have most of their top end predator mentality
Until they have been beaten on they can be fairly easy to get to strike.
Unfortunately nowadays that happens fast and low on the river.
 
As they take up spawning stations in the upper river their aggression peaks again as they protect their mate and the redd..
 
Me I usually fish lower middle and hope for some fresh fish that are moving fast stopping for a bit and protecting their lie from others.
Nowadays with the crowds it can be difficult.
 
I certainly wasn't saying fichy was a BSer or didn't have knowledge but only that at this point in time it is much harder to find willing kings because of crowds and ethics of others.
I won't be posting anything else about kings since people seem to take it all personally but as a generalization as I intended.
 

I don't get it- why all the trouble??
6 ft extra heavy white color bunker snagging rod and great big spin reel filled with 40 lb test- a 1.o hook and some kinda little piece of towel or sponge and some .30 cal muzzleloader balls for weight - whats the issue????
 Not hard stuff to find- every shop up there sells it.

twobob
Jack and Tuna I have always said early and late.When they first come into the lower river they can still have most of their top end predator mentalityUntil they have been beaten on they can be fairly easy to get to strike.Unfortunately nowadays that happens fast and low on the river. As they take up spawning stations in the upper river their aggression peaks again as they protect their mate and the redd.. Me I usually fish lower middle and hope for some fresh fish that are moving fast stopping for a bit and protecting their lie from others.Nowadays with the crowds it can be difficult. I certainly wasn't saying fichy was a BSer or didn't have knowledge but only that at this point in time it is much harder to find willing kings because of crowds and ethics of others.I won't be posting anything else about kings since people seem to take it all personally but as a generalization as I intended. 

Absolutely true 2 b. hence I bought a bigger boat. Crowds and the price to play have changed my salmon mentality .
Only and only reason I go is to hang with others, maybe teach someone who hasn't had the fortune . For me , my time has passed and I'm moving forward

Drama drama...lol

I stop fishing the lower end when their mouths close and its usually anywheres right around 2nd week of September. I've witnessed it for years and actually realized it for some time now. The constant run of 2012 I witnessed one day around mid September on a week day with not a soul in sight but tons of fresh fish moving... So i believe pressure from anglers is not the main initial culprit but it definitely doesnt help..These fish had a different look in their eyes and jaws locked...
Who's to say my leader don't swipe a jaw when drifting at times.... So be it. Exploding head shakes are my norm when targeting salmon... Once that is not as common, I'm done... I've gotten bored with gang buster runs and walked off the river because of too many foul ups on fish...

r3g3
I don't get it- why all the trouble??6 ft extra heavy white color bunker snagging rod and great big spin reel filled with 40 lb test- a 1.o hook and some kinda little piece of towel or sponge and some .30 cal muzzleloader balls for weight - whats the issue???? Not hard stuff to find- every shop up there sells it.

Exactly !!
I love fishing and having someone from across the river trying to cast to the fish in front of me..taking turns at drift, cast, , wondering if i lined it or foul hooked & watching some moron rope and carry a salmon in the C&R area to get a pic . Great stuff ..

DB , there is never any drama on the Slammin River
Edit:
Correction to on the Daisy Mae

When I was a kid I used to get in trouble for tearing out little pieces of our living room couch cushions to use as "BAIT"
 
I was working 2 aggressive males fighting over a female 2 years ago in a little feeder. Was on giving a few casts every few minutes to not spook them.   Guy come up and proceeds to ask me if I see the fish over there I said  I did.  Then just casts his 6 foot surf rod and rips away.   It was one  of the only times I really lost it and started yelling and cussing him out.
 
Speaking of the upcoming season I talked to my neighbor the ECO officer today and he again offered a ride on his drift boat, he said he could never find anyone to go with in the winter and needed a shuttle to take the drift boat.    Said winter time is best as too much OT in the fall.  I said "HELL YEA".  He also said to check in with him about hot spots on the ice as he rides around on Oneida and other places  some days checking folks.  Said he would be more than happy to let me know where and when  and also go out with me a few times.   I again said "HELL YEA"

Clint I would give that a HELL YEA for sure..
We got a guy here that I will always give one of those to any chance our paths may cross, yours is closer .. Awesome people around..
 
You said ICE, ICE  ??? Gosh, I'm almost ready but let me catch some Ontario fish first to justify the boat .. lol
 

Awesome Clint!!! Matt has always seemed like a good guy from any times I've chatted with him

Just an update:
 That fish rite dropped in price by a few..
I looked forever 10 years ago to find a high side tin Drift boat with a budget of 4g to no avail.. This is a heck of a deal if anyone has an interest with a little coin to spend..