Hey guys, I am planning to make my first trip up to the Salmon rive with a group of 4 guys to try our luck a catching a salmon.  I have been doing a lot of research and we will be going up the first weekend in September (only weekend we can all make it), we all are getting the salmon steel head rods from ugly stick with sadona reels.  We can not afford a guide so we are going to figure it out on our own, were all in 25 so we have a problem walking to find areas not to crowed.  My question is what motel should we stay in?  I would like to book it soon so we know we have a place to stay, I know some one who stayed at Double Eagle and he said he like it but he didn't fish so I don't know if that's a good area?  Also if there are any tips on what equipment, or fishing techniques to use I would appreciate it.   

Good luck-it wont be your last trip !!! The place is addictive.
 Get a hotel quick- some may already be filled up. Steel wont be much of an issue at that time but the Kings and perhaps some Hos should be started.
Go on the putor for Pulaski hotels- its a small town and most are very close to the river.
 Ugly Stick is a great choice- specially for first timers- most of us likely started with one. A reel with a reliable drag is a must- they fight like heck.
 Most along the river are more than willing to give a short lesson on methods.
Some will likely cringe but for a first timer it might be nice to go to DSR ($$$) on one day-if you get an early run your life will never be the same lol.
 Reserve early there too as they tend to sell out. If you go there check on their special regs for setup.

Although that is usually the first weekend they bump the flows the first week in September will be iffy at best , but as we know it is dependent on  a variety of things especially the weather.  I would fish down low in town and keep an eye on the weather if it  is hot and dry it very well could be a trip in vain.   There are always a few stragglers here and there,  but I would not expect any fish in #'s that weekend.   May be a good idea to rent a house on the DSR and go there

That early will be hit or miss as others has said.But if it were me I would bite the bullet and fish the DSR,there you will be able to fish for the early run.Contact them and see if you can rent one of their houses and maybe they will give you a break on the price but call now....don't wait!

Thanks for the info guys, is the DSR catch and release only?  That might be a deal breaker for the guys I'm fishing with so it looks like I should drop the trip back a few weekends?  

I highly recommend NOT going up that first weekend in September, it's likely going to be too hot.   But, if you have to, I saw salmon all the way up to Altmar last Labor Day weekend....Most of the fish died due to water that was too warm...the DSR was polluted with dead fish and stunk to high heaven...Maybe you'll catch a break and it will be cool.....Monitor the DSR website and don't spend that $50 unless the conditions are favorable.

Here are a few pics of first week September fish from last year, I swing flys for them early yes the days can be hot but the truth is they will run when they want. I live close enough that if I don't find fish its no big deal, a lake charter will only cost you 100$ a guy something else to think about. Enjoy your first trip.




by the way chartist those fish were all caught up top with no 1/0 hook!

I saw the question on C&R, I'm not sure if the DSR is C&R but if I had to guess I would think YES.  Like most said don't expect to fish mid-river up.  Also in terms of keeping them, keep in mind these are not the salmon you are getting in stores.  I've kept some in the past and they are not what you expect.  In fact never did it aghain.....  There food source is somewhat different than what they eat in Alaska hence all the smoke houses.  The only saving grace is they will be fresh versus being in the watershed for a long time.  I've even grilled a fresh coho and it just wasn't for me. 
 
I will note, I'm more of a white fish guy Eyes, Stripers, Flounder, Mahi, etc...

One other thing, I'm a shimano guy and have a Sedona for stockies in Pa.  Not sure how that reel will hold up on a King/Coho.  I might be inclined not to go any lower than Sahara maybe even a Symetre but that's just me.  You could always give Ebay a look, especially if you aren't sure if this will become an annual gig.  Obviously you don't want to spend a ton but you also don't want to have to go buy another reel while you are up there :)
 
Pfleuger also makes some good reels and of course you can't go wrong with a Penn in terms of drag systems (used them all the time for Blues off of North Jersey).

You can keep Salmon in the DSR, but you cannot keep trout.  The fresher they   the "better"   they taste,but they still are nothing close to the store bought stuff.   OK at best if marinaded for a day and drowned in cocktail sauce or something.   Very strong "fishy" taste