Salmon (Lake Ontario)
1. Altmar to Route 2A
| Difficulty | I-II(III) |
| Length | 7.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Salmon River at Pineville Ny |
| Flow Rate as of 52 minutes | 525 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 7, 2024 |
River Description
An easier section than the stretch that goes through Pulaski. A good option for beginners or trained beginners who struggle with the main Salmon WW run. The river is usually quite wide with a cobble bottom, giving it an occasional Class II feel. The rapid near Double Eagle is the most continuous whitewater on this section (may be considered an easy III by some). You'll see less fisherman and houses up here which is nice for beginners and dealing with swimmers.
The rapids increase in difficulty as you go down. The first two thirds are mostly just little ripples. A bit boring with a whitewater boat, but great fun in an open canoe. The most difficult rapid here is the descent into Trestle Pool. Whitewater boaters will get splashed a few times, experienced canoeists will have an excellent time, and less experienced canoeists may want to spot this one before running it.
The final third contains the real rapids. For those wanting a whitewater run, put in at the public access on Riverside Pointe Rd. and take out at the usual spot on Route 2A. A good canoeist could navigate this section, though with much greater difficulty.
Expect the water to be chilly, the dam upstream releases from the bottom.
Dam release information: https://www.safewaters.com/facility/lighthouse-hill
Watertown Area Reaches:
Black River (Rt. 3 Wave) Black River (Watertown to Brownville)
Black Creek Deer River (Section 1)
...River Features
Put In
Put in at the Altmar Public access parking lot
River Split
River splits here around a large island. Choose the left or right channel.
1st set of Rapids
Straightforward set of shoal rapids.
Rapids near Double Eagle Lodge
Longer stretch of rapids near the Double Eagle Lodge
Take Out
Take out just above the Route 2A bridge, at the 'Trash Compactor.'
Trip Reports
Log in to add a report01 April 2024
If you have the weather, enough water, and the time - not a bad way to get in more river mileage. Air temperature 51°F, water temperature 41°F. There's not a lot of whitewater on the section from Altmar to Pineville, but it is beautifully scenic.
A fair amount of fishermen in dories were out, and the guide of one such group, just below the Altmar put in, wasn't hesitant to express his displeasure of our whitewater boating presence on the river. Normally, folks fishing on the Salmon are pretty cordial and make brief, polite conversation with you. This was the first time hearing someone gripe directly at us.
There are two main places where the river splits into channels, one above Pineville and one below. Best bet for both is to stay in the main channel or river right. Below the Pineville split we went left to explore, which lead us to portage around accumulated wood.
The true whitewater on this section is below the Pineville put in. Shoals and small ledges make some fun, splashy rapids you can surf or punch through. The rapids are Class II/III- (depending on level) but they're straightforward and not too technical.
The Altmar to Trash Compactor section is about 7 miles. We continued through Pulaski, and at the Black Hole takeout we ran into a flotilla from a college outing group. At the treatment plant, we chatted a bit with a friendly Pulaski policeman making his rounds.
Again, the Altmar to Route 2A is not as exciting as the portion that flows through Pulaski, but a great run for new whitewater boaters or others who enjoy being on the river.