Unlike large salmon and trout in many parts of the world, upstate New York fish tend to be quite line shy, forcing anglers to use tippets as light as 4-pound test and as heavy as 8-pound test at the most. The clearer the water, and the longer the fish have been in the river, the spookier they get. This isn't to say that you can't occasionally hook a fish on a heavier tippet, but as a rule, lighter is better. My tippet of choice is Maxima for two reasons. Its tan color blends in well with the river bottom and it has great abrasion resistance.

Because of the need for fine tippets, light-weight rods are requisite. A piece of shock leader is a good idea, especially for the browns since they tend to do some violent head-shaking when you set the hook. I usually fish a 9- or 10-foot, 5-weight for browns and steelhead. A 9- or 10-foot 7-weight is appropriate for salmon. Longer, lighter rods work as a shock absorber for these powerful fish. Neoprene waders with cleats are a must, except on the gravel bottom of the Archery Pool.

A reel with a good drag that isn't affected by getting wet is also a must. It's inevitable that in the course of doing battle with these Oak Orchard giants you and/or your reel will wind up under water. So make sure you have a reel with a smooth drag that isn't going to jam up when it gets wet.

At this time of year with salmon spewing literally millions of eggs along the river bottom, matching the hatch is a matter of finding just the right egg imitation. Cheese-colored #8-#14 Glo Bugs are generally a good bet. You might also try spicing up these Glo Bugs with a red dot, either tied in or added with a marking pen. A Hammond Egg pattern, or Estaz Bug in the same sizes is also very effective. Also, Oak Orchard browns aren't hesitant to pick up a well-presented nymph.