The Salmon River offers multiple public access points along 12 miles of Public Fishing Rights in Oswego County, with designated parking areas, marked footpaths, and several boat launch sites including dual gravel ramps at Pine Grove and drift boat launches at Compactor Pool, Lower Fly, and Pineville.

Key access points include wheelchair-accessible facilities at Port Ontario (Route 3) featuring a fishing platform and walking path, plus numerous shore fishing access areas throughout Pulaski and Altmar.

The river supports both fishing and recreational paddling/rafting, with managed water releases from the Lighthouse Hill Dam providing summer whitewater opportunities.