Greater Niagara Region

By Bill Hilts, Jr.

Lake Ontario and tributaries – New York State’s Free Fishing Weekend is next Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30. It’s an opportunity to get out and try your hand at fishing in the Empire State and not have to worry about a fishing license. However, you do have to abide by the fish and game laws. You can check out regulations at the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov or visit your nearest license-issuing agent. Next Saturday is the Olcott Lions Club kids fishing derby, scheduled for the Town of Newfane Marina between 8 a.m. and noon. The summer Lake Ontario Counties derby (www.loc.org) is underway, as well, and the early leader is a 26-1/2 pound salmon caught by Brady Mickatavage of PA. The summer derby continues through July 28. Wes Walker at the Slippery Sinker in Olcott reports some brown trout action inside of 60 feet in the lake and a few salmon, as well as a mix of trout and salmon, are being reported in the mid-water of 80 to 200 feet of water. Smaller fish are being caught on spoons and flasher-fly in the top 50 feet of water; bigger kings are coming from 70 to 80 feet down. There has been some action out deeper, too, for a mix of steelies, cohos and kings. Olcott and Wilson harbors are producing smallmouth and largemouth bass, rock bass and the carp are starting to move in right now.

Lower Niagara River – Some nice bass were caught during opening day contests around the area last Saturday. At the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Niagara Falls, Paul Devlin won top two-fish honors with a total weight of 9.82 pounds. Bob Hubler was second with 9.73 pounds, but included in his catch was big fish overall – a 5.36 pound smallmouth taken from Lake Erie. Third place was Mike McGrath of Niagara Falls with 9.58 pounds for two fish. Not too much going on as far as fishing in the lower river because of the moss situation. Bass are available throughout the system, but you have to work for them. Some silver bass are still being caught off of the NYPA fishing platform in the Niagara Gorge.

Upper Niagara River –There are quite a few special events going on to coincide with the special weekend of the Free Fishing Days, starting with the Hooked on the Tonawandas Fish Tournament set for June 29 and 30. Register in the adult division for cash and prizes or sign up for the free kids division for youngsters under 16 years of age. All fishing will take place in a one mile stretch of the Erie Canal between the cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. Eligible species include bass, walleye, northern pike, carp and perch. Check out their website at www.fishgatewayharbor.net or call 628-1247. And also next weekend is a Family Fishing Day at Broderick Park in Buffalo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Moss is posing a bit of a problem for bass and musky fishermen. No reports for the musky opener that we heard about. Bass are still available from the head of the river to Strawberry Island.

Wayne County Fishing Report

By Christopher Kenyon

Lake Ontario – If the rain would stop for a bit, there might be some thermocline set-ups in the lake. Currently the temp breaks are hard to locate. Most charter captains are searching for the bait fish.

This week was better than last and the Wayne County waters have produced the Grand Prize salmon in the LOC Summer derby. The event runs through July 28th. www.locderby.org

The largest lake trout was also caught off Hughes’ Marina in Williamson.

Lake trout have been in 80 to 120 feet of water… most coming from the bottom. The kings have been scattered and difficult to target. Try setting up in 80 feet and head out to 300. Look for any bait pods, or try searching for the elusive temperature breaks.

There are browns close to shore and currently there is an excellent mudline. Fish in and out of the stained water. Stick baits have been the lure of choice.

Bays – Bass season opened last Saturday and Sodus Bay was the hot spot for largemouths. The bass boats were smacking them along the shoreline in and out of the weeds. Zoom baits were the hot ticket.
Some pike were caught near the islands, however most anglers were targeting the bass.

The bait shops in Wayne County have very consistent hours. If you need egg sacs, flies, jigs or spikes you’ll find everything you need. Check out the Wayne County Tourism web page for their locations. www.waynecountytourism.com

We have a brand new Wayne County Fishing Brochure. This publication features where to go, what to use, and what to catch. Call our office for a free fishing packet, including the new brochure. 1-800-527-6510.

Erie Canal – Bass anglers were cruising the shoreline of the canal and catching some nice hefty largemouths. Most launched at Widewaters. There is plenty of room for trailers. Anglers have the option of fishing from the shore along Route 31, which runs parallel to the historic waterways.

Chautauqua County Fishing Report

By Craig Robbins

Lake Erie and Tribs – Anglers are finding Lake Erie small mouth bass in great numbers out of Dunkirk Harbor. Van Buren Bay and the “Dumping Ground” at the mouth of Dunkirk Harbor have been the hot areas. Three inch grubs for artificial bait and minnows for live bait have been working best in 25-40 feet of water, with anglers keeping the offering bouncing on the bottom. To troll for walleyes out of Dunkirk Harbor head west in 55-85 feet of water and use stick baits for best results.

Chautauqua Lake – New York State BASS Federation anglers found the Chautauqua Lake largemouth bite hot and heavy during opening weekend. Largemouth are being caught on spinner baits in the narrows between the bridge and Stow Ferry at the narrows of Chautauqua Lake. Running white and yellow/black spinner baits over the top of the weeds seems to be drawing the most bites. Walleye anglers are picking up keepers on Warner’s Bar by drifting a split-shot rig tipped off with a leach or night crawler.

Cassadaga Lake – Largemouth can be found in the center basin of Cassadaga Lake in and around the lily pads. Throwing plastic frogs and weightless plastic worms over the pads is working well from sun-up till early morning. A few walleye are reported being caught off the weed line in front of the Lily Dale docks. Trolling, worm harnesses for walleye in the evening has been the best bet.