Greater Niagara Region
Bill Hilts, Jr.
Lake Ontario and tributaries
The open water below Burt Dam on 18 Mile Creek is shrinking and you may have to chop some ice to get a line wet there. Your better bet is to hit the hard water with an ice auger and try some ice fishing in Wilson or Olcott harbors. The ice is getting a bit thick, however. Panfish, perch, northern pike and the occasional trout are all being reported by ice anglers. Record-breaking cold temperatures outside are keeping many sportsmen and women inside and there has been no shortage of things to do until the weather breaks. On February 28th is the Lockport Antique Fishing Tackle Show at the Lockport Elks club on North Canal Road in Lockport. Call Mark Schmitkons at 751-6611 for more info after 5 pm. If you have any old fishing tackle lying around, this is the perfect opportunity to pull it out of the closet or basement for some experts in the business to take a look. At the same time, you could be helping preserve an important part of the local fishing history. The Western New York Boat Show opens up on Wednesday at the Buffalo Bills Field House in Orchard Park to get you dreaming a little early for warmer weather. Just around the corner is the Western New York Sport and Travel Expo at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, set to open on Thursday, March 5 and run through Sunday March 8. It’s always a good event.
Lower Niagara River
While open water always exists, when temperatures are this cold it just seems like it’s too much trouble try and get a line wet. Ice chunks around the launch ramp in Lewiston has been a constant hassle and currently poses a serious threat to launching; surface ice is troublesome as you attempt to maintain a consistent drift; rod guides ice up frequently; and sometimes it’s just too cold to feel a bite with gloves on. Toss in the problems with ice chunks floating down through the river system and you get the drift … or not. Steelhead, brown trout and lake trout are all available on egg sacs, minnows or wobbling baits like Kwikfish or MagLips. Shore casters can use white marabou jigs, spoons, spinners or beads. As always, caution is advised. With Lake Erie frozen over, the water is getting mighty clear, too. Time to lighten up on your line choice, use smaller hooks and baits, as well as going with longer leads when running a three-way rig.
Upper Niagara River
The Buffalo Boat Harbor is what is being talked about most for ice angler action. Good action on perch, panfish and pike is being reported. Grand Island marinas are also seeing some action, but reports have been limited.
Oswego County
Mary Ellen Barbeau
Oswego River
There is not a lot to report from the river. With the snow and the cold over the last week or so, there has not been much activity on the river. When conditions are favorable, anglers venturing out will likely find a mix of steelhead and brown trout. Temperatures are expected to moderate some for the upcoming weekend. The water flow is running at 4,160cfs this morning.
The bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are Mandatory Personal Flotation Device (PFD) zones on the Oswego River below the Varick Dam. For more information, view the Oswego County Tourism web site at www.visitoswegocounty.com and look for the fishing report under fishing and hunting. The Oswego Fire Department offers loaner life jackets at no charge through its “Loaner For Life” program. For more information contact the fire station, 35 E. Cayuga St., at 315-343-2161.
Salmon River
According to Douglaston Salmon Run conditions have not changed much. The shelf ice is very prominent on the DSR. There are some places on the run that are not fishable because it has not broken up due to the sub-zero temperatures. Keep an eye on the fishing reports as we are soon to be heading into spring and will be giving daily updates on the steelhead fishing. Drop back fishing can be some of the best fishing of the year as the aggressive post-spawn steelhead will be looking to up their caloric intake before entering their summer home out in the lake.
Oneida Lake
There is not a lot to report from the lake. With the amount of snow on the ice and the very cold temperatures, there has not been a lot of activity over the last few days. A few braved the elements off the north shore. Daytime temperatures will improve some again for the weekend. We still have several sub-zero temperatures in the forecast for nighttime lows.
Sandy Pond
Dave Wood of Woody’s Tackle reports that conditions have remained about the same on the pond. We have plenty of ice, 12 to 20 inches in most places. The snow depth is the issue making travel on the ice very difficult. ATVs are finding it impossible; by foot or snowmobile are your options. The fishing has been slow to fair with some pike activity; less action with the perch. Baits remain the same with small minnows, spikes and wax worms along with large shiners working well.