Greater Niagara Region
Bill Hilts, Jr.
Lake Ontario and tributaries
Warm rains are filling area streams on Wednesday and Thursday, which means it will be “trout-on” when things settle back down – probably this weekend. The warm again, cold again roller coaster temperature ride has been both a blessing and a curse for anglers. Places like the piers in Olcott and Wilson open up and become fishable, only to have the combination of cold cold night and north winds cover them back up again. Safe to say, after the rain the piers will be ice free again … at least for a few days. Cast spoons or spinners to take a trout or two. A minnow fished under a bobber is another good way to get a fish to hit. The warmer water coming out of 18 Mile Creek should turn some fish on in the lake, too. Wes Walker at The Slippery Sinker in Olcott reported a few boats heading out and the action was slow as they trolled the shoreline to seek out warmer waters. The rain could be the ticket to pulling in some baitfish. Up at Burt Dam, good action was being reported for fresh steelies by anglers using egg sacs, jigs tipped with wax worms and live minnows. Keg Creek was low and clear with a few fish being reported from the big pool, but that will change with the rain. Four Mile Creek was showing a few fish and a couple mid-sized trout were caught by one Niagara Falls angler looking to get an early bite. Wilson still had ice in the harbor but it was unsafe.
Lower Niagara River
Water color was good according to boat drifting looking for trout. Steelhead could be found through the river. Some lake trout and the occasional brown trout are also being netted at the boat or along the shoreline for casters. Boat fishermen are using minnows, egg sacs or Kwikfish-type lures, fished off three-way rigs. Shore fishermen are using spoons, spinners or egg sacs/egg imitations to take fish in the gorge.
Upper Niagara River
At last report there was still a little ice action going on at Buffalo Harbor, but that will probably history after the rain this week. We’ve not heard anything else this week. Casting the upper rapids area in Niagara Falls could produce a trout or two as one option.
Oswego County
Mary Ellen Barbeau
Oswego River
With the rain the water level is up a little today running at 8,940cfs this afternoon.
Capt. Kevin Davis of Catch the Drift reports that yesterday it was river dropping, river rising, river dropping. We couldn’t keep up with all the fluctuations. We did end up hooking a bunch, but only some made it to the boat. Earlier this week there were not a ton of fish around but some nice quality catches.
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
The Douglaston Salmon Run reports that Tuesday was a decent day on the river and the successful anglers drifted egg sacs through deeper pools but had to work for the fish. All open sections of the river produced equally. There weren’t any anglers yesterday but there was a nice Midge hatch in the afternoon along with the early black stones. With warmer weather and some rain, the water level will likely rise some. Currently it is running at 350cfs.
Whitaker’s Sport Shop & Motel reports that the majority of action continues to be in the upper end of the river between Altmar and Pineville, but is also getting the most fishing pressure on a daily basis. Anglers we have staying in the motel reported having another good day in the Lower Fly Zone with black stoneflies producing the best results. With the low clear water conditions the fish continue to be holding in the deep holes. Anglers who are bottom bouncing or float fishing have had results with blue or pink egg sacs, steelhead beads, pink worms and steelhead jigs.
Oneida Lake
Reports are indicating there is good ice in many areas of the lake. Use caution around open water such as streams and culverts and the shoreline areas are beginning to deteriorate. There are spots where the snow has melted and the ice is slick so cleats would be helpful walking. Indications are the perch bite has been slow. Just a reminder that walleye season closed on March 15.
Sandy Pond
Woody’s Tackle reports that they have plenty of ice on the pond. Anglers are reporting a decent bite near the Elm’s. Crappies have been active at night and there has been a light perch bite. Reports indicate there are a lot of small ones being caught but there are some nice ones in the mix.
Northeastern Region
Wayne County
Streams
Steelhead are hitting all sorts of presentations in Maxwell Creek. The stream is opening-up. It’s the first time since January you can actually see water.
Use egg sacs and a heavy weight because the current is very rapid. The steellies will stay in the stream for another 2 or 3 weeks and then swim to Lake Ontario. Just think…browns and steelhead fishing close to shore. It won’t be long!
Bays
Everyone is betting on the ice-out date for Wayne County bays. Warm weather and rain is predicted today and tomorrow which will eat away the ice. My prediction is April 13th.
Currently it is still 15 to 20 inches thick, however that varies for the different bays.
Sodus Bay action still remains on the east side of the bay near the north end. Follow the shanties. The perch have been 12 inches plus and the crappies are schooling over 15 to 20 feet of water.
Late season ice fishing really turns on with perch, bluegills and crappies; but you need to remain informed about late ice conditions. That’s when the accidents occur. Stay safe!
Pike and walleye fishing ended March 15th so don’t be targeting those two fish. That season will again open the first Saturday in May.
Erie Canal
Ice is still thick but spring sunshine can melt it very fast. Make sure you know the thickness before you walk around and drill holes.
Check out the rest of the Wayne County Tourism web page for the locations and hours of local bait and tackle shops. www.waynecountytourism.com
Wayne County has a brand new Wayne County Fishing Brochure. This publication features where to go, what to use, and what to catch. Call their office for a free fishing packet, including the new brochure. 1-800-527-6510. We also have a new publication on Great Lakes fishing.