Greater Niagara Region
Bill Hilts, Jr.
Lake Ontario And Tributaries
Action in Lake Ontario is not on fire, but they are starting to catch a few fish off Olcott and Wilson. According to Capt. Bob Cinelli, look for the best chance for success between 180 to 350 feet of water with spoons. There has been a mixed bag of fish from the occasional king and coho salmon to steelhead and lake trout. Lots of bait has been reported by anglers and it could be gizzard shad. This weekend, June 27 and 28, is New York’s Free Fishing Days. Everyone should be taking advantage of these special days, especially if you don’t have a fishing license and thought about getting into the sport … or BACK into it. Whether it’s to tie into special events like the kids derby in Olcott on Saturday (starting at 8 am in the Town of Newfane Marina) or the Gateway Harbor Hooked on Fishing Tournament (www.fishgatewayharbor.net) in North Tonawanda both days, this is a perfect opportunity to wet a line and cast for some big prizes. If a fishing contest isn’t up your alley, then just go out and sample the local waters for a long list of fish species. If you have a license and are always looking to find someone to fish with, this is a great way to take a neighbor, friend or relative. While kids under 16 do not need a license, it’s still a perfect excuse to teach the next generation of anglers some tips of the trade. On Lake Ontario, the summer LOC Derby is going on and some extra bucks are on the line starting this Saturday, with an additional $1,750 in weekly prizes up for grabs for salmon and trout. All told, $29,000 in prizes are available to anglers on the lake through July 26. Check out www.loc.org for details.
Lower Niagara River
Moss continues to pose a problem for shore casters and boat drifters throughout the river. Remember that bass and musky seasons are now open if you want to try and give it a go. For bass, you can now use live bait. Because of the moss situation, not too many people have been out fishing. Off the NYPA fishing platform, there have been reports of smallmouth bass and silver bass most frequently. Use tubes jigs or live bait to take fish.
Upper Niagara River
The Kelly’s Korners Bass Contest was held on opening day last Saturday. Randy Fischer of Niagara Falls led a field of 68 competitors to earn $860 for his two fish total of 10.41 pounds. His total included the big fish for the tournament, a 5.3 pound smallmouth he hauled in from 29 feet of water off Waneka along Lake Erie. He was using a chub. Mike McGrath of Niagra Falls placed second with just under 10 pounds; third place went to Don Ayler of Tonawanda. He was also fishing off Waneka. If this weekend doesn’t work into your plans, you might want to consider the 25th Annual Erie Canal Fishing Derby July 1 to 12 – that’s this coming week! The derby is an excellent vehicle to get the entire family out fishing and there’s plenty of shoreline access to take advantage of. If you have a boat – even a canoe or a kayak – it will open new areas for casting or drifting live bait. Check out the website at www.eriecanalderby.com for all the details. With over $20,000 in prizes and an additional $10,000 possible in tagged fish, the odds are good to catch a winning fish in the bass, walleye, pike, bullhead, carp, sheepshead or catfish categories. Fishing for bass has been good – both largemouth and smallmouth.
Oswego County
Mary Ellen Barbeau
Oswego River/Lake Ontario report
According to Larry Muroski of Larry’s Oswego Salmon Shop:
After having been near 20,000cfs a week ago, the flow is down to 11,900cfs this afternoon. This still is high for fishing most parts of the river. There is an area behind the powerhouse that was recently opened up to fishing. Anglers will find walleye, sheepshead, smallmouth, catfish, rockbass and long-nosed gar in this spot. The remaining areas of the river are quiet. Bass season opened on Saturday. Minnows, crayfish, worms, and leeches are the baits of choice. Rock bass are in near Wright’s Landing.
Lake Ontario
According to Capt. Kevin Davis of Catch the Drift:
Early in the week it was a definite grind; same water temperatures for miles spreading the fish out majorly. We were still getting some quality fish, but working hard to get them. With a good blow mid-week, we will have to see how things set up for the weekend.
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. According to Larry Muroski of Larry’s Oswego Salmon Shop:
Pulaski Area/Salmon River
Salmon River:
The river level has dropped to 400cfs however things are fairly quiet along the river this time of year.
According to Dave Wood of Woody’s Tackle:
After some rough water on Tuesday, conditions have settled down. Bass season opened on Saturday and from reports there was a good bite in shallow water. Live bait, jigs, trolling stickbaits – just about any application will work for bass. Anglers have been finding some brown trout from the Salmon River to Selkirk Shores State Park in about 30-50 feet of water. Stickbaits have been working well.
Oneida Lake
The activity has not changed much on Oneida Lake. With the recent rain and wind the water is high and turbid. Use caution when boating with debris possible in the lake. The cloudy, rainy weather is holding the water temperature down a bit. Anglers are finding a good walleye bite near the drop offs using worm harnesses and shad raps. Bass season opened on Saturday with live bait and trolling stickbaits suggested applications.
Sandy Pond report
According to Dave Wood of Woody’s Tackle:
Conditions are about the same on the pond. The weed growth is not too bad as we have not had a prolonged period of hot weather. The walleye bite has been good using Rapalas on top. Anglers are also finding some bluegills near the weed beds.
Wayne County Fishing Update
Chris Kenyon
Lake Ontario
The best routine was 20 to 40 feet down over 240 feet of water. That was yesterday and everyone knows that could change within minutes.
The spoons are mixed colors, dolphins, lemon ice…both NK’s. Michigan Stingers have also been the go-to- lure.
Browns were close to shore in 20 feet of water, however who knows what the northwest blow of today will mean for fishing tomorrow.
The Sodus Point Pro –Am is slated for July 18 and 19th however the entire week will feature opportunities to fish and win cash. Check the web; soduspointproam.com
Bays
The bass season started last Saturday and the bays were crowded with anglers enjoying the opening day ritual.
Plenty of largemouths were caught in the three to five pound range, especially in Sodus Bay.
Fish the weedlines for most of the action.
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.
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. We also have a new publication on Great Lakes fishing.
The Wayne County Youth Fishing Derby is now in full swing with a brand new exciting division for youngsters 4-7 years of age. All the info is on our web page.
Erie Canal
Widewaters had the action for bass, although you can fish any section of the waterways. Use Zoom bait or cast with the good ole spinnerbait.