Greater Niagara Region
Bill Hilts, Jr.
This Rain Could Provide the Fish We’ve Been Asking For…
Lake Ontario And Tributaries
Like the saying goes, be careful what you ask for – you just might get it! The rain at mid-week should make a huge difference with fish runs –both salmon and trout – in the tributaries. We needed water to bring more fish in, especially to the smaller tributaries that have been low and clear if there was any flow at all. Hopefully that will make a difference in places like Burt Dam and 18 Mile Creek; 12 Mile Creek in Wilson; and smaller streams like 4 Mile and Keg. The much-needed rain should bring both flow and color to the water. This weekend should be a great time to wet a line in the Lake Ontario tributaries. Fish should also be available in the lower stretches and in the harbors of Wilson and Olcott. In addition to salmon and trout, pike and perch, as well as bass, should also be available. Plans are in place for the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Assn. Salmon School, set for Jan. 23, 2016 at the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo. In addition, the Lake Ontario Marketplace will be held on Jan. 24 at the same venue. Go to the LOTSA website at www.lotsa.org to find out more details or to register for either (or both) events.
Lower Niagara River
Action was pretty good for trout the past week … as well as monster smallmouth bass. Capt. Jeff Draper of Grand Island has taken some lunker smallies on Kwikfish that have tipped the scale around 6 pounds earlier this week, fishing the Niagara Bar area. The salmon run seems to be all but over in Devil’s Hole with an occasional king or coho being reported. However, those fish are being replaced by trout – steelhead and lake trout. Remember that lake trout season is closed. Don’t rule out the occasional brown trout either – if you fish in the right places. A recent study this week conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on baitfish found smaller smelt in tight to the shoreline. Also showing up in those same nettings were brown trout in the 12 to 15 inch range, with a few bigger ones mixed in. They were in waters as shallow as three foot. Musky season will continue through Dec. 15 in the lower river and Lake Ontario and don’t rule out these waters for some nice fish.
Upper Niagara River
Bass fishing continues to be good throughout the river system and there has been a little uptick in musky action, too, as water temperatures have dropped into the mid-50s. Kwikfish, live bait, tubes and spinners will all work for you to take bass. Dr. John Syracuse was out last week with Pastor Dave Emmons and took a 5 pound smallie on a black rubber worm. They also took more than a dozen nice fish, using a variety of baits. If you want to find out what’s going on with the musky fishing, attend the next Niagara Musky Assn. meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the Eldridge Club, 17 Broad Street in Tonawanda. Guest speaker will be DEC fisheries biologist Chris Legard. The meeting starts at 7 pm.
Oswego County
Mary Ellen Barbeau
Oswego River report:
With the recent rain the water level has been running between 5,000cfs and 7,500cfs. This morning it is flowing at 6,000cfs. Although anglers don’t mind the rain, the wind has been an element affecting the fishing yesterday and today. Anglers are still finding a few salmon along with a good number of rainbows, steelhead and brown trout. Skein, stickbaits and egg sacs are working well.
According to Capt. Andy Bliss of Chasin’ Tail Adventures:
We had somewhat difficult conditions yesterday but managed to catch a good number of fish. Winds of 30+ mph made the trip interesting. Earlier in the week under better conditions, a good number of kings and rainbows kept our anglers busy.
According to Capt. Kevin Davis of Catch the Drift:
Earlier in the week we had bright sun, clear water and some good bites. There were a good number of rainbows. All released to fight another day. Decent weekend weather in the forecast.
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 along the top bar on the home page. 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 Report
According to the Douglaston Salmon Run:
Anglers on Sunday reported the most action in the middle portion of the Run. They found steelhead with trout and kings mixed in throughout the early afternoon and into the evening. While not as great in quantity, the lower and upper sections also saw activity. Conditions have been challenging the last couple of days with rain, high winds and a good number of leaves in the river. This system will pass through today with improving conditions tomorrow and a decent weekend ahead.
According to Fat Nancy’s Tackle Shop:
Yesterday the morning fishing was actually pretty good before the winds and rain came through. Some nice steelhead were caught along with a few browns. There are not as many salmon at this point. There is still good action in the fly zones and much of the river is seeing steelhead action. The water flow will remain at 350cfs through tomorrow evening.
Oneida Lake
There has been a decent night bite for walleye. Just before and after dark is seeing the most activity. Casting stickbaits and blade baits is working well.
Sandy Pond report
There is nothing new to report from the pond. There is very little activity this time of year.
Wayne County Fishing Update
Chris Kenyon
Streams
The following report is from Martin who travels to Wayne County from Delaware every year. His trip was last week and the fishing is about the same this week…lots of action. A far better report than mine!!!
Thursday morning… fished the pier from 6am till 11:00am with Cleo’s caught and two rainbows one Brown
Thursday afternoon… fished Maxwell caught numerous salmon they were everywhere.
Friday am… back to pier caught two rainbows two browns 6am till 11:00am.
Friday afternoon… three salmon from Maxwell.
Saturday am… great day on pier two large browns one 38 inch northern pike one salmon three rainbows.
Sat afternoon… Maxwell fish were there with too many people didn’t stay long
Sunday morning… wanted to fish Pier badly but winds created two much water spray on Pier unable to fish.
There were my two brothers another friend and myself. We had a great trip and look forward to next year.
Bays
November is a great time to fish for the pans anywhere on the bays. Some perch are finally setting-up off the points in Port Bay and near the south end of Sodus Bay. Use small jigs tipped with spikes. The DEC docks are pulled however the ramps are permanent. Fish with a buddy for easier launching.
Remember, you need to wear your flotation device at all times starting November 1st. It has to be worn, not just sitting somewhere in the boat. This is a New York State law for all waterways.
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.
Erie Canal
They are still hammering the bass in the canal. The Widewaters area in Newark doesn’t drop the water level so that’s the best place to launch.
Orleans County
Orleans County Tourism
If we get the predicted amount of rain today and into tomorrow, water flows in all of the tributaries within Orleans County could be on the rise for a period of time.
The St. Mary’s Archers Club Catch and Release Derby took place last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Even with the reduced water flow good numbers of all of the species of fish were taken, even a good number of Atlantic salmon.
With the salmon run returning in spurts some fishermen have made the transition to targeting Brown trout already.
This may mean that there will be a great number of salmon available later in the season.
On Lake Alice fishing for anything other than bass has slowed somewhat, but again let’s see what the rain does to those conditions.
On the lower portion of the “Oak” Perch are still being taken along with an occasional Northern pike and of course bass.
If we get the rain predicted over today and tomorrow conditions on our tributaries could change quickly.
Always be aware of the conditions of your surroundings so you don’t put yourself in any undo danger.
From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County, Let’s make everyday a great fishing day right here in Orleans County.
Salmon River
Michael De Rosa – Zero Limit Adventures – Tailwater Lodge
The Salmon River has had moderate action over the past week. The river is still running at a constant 450-475 CFS in Pineville, NY. With low water in the Salmon River reservoir, we can only hope for rain to help increase the river’s flow. With the steady flow the river has been experiencing, there has not been a significant change in the fishing conditions. Fish are being spotted in the estuary swimming around waiting to make their runs. Over the past week, Steelhead have been making their run throughout the watershed. Anglers fishing the Douglaston Salmon Run have caught and released many Steelhead in the mid-teens. These Steelhead have been giving anglers quite the fight; an acrobatic showing of their true power and strength.
Anglers have also spotted a few recent pods of fresh King Salmon making their way through the lower end of the river giving some hopeful thought there are still more out there. A few of these Salmon that have been spotted look as they have spent no time down in the mud. Lots of color on Kings that we haven’t seen since September. Browns are being reported from the DSR, along with several reports of Rainbow (Domestic) Trout. Fish are being reported throughout the system and the top section of the river with major pools have been generally fishing well. Drift Boat Captains are reporting Steelhead from Altmar through Pineville to the 2A Bridge. Both fly zones are fishing well with numerous fishermen at both.
With Hurricane Patricia upon us, the weather should help stir up the fishery. The much needed rain in the river and reservoir will hope to bring in more fish waiting to make their runs up river.