Greater Niagara Region
Bill Hilts, Jr.
Lake Ontario And Tributaries
After the recent surge of water (thanks to Erie Canal de-watering), flows are back to around 60 cubic feet per second according to Wes Walker with The Slippery Sinker in Olcott. Creek temperatures were still around 42 degrees and lake temperatures hovered around 44 degrees after one of the warmest Decembers on record so far. We did see a quarter inch of rain earlier this week but that didn’t have much of an impact. More rain is in the forecast for this week, but we’ll have to see if it has any effect on fish and fishing. Smaller streams are low; 18 Mile has a few fish, in the best shape. Better fishing can be found off the piers with spoons and spinners … if you can get out there. Wilson and Olcott both. Winds have been a problem again to gain access to that pier. A few perch are being reported in both harbors. Need a Christmas gift idea? How about a Lake Ontario Counties trout and salmon derby season pass! You can save $20 by getting the special holiday rate – for 60 days of competitive fishing on Lake Ontario – and a chance to win a piece of $140,000 in cash! Visit the website at www.loc.org for details.
Lower Niagara River
Fishing was good to very good until the wind blew in earlier in the week and waters changed to a slate gray color on Wednesday. It’s not blown out and shore fishermen should still catch fish with clearer water near the shoreline. Eggs or egg imitations will also work. Even boat fishermen should be able to catch a few trout by using wobbling baits like Kwikfish or MagLips, but it’s not like it was where fishermen were reporting double-digit numbers of trout – a mix of steelhead, browns and lake trout. Lake trout season is closed until Dec. 31. More wind is in the forecast for Friday but we won’t know what impact that it will have on water conditions until a day or two later. Tickets are now on sale for the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo Jan. 22-24, 2016 at niagarafishingexpo.com. $16 for a three-day pass is something you just can’t beat, a great stocking stuffer.
Upper Niagara River
The big news there is that the ice boom is being put into place at the head of the river. The boom won’t impact anything too much since Lake Erie water temperatures are still in the 40s. Water conditions are questionable as of this report with the recent winds creating turbidity. Shoreline casters in the upper part of the river should be able to pick up some trout or walleye by casting spoons, spinners or stickbaits. Best spot is around Broderick Park. The Niagara River Anglers Association will have its Christmas meeting on Monday, Dec. 21 at the Sanborn Farm Museum located on Saunders Settlement Road (Route 31, Sanborn starting at 7 pm.
Oswego County
Mary Ellen Barbeau
Oswego River Report:
The rain this week so far has not affected the water flow a great deal. This afternoon it is running at 7,800cfs.
Anglers are finding a little more activity with steelhead, brown trout and an occasional walleye. More seasonable weather is moving in for the weekend with temperatures down into the 30s and some snow possible. Egg sacs, smack beads and skein are working well.
According to Capt. Kevin Davis of Catch the Drift:
We have had great weather and some great fishing continues. The quality has really improved. I can’t believe I have not been brutalized by the weather to catch steelhead in December. That may change with the upcoming 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 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 Whitaker’s Sport Shop and Motel:
Yesterday anglers staying in the motel reported getting into fish in the upper end of the river between Altmar and Pineville while bottom bouncing with flies or float fishing with egg sacs. The Lower Fly Zone continues to have action on a daily basis with single egg patterns or nymphs producing the best results. The anglers who are having success in the lower end of the river are covering lots of water and with the water temperature still being warm for this time of year, the majority of fish are still holding in the faster transition water.
According to the Douglaston Salmon Run:
Yesterday’s action was reported to be best “early and late,” while guests worked hard and covered water for a few bites mid-day. The catch consisted of a mix of steelhead, rainbows, and browns. One guest even reported catching one of the browns we stocked back in the spring. Two anglers fishing this morning reported good success using egg sacs in the upper to middle stretch of the run.
Oneida Lake Report
The upcoming weekend will be a change from last weekend with temperatures dropping through the 40s into the 30s over the next few days. There is not a lot of activity at this time on the lake. A few perch still can be found in the bays and anglers are taking a few walleye just before and after dark. Casting stickbaits and blade baits remain successful applications. A reminder that from November 1 to May 1, all persons regardless of age, aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet, must wear a Personal Flotation Device while underway.
Sandy Pond report
The pond is quiet and with the temperatures we are having, ice is a ways off yet.
Wayne County Fishing Update
Chris Kenyon
Streams
The rain came last night which puts a little water in area streams. Maxwell Creek is running muddy; however there are some browns near the mouth.
Some anglers were launching at Sodus Bay and fishing the mouth of Maxwell catching browns. They were using egg sacs. You don’t want to launch today unless you think you can battle 30 plus winds with 8 to 10 foot waves.
Anyway, if it continues to be warm that might be an option if there are calm winds. However, never take any chances with Lake Ontario. You’re better off fishing the pier heads. Currently there is no ice build-up. You don’t have ice when yesterday’s temps were 65 degrees.
Bays
A few boats were fishing off the points in Port Bay. The word is small perch. In Sodus Bay they were also catching perch near the south-east side of the bay.
You can still launch boats and catch fish. DEC has pulled the docks but the ramps are open. Just beware of the lower water levels.
Don’t throw the towel in for ice fishing. We still can salvage the season. Currently it does not look good, but it’s only December!
If you do fish from a boat remember it’s a New York State law to wear your PDF.
Check out the rest of the Wayne County Tourism web page for the locations and hours of local bait and tackle shops.
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
There are no reports from the canal, although they were probably fishing these past few days.
Orleans County
Orleans County Tourism
The up and downs of the temperature will continue thru next week with the chance of rain several days but no prediction of snow in sight.
If we get the predicted rain, water flows in all of the tributaries within Orleans County could return to more fishable conditions.
The last of the Erie Canal discharge waters are now in the system which should keep water flows in the “Oak” at a somewhat fishable level for a few more days.
At the bridges area Perch and Steelhead are being taken and farther south catches of Steelhead, Rainbows, Brown trout and Coho salmon are being reported.
On Lake Alice Bass are being caught on the weed beds and drop offs, Bluegill at the Kenyonville Bridge, Perch scattered throughout the lake and Northern pike.
Normally at this time of year we think of getting the solid water fishing equipment ready but this year it looks like there will not be a need for it.