Upstate New York Fishing Report – January 4, 2018

Oswego County

Mary Ellen Barbeau

Oswego River Report

The river flow continued to be up and down over the last few days running between 3,800 and 7,200cfs. This morning it is running at 5,560cfs. The weather has been harsh this week with cold temperatures, bitter wind chills and more snow. There has not been much to report from the river. Temperatures will be extremely cold through Saturday but the forecast is showing some moderation as we go into early next week. As this happens look for steelhead and rainbows throughout the river.

Notice: The bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) zones on the river. For more information, visit our website at www.visitoswegocounty.com and click on the Fishing Report along the top bar on the home page.

Salmon River Report:

According to the Douglaston Salmon Run:
We had several anglers fish the run yesterday afternoon but I was only able to talk with one guest who fished for a couple of hours. He reported that he only had one on and one off. He indicated that the conditions were “pretty rough down there” with quite a bit of slush and shelf ice. It will be bitterly cold the next couple of days with some reprieve expected early next week. The water remains at 500cfs at the reservoir and 680cfs at Pineville.

According to Whitaker’s Sport Shop & Motel:
The weather will remain decent today but then we will have extremely cold temperatures over the next couple of days. Shelf ice and slush ice have been a factor in the lower end of the river but have not been a problem in the upper end of the river between Altmar and Pineville. The few anglers we spoke with have been getting into some fish in the Lower Fly Zone with nymphs producing the best results. Anglers are also having some success bottom bouncing or float fishing with egg sacs in the deeper holes in the upper end of the river.

Oneida Lake Report:

The recent cold temperatures have made for some good ice on Oneida Lake. There is 7 to 12+ inches of ice in various areas but anglers are finding some pressure cracks so as always use caution. The forecast is also calling for 30 mph winds through Friday night when they will begin to subside somewhat. Anglers are reporting some nice perch catches as well as a decent walleye bite.

Sandy Pond report:

According to Woody’s Tackle:
The ice fishing season is definitely underway on the pond. With these cold temperatures we currently have 7 to 12 inches of ice. Anglers have been enjoying the good conditions catching walleye, perch and Northern pike.

Wayne County Fishing Update

Chris Kenyon

Bays

The ice is here and let’s hope it stays. Sodus Bay has 8 inches, Port Bay the same and Blind Sodus a little thicker. This is an average thickness as ice never freezes uniformly.

The action on Sodus is over by the docks out from Katlynn Marina. That would be the area known as the old trestle where the coal boats used to dock in the 60’s. Just follow the shanties.

Another hot spot is at the south-east part of Sodus. The perch are in 18 feet of water and hitting artificial small rubber or perch colored jigs. The fish are schooling so you might have to move around for the jumbos.

The pike are hitting between LeRoy Island and the east shore of the bay.

Port Bay anglers are finding perch off the points and close to the channel. Some trucks drove down the barrier road, however you’re on your own if you get stuck. It might be better to walk out to the ice.

Remember, as ice anglers you are visiting the bays, so don’t trespass on land where you don’t have permission to park. And don’t leave stuff on the ice, like propane tanks.
Wayne County has an ice fishing guide which gives you the basics of fishing on our bays. Contact the tourism office if you wish the brochure.

Erie Canal

Anglers were catching pan fish near Widewaters in Newark. The ice is 8 inches thick. Just beware the canal still has current and not all ice is uniform.

Check out the rest of the Wayne County Tourism web page for the locations and hours of local bait and tackle shops. waynecountytourism.com.