Upstate and Western New York Fishing Report – May 30, 2019

Oswego County

Mary Ellen Barbeau of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning.
 
Notice: Due to high water levels, a local state of emergency order for a “No Wake Zone” has been established for boats 1,000 feet from the Lake Ontario shoreline and tributaries. All motorized boats within 1,000 feet of the shoreline and within these waterways must operate at idle speed.

Lake Ontario/Oswego River Report

According to Capt. Andy Bliss of Chasin’ Tail Adventures:
What a fight!!! On Sunday a nice salmon hit a Michigan stinger down 40 feet and came up to the surface through the diver. Then proceeded to pass the boat. As I made my way to the bow he went 300’ behind the boat. The line got caught on the rudder but we managed to get it free and land it.

According to Capt. Troy Creasy of High Adventure Sportfishing:
Started Sunday morning with a quad and the crew managed to land all four. After that it was a slow pick, but the cooler was very heavy at the dock. Monday we picked up a nice king – just shy of 24 pounds. Our largest king of the year thus far.

According to Oz Angling Tackle:
The water flow is currently running at 13,200cfs this morning. Every May and at certain times throughout the summer, the Oswego River gets a decent run of these fresh rainbows. We caught one such gorgeous fish last week. It always seems a little extra special to catch a trout in warm weather in the river. Smallmouth bass, rock bass, and sheepshead seem to be the most active biters in the river right now.

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 visitoswegocounty.com and click on 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:
Sunday we had eight anglers on the run and all but one (who only fished for a short time late in the afternoon) got into some decent smallmouth bass and drop-back chrome steelhead fishing from top to bottom of the run. Most reported bass in the 12 to 15″ range, ones to threes, swinging flies, with one lucky angler bringing to hand 25 bass spincasting with tube jigs and small crankbaits. There were three steelhead brought to hand with two being a respectable 22″ and 28″ and one being a small “skippy”! Monday the few anglers on the run reported only a few fall fish and a couple of smallmouth bass that showed up to provide entertainment. Water flow is currently 500cfs through midnight tonight.

Oneida Lake Report:

Boaters and anglers should continue to use caution when out on the water as there is a large amount of debris floating in the lake. Anglers are finding walleye fishing from shore or in 20-30 feet of water. Shore anglers are also finding a bullhead bite along with a few crappies. Water depths of 10-15 feet are producing some perch.

Sandy Pond Report:

Due to Lake Ontario’s high water level, the DEC North Sandy Pond boat launch is closed. With the high water we have not had many reports from the pond.

Wayne County Fishing Update

Chris Kenyon

Lake Ontario

Earlier last week the trout and salmon were swimming some where besides the south shore of Lake Ontario. However, as it frequently happens on the “big lake”…they are back.

The king bite is on and they are in 100 to 150 feet of water. Spoons are still what’s working. Colors have been black and green or orange. Use your favorite spoon: Moonshine, NK’s, Stingers, etc.

The browns and some steelhead are also hitting. Charter boats are using boards, downriggers, and divers and are fishing straight out from Sodus Bay or straight out from Hughes’ Marina.

Bays

Wayne County still has a no-wake condition. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office declared a State of Emergency on Sodus Bay, East Bay, Port Bay and Blind Sodus Bay effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday May 11.

SODUS BAY – IDLE SPEED ONLY CAUSING NO WAKE WITHIN 1000 FEET of shore.

PORT BAY, EAST BAY and BLIND SODUS BAY – IDLE SPEED ONLY CAUSING NO WAKE.

Flooding has made launching a challenge; however, you can still get your boat in the water on Sodus and Port Bays. Currently, the Margaretta Road launch on Sodus is open and you can use the ramp at Bay Bridge Sport Shop.

The south end of Port Bay at the DEC site is the best location for launching.

The pike fishing at Sodus has been excellent. Troll between the islands, especially the north side of LeRoy.

The Port Bay crappies are still being caught at the narrows, which is the south end of the bay.

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

Erie Canal

The canal is officially opened in Wayne County. Sections might be closed in different counties because of high water; however, Wayne is good to go.

The official season for keeping bass starts the third Saturday in June…June 15th. And DEC’s free fishing weekend is June 29-30th. No license is required for fishing in New York State.