Western New York Fishing Forecast, Thursday, November 17, 2016

James Moraveck of Connecticut caught and released this lake trout from the Artpark drift while fishing with Capt. Matt Yablonsky and Wet Net Charters.

Lake Ontario, Niagara River

James Moraveck of Connecticut caught and released this lake trout from the Artpark drift while fishing with Capt. Matt Yablonsky and Wet Net Charters.
James Moraveck of Connecticut caught and released this lake trout from the Artpark drift while fishing with Capt. Matt Yablonsky and Wet Net Charters.

Big game firearm season in New York State is just around the corner, opening on Nov. 19.  If you don’t hunt, this is the perfect time to wet a line and chase some fish since fishing pressure will ultimately be down across the board.

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

The hottest tributary in Niagara County continues to be 18-Mike Creek and Burt Dam.  Brown trout are taking up residence in greater numbers, there are still a few salmon hanging around, and anglers are reported a few steelhead and Atlantic salmon to keep them busy.  They are calling for some rain and possibly some snow by Sunday night.  In the meantime, conditions have been low and clear so downsize your baits and line.  Egg sacs, egg imitations, woolly buggers in black and small streamer flies will catch fish.  When you can get on the piers, try tossing a spoon or spinner at Olcott or Wilson. The harbors are still holding perch and pike, as well as an occasional bass.

Lower Niagara River  

Lake trout have been dominating catches from both boat and shore. A few steelhead, muskellunge and salmon have been reported.  Steelheads are in the early stages of the run; musky season runs through Dec. 15 in the lower river and Lake Ontario; and salmon are at the very end of its life cycle for mature fish.  Casting spoons, spinners, jigs or egg sacs/beads will work from shore; boaters have been drifting Kwikfish and MapLips off three-way rigs. Bass and walleye can still be caught, too, if you want to try and target them.  Lake trout season is closed until the end of the year.  However, the

Capt. Chris Cinelli of Grand Island shows off a big musky he caught Wednesday morning (Nov. 16). 
Capt. Chris Cinelli of Grand Island shows off a big musky he caught Wednesday morning (Nov. 16). 

Province of Ontario Lake trout season opens on Dec. 1. If you do venture across the border, make sure you abide by all of the rules.  The most recent rule is requiring charter boat skippers to obtain working papers to fish in Canadian waters.  Once they call in, they are hit with GST and PST taxes for their trip.

Upper Niagara River 

Musky action has picked up for trollers, casters, jiggers and drifters.  Water temp has hit that 50 degree mark.  Biggest fish we heard about this week was a heavy 48-inch slob reeled in by Capt. Chris Cinelli of Grand Island. It probably weighed in the upper 30 pound range.  Musky season in the upper river closes on November 30th.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Director, Outdoor Promotions

Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation, 10 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY USA 14303
p: 716.282.8992 x.303| 1.877 FALLS US, f:716.285.0809
website | facebook | twitter | blog

Sportfishing has a $30 million annual economic impact in Niagara USA!