- The history and vista view of Niagara Falls itself is inspiring, but the thunder and vibration from the falls is simply awesome
- Lake Erie offers walleye, perch, smallmouth bass and musky
- Lake Ontario offers King salmon, Atlantic salmon, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, and Steelhead
- Niagara River offers some of all those species in the Upper and Lower River sectors
By Bob Holzhei

It was a few years ago that I fished Lake Erie from the New York shoreline. It was time for a return trip to not only fish but to revisit the rich history of nearby Niagara Falls, U.S.A.
Niagara Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world. Even though I’ve visited the falls before, each return trip is an experience of a lifetime. In addition, I love history, and Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in America. Fort Niagara was established in 1726! It makes me feel young. Costumed reenactments portray men and women dressed in primitive attire of the time during special item events held many times a year. Living history programs and artillery demonstrations take visitors to the park back in time.
Boat tours take visitors near the falls aboard the safety of a boat vessel named, the “Maid of the Mist.”

The “Festival of Lights” draws visitors from Thanksgiving to the Epiphany, on January 6th, each year.
“The Niagara Gorge spans 800 feet across and up to 200 feet deep, where the lower Niagara River flows below. Blend in the opportunity to fish the area rivers, streams, and legendary Lake Erie, it’s an amazing time. The world-renowned Niagara River connects two Great Lakes, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, and also offers access to the infamous Erie Canal – the man-made waterway of the 1800s from Buffalo to Albany and New York City that was a big part of the industrial revolution.
What’s new at Niagara Falls, U.S.A.?
“A zip line over the Erie Canal in Lockport and a new improved Marina in Wilson, named Bootlegger’s Cove Marina,” stated Bill Hilts Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director for Niagara Falls Tourism Bureau.
Blend in several new breweries, downtown hotels, and a revamped Niagara Falls State Park, including a renovated “Cave of the Woods.” Outdoor activities have also expanded including hiking, biking, birding, and boating, so Niagara Falls has something for everyone.
The Niagara Falls Region provides opportunities to fish for perch, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, and Northern Pike.

In the Lake Ontario sector, where the Niagara River makes entry, it offers Chinook, Coho, Atlantic salmon, Lake Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
The Erie Canal Region is noted for slow-moving water making it great for family fishing. Species found there include walleye, northern pike, catfish, and carp weighing up to 20 pounds.
The “River Region” is open for year-round fishing. In the fall, salmon and brown trout lure anglers to the area. In winter, steelhead fishing is popular and spring is the prime season for trout and steelhead in the river. In summer, the muskie, walleye and smallmouth bass provide excellent action for anglers. Professional charter captains are available and take the guesswork out of fishing.
With a smorgasbord of outdoor adventure and fishing opportunities throughout the year, it is no wonder why Niagara Falls and the surrounding area is one of the natural wonders of the world!
FAST FACTS: Looking back over the years
- 1817-Erie Canal Construction Begins
- 1859-Hydraulic Tunnel Construction begins
- Mid-1800’s: Freedom seekers escape slavery through the Niagara Falls railroad.
- 1885-Niagara Reservation created-Niagara Falls State Park consists of 400 acres.
- 1896-Inventor Nikola Telsa transmits electricity 22 miles from Niagara Falls to Buffalo, New York.
- 1901-Ajjie Edison is the first person to go over the falls in a barrel and survives.
- 1915-Herschell Carrousel Factory/Museum; the founder of the American Amusement rides & vintage carousel rides.
To request a visitor’s guide: www.niagarafallsusa.com.