Destination Niagara USA Fishing Report – July 6, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

FISH: King Salmon Action is HOT
WHERE: Wilson Harbor, Niagara County, NY
LURES: A-Tom-Mik Twinkie set-ups & Dreamweaver UV Frog Spin Doctor

Lake Ontario salmon action is continuing on a consistent clip to the delight of trollers at Wilson, Olcott and the Niagara Bar.

**Big King Salmon are becoming the norm off Wilson Harbor, Niagara County, NY, these last few days.**

Don’t take my word for it, though, just ask Capt. Casey Prisco of Matamoras, Pennsylvania. He was fishing in the Monroe County Offshore Classic last weekend out of Rochester and ran his boat 153 miles round trip in the one-day contest, settling in to fish off Niagara County in Wilson. The fish zone was 71 to 111 feet down over 130 to 180 feet of water, using a Dreamweaver UV Frog spin doctor and an A-Tom-Mik Twinkie set-up. With the A-Tom-Mik meat set out 205 feet on a diver. Another productive rod was a 10-inch white green dot Dreamweaver spin doctor with A-Tom-Mik meat set down 91 feet. He went 21 for 22 on fish for the morning before running back – catching nearly 84 pounds for five fish.

For local captains, the new A-Tom-Mik stud fly has also been a hot ticket for kings, too. Earlier this week, we had some fishing writers from Germany show up in town for an “I Love NY” familiarization tour. They did spend a few hours in the morning, catching salmon and steelhead with Capt. Mike Johannes and On-The-Rocks charters out of Wilson before travelling to their next stop.

The day before, they fished the Lower Niagara River for smallmouth bass with Capt. Frank Campbell of Niagara Region Charters, catching roughly 25 fish on spinnerbaits. The biggest was 6 pounds.

**Fishing with Captain Frank Campbell, visitors to the Lower Niagara River in Niagara County, NY, are cashing in on GIANT smallmouth bass, like this 6-pound bronzeback.**

There are quite a few fishing contests in the month of July and two are going on right now. They include the Lake Ontario Counties Summer Trout and Salmon Derby and the 27^th Annual Erie Canal Fishing Derby.

If you are going fishing on Lake Ontario, if even for a day, make sure you sign up. Day passes are available. Leading fish for the $10,000 Grand Prize is Lee Beaton of Clifton Springs, NY, with a 27 pound King caught out of Wilson. Darryl Raate of Fulton is leading the steelhead division with another Wilson fish – this one weighing 13 pounds. Top brown is 16 pounds, 2 ounces and the first place lake trout is 22 pounds, 10 ounces. The derby continues through July 30. Go to www.loc.org for details.

Meanwhile on the Erie Canal, the derby kicked off on Wednesday, July 5, and will continue through July 16. There is a family pass for just $25 if you want to take advantage of a group entry fee. The leader board is wide open. Get out there and catch some fish. Find out information at www.eriecanalderby.com.

The Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association is ready to have a party – a fishing party for its members. You can join for just $10 and become part of the festivities, set for July 21-22 out of Olcott. The first event on the fishing calendar is the Curt Meddaugh Memorial Tournament on Friday, a big fish contest that is free for club members. All you have to do is register! Big fish for the day must be weighed in by 3 p.m. at the Town of Newfane Marina in Olcott. On Saturday, the LOTSA Club Tournament will be going on all day. This is a big fish contest, as well, and entry fee is $60. Weigh in at Krull Park by 3 p.m. to be included for the cash prizes. The final piece to the LOTSA fishing puzzle is the club’s 3-2-3 contest over the two days. Best 3 fish over 2 days of fishing, paying out the top 3 weights. Entry fee is $50 for this portion of the contest. The club picnic will be immediately following on Saturday and the awards will be handed out. You can find out more information and also register for these contests at www.lotsa1.org. And speaking of LOTSA, the next meeting is July 13 at Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara in Lockport, guest speaker will be Capt. Matt Yablonsky: “Talking Small Boat King’s” at 7 p.m.

As we mentioned, bass fishing in the lower Niagara River has been decent and the moss really hasn’t been that bad. In the upper Niagara River, bass and walleye are still cooperating at the head of the river and around Strawberry Island. The best bait has been with a spinner and a worm. Remember that you can now venture into Canadian waters without calling in. Make sure you understand the live bait regulations and you are carrying a Canadian fishing license if you do cross the border.

Bill Hilts, Jr.
Outdoor Promotions Director

Destination Niagara USA, 10 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY 14303; p: 1-877 FALLS US | 716-282-8992 x. 303, f: 716-285-0809; www.niagarafallsusa.com

DESTINATION NIAGARA USA HIGHLIGHTS LAKE ONTARIO FISHING

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Free Fishing this Weekend in New York State (June 24-25, 2017)
New USA-CANADA Border Fishing Rules Eased
Lake Ontario Counties Tourney Series Starting
Detailed Fishing Report for June 22, 2017

**Scott Rohe with a nice Lake Ontario King Salmon.**

Lots of good news in this week’s report. It’s a Free Fishing Weekend in New York State. However, you do have to abide by the fishing regulations. Check out www.dec.ny.gov to find out what the rules are in the waters you intend to fish.

This is also the weekend for the Hooked on Fishing Tournament presented by the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns both Saturday and Sunday. Everything is run out of Gateway Harbor, North Tonawanda. Register June 23 from noon to 6 p.m. or any time after 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more info visit www.bgcnt.net or call 873-9842 Ext. 211.

Lake Ontario salmon fishing continues to be very good all along the Niagara County shoreline. Good reports are coming from the Niagara Bar to Olcott and beyond. Salmon in the upper 20 pound range were caught all last week and Capt. Dan Evans out of Wilson, fishing in a tournament on the north shore, managed to reel in a 32 pound chunk pre-fishing and releases the fish to fight another day. Top lures include a variety of Dreamweaver metal, Silver Streaks and Michigan Stingers.

However, the bigger fish seem to prefer the spin doctor and fly combos. The new A-Tom-Mik Stud Fly is really working well, producing that 32 pounder we just mentioned. White crush-glow pattern. Meat rigs are also tricking fish to hit. Yes, Lake Ontario is open for business! Start in 100 feet of water and head north out to 300 foot depths. Salmon seem to be in the top 80 feet of water. And some steelhead have started to move in to accompany the salmon so make sure you put a few baits out for them, too. In other good news, the lake levels have started to come down.

**Captain Danny Evans with another nice Lake Ontario King Salmon, sliding to get out of the picture!**

According to lake level reports, the waterline has dropped over 4 inches already and the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Water Board has announced that after the three-day experiment last week to increase outflows, they are going to continue with it to provide additional relief in the lake. The Town of Newfane Marina launch area and the Lewiston Landing launch are your two best bets for easy boat launch access.

More good news is that the Canadian Government finally passed a law that no longer required Americans to call into Canada Border Services when crossing the international boundary. You still need a fishing license and need to abide by the country’s regulations, but the hassle of calling in is no longer required. Remember no live bait other than worms in approved bedding or in water. Nothing in dirt. No minnows or crabs. Still, it’s just gotten a whole bunch better.

With the Lake Ontario Counties, trout and salmon summer derby just around the corner, set for June 30 to July 30, anglers are excited to take advantage of the summer action. Check out www.loc.org for details. In addition, the New York State Summer Classic Fishing Tournament is on and running through August 31. There are a total of 10 different fish species categories and 55 weigh stations throughout the state. To find out more information, check out www.nyssummerclassic.com.

In the Lower Niagara River, water temperature are still slowly creeping up there. Lake Erie hit 72 degrees this week, so the trout are history. The bad news is that the moss has become more of a problem. Mostly bass were caught this week on jigs, Kwikfish and MagLips. Shore casters in the gorge have been using tubes, swim baits and marabou jigs. Inline spinners will work, too. They can be caught but you will be cleaning your lures frequently.

Upper Niagara River bass fishing also continues to be good, but the moss is putting a kink in that action. Some walleye are being caught at the head of the river and at the head of Strawberry Island on worm harnesses and jigs. The Great Lakes musky season opener was slow, probably due to the warmer water already flowing through the system. For an outdoors update this week, check out www.buffalonews.com/section/sports/outdoors/ to find out what’s happening.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director

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

Orleans County Fishing Report – June 21, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Orleans County King Salmon ARE BACK!
Lake Alice good with Smallmouth and Largemouth
Fishing-For-A-Cure Tourney Coming Up, July 15

Today is Wednesday June 21, 2017.

Occasional rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast into next week, along with more seasonal temperatures.

On Lake Ontario, the king of the lake – Chinook salmon, have made their presence known in a big way. Fishing in the 100 feet of water range has been very productive all along the shoreline of Orleans County. Most fish are being taken in the lower portions of the water column, from 60 feet down and with a mixture of lure combinations but cut bait seems to be the most productive. Some lake trout and steelhead are also being caught, but not in the numbers of the kings.

Near the mouth of Oak Orchard Creek (the “Oak”), perch and bass fishing is good to very good.

Lake Alice is producing some decent numbers of both Largemouth and Smallmouth bass along with a combination of panfish.

I haven’t had a good report from the Erie Canal fishermen as of yet.

Returning again this year is the Drew’s Crew – “Fishing for a Cure” for Juvenile Diabetes. The derby will take place on July 15th this year and will follow the best 3-fish format that is so popular. The entry fee is $50.00 cash with half going to the prize structure and half to Juvenile Diabetes research. This year you will be able to fish out of either Point Breeze or Bald Eagle Marina, but the weigh-in will take place at Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina. You must be entered by 7AM on the 15th and the weigh-In closes at 3PM so please don’t be late. Please join us for a fun day of fishing while supporting this great cause.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Orleans County Fishing Report – July 5, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Fishing for a Cure starts July 15
Fishing is Good!

Today is Wednesday July 5, 2017.

The weather over the 4th couldn’t have been any better, but change is coming. Rain is in the forecast for at least part of this weekend.

According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the level of Lake Ontario is supposed to drop about 6″ over the next month which will help a lot of our facilities.

A quick look at the LOC leader board shows the big salmon at 27 pounds already and the board is filling up quickly.

Fishing along the coastline of Orleans County has been good to very good over the past week or so producing good mixed bags of fish.

Perch, bass and northern pike are still being caught in the lower stretches of the “Oak”.

On Lake Alice, the one comment I got from one fishermen was “I didn’t know that there were that many jet skis in the world”. Bass fishing in the upper stretches of Lake Alice is producing some very nice fish.

Returning again this year is the Drew’s Crew, “Fishing for a Cure for Juvenile Diabetes.” The derby will take place on July 15th this year and will follow the best 3 fish format that is so popular. The entry fee is $50.00 cash with half going to the prize structure and half to Juvenile Diabetes research. This year you will be able to fish out of either Point Breeze or Bald Eagle Marina but the weigh-in will take place at Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina. You must be entered by 7 AM on the 15th and the weigh-In closes at 3PM so please don’t be late. Please join us for a fun day of fishing while supporting this great cause.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Destination Niagara USA Fishing – LAKE ONTARIO IS HOT!

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Fishing Catching Details and Forecast (June 29, 2017)

**Jake Romanack with a nice Lake Ontario King Salmon caught trolling last week off the Niagara Bar.**

Lake Ontario salmon fishing action continues to be very good … if Mother Nature will let you get out there. The weather has been crazy this year and there were some reports of water spouts earlier this week. Fish-Catching TV Show – Mark and Jake Romanack, with the Fishing 411 television show, had heard about the good salmon fishing and took a quick drive over from Michigan to film a show. They arrived on Monday and filmed Tuesday and Wednesday mornings to complete the episode. They caught a total of nine mature king salmon to 25 pounds plus a number of smaller salmon. Methods: downriggers, slide divers, lead core, copper. They caught fish on a variety of methods including downriggers down 65 to 75 feet over 100 to 150 feet of water just off the Niagara Bar; slide divers 120 feet back; 10 colors of lead core line; and 300 feet of copper line. Best speeds were 2.7 to 3.0 miles per hour on the surface. Be aware that there is a strong current out there in the lake that you may need to adjust to, probably related to the outflow of water through the St. Lawrence Seaway in an attempt to

**Mark Romanack with a 25-pound Lake Ontario King Salmon caught off Niagara County.**

lower more water from the lake. Water levels have started to come down, an encouraging sign – and just in time for the Summer Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby. That contest will run from June 30 to July 30. Get out there and catch a winning fish. Grand Prize is $10,000 for the largest salmon. Website is www.loc.org. Wilson and Olcott are also reporting good king catches. Derby time is a great time to get out there!

Lower Niagara River fishing is still moving right along. Moss was a little more prevalent on Tuesday morning after the storms on Monday afternoon. Hopefully that was just from the high winds. It was definitely fishable as a camera crew from China sampled the lower river fishing action. Capt. Frank Campbell of Niagara Falls was tossing spinnerbaits along the shoreline and picked up some smallmouth. Shiners and crayfish caught a mix of bass and sheepshead. Bass are available all to way to the Niagara Bar. Good news if you have a Canadian fishing license. Anglers no longer have to call into Canada Border Services Agency if they cross the international boundary. However, you still need a license and you must abide by the country’s bait regulations.

**Matt Steffan with his 20-pound carp caught during the NYS Free Fishing Weekend.**

Upper Niagara River fishing has been good for bass and walleye. Bottom bounce a worm harness from a three-way rig at the head of the river or in front of Strawberry Island to take some nice ‘eyes. Smallmouth bass have been hitting shiners and crayfish. Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls has been doing well on largemouth using plugs and spinnerbaits. Tube jigs will also work for bass. A few musky were caught the past week, but mostly on the smaller-side in the upper 30-inch or lower 40-inch range. Monster tubes caused some follows and hook-ups for Ryan Shea with Brookdog Fishing. Some nice steelhead were caught this week by customers of Capt. Chris Cinelli of Grand Island. Spinner and a worm did the trick around Strawberry Island.

In the Hooked on Fishing Tournament over the free fishing weekend in the Erie Canal, some impressive fish came to the scales. Robert Grant reeled in a 6.25 pound bass; Dan Phelps hauled in a 4.28 pound pike; Mike Boncore weighed in a one pound perch; Matt Steffan out-dueled a 20 pound carp; and Dominic DiNardo earned first place with a 4-pound channel catfish. A total of $3,000 was raised for the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns to send kids to summer camp.

Next contest coming up is the 27^th Annual Erie Canal Fishing Derby, set for July 5 to 16. Get all of the details at www.eriecanalderby.com. Seven species categories, 50 tagged fish and a 50 mile boundary from the Niagara River to Albion. There is even a family registration for just $25. Get signed up today!

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director

Destination Niagara USA, 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!

www.niagarafallsusa.com

Outdoor Resources for Families – FREE From New York State

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Forrest Fisher

New York State Conservationist for Kids is FREE
Useful Outdoor Discovery Articles
Environmental Education Information for All Ages

**Kids and Nature work together to promote Conservation. Check out these links!**

Many children learn about the outdoors from adults who accompany them as they explore. Plenty of times the kids teach the adults as well as the adults teaching the kids! If you are looking for ideas on how to enjoy the outdoors with the young people in your life visit the web sites listed below.

Outdoor Discovery is an online newsletter from DEC for families. It encourages New Yorkers to explore outdoors and learn about the environment. Each issue introduces subscribers to a a seasonal environmental or nature topic, suggests a related activity and lists family friendly events at DEC’s environmental education centers. DEC Outdoor Discovery is emailed to subscribers every other Wednesday and also appears on DEC’s website.

DEC operates environmental education programs statewide. These include two environmental education centers from Albany to Buffalo, plus regional environmental educators who serve New York City, Long Island and Central NY.

The DEC’s residential environmental education summer camps have be operating for over 60 years. The camps serve boys and girls ages 11-17, who attend a week long program exploring the outdoors and learning about the environment. Campers can even participate in a hunter safety class and receive their hunter safety certificate. The four summer camps are located across the state, two in the Adirondacks, one in the Catskills and one in Western New York.

National Wildlife Federation advocates spending at least one hour each day outdoors in nature. Their web site Be Out There provides ideas for reconnecting kids with the many benefits of the great outdoors. Good for both mental and physical health, spending time outdoors is also fun and helps kids build a connection to nature. Using the “NatureFind” feature visitors can find outdoor activities in their area, and across the country.

Nature Rocks from the Children and Nature Network, The Nature Conservancy and R.E.I. provides ideas for exploring outdoors with children. They also offer a search feature to locate programs, sites and outdoor play groups, known as Nature Rocks Flocks in your area.

For more, just visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/59422.html.

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Report for June 14, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

**Chuck Grampp of Williamsville caught this nice salmon as Nick Glosser, first mate on the Thrillseeker helps out.**

On Lake Ontario, salmon and trout fishing continues to be good. Capt. Vince Pierleoni of Newfane reports good numbers of fish in the area off Olcott and Wilson, but you have to adapt and locate the fish.

Heavy current and winds have scattered fish, but a mix of salmon and trout can be found in 100 to 300 feet of water. Flasher-fly, meat rigs and spoons like Dreamweaver’s and Michigan Stinger’s have been producing fish on a consistent basis. Pierleoni just returned from the Orleans Open Salmon and Trout Tournament last weekend where he placed second – less than 5 points behind the winner, Capt. Ed Monette and Cannonball Runner. Pierleoni actually caught one more fish that Monette – 16 to 15 – but scoring is based on 10 points per fish and a point per pound.

This Saturday is the opening of the regular bass season so you will probably see a few more boats heading out.

The Newfane launch ramp at Olcott is not having any water issues and launching is not a problem. All the boat slips are viable. The kids fishing derby set for June 24 in the Town of Newfane marina has been cancelled for this year.

This coming Saturday, June 17, is the Wilson Conservation Club’s 31^st annual kids derby from 8 a.m. to noon. Fish in any Niagara County waters. This contest is based on length and you must have your fish measured by noon. Call 930-7500 for more info. The club is located on Route 425 near the water tower.

In Tonawanda, the kids derby will be at Niawanda Park near the band shell along River Road. Registration starts at 8 a.m. There are other activities going on in addition to the fishing.

In addition, that same day will be the start of a new event across the state – the New York State Summer Classic Fishing Tournament, and running through August 31. There are a total of 10 different fish species categories and 55 weigh stations throughout the state. To find out more information, check out www.nyssummerclassic.com.

In the Lower Niagara River, water temperature is still slowly creeping up there. Only a few steelhead and lake trout are still holding on. Mostly bass were caught this week on jigs, Kwikfish and MagLips. The regular season opens on Saturday the 17^th and live bait can then be used again. Shore casters in the gorge have been using tubes, swim baits and marabou jigs. Inline spinners will work, too. Moss hasn’t increased that much. The worse is yet to come. Take advantage of the clearer water while you can.

Upper Niagara River bass fishing continues to be good. Remember that the regular bass season opens Saturday (June 17). Speaking of bass, the Annual Opening Day Bass Contest sponsored each year by Kelly’s Korners, will NOT be held this year. Organizers for the tournament didn’t want to see the big bass end up in a fish fry and they decided to retire the event to help protect the resource. Some walleye are being caught at the head of the river and at the head of Strawberry Island on worm harnesses and jigs. Great Lakes musky season opens up this Saturday, too. For some tips and a nice story on the Niagara Musky Assn., check out www.buffalonews.com/section/sports/outdoors/ this week.

NOTE: There is still a state of emergency along the Lake Ontario shoreline for high water levels. This isn’t really going to affect the fishing that much, but the Niagara County Sheriff is asking that boats creating a wake stay at least 600 feet from shore. This doesn’t include trolling. Caution is advised for floating debris when you are out in the lake moving around. The problem seems to be launching. The best spot to be right now is the Town of Newfane Marina in Olcott. Fort Niagara has an open launch but you need boots up to your knees or above. Golden Hill State Park launch is closed and Wilson-Tuscarora Park is day to day (but you need hip boots there, too). It’s worth the effort for the good fishing!

Travel Destination: NIAGARA USA

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Water Temp Rising Now, Salmon Hitting with Fish to 22 Pounds
Smallmouth Bass Fishing is Good on Upper and Lower Niagara River
Southtowns Lake Erie Walleye Contest runs June 10-18

Niagara County, NY; June 9, 2017. Despite record high water levels in Lake Ontario, salmon and trout fishing continues to be good in the lake, although it did slow down a bit with the recent east winds. Some good fishing was being reported over the weekend from Tanner Niezgoda, of Newfane, while fishing out of Olcott.

**Jason Krebs with a pretty Lake Trout taken in the Lower Niagara River on a drift.**

Best depths were 60 to 80 feet down over 150 to 300 feet of water with spoons and flasher-fly combos. Salmon up to 22 pounds were caught by Tanner and his sister.

Many of the captains have been tight-lipped on information with the Orleans County Open happening this weekend. Be forewarned about the Niagara Bar with a report that moss is starting to come down through the river system.

In the Lower Niagara River, the fishing has been good to very good the past week. Steelhead and lake trout are still holding on, but they probably won’t be around for long as the water nears the 60 degree mark. Minnows, Kwikfish and MagLips were all working on trout from boats up in Devil’s Hole; shore casters in the gorge have been using tubes, swim baits and marabou jigs.

That same hardware will also work on smallmouth bass downriver, but Chuck Booker of Amherst proved that his signature in-line spinners can also catch bass by going 17 for 20 on his last outing this week north of the sand docks in Lewiston.

Yes, some moss is starting to show up, but you can still catch fish just fine. It will continue to get worse, though, as the month progresses. Outdoor Writer Mike Brown of Ohio came into town over the weekend and his crew of family and friends managed to catch about 40 fish while fishing with Capt. Joe Marra of Lewiston. Tip of the week: Don’t set your rod down to take a picture for your story in the Niagara River without reeling in a little line first. Anyone who hooks into a nice spinning outfit in the river with a brand new reel on it could be returned to Capt. Joe.

**Tanner Niezgoda, of Newfane, New York, Caught a beautiful lake Trout fishing Lake Ontario out of Olcott Harbor.**

Upper Niagara River bass fishing also continues to be good. Remember that the regular season doesn’t open until the third Saturday in June (June 17 this year) and if you are targeting bass, you must use artificial baits. Speaking of bass, the Annual Opening Day Bass Contest sponsored each year by Kelly’s Korners will NOT be held this year. Organizers for the tournament didn’t want to see the big bass end up in a fish fry and they decided to retire the event to help protect the resource. Some walleye are being caught at the head of the river and at the head of Strawberry Island on worm harnesses and jigs. This could be a sleeper area for the Southtowns Walleye Association’s tournament that kicks off on Saturday, June 10. www.southtownswalleye.org

To help Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, there will be a Free Fishing Clinic at Ellicott Creek Park on Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Mike Todd at 851-7010 to pre-register – although it’s not required.

Just a quick reminder on water levels: There is still a state of emergency along the Lake Ontario shoreline for high water levels. This isn’t really going to affect the fishing that much, but the Niagara County Sheriff is asking that boats creating a wake stay at least 600 feet from shore. This doesn’t include trolling. Caution is advised for floating debris when you are out in the lake moving around. The problem seems to be launching. The best spot to be right now is the Town of Newfane Marina in Olcott. Fort Niagara has an open launch, but you need boots up to your knees or above. Golden Hill State Park launch is closed and Wilson-Tuscarora Park is day to day (but you need hip boots there, too). It’s worth the effort for the good fishing!!

NYSDEC Eastern Lake Erie Fishing Report – June 10, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Lake Erie and Harbors

Fishing from a very windy Sunset Bay in Irving, NY, retired Charter Captain Bob Rustowicz and teammates, caught a few walleye from Day 1 of the Southtowns walleye Association Tournament in Lake Erie.

The night bite along the nearshore reefs has fallen off. Most walleye anglers are now targeting daylight hours and catches have been slowly improving in 40-60 feet of water near major spawning areas. Productive methods include trolling with worm harnesses or stickbaits just off the bottom, or by slow trolling (1 mph or less) with a bottom bouncing rig and worm harness. Working deeper edges off the walleye spawning structures is also worth a try. Some walleye anglers are still doing well at night off the Buffalo Harbor’s outer breakwalls out to 30 feet of water, with a few catches inside the harbor as well. There have been some decent yellow perch catches recently out of Cattaraugus Creek starting in 60 feet of water. Anglers fishing in around 50 feet of water report plenty of nuisance goby. Live emerald shiners fished near the bottom work best for perch.

Smallmouth bass are still available in and around Lake Erie harbors and their breakwalls. Early this week, Dunkirk Harbor anglers were catching between 15-35 smallmouth per outing. On Lake Erie, depths of 20-30 feet of water over rocky shoals has recently been productive. Good spots to try include Myers Reef, Seneca Shoal, Evans Bar and Van Buren Reef. Many smaller reefs, rock piles and humps will hold bass as well. Tube jigs, jigs with twister tails, deep diving stickbaits, live minnows and crayfish are good bass baits. For more information see the Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Lake Erie page.

Lake Erie Tributaries

Some smallmouth bass are still available in the Lake Erie tributaries. However, with low and warming waters in the small to medium streams, the bite is fading. Best chances for bass is in the lower end of Cattaraugus Creek.

Upper Niagara River

Smallmouth bass catches are on the rise around Grand Island. Bass fishing is by catch and release only, artificial lures only in the Niagara River north of the Peace Bridge, until the regular season opens on third Saturday in June.

Chautauqua Lake

Musky fishing along weedlines has been productive since the season opened. Good techniques include trolling large stickbaits along weed edges or casting stickbaits over weed beds and retrieving towards open water. There has been some decent walleye fishing during daylight hours. One group caught a bunch of keepers in 15-18 feet of water by drifting with bottom bouncing rig and worm harness and by trolling (1.3 mph) with harnesses or deep diving stickbaits. See the Fishing for Walleye page for more information. Yellow perch and sunfish seem to biting well lake-wide inside of 10 feet of water. Perch catches are also good in deeper areas.

Inland Trout Streams

Trout streams throughout the region are in great shape with moderate flows. Warming water temps also have more bug and fish feeding activity at the surface. Sub-surface nymphs are good bets early in the day, while dry flies can be productive in the afternoon. Look for hatches of March browns, sulphurs, caddis flies and stone flies on the streams that have them. Productive offerings for spinning anglers include worms, salted minnows and small inline spinners. Western New York anglers have a variety of Wild Trout Streams and Stocked Trout Streams to choose from. In addition, Public Fishing Rights Maps are available for many of the region’s best trout streams. Check out the Fishing For Stream Trout page for introductory information on trout baits, lures, equipment and fishing techniques.

Spring Trout Stocking

All of Region 9’s trout stocking waters have been stocked with all of designated stocking increments. For County lists of stocked waters check the Spring Trout Stocking 2017 page. Hatchery staff stocked some surplus two-year-old brown trout in the following waters between May 23rd and 26th: Genesee River – 400 brown trout from Wellsville to PA border; Cattaraugus Creek – 400 brown trout in Erie and Wyoming Counties; Cohocton River – 275 brown trout; Oatka Creek – 275 brown trout.

Genesee River Angler Diary Program

If you fish the Genesee River (even once) and would like to contribute your observations by keeping a diary, please call DEC Fisheries at (716) 379-6372 or email fwfish9@dec.ny.gov.

More Information:

If you need more fishing information or would like to contribute to the fishing report, please call or e-mail Mike Todd (716-851-7010; michael.todd@dec.ny.gov). Good Luck Fishing!

The fishing hotline can also be heard at (716) 679-ERIE or (716) 855-FISH.

Orleans County Fishing Report – May 31, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Alice Lake Crappie and Bluegill on the Bite
Lake Ontario Salmon Contests just Ahead
Captain’s Cove New Office OPEN

The up and down temperatures should continue at least through the middle of June according to the weather forecasters. The water levels on Lake Ontario are not expected to start dropping until the end of June at the earliest. Now that we have that out of the way, the good news is that Lake Ontario is open for the business of fishing and the signs are right for another great season.

Indications from the early trawls seem to show plenty of bait and the mild winter has contributed to that plus a longer season for growth of our sportfish.

Our marinas are hard at work raising their docks to combat the higher water levels. Captain’s Cove has their new office and tackle shop open at the top of the hill and Bald Eagle has operations in full swing.

The cooler temperatures and some East/Northeast winds have slowed the eastern progression of Chinook salmon just a bit, but that means that they will be bigger by the time they move this far East.

On Lake Alice catches of both Bluegill and Crappie are being taken, as well as bass, but please remember that bass are catch and release until the 3rd Saturday in June.

Information on the fishing in Lake Ontario out of Orleans County is slowing a bit due to the Condor Derby on the 9th of June and then the Orleans County Open Tournament on the 10th and 11th this year.

By the way this year you can fish this great tournament out of either Point Breeze or Bald Eagle Marina.

Lastly, please be mindful of the high-water conditions and slow to idle speed when entering and exiting our harbors and when close to our shoreline.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Report – Big Fish and Lots of ‘Em

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Dave Barus

**Logan Simpson of Maryland reels in his first salmon ever fishing out of Olcott with Thrillseeker Charters.**

Fishing is great in Lake Ontario and the Niagara River as National Fishing and Boating Week approaches June 3 to 11!

Despite record high water levels in the lake, salmon and trout fishing continue to be good in the lake. Some good fishing was being reported over the holiday weekend from John Van Hoff of North Tonawanda while fishing out of Wilson and Olcott. Best depths were 60 to 100 feet down over 200 to 300 feet of water with spoons and flasher-fly combos. Salmon up to 23 pounds were reported the past week. The last day of the month, Capt. Bob Stevens of Sunrise Charters sends word that he did well on salmon west of Wilson in 150 to 170 feet of water so spring action is continuing. East winds have helped to keep salmon boxed in off the shores of Niagara USA.

**Phillip Koprowski from North Tonawanda out-dueled this big 23 pound salmon while fishing with Wet Net Charters. It was a rainy day, but they limited out by 9:30 a.m.**

In the Niagara River, the lower section below Niagara Falls is still holding some trout, including lakers and steelhead. Kwikfish lures worked for Capt. Arnie Jonathan of Lockport last weekend. They boated walleye, bass, suckers and silver bass. One sucker was a potential state record had they known.

**Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls hauled in this big silver bass from the shores of the lower Niagara River on a jig.**

Capt. Frank Campbell of Niagara Falls had a few banner days on smallmouth bass casting the shoreline with stickbaits and jerk baits. MagLips were working for trout, fished off three-way rigs. The silver bass action continues to be very good for drifters and shoreline casters. From shore, try tossing jigs or spinners.

Upper Niagara River bass fishing continues to be good. Remember that the regular season doesn’t open until the third Saturday in June (June 17 this year) and if you are targeting bass, you must use artificial baits. Some walleye are being caught at the head of the river and at the head of Strawberry Island on worm harnesses and jigs. Capt. Ryan Shea of Tonawanda also likes to target large carp this time of year on some of the flats, using crayfish imitation flies. Seek out the flats where these fish will be spawning. They can be a lot of fun!

As we mentioned, National Fishing and Boating Week is June 3 through 11. To help celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is hosting its 26th Annual Youth Fishing Derby, on Saturday, June 3. The event will be held at Ringneck Overlook, on Oak Orchard Ridge Road. On-site registration begins at 7:30 am. There is no pre-registration or reservations required. Fishing is from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. The event is free and open to youths 17 years old and under, with no experience necessary. If this is your first time, some fishing gear will be available to borrow. Certificates will be awarded for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place participants in three age categories: 7 years and under, 8-12 and 13-17 years.

**Record sucker? Capt. Arnie Jonathan of Lockport holds up what could have been a state record. We will never know because it was released.**

For the boating end of things, there will be a vessel examination on June 3 by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Lewiston Landing boat launch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call Tom Chiappone for more information at 772-7242.

Golden Hill State Park launch is closed and Wilson-Tuscarora Park is day to day (but you need hip boots there, too).

It’s worth the effort for the good fishing!!

“Sunny Day Kids” are HOOKED ON FISHING FUN!

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Forrest Fisher

Fishing & Learning Adventure on the Buffalo River
May 28, 2017; Bison City Rod & Gun Club, Buffalo, N.Y.
141 Kids, 322 Total Attendance; 21 Volunteers; 8-Learning Stations

There is something very special about that first fish! Kids and parents found adventure and fun while learning about rods, reels, bobbers and fish-catching at Bison City Rod & Gun Club in Buffalo, NY.

By Forrest Fisher

The forecast for rain and fog was swept aside when bright, sunny skies with a gentle 75 degree breeze surprised families with kids from Buffalo and Western New York. They came to fish and learn at Bison City Rod & Gun Club for the 13th Annual Jimmy Griffin Memorial Teach-Me-To-Fish event.

Each youth carried a personal registration card with their first name, last initial and age. When the kids achieved learning at each station, the station captain would hole punch the card, when all the stations were completed, the youth was eligible to drop the card into the raffle hopper for one of 76 free rod/reel rigs.

Once a polluted waterway that would burn from the heat of a lighted match, today the Buffalo River waterfront is clean, alive, and hopping with fish, kayaks, canoes and kids with fishing poles. The Buffalo-Niagara Riverkeeper Group is a big part of the clean-up progress.

The kids and their families all learned a bit more about the adventure of the outdoors through the fun of fishing, many for the very first time!

While the river was running a bit muddy from recent heavy rains, the steady flow of riverfront kayakers, sailboats, canoes and power boats showed proof that water color is not a deterrent. Kids fishing from the Bison City fishing pier were busy. Even single adults without kids came to discover the fun and adventure of “how-to-fish”. More and more people want to know.

Lynda Kollar, Rose Barus and Linda Cooley energized a positive first-moment connection with folks at the registration welcome station.

**Inner city kids and parent, guardians and many others discovered the fun of fishing with the Buffalo city skyline in full view.**

Kids and parents learned “How-To-Fish” and what to do from Western New York bass pro, Scott Gauld, who took time to share “easy tips” for everyone in the program. He explained that catching a fish with a rod and reel (bait or artificial lure) is not only possible, it is fun and not difficult. Gauld provided that special seal of “sure-fun is right around the corner” that only a professional angler might be able to influence for new onlookers. Kids went away looking for the fishing pier!

Marine Unit 2 with Erie County Sheriff Tim Dusza and his team, provided tours of their vessel. Everyone learned about water-safety, kids were allowed to blow the horn and turn on the flashing lights. Big smiles there!

Russ Johnson and Bob Carlson, members of the East Aurora Fish & Game Club, who have perfected the system for educating kids and parents on how to tie a perfect Palomar Knot and Clinch Knot, taught everyone how to tie on a hook in only a few seconds.

Rigging a weedless plastic bait, a plastic worm or jig tail, was made easy with a hands-on demonstration by junior Bassmasters Alex Gauld and Collin Voss, as they provided each youth with a souvenir plastic creature bait sample from Cabela’s. The kids could use the bait to fish with or take home. The girls seemed to pick the pink squiggly-tail crayfish!

Environmental Conservation Officer, Jeff Jondel, and firearm safety instructor, Joe Mills, provided hands-on firearm safety training. They shared the rules of responsibility for parents and kids, so they could experience the Cabela’s BB-Gun Range, an inflated and fully enclosed, fully safe, “bounce house” style event. The NRA safety-instructors provided easy 1, 2, 3 steps for responsible use of a firearm, using a BB-gun. Kids and parents took turns checking their aim using Daisy Red Ryder BB-Guns, shooting at suspended souvenir paper targets. Happy kids took their targets home with ear-to-ear smiles as souvenirs.

Lifetime youth educator and certified New York State Archery champion, Paul Stoos, worked with Earl Farrel, Sr., to provide first-time how-to lessons for kids at the Cabela’s Archery Booth, using air-suspended floating ball targets.

Charter Captain Jerry May and walleye master, Ted Malota, taught kids how to cast a spincast fishing rod with hookless casting baits. The kids were sailing their lines a very long way toward hula-hoop targets in just minutes. Ted shared, “Wow, some of these kids are really good with so little practice!” Fun for all!

The kids and adults fished from “George’s Landing,” the legacy honor name for the Bison City fishing pier. It was a fun and exciting adventure station for kids, even more exciting for some parents who had never touched a live fish before. On-site fishing educator, Dave Solowski, provided eager kids with bait, pre-rigged rods, reels, bobbers, hooks, split-shot and plenty of nightcrawler bait supplied by Weekley’s Worms. Weekly’s Worms provides more than 50 million redworms and nightcrawlers to anglers every year. Imagine that!

Dockside outfitter, Donna Kayes, provided solid “pre-fish confidence” while outfitting each youth with a life-preserver before entering the fishing pier area. Several first-fish catches were recorded, with new adventure and fun had by all. The fish were placed in the aerated “Lunker Pool” and released by the kids after the event. Kids that did not catch a fish enjoyed seeing the swimming fish that others caught. After the event, the kids helped release all the fish to swim another day, a meaningful lesson in conservation for our youth.

Lyme disease is a serious killer of healthy fun and life. “It starts with deer ticks,” says instructor, Sheri Voss, as she uses dolls and explains details to stay safe in a manner that little kids and their parents can understand.

At the newest learning station, “OUTDOOR AWARENESS,” outdoor educator, Sheri Voss, provided hands-on lessons for families with advice on how to stay prepared, protected, informed and proactive, whenever they head outdoors. There was special focus on deer ticks and the Lyme disease outbreak in northeast USA.

As families completed the learning station tours, a 70-page slide show was shown on the 7-foot screen indoors, allowing for continued fishing and outdoor adventure education. While observing the screen, the kitchen crew provided world famous Sahlen’s grill-cooked hot dogs, Perry’s Ice Cream, Paula’s Donuts, Gwen Jozwiak’s hand-made “fish cupcakes,” beverages and other munchies.

During the random gear raffle, 76 happy youths won a free rod/reel combo. Everyone else, adults too, took home fishing maps, tackle, and special prizes from the “Bison City Tackle Treasure Chest.”

The kids and the adults were all BIG WINNERS!

This special youth outreach event is annual event sponsored and coordinated by the Bison City Rod & Gun Club with special thanks to Ted and Doraine Malota, Cabela’s, Erie County Federation of Sportsmen, WNY Safari Club, Sahlen’s Meat Packing, the Norby Antonik Foundation, Weekley’s Bait, Paula’s Donuts and 21 dedicated volunteers who donated their time to help youth and their families learn more about the outdoors through the fun of fishing!

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Forecast – May 24, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Kings, Coho’s, Lures
Lake Ontario Water Levels Still High
Upper Niagara & Lower Niagara Action

**Fishing with Capt. Mark Vilardo, Kingfisher Charters, Jon Eckert of Lockport, reeled in a 30-pound King Salmon last Thursday fishing out of Olcott Harbor on a flasher-fly.**

Lake Ontario

Just a quick reminder on water levels: There is still a state of emergency along the Lake Ontario shoreline for high water levels. This isn’t really going to affect the fishing that much, but the Niagara County Sheriff is asking that boats creating a wake stay at least 500 feet from shore. This doesn’t include trolling. Caution is advised for floating debris when you are out in the lake moving around. The problem seems to be launching. The best spot to be right now is the Town of Newfane Marina in Olcott. Fort Niagara has an open launch but you need boots up to your knees or above. Golden Hill State Park launch is closed and Wilson-Tuscarora Park is day to day (but you need hip boots for sure). It’s worth the effort for the good fishing!!

Lake Ontario Pro-Am Tourney

Congratulations to all of the winners in the Lake Ontario Pro-Am Tourney out of Wilson and Olcott last weekend. The Screamer team led by Dave Antenori of Pennsylvania was on a mission. After placing second in the Wilson Harbor Invitational the weekend before, they wanted to take the first place prize in the Niagara County/Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament held May 19-21 out of the ports of Wilson and Olcott. After catching a 12-fish tournament limit the first day, he was poised to be in a perfect position as he sat in second place – behind Team Maverick and Capt. Chris LoPresti. After a very windy blow day on Saturday, it was all business on Sunday as the team boated another limit and won the Niagara County version of the Pro-Am and the $15,000 prize with a score of 471.02 points (10 points per fish and a point per pound). Second place was Maverick led by Capt. Chris LoPresti, taking home a check for $7,500 with a score of 448.59 points. Third place went to Dirty Goose/Cold Steel led by Capt. Casey Prisco ($5,000) with 447.79 points, followed by Vision Quest and Capt. Pete Alex ($2,500) with 429.84 points. Big fish for the tournament was a 24.04 pound king salmon caught by Thrillseeker led by Capt. Vince Pierleoni. He won $300 plus a new Raymarine Axiom Unit.

**The Screamer Team, led by Dave Antenori of Pennsylvania, took top prize in the Niagara County/Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament.**

In the Amateur Division, it was Mother Moose winning the $500 prize and a special Cup for the three day event. Anonymous, last year’s cup winner, led by John Muehl, won the Day 3 contest for the amateur open, but it wasn’t enough to repeat. Big fish for the day was Dipsy Ranger with a king salmon weighing 19.23 pounds. In the Amateur Open, each day was a separate contest. Day one winner was Dipsy Ranger led by John Nevlezer. Day two winner (by drawing due to inclement weather) was HK1 and Chris Petrucci. Big fish prizes, good for $500 and an ITO Flies prize package were: Day one – Mean Machine and Kyle Hovak with a 19.43 pound king salmon; Day two (drawing) – Streaker and Matt Dunn; Day three – Dipsy Ranger with a 19.23 pound king salmon.

Best action for kings and cohos has been out in 110 to 300 feet of water. DW Super Slims and Spin Doctors with the new A-Tom-Mik stud fly doing pretty good right now in the top 80 feet of water. Riggers, dipsy divers and 200 and 300 feet of copper. Browns can still be caught inside of 50 feet. Congrats to Jon Eckert of Lockport who reeled in a 30 pound king last Thursday out of Olcott on a flasher-fly. He was fishing with Capt. Mark Vilardo, Kingfisher Charters.

Lower Niagara River

Lower Niagara River fishing action is still good in Devil’s Hole where boaters were using minnows and egg sacs to take trout off three-way rigs. Try coloring up the minnows with Pautzke Fire Dye in chartreuse. Steelhead, lake trout, silver bass and smallmouth bass are still all being caught from boat and shore but water temps are heating up so the trout won’t be around long. The New York Power Authority stated that the fishing platform was closed down again on Monday due to high water levels. It will remain closed until water levels recede. Before you head down fishing there, you might want to call 796-0135 Ext. 45 to see if it’s open. White jigs were working for Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls earlier in the week when he caught silver bass, smallmouth and lakers. No problems at the Lewiston launch ramp but Fort Niagara is having some issues with the high water. The south ramp is closed. As waters continue to rise, the north ramp could be closed soon, too.

Upper Niagara River

Upper Niagara River fishing action has been good for a mixed bag of fish the past week. Decent walleye have been caught along with bass and lake trout. Good numbers of lake trout are showing up as bass casters target catch and release smallmouth.

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Forecast – May 18, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

LOC Derby Winners Announced
Water Levels Still High
Big Fish and Favorite Lures

Chris Shaffer with Pautzke was in town this week filming for the company website on the lower Niagara River with Capt. Frank Campbell. Frank caught this dandy steelie on a shiner that was treated with Pautzke fire dye in chartreuse.

Lake Ontario: Just a quick reminder on water levels: There is still a state of emergency along the Lake Ontario shoreline for high water levels. This isn’t really going to affect the fishing that much, but the Niagara County Sheriff is asking that boats creating a wake stay at least 500 feet from shore. This doesn’t include trolling. Caution is advised for floating debris when you are out in the lake moving around. The problem seems to be launching.

The best spot to be right now is the Town of Newfane Marina in Olcott. Fort Niagara has an open launch, but you need boots up to your knees or above. Golden Hill State Park launch is closed and Wilson-Tuscarora Park is day to day (but you need hip books for sure).

In the LOC Derby that ended last Sunday, the Grand Prize winner for the $15,000 check was Paul Nienaltowski of Michigan, with a 27 pound, 8 ounce king out of Wilson while fishing the Niagara Bar. He was using a Diabolical meat rig. First place in the Salmon Division was a 25 pound 5 ounce king out of Wilson, reeled in by Lee Beaton of Clifton Springs. Big brown trout was a 16 pounds, 12 ounce fish out of Olcott – weighed in by Dave Rafle of Pennsylvania. Top lake trout was also out of Niagara County, a 22 pound 10 ounce from the Niagara Bar – reeled in by Brian Marketich of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.

Water color is still a factor and you may have to go deeper. Most of the fish are coming on spoons, but flasher-fly and cut bait rigs are also working.

Congrats to Tom Allen and his A-Tom-Mik team for winning the Wilson Harbor Invitational Tournament last Saturday. They caught six fish – the tournament limit – to record the top score among 46 boats total. One of his hot baits was a new A-Tom-Mik meat rig.

The Don Johannes and Pete DeAngelo memorial big fish-three fish contest was held today in the high winds. The wind kept some teams away for sure. Winner was Big Cat led by Greg Catrabone with a big fish of 20.04 pounds and a three fish total of 85.74 based on 10 points per fish and a point per pound. No details were revealed because tomorrow is the next contest.

The Lake Ontario Pro-Am Tourney is May 19-21. We’ll have a full report next week. Good luck to all you tournament fishermen and women.

Lower Niagara River fishing action is still good in Devil’s Hole where boaters were using minnows and egg sacs to take trout off three-way rigs. Steelhead, lake trout, silver bass and smallmouth bass are still all being caught from boat and shore. The New York Power Authority stated that the fishing platform was closed down again on Monday due to high water levels. It will remain closed until water levels recede. Before you head down fishing there, you might want to call 796-0135 Ext. 45 to see if it’s open.

Yellow and silver jigs were working for Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls earlier in the week when he caught 30 silver bass, 6 smallmouth and a laker. No problems at the Lewiston launch ramp, but Fort Niagara is having some issues with the high water. The south ramp is closed. As waters continue to rise, the north ramp could be closed soon, too.

Upper Niagara River fishing action has been good for a mixed bag of fish the past week. Decent walleye have been caught along with bass and lake trout. Good numbers of lake trout are showing up as bass casters target catch and release smallmouth.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director

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

ZIP-LINE FUN, THRILLS for YOUNG & OLD!

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Forrest Fisher

Extraordinary Speed in Safe Flight from Tower-to-Tower
Adventure, Fun and Assured Safety
Full Body Harness & Head Helmet Protection is Required
My Favorite Place: Peek ‘N Peak, near Findley Lake, New York

By Forrest Fisher

**The harness and safety helmet assure your personal safety, the rest is SHEER FUN! My granddaughter Kelsey went first. “Yeaaahhhhh!” Unforgettable!**

Those zip-lines with strange looking towers on the hills in the distance of places we travel definitely beckon for adventure seekers. Many have never tried them out.

At Peek ‘N Peak Resort and Conference Center (http://www.pknpk.com/) near the quaint country village of Findley Lake, located in the southwest corner of New York, my grandkids would not allow me to just watch them try out the zip-line.

They said, “C’mon Dziadz (Polish word for grandfather), your time to fly from the towers has come!” I smiled and said, “OK, sounds good.” Not really sure of what I was getting myself into.

We rode the ski-lift to the top of the hill to start out on the high zip-line. My granddaughter Kelsey went first. “Yeaaahhhhh!” Screaming away at 120 decibels or more, as she headed for the next tower station more than one-thousand feet away.

My turn was next. What a minute. Was there a giant 12-point buck walking to within 10 yards of my tree stand? Why was my heart pounding?! I was a bit nervous and even was trembling a bit. Here I am, an ex-military Vietnam-era veteran and I was shaky. After all, we were only about 100 feet off the ground and there was a 20 mph wind blowing. Not to make light of things, but there was rain in the forecast too, and it was dark and cloudy right about now. I was not going to wimp out. Couldn’t do that.

I harnessed in, told myself to “think brave”, got the “all clear” after being checked by the operators and, again, I could sense my wide-open eyeballs.

Excitement is a very cool thing in life! It can be hard to find when you’re looking at 70 birthday candles just ahead.

Zeeooooow. I zoomed off and in what seemed like 5-minutes, I landed on the next tower about 30 seconds later. Standing right next to my granddaughter, she asked, “What’d ya think Dziadz, fun right?!”

I answered, “Yup!” And smiled ear to ear in convincing fashion, double-checking to see if my tongue had been frozen to the roof of my mouth and did a double take to see if I didn’t wet my pants.

Kelsey then said, “OK, this tower is really going to be even more fun. It’s a dual zip-line and we take off together. I’ll race you to the bottom of the hill! Are you ready Dziadz?”

We harnessed up.

Yikes, this was exciting!

My sensory expectations seemed in better control after that first long ride. Clip, Clack, Clip, we were in. Standing next to each other, we were ready. Just then, Gazzzooongg! Thunder in the distance. Then suddenly, the dark skies opened up. It was a near-torrential downpour. They said, “We are closing the towers, your harnessed in, go down if you like, you’re the last riders.”

I felt like Matt Dillon and was up against the fastest draw in the west. He always keeps his cool. That was my mindset.

We smiled to each other and screamed our, “Let’s go!” We were either brave or not so smart (I was thinking that other word that starts on “s” and ends with a “d”….stupid).

In the middle of our descent as we exceeded 70 mph, flashes of light jumped out left and right in the distance. There was lightning all around us as we zoomed through some nearby treetops.

Flashbulb Fodder? I asked the Almighty for some help. He was with us because I can share this fun tale.

We were wet to the bone. Mighty thankful too, that we did not complete an electrical storm circuit during the flighty speedy trip down the dual zip-line. It was an incredible experience. We were both happy for this extraordinary hair-raising survival encounter with adventure.

We climbed down from the tower. Both of us kissed the muddy ground. What a run!

I was ready to leave the zip-line and head over to the bar in the sip-line! You know, a cold water on the rocks is what I needed.

Everybody met in the facility lobby and hugged. Kelsey said, “Wow! That was incredible, wasn’t it!?” Literally wet to the bone, we all looked up and in just 5-minutes, the clouds had vanished and the sun popped out. Life is.

“Wanna do it again Dziadz?” I resorted to that canned ear-to-ear smile that we grandfather’s all carry for emergencies and said, “Maybe tomorrow, ok?”

The Giant Dual Zip-Line adventure at Peek ‘N Peak soars over the trees side-by-side on independent lines next to your partner, allowing both riders to enjoy an exhilarating and majestic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s a 2,000 foot long glide path! *Photo courtesy of Peek ‘N Peak*

The Giant Dual Zip-Line adventure at Peak ‘n Peek allows you to feel sort of like a bird, a hawk or an eagle on a dive. Imagine, those types of birds do this all the time to survive via their very nature.

There is also an Aerial Adventure Course that features 69 obstacles and includes eight courses of varying difficulty. Participants climb up and down cargo nets and ladders while navigating course elements, including zip lines, in this tree top adventure. Suited for all ability levels, this course is a 3-hour, self-guided experience that allows you to explore the course at your own pace. You can try any (or all) of the eight different courses, working your way through the tree tops from platform to platform, encountering obstacles along the way.

I was humble and kindly declined to look for yet another new adventure experience. Had to use that ear to ear grin trick again.

The zip line adventure was not really on my bucket list, but oh-my-gosh! It was such unforgettable fun. We will do that again, but maybe not, if rain and thunder are in the forecast. I’m going to check beforehand!

The lifestyle we have shared in my family includes being active in the outdoors, but is focused on fishing, hunting, hiking, boating and family campfires.

When my younger grandkids heard that there was a pool here that offered a “wave” and had a “long slide”, good old gramps thought it would be a great next stop too.

We have learned to love this special place in the quiet hills.

Check it out: http://www.pknpk.com/packages-deals/overnight/ski-ride-packages/.

Fishing Report: Orleans County, NY

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Today is Wednesday – May 17, 2017
Brown Trout Action is Hot
Lake Alice Bite Coming Around Now
Lake Ontario Consumed Captain’s Cove Tackle Shop

The next few days will have temperatures in the 80’s and then drop back to more seasonal temperatures.

Fishing on Lake Ontario has been up and down, but more up than down.

In close, brown trout seem to be the catch, while out just a little deeper it is a mixture of lake trout near the bottom in 80 feet of water, and then Coho salmon and Chinooks in the upper portions.

I have one report of a 22-pound Atlantic salmon being taken a few days ago.

On the lower stretches of the “Oak,” the Perch bite has been fairly consistent, as well as some early bass action. Remember that the bass season doesn’t open until the third Saturday in June, so for now it’s catch and release.

On Lake Alice, fishing is picking up with catches of Rock Bass, Perch, Bluegills and Crappie all being taken, even though the lake is still slightly high and dirty.

I know that many ports are in rough shape due to the high-water levels, but all of the marinas within Orleans County have been putting in overtime raising their docks and are open and ready to offer the full service that you have come to expect from them.

In short, the open sign is lit for all boaters and fishermen alike.

Captain’s Cove has lost their tackle shop at the bottom of the hill, but fear not, the new shop at the top of the hill will be open in the next few weeks.

Last Sunday, Bald Eagle Marina hosted the LOC Spring Derby Awards Ceremony which was well attended. If you get a chance, visit them to see what a great job they have done bringing that facility up to date with all services available.

Speaking of Bald Eagle Marina, with their opening again, the Oak Orchard Open has changed their name to Orleans County Open to include Bald Eagle Marina.

You will now have the choice of fishing out of either port in Orleans County for this great event, which takes place on June 10th and 11th this year.

Also, the Condor Derby will take place on June 9th.

It’s amazing what can be done when a community works together towards a common goal.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Spring Kings Now! Niagara USA Fishing

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Fishing Report: April 28, 2017
Fishing Good, but Water Levels are High
Big Fish Tournaments Next Up
Shore Fishing in Niagara River is Good

John Van Hoff with an early spring King Salmon in Lake Ontario off the Niagara County shoreline.

Lower Niagara River trout action improved the past week and anglers have been doing well with egg sacs or emerald shiners fished off three-way rigs from boats. Kwikfish and MagLips will also work off three-ways, but you have to make sure you are getting the wobble on the plug. Jeff and Justin Tedesco of Lewiston were using gold Kwikfish with pink scale recently to take steelhead up to 17 pounds and they had to power troll to get the action they needed to trigger fish bites.

Devil’s Hole and Artpark have been good drifts to target, but you may have to use your trolling motor to speed you up or slow you down – depending on what bait you are using.

Shoreline casters are still tossing spoons and spinners and picking up a few trout. Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls was out on Wednesday along Artpark and he hit six lake trout, two rainbows and two smallmouth bass while casting spinners. One of the rainbows was 12 pounds.

The LOC Derby opener is May 5 to 14. Go to www.loc.org to find out details including registration points and weigh stations.

The Lewiston smelt festival is set for May 5. For more details on that, go to the www.niagarariverregion.com.

**Mike Rzcidlo with a nice Rainbow Trout he caught shore casting in the Lower Niagara River.**

Lake Ontario is still in a state of emergency along the shoreline for high water levels. This isn’t really going to affect the fishing that much, but the Niagara County Sheriff is asking that boats creating a wake stay at least 500 feet from shore. This doesn’t include trolling. Caution is advised for floating debris when you are out in the lake moving around.

John Van Hoff of North Tonawanda had good king success last weekend using 5 and 7 colors of lead core and Dipsy-divers just west of the Niagara Bar and we heard other successful trollers hitting kings just west of the Bar. The key was finding good green water where it met with the clear water.

The Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament is set for May 19-21 out of Wilson and Olcott. The registration link is now live for registering. Go to www.lakeontarioproam.net.

The Wilson Harbor Invitational Tournament is May 13. Check out www.wilsonharborinvitational.com for details.

The creeks still have trout in them but the water is stained.

The piers are questionable because of the high water levels. Don’t take any chances out there. The pier at the foot of Route 425 is currently underwater.

Yes, the water level is over 20-inches high out in the lake.

Upper Niagara River has good perch reports from all around Grand Island. Emerald shiners are the best bait to use…if you can find them.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director
Destination Niagara USA, 10 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY USA, 14303
p: 1.877 FALLS US | 716.282.8992 x.303 | f:716.285.0809 website | facebook | twitter | blog

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Forecast for May 11, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

**The current LOC Grand Prize leader for the $15,000 check is now Paul Nienaltowski of Michigan, with his 27 pound, 8 ounce King Salmon out of Wilson, NY.**

LAKE ONTARIO – Lake Ontario Water Level Warning: Just a quick reminder on water levels: There is still a state of emergency along the Lake Ontario shoreline for high water levels. This isn’t really going to affect the fishing that much, but the Niagara County Sheriff is asking that boats creating a wake stay at least 500 feet from shore. This doesn’t include trolling. Caution is advised for floating debris when you are out in the lake moving around. The problem seems to be launching.

Launches: The best spot to be right now is the Town of Newfane Marina in Olcott. Fort Niagara has an open launch, but you need boots up to your knees or above. Golden Hill State Park launch is closed and Wilson-Tuscarora Park is day to day (but you need hip books for sure).

Spring LOC DERBY: The Spring LOC Derby (www.loc.org) is entering into its final weekend and it’s still not too late to enter. The current Grand Prize leader for the $15,000 check is now Paul Nienaltowski of Michigan with a 27 pound, 8 ounce king out of Wilson. No sharing of information there – too many fishing contests coming up. First place in the Salmon Division is a 25 pound 5 ounce king out of Wilson, reeled in by Lee Beaton of Clifton Springs. Big brown trout at 16 pounds, 12 ounces is out of Olcott – weighed in by Dave Rafle of Pennsylvania. Top lake trout is also out of Niagara County, a 22 pound 10 ounce from the Niagara Bar – reeled in by Brian Marketich of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.

**Young 13-year old Gianni Etopio of Youngstown hooked into a big largemouth bass this week while fishing for perch off Lewiston Landing.**

Most of the salmon seem to be in 80 to 120 feet of water. Water color is a factor and you may have to go deeper. Most of the fish are coming on spoons, but flasher-fly and cut bait rigs are also working according to Wes Walker at The Slippery Sinker in Olcott.

Lake Ontario Tournaments just ahead: The Wilson Harbor Invitational Tournament is this Saturday, May 13. The Don Johannes and Pete DeAngelo big fish-three fish contest is May 18 – sign up at any of the LOC Derby weigh stations in Wilson and Olcott. The Lake Ontario Pro-Am Tourney is May 19-21 – sign up at www.lakeontarioproam.net. The deadline is May 15 at 5 p.m. Good luck to all you derby fishermen and women.

LOWER NIAGARA RIVER – Fishing action picked back up again in Devil’s Hole earlier this week- the place with the cleanest water. In Devil’s Hole, boaters were using minnows to take trout off three-way rigs. Some had double-digit days. The high water levels in the river have not had a huge impact on the area fishing … so far. The problem has been with water clarity. It is slowly clearing up downriver. However, a recent report from the New York Power Authority stated that the fishing platform was closed down again on Monday due to high water levels. It remained closed until water levels receded. Before you head down fishing there, you might want to call 796-0135 Ext. 45 to see if it’s open.

**Parker Cinelli of Grand Island hit a monster smallmouth from shore on a tube jig this week that stretched over 21 inches long.**

Steelhead, lake trout, smallmouth bass and silver bass can still be caught off the shoreline in Devil’s Hole. White and silver jigs were working for Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls earlier in the week when he caught lake trout and silver bass. Young 13-year old Gianni Etopio of Youngstown hooked into a big largemouth bass this week while fishing for perch off Lewiston Landing. Nice catch!

In the Upper Niagara

River, Parker Cinelli of Grand Island hit a monster smallmouth from shore on a tube jig this week that stretched over 21 inches long.

If you want to learn more about the fishing in Lake Ontario, you’ll want to attend the next LOTSA meeting tonight, May 11 in Lockport starting at 7 p.m. They will be holding a round table session with their members. To reiterate on the Pro-Am, May 15 is the deadline at 5 p.m. No exceptions.

Bill Hilts, Jr.
Outdoor Promotions Director

Destination Niagara USA

10 Rainbow Blvd.

Niagara Falls, NY 14303

p: 1-877 FALLS US | 716-282-8992 x. 303

f: 716-285-0809

www.niagarafallsusa.com

National Archery in the Schools Program Continues to Grow in New York

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

60 students from 17 New York schools eligible to participate in national archery tournament
Program introduces young people to archery and other outdoor sports

April 18, 2017 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the 60 New York students who scored high enough in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) to compete in the national tournament this May. Students from participating schools and school districts across the state competed in the archery program in March.

“The National Archery in the Schools Program is growing in New York,” said Commissioner Seggos. “This cooperative effort between conservation agencies, school systems, and private organizations is a great way to bring the sport of archery to thousands of students across the state. Archery is one of the few sports where students of all ages and athletic abilities compete at the same level for top honors. Even with the expanded participation that we have experienced here in New York, we are encouraging more schools to join us in New York NASP.”

**James Faso III, a Staley Upper Elementary School student focused on his shot. NYSDEC Photo**

NASP is designed to improve participation in outdoor activities among students of all athletic abilities. DEC started this program in 2008 to introduce young people to archery, outdoors, and other shooting sports, including hunting. In New York, 320 schools from 167 school districts currently participate in the program and more than 34,000 students participated during the school year. NASP continues to grow at the national level with 2.4 million students and more than 14,400 schools in 47 states participating in the program.

As part of the New York program, an annual statewide competition is held for participating schools. This year, approximately 700 students from 33 school districts competed during the first two weeks of March. The 2017 statewide event was successfully held as school-based tournaments where the students compete at their respective schools and their scores are compiled by DEC. Each competitor can achieve a maximum score of 300 points. There are three divisions: High School, grades 9-12; Middle School, grades 6-8; and Elementary School, grades 4-5.

The overall top female archer in the tournament was Jordan Sands with a score of 285. Jordan attends Hinsdale High School in Cattaraugus County. The top male archer in the tournament was Jake Hafner with a score of 287. Jake attends Schroon Lake Central (High) School in Essex County.

Students that place in the top 10 in each of the three divisions, by gender, qualify to compete and represent New York at the national NASP tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 11 – 13. This year, New York is sending 60 eligible students from 17 schools to the national tournament.

**Ryan Huggins, the assistant NY State NASP Coordinator and Melissa Bailey, the NY State NASP Coordinator promoting NASP to physical education teachers across the state.**

Chris VanGorden from the Palmyra-Macedon and Lori Weykman from the Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School Districts in western New York both agree that “NASP is a valuable program that has created opportunities for a great number of kids that may not have otherwise been involved in a sport in our schools. We have seen first-hand the increase in self-esteem in our students who have participated in the NASP Program.”

Michael Sharp, a physical education teacher at Schroon Lake Central School, in Essex County said, “NASP is probably the best program that I have ever introduced into my curriculum; it inspires all types of students to participate. The kids absolutely love it!”

For more information on NASP and to view the NASP photo gallery, visit DEC’s website and contact the sportsman Education Program, the state program coordinator for NY-NASP at 1-888-486-8332 or e-mail at hunter@dec.ny.gov.

Fishing Report: Orleans County, NY

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Lake Ontario has Very High Water
Fishing is Good on Lake, in Trib’s
Lake Alice is Off-color, but Lots of Fish

Today is Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

The rain keeps coming and the lake level keeps rising. Property owners along Lake Ontario are bracing for even higher water and hoping that we don’t get a strong wind from any northerly direction.

Let’s start with the inland waters report.

Lake Alice hasn’t totally cleared of muddy water yet, but it is offering some great opportunities for Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, Rock Bass, White Bass, Bullhead and Channel Cats.

The Lake Ontario tributaries still have some Steelhead and an occasional Brown trout along with suckers, perch, bass, pike and Bullhead.

On Lake Ontario, great catches of Brown trout, Coho’s and some Steelhead are being reported, along with Lake Trout that are out deeper. There’s even a few reports about Chinook Salmon being caught.

Those fishing the big lake should be ever mindful of the great amount of debris that the Lake Ontario high water conditions have deposited in the lake, some of which you can see and some that is just below the surface.

Monday, the DEC stocked 7,000 Steelhead up by Captain’s Cove and then 133,160 Chinook Salmon at Lake Breeze Marina. The salmon were supposed to be held in pens, but the decision was made to direct stock them due to the high temperature in the “Oak” with the protection provided by the muddy water conditions. This was a hard decision to make but in my opinion it was the very best decision that could have been made.

A week from this Friday will be the opening of the Spring LOC Derby which will run through May 14th this year.

With the fishing conditions being what they are, we should see some great weights on the leaderboard.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Forecast – April 20, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Heavy Rains Curb Trib Fishing for a Few Days
Emerald Shiner Bait Schools Are Heavy
Sign Up for Tournaments Now

**Chuck Bialecki of Colden, New York, caught this early King Salmon while fishing off Wilson with Captain Carl Martin and Dublin Up Charters.**

Lake Ontario

Out in the lake, it’s been a mixed bag for trollers. Stickbaits or spoons in tight. to shore off boards or riggers in 10 to 25 feet of water for browns, Coho salmon and the occasional king salmon. Head out to 50 to 125 feet of water for lake trout on the bottom and Cohos up top, too.

There is a press conference happening today that is declaring a state of emergency along the Lake Ontario shoreline for high water levels. This isn’t really going to affect the fishing that much, but the Niagara County Sheriff is asking that boats creating a wake to stay at least 500 feet from shore. This doesn’t include trolling.

The LOC Derby opener is May 5 to 14. Go to www.loc.org to find out details including registration points and weigh stations.

The Wilson Harbor Invitational Tournament is May 13. Check out www.wilsonharborinvitational.com for details.

The Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament is set for May 19-21 out of Wilson and Olcott. The registration link is now live for registering. Go to www.lakeontarioproam.net.

Lower Niagara River

Lower Niagara River trout action continues to be inconsistent from both boat and shore although we saw a bit of an uptick from the boat drifters just in the last few days. The smelt have continued running in the Lewiston area and dippers have been going out every night. It hasn’t been a strong run so far, but they are still getting a fair number of the tasty baitfish. Go to Artpark or head downriver away from the lights at the sand docks.

Getting back to the fishing, shoreline casters are tossing spoons and spinners and picking up a few trout. Boaters are doing a little better because they can move around to look for active fish. Devil’s Hole is your best bet with shiners or egg sacs, but with so much bait in the river right now, it’s tough to get the trout to hit. Some boaters have opted to turn the corner at the fort and troll the shoreline for browns, Cohos, lakers, steelies and the occasional king salmon. Stickbaits and spoons primarily.

Another option has been to cast for bass, Cohos or browns with spoons or jerk baits.

The Lewiston smelt festival is set for May 5. For more details, go to the www.niagarariverregion.com.

Niagara County Trib’s

It’s pouring rain right now so the creeks will be full again by Friday. The high water is affecting the docks in Wilson and Olcott so you might want to contact the marina for alternatives before you come in from out of town.

The creeks still have trout in them but you will probably have to wait until those levels come down a bit. Bullhead are still hitting over in Wilson, as well. Suckers have moved in and perch are everywhere in the harbors. If the water is dirty, you may have to wait for it to clear a bit for perch.

The piers are questionable because of the high water levels. Don’t take any chances out there. The pier at the foot of Route 425 is currently underwater. Yes, it’s over a foot high out in the lake.

Upper Niagara River

In the upper Niagara River there have been good perch reports from all around Grand Island. Emerald shiners are the best bait to use.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director

New York State Spring Turkey Opens May 1

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Spring 2017 will be Above 20,000 Bird Hunter Average
Successive Mild Winters Help Reproduction
2-Bird Season Bag Limit, May 1 -31, 2017

Experts predict that a rising turkey population and healthy tom gobblers will be the norm in New York State for 2017, mild winters have helped the birds survive and thrive. *Joe Forma Photo*

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is opening spring turkey season on May 1 in upstate New York north of the Bronx-Westchester County line, the agency announced today.

“Hunting is an excellent way to connect people to the natural world,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Spending time afield with a new hunter is a chance to teach them about conservation, the environment, and wildlife. It’s the perfect opportunity to put novice hunters on the path to becoming safe and responsible hunters.”

DEC reports that the turkey population experienced reproductive success in the summer of 2015, and combined with relatively mild winters in 2015-16 and 2016-17, it is anticipated that the spring harvest will be up from last year and above the five-year average (about 20,000 birds). The estimated turkey harvest for spring 2016 was 18,400 birds, and nearly 6,000 junior hunters harvested an estimated 1,300 birds during the two-day youth hunt in 2016.

Details: NYS Spring Turkey Season: May 1-31, 2017

Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Long Island.
Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their hunting license.
Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.
Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day.
Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 8, or with a bow or crossbow.
Successful hunters must fill out the tag that comes with the turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested.
Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report a harvest online at DEC’s website.

For more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2016-17 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the “Turkey Hunting” pages at DEC’s website.

New York has an extremely safety-conscious generation of hunters, largely due to the annual efforts of more than 3,000 dedicated volunteer sportsman education instructors. DEC suggests hunters follow the cardinal rules of hunting safety: assume every gun is loaded; control the muzzle; keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot; be absolutely sure of your target and what may be beyond it; and don’t stalk. Set up with your back against a large tree and call birds to you. To find a sportsman education class in your area, go to the Sportsman Education web page on DEC’s website or call 1-888-HUNT-ED2 (1-888-486-8332).

To view a video on hunter safety tips, watch DEC’s Hunter Safety video on YouTube.

New Channel Catfish Record in New York State!

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Lake Ontario, Jefferson County, 35-pounds, 3 ounces
Lucky Angler is Watertown Resident, Eric Scordo
Bait was a Simple Nightcrawler

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has confirmed that a new state record has been established for channel catfish.

Using just a nightcrawler, Eric Scordo of Watertown caught a 35-pound, 3-ounce channel catfish measuring 38 ¼ inches in Lake Ontario in Jefferson County on April 29. The fish broke the previous state record caught from Brant Lake (Warren County) in 2002 by nearly 2½ pounds.

“Mr. Scordo’s record-breaking channel catfish is a prime example of the outstanding fishing opportunities in New York for a variety of species, not just popular gamefish,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “This new record kicks off the 2017 freshwater fishing season, and I encourage all New Yorkers to buy their license, pick up a rod and reel, and try their hand at hooking a trophy catch in any of the state’s 7,500 lakes and ponds and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams.”

Channel catfish are the largest members of the catfish species that live in New York and can be found statewide. They feed primarily on the bottom and are most easily caught using live bait such as worms or baitfish. When hooked, catfish can provide a challenge for even the most experienced anglers. They are also one of the tastiest freshwater fish.

Mr. Scordo submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish. Through this program, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch and a distinctive lapel pin commemorating their achievement. Three categories make up the program: Catch & Release, Annual Award, and State Record.

For more information about the Angler Achievement Awards Program, including a downloadable application form, go to DEC’s website. Program details and an official entry form can also be found in DEC’s current Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide.

For additional information on the Angler Achievement Awards Program call (518) 402-8891 or email fwfish@dec.ny.gov or go to the website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html.

New York DEC Eastern Lake Erie Fishing Report

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

May 5, 2017

All the Lake Erie boat launches are now open for the season. Launching at Buffalo Boat Harbor may still be limited to the launch closest to the restaurant.

There have been some excellent yellow perch catches lately between Cattaraugus Creek and Sturgeon Point in 45-55 feet of water. Most perch are now post spawn and spread out. Searching around for schools on the graph may be futile, as fish are scattered and roving. Some reports also indicate light-biting fish, with most perch mouthing bait rather than hitting it. Watch or feel for line tightening rather than rod tip bouncing. Many successful Lake Erie perch anglers employ a fluorocarbon rig with emerald shiners (See description below and diagram to the right).

Double Fluorocarbon Perch Rig:

**Lake Erie Yellow Perch fishing rig common among successful anglers.** *Courtesy NYSDEC.*

Tie a 6 foot section of 6-pound test fluorocarbon leader onto main line using a surgeon’s knot. Slide a #6 Aberdeen hook up leader to 3 feet from end, and tie a double overhand knot, leaving a 1.5 inch loop with hook attached. Slide a second hook onto line to 12-15 inches below first hook and secure similarly. Attach a 1 or 2 ounce sinker a foot below the bottom hook.

Walleye season kicks off on Saturday (May 6) at 12:01 AM, but may be off to a slow start with heavily stained nearshore waters of Lake Erie. The nearshore shoals/shallows are typically productive when the season opens. Shorehaven Reef, Bournes Beach, Green Hills, Van Buren Bay, Evans Bar, off Hamburg and near the mouth of Smokes Creek are good spots to try.

There has been good smallmouth bass action in Dunkirk and Buffalo Harbors. Good numbers of 7-8 inch bluegill have been biting in Buffalo Harbor and Bell Slip Harbor.

**The rain radar map has been heavy with rain for nearly a week, causing muddy water conditions for walleye trollers on Lake Erie.**

Lake Erie Tributaries

Heavy rains again have all Lake Erie tributaries running at very high and muddy levels. Trib anglers saw good smallmouth bass action in the small to medium streams before the latest round of rain. Look for more bass to have moved in on this high water event.

Upper Niagara River

Due to muddy creek outflows, waters are turbid along the upper Niagara River’s east shoreline. Harbors and marinas are the best bet until river waters settle out. These areas warm quicker than the river, attracting both bait and panfish.

Chautauqua Lake

Walleye season opens tomorrow and new regulations are in effect on Chautauqua Lake. The rules now mirror the statewide regulations with a minimum length of 15 inches and a daily limit of 5. Previously it was a minimum length of 18 inches and a daily limit of 3.

Targeting walleye along shallower shoreline areas at night is a good early season tactic. Boaters can troll with stickbaits and worm harnesses or drift and work jigs with nightcrawlers or leeches.

Shore anglers can connect by casting stickbaits, especially near stream inlets.

See the Fishing for Walleye page for more information. Yellow perch fishing has been very good seemingly lake-wide. The area around the bridge has been a hot spot for larger perch.

The crappie bite in the canals has tapered off, as canal anglers now catch mostly bluegill. Anglers are still catching decent numbers of crappie in open lake at depths of 4 to 8 feet. Target areas near structure and weed beds.

Inland Trout Streams

Inland trout fishing is on hold due to high water conditions, with muddy conditions on all creeks. Western New York anglers have a variety of Wild Trout Streams and Stocked Trout Streams to choose from.

In addition, Public Fishing Rights Maps are available for many of the region’s best trout streams.

Check out the Fishing For Stream Trout page for introductory information on trout baits, lures, equipment and fishing techniques.

Spring Trout Stocking

All of Region 9’s trout stocking waters have been stocked with at least one stocking increment. For County lists of stocked waters check the Spring Trout Stocking 2017 page. Hatchery staff are now delivering additional stocking increments for the larger or more popular waters. The following waters are scheduled an additional stocking between 5/8 and 5/12.

Allegany County: Dodge Creek (Clarksville), Dyke Creek (Andover), Cryder Creek (Independence), California Hollow Brook (Bolivar), Little Genesee Creek (Bolivar).

Cattaraugus County: Elton Creek (Freedom).

Wyoming County: Tonawanda Creek (Orangeville), Buffalo Creek (Java).

Genesee River Angler Diary Program

DEC Region 9 Fisheries Unit will be running an angler diary program for the Genesee River during 2017, and is currently looking for anglers to keep diaries. The diarist program aims to record data for trout and bass fishing trips on the Genesee River from the Pennsylvania line downstream through Letchworth State Park from March 1st through October 31st, 2017. If you fish the Genesee River (even once) and would like to contribute your observations by keeping a diary, please call DEC Fisheries at (716) 379-6372 or email fwfish9@dec.ny.gov.

If you need more fishing information or would like to contribute to the fishing report, please call or e-mail Mike Todd (716-851-7010; michael.todd@dec.ny.gov). Good Luck Fishing!

The fishing hotline can also be heard at (716) 679-ERIE or (716) 855-FISH.

Eastern Lake Erie Fishing Hotline

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Forrest Fisher

Erie, Chautauqua & Cattaraugus County Fish Report thru May 5, 2017 – from NYSDEC

Perch: Hot Bite between Cattaraugus Creek and Sturgeon Point
Crappie: Chautauqua Lake open water bite slow, canal action is fair
Inland Trout: Look for blue-winged olives, stoneflies, Hendrickson hatches
Bass: Dunkirk Harbor, Buffalo Harbor, Chautauqua Lake

**Lake Erie giant smallmouth bass fishing gear is the order of the day for many anglers heading to enjoy the bonanza of big bass action starting up in eastern Basin Lake Erie.** *Forrest Fisher Photo*

Eastern Lake Erie & New York State Harbors

Anxious Lake Erie boaters have been launching out of some sites, while others launches remain closed. There is limited boat launching at Buffalo Boat Harbor. Launch docks are in at the ramp near the restaurant, but the newly constructed launch ramps remain fenced off. Sturgeon Point is closed until a dredging project removes the sand bar at harbor mouth. At Cattaraugus Creek, Town of Hanover launch is open and launch docks are in. The State launch is also open, but launch docks are not in place. Dunkirk and Barcelona boat launches are open with launch docks in.

Anglers report a good yellow perch bite between Cattaraugus Creek and Sturgeon Point in 52-62 feet of water, with some limit catches. The hot spot has been off Evangola State Park. In other areas, there are reportedly smaller roving perch schools, so being mobile helps. Live emerald shiners are the top perch bait and have been available for dipping around the upper Niagara River.

Cooler water temperatures in Dunkirk Harbor have made for modest catches of smallmouth bass so far. Look for the bass bite to pick up with rising water temps. Some bullhead catches have been reported in Dunkirk Harbor. Yellow perch are still biting well in Buffalo Boat Harbor, but most have been small lately.

Eastern Lake Erie Tributaries

Heavy rains have all Lake Erie tributaries running at very high and muddy levels. Chautauqua County received less rain than the Buffalo area, so look for those creeks to drop back first. Steelhead catches were tapering off prior to the storm event. Look for smallmouth bass numbers in the creeks to be on the rise.

Upper Niagara River

Due to muddy creek outflows, waters are turbid along the upper Niagara River’s east shoreline. This may slow the yellow perch bite which was previously good along City of Buffalo shore sites. Perch have also been biting well in many upper river harbors and marinas. Live emerald shiners are the top perch bait and have been available for dipping in many spots.

Chautauqua Lake

The open water crappie bite has been relatively slow lately. Good sized yellow perch and bluegill have been biting well in the shallow zone, especially near weed beds. Anglers are catching good numbers of bullhead along shorelines. Low light periods are typically best, but anglers are catching them during the day as well. Worms, leeches, raw shrimp or chicken livers fished on the bottom work well for bullhead.

Inland Trout Streams

Inland trout fishing is on hold due to high water conditions, with many creeks over their banks. When creeks drop back to fishable levels, look for hatches of blue-winged olives, stoneflies and Hendrickson’s on the streams that have them. Productive offerings for spinning angers include worms, salted minnows and small inline spinners. Western New York anglers have a variety of Wild Trout Streams and Stocked Trout Streams to choose from. In addition, Public Fishing Rights Maps are available for many of the region’s best trout streams. Check out the Fishing For Stream Trout page for introductory information on trout baits, lures, equipment and fishing techniques.

Spring Trout Stocking

Cattaraugus County: Bone Run (South Valley), Harwood Lake (Farmersville).

Genesee River Angler Diary Program

If you need more fishing information or would like to contribute to the fishing report, please call or e-mail Mike Todd (716-851-7010; michael.todd@dec.ny.gov). Good Luck Fishing!

The fishing hotline can also be heard at (716) 679-ERIE or (716) 855-FISH.

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Forecast – May 3, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

High Water in Lake Ontario
Lewiston Smelt Festival on May 5
LOC Tournament is On
Lower Niagara Fishing Platform News

**Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls caught numerous smallmouth bass last week tossing white and yellow jigs from shore at the NYPA Reservoir. Fun Fishing!**

There is still a state of emergency along the Lake Ontario shoreline for high water levels. This isn’t really going to affect the fishing that much, but the Niagara County Sheriff is asking that boats creating a wake stay at least 500 feet from shore. This doesn’t include trolling. Caution is advised for floating debris when you are out in the lake moving around.

The Spring LOC Derby (www.loc.org) is full steam ahead so good luck to all your derby fishermen and women.

For fishing, it’s been a mixed bag for trollers. Stickbaits or spoons in tight to shore off boards or riggers in 10 to 25 feet of water for browns, a bit deeper for Coho salmon and the occasional king salmon. After the hard east blow last Sunday, things need to settle down a little for the kings to show back up again in any numbers. If there is a mud line, work it for any shoreline trolling. Head out to 50 to 125 feet of water for lake trout on the bottom and Cohos up top, too.

The Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament is set for May 19-21 out of Wilson and Olcott. The registration link is now live for registering. Go to www.lakeontarioproam.net. Of particular note is the revamped Amateur Open Division with each day being a separate event. Just bring in your best three fish and win some great prizes.

The Wilson Harbor Invitational Tournament is May 13. Check out www.wilsonharborinvitational.com for details. Speaking of Wilson, if you launch at the state park, bring along some boots. At least until the new floating docks are put into place. Those should be in by this Saturday.

The Don Johannes and Pete DeAngelo 3-fish/1-fish contest is May 18 as a precursor to the Pro-Am. Sign up at any of the LOC weigh stations in Wilson and Olcott.

The piers are questionable because of the high water levels. Don’t take any chances out there. The pier at the foot of Route 425 is currently underwater. Yes, it’s over 20-inches high out in the lake. The creeks are all high and muddy. More rain is on the way!

Lower Niagara River fishing action slowed down considerably yesterday with the muddy rain water coming down the river. The place with the cleanest water was Devil’s Hole or on either side of the river current in the lake. The high water levels in the river have not had a huge impact on the area fishing … so far.

However, a recent note from the New York Power Authority stated that the fishing platform built at the Niagara Power Project was closed on Monday due to high water levels. It remained closed until water levels receded. Before you head down fishing there, you might want to call 796-0135 Ext. 45 to see if it’s open. As of May 3 it was back open again.

Some steelhead, lake trout, smallmouth bass and silver bass have been caught off the platform last week. Those fish can still be caught off the shoreline in Devil’s Hole and along Artpark, too. Some nice bass were also caught downriver on swim baits and jerk baits. Another fishing option is the NYPA Reservoir.

Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls caught numerous smallmouth bass last week tossing white and yellow jigs. There is access at Reservoir Park and off Upper Mountain Road at the Fire Company.

The Fort Niagara launches in the Lower River should both be open on Friday of this week.

If you want to learn more about the fishing in Lake Ontario, you’ll want to attend the next LOTSA meeting May 11 in Lockport starting at 7 p.m. They will be holding a round table session with their members.

The Lewiston smelt festival is set for May 5. Cooking starts at 5 p.m. For more details on that, go to the www.niagarariverregion.com.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director

Destination Niagara USA, 10 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY USA, 14303 p: 1.877 FALLS US | 716.282.8992 x.303 | f:716.285.0809

www.niagarafallsusa.com

website | facebook | twitter | blog

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

Fishing Report: Orleans County, New York

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Lake Ontario Trib’s: Welcome to Spring!
Lake Alice Fish are Biting

Today is Wednesday, April 5, 2017.

April showers may bring May flowers if it doesn’t flood them out.

The wind and rain of the past several weeks have taken their toll on the fishery in Western New York, but waterways are starting to change very slowly.

Yesterday it was a combination of both wind and rain that helped keep fishermen off of Lake Ontario in the afternoon. The wind actually helped those who were fishing the tributaries and smaller lakes.

On Lake Alice, Perch, Bluegill, Crappie, Bullhead and Suckers were all in the mix depending on what part of the lake you fished. Later in the afternoon when the wind really picked up, things, fishing dropped off a bit.

All of this stained to muddy water should give the Bullhead fishermen a leg up if only for a short while.

The “Oak” was pretty much muddy and blown out, but the smaller tributaries offered some better conditions with moderate flows and stained water.

When fishermen could get on Lake Ontario, some very good Brown Trout fishing was enjoyed, with sizes up from what was experienced in past years. Browns were pushed closer to shore by the winds offering shore fishermen a great opportunity to get in on the action.

More rain is in the forecast for late this week, but then the weekend and next week will be a vast improvement.

Only a month to go before the 1st day of the Spring LOC Derby, so now is the time to prep all of your equipment and get that derby ticket so you don’t get left out.

This weekend I’ll be in Doswell, Virginia, for a fly fishing and wine tasting show, so if you’re in the area, stop by and say hello.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County. Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

New York State – Summary of New Freshwater Fishing Regulation Changes for 2017/18

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

From the NYSDEC, the following is a summary of the freshwater fishing regulation changes for the April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018 period:

The 18 inch minimum size limit and daily creel limit of 3 walleye has been eliminated in Chautauqua Lake (Chautauqua County) and Franklin Falls Flow (Essex County). The statewide limit is now the rule: 5 walleye limit per day, 15-inch minimum, from the 1st Saturday in May through March 15 (2018).
Ice fishing is now permitted on Rushford Lake in Allegany County.
The Lake Erie and tributaries 20 inch minimum size limit, 1 fish daily limit black bass regulation has been expanded to run December 1 through the Friday before the third Saturday in June.
Fishing is now prohibited at any time on Buttermilk Creek in Cattaraugus County from the mouth to Fox Valley Road Bridge.
An 18 inch minimum size limit and daily creel limit of 3 has been established for walleye in Titicus Reservoir (Westchester County); Sacandaga Lake and tributaries and outlet and Lake Pleasant and tributaries (Hamilton County); Kiwassa Lake, St. Regis Falls Impoundment, and Little Wolf Pond (Franklin County); Putnam Pond (Essex County); Cazenovia and DeRuyter lakes (Madison County); Waterport Reservoir (Orleans County); Rio Reservoir (Orange and Sullivan counties); East Sidney Reservoir (Delaware County); Taghkanic Lake (Columbia County); Canadarago Lake (Otsego County); and additional portions of the Seneca River (Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca and Wayne counties).
Three short sections of Fish Creek, Indian River and Grasse River in St. Lawrence County have been closed to all fishing from March 16th until the opening of walleye season.
The number of brown trout and rainbow trout that can be kept as part of a 5 fish daily limit in Skaneateles Lake has been reduced to no more than 3 of either species.
The allowable daily harvest of brown trout and rainbow trout has been reduced from 5 of each to 3 of each and the allowable daily harvest of lake trout has been increased from 3 to 5 as part of the 5 in any combination daily limit regulation for trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon on Cayuga and Owasco lakes.
The minimum size limit for rainbow trout has been increased from 9 to 15 inches on Owasco, Skaneateles and Otisco Lake tributaries.
Crane Pond (Essex County) has been reopened to ice fishing.
The restriction on the number of devices allowed for ice fishing on Bigsby and Copperas ponds (Essex County), Upper Saranac Lake (Franklin County), and Fawn Lake (Hamilton County) has been continued.
The daily limit for northern pike in the St. Lawrence River has been reduced from 5 to 3.
The special trout regulation on Whey Pond (Franklin County) has been eliminated. Use of baitfish is still prohibited.
The special regulation for landlocked salmon on Piseco Lake (Hamilton County) has been eliminated.
The minimum size length for lake trout in Woodhull Lake (Herkimer County) has been decreased from 21 to 18 inches.
The prohibition on the use or possession of smelt in Lake George has been removed and smelt may now be caught by angling.
The special regulation for black bass in the Hamilton County portion of the Hudson River has been eliminated.
The minimum size limit for trout at Colgate Lake (Greene County) has been decreased from 12 to 9 inches.
The taking of suckers by snatching (but not blind snatching) from January 1 through March 15 in specific portions of the Otselic and Tioughnioga rivers in Cortland County is now permitted.
Snatching and blind snatching of lake whitefish is no longer permitted on Piseco Lake in Hamilton County.
Spearing bullheads and suckers in all Cayuga and Oswego county tributaries to Lake Ontario is no longer permitted.

Several changes were also made to clarify or better define existing regulations.

Walleye in Lake Erie – Fishery Movement and Study

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Forrest Fisher

Fish are Tagged, Electronically Monitored for Movement
Angler Reward System ($100)
Cooperative Study: Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System (GLATOS)

By Forrest Fisher

**Biologists throughout the Great Lakes are using science and technology to help understand the mysteries of Great Lakes fish, their health and their seasonal movements. NYSDEC Photo**

Trained biologists and technicians implant acoustic transmitters to understand fish movements and how they relate to fishing effort and harvest.

Walleye, lake trout and musky in eastern Lake Erie are netted, identified, tagged with a transmitter and released, then monitored to determine preferred spawning areas and habitat.

The tagged fish are monitored by a network of acoustic receivers throughout Lake Erie. Orange external loop tags identify fish that contain acoustic transmitters and offer a $100 reward when returned by an angler.

This is one of 12 programs that the NYSDEC Lake Erie Fisheries Unit is has provided staff and study toward research and management of objectives for Lake Erie, Chautauqua County and Region 9 in New York State.

For many decades, knowledgeable eastern basin anglers (Russell Johnson, Elma, NY) pondered the idea with angler groups that walleye from the western basin might travel long distances and move to the eastern basin during summer weather to feed on plentiful rainbow smelt, emerald shiners and alewife schools of baitfish. The color and shape of the migrating fish was slightly different in appearance according to some anglers in the late 1970’s. Today, the 2010s plus, the forage base adds in the vast population of the round goby family. Every predator fish seems to find this plentiful resource, perhaps an invasive species godsend that was not accepted as a stable forage base upon it’s early discovery a decade or two ago.

**Trained biologists and technicians implant acoustic transmitters to understand fish movements and how they relate to fishing effort and harvest. NYSDEC Photo**

Today, we know from early metal fin-tagging studies and angler report data that walleye in the Great Lakes are known to move long distances through multiple fish and wildlife management jurisdictions. Understanding fish movements and how they relate to fishing effort and harvest is essential when managing a complex, valuable, multijurisdictional fishery such as the Lake Erie walleye fishery. Today, this can be accomplished in a more dynamic manner and in real time with in-the-water migratory data collection.

Beginning in spring 2015, New York State DEC biologists started to deploy acoustic receivers in the eastern basin of Lake Erie to monitor the timing, magnitude, demographics, and spatial extent of the western basin walleye migrants tagged on western basin spawning areas by Ohio DNR. Additionally, acoustic transmitters were surgically implanted into walleyes from eastern basin spawning aggregations to estimate spawning site fidelity and movement patterns of individual eastern basin spawning stocks.

**Orange external loop tags identify fish that contain acoustic transmitters and offer a $100 reward when returned by an angler. NYSDEC Photo**

The relative contribution of eastern basin walleyes to the mixed-origin fisheries in the eastern basin will be assessed by implanting acoustic tags in walleye captured in the eastern basin summer fishery. Acoustic receivers are placed on known spawning areas in the spring and deployed in four lines spanning the eastern basin from north to south to monitor summer and fall movement. Existing acoustic lines in the western and central basins will allow detection of the westward movement of walleye tagged as part of this study.

Participating organizations include New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Great Lakes Fishery Commission and Michigan State University.

Acoustic transmitters were surgically implanted into walleyes from eastern basin spawning aggregations to estimate spawning site fidelity and movement patterns of individual eastern basin spawning stocks. NYSDEC Photo

Project personnel are many, but key investigators include Jason Robinson (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) – jason.robinson@dec.ny.gov; Don Einhouse (New York State Department Of Environmental Conservation); Chuck Murray (Pennsylvania Fish And Boat Commission); Tom Macdougall (Ontario Ministry Of Natural Resources And Forestry); Chris Vandergoot (United States Geological Survey); John Dettmers (Great Lakes Fishery Commission) and Charles Krueger (Michigan State University).

The project is set to run from January 2015 through January 2019, receiving funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health, United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System. Federal and International tax dollars are at work here for a worthy environmental cause.

The information contained in this article and more information on these and other Great Lakes acoustic projects is available in greater detail at the Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System (GLATOS) website.

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Forecast – April 12, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Smelt Run is On!
Dippers out Every Evening!
Lewiston Smelt Festival set for May 5

**Hans Mann of Eden, New York, shows a 29-inch Brown Trout he caught Tuesday off Fort Niagara in Lake Ontario.**

Lower Niagara River

Trout action continues to be spotty from both boat and shore following the storms that came through last week. The big news is that the smelt have started running in the Lewiston area and dippers have been going out every night. It hasn’t been a strong run so far, but they are getting some. The Lewiston smelt festival is set for May 5. For more details on that, watch the Outdoor Beat this week on Time Warner Cable/Spectrum or On Demand on the website at www.lctv.net.

Getting back to the fishing, shoreline casters are tossing spoons and spinners and picking up a few trout. Boaters are doing a little better because they can move around to look for active fish. With so much bait in the river right now, it’s tough to get the trout to hit. Some boaters have opted to turn the corner at the fort and troll the shoreline for browns, Cohos, lakers and steelies. One boat Tuesday caught all four, including a nice 29 inch brown using Thundersticks. No reports on kings on the Niagara Bar yet.

The LOC Derby opener is May 5 to 14. Go to www.loc.org to find out details including registration points and weigh stations.

Niagara County Trib’s

The water level and flow at Burt Dam and 18 Mile Creek is finally coming down and slowly starting to clear. Last report was that the water was at 380 cfs and the some fresh steelhead have shown up ready to drop eggs. Of course, eggs or egg imitations will be the preferred bait, but you can still catch them on jigs or crawlers.

Keg and Hopkins creeks should also be holding fish.

The Wilson Conservation Club bullhead contest was a success last weekend despite poor conditions for the most part. Most of the winning fish were caught Sunday morning. Leading the way was Joel Feagin of Wilson with two fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 5 ounces. He was using shrimp in the east branch of 12 mile creek.

Pier action is picking up for casters in Wilson and Olcott using spoons and spinners. Browns are the primary target.

Lake Ontario

Out in Lake Ontario, it’s been a mixed bag for trollers. Stickbaits or spoons in tight to shore using boards or downriggers in 12 to 25 feet of water for browns, Coho salmon and the occasional Atlantic salmon. Head out to 40 to 60 foot depths for lake trout.

**Nick Glosser holds up an 11-pound Atlantic Salmon he caught with this West Virginia angler aboard Thrillseeker II.**

The Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament is set for May 19-21 out of Wilson and Olcott. The registration link is now live, go to www.lakeontarioproam.net.

The Wilson Harbor Invitational Tournament is May 13.

If you want to learn more about spring salmon fishing, attend the next LOTSA meeting on April 13 at Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara on Route 78 in Lockport. At 7 p.m., local angler Matt Dunn will pass along some of his secrets on how he won several Lake Ontario contests including the Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey last year. Some Daiwa representatives will also be in attendance to talk about their new Great Lakes rods and reels.

For more information on LOTSA, check their new website out at www.lotsa1.org.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director

Destination Niagara USA, 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!

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Forecast for March 30, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

**Rich (left) and Bob Klemm holding up the 31-pound Brown Trout caught Monday while fishing with Capt. Frank Campbell of Niagara Falls. It was caught on a Spottail Shiner.**

The big news this week was the 31 pound Brown Trout caught by Bob Klemm of Pennsylvania fishing with Capt. Frank Campbell of Niagara Region Charters. That’s all we are going to tell you this week because it will be a feature in the Buffalo News next week on Thursday, April 6. You have to hear the whole story on this one.

Lake Ontario and Tributaries

The weather forecasters are calling for some rain this Friday so that could put a damper on the stream action off Lake Ontario.

Burt Dam and 18 Mile Creek is stained, but there is good flow. Silver steelies are being caught, but you do have to work for them. Jigs tipped with wax worms or grubs will work as will small floating stickbaits two to three inches long in rainbow color patterns.

There is no ice on the piers any more so catching hardware like spoons and spinners is the way to go. Minnows and worms will also work.

Smaller creeks like Keg Creek, Hopkins Creek and both branches of 12-Mile Creek were flowing nicely.

Some bullheads are being caught in Wilson, perfect timing. The Wilson Conservation Club bullhead contest is set for April 7-9. Weigh in is held out of the Wilson Conservation Club, 2934 Wilson Cambria Road (Route 425), Wilson. The tournament is based on your best two fish with the tie-breaker being the overall length of the two fish. Any Niagara County waters are eligible. Entry fee is $10 for 13 years of age and older; free for junior anglers 12 and under. The fun contest actually starts at 5 p.m. on Friday and runs until 1 p.m. on Sunday. All weigh-ins will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wilson club. You can register at CMC Auto Repair, 418 Lake Street, Wilson or The Slippery Sinker, 5780 W. Main Street (at Jackson), Olcott. If you have any questions, contact Eric at 628-6078.

Lower Niagara River

Lower Niagara River trout action has been decent from both boat and shore. Some days you have to work a little more than others. Best drifts have been Devil’s Hole and Artpark for rainbows and lake trout, but you should be able to find trout throughout the river system. Egg sacs have been working best on the steelhead; minnows for the lake trout. Boat drifters are using 3-way rigs to bounce the bottom.

For browns, target down river closer to the lake with minnows or shiners.

From shore, casters are still using spoons, spinners and egg sacs in the gorge from Artpark to the Whirlpool.

The New York Power Authority Fishing Platform in the Niagara Gorge, as well as the stairs leading down to the shoreline along the NYPA access road near Niagara University, will be open for business on April 1. Also on April 1, the NYPA reservoir is also open for fishing.

The NRAA John Long, Sr. Memorial Raffle and Feast is April 1 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Niagara Active Hose on Lockport Rd. in Niagara Falls. Great eats!

The Niagara River Anglers Association will be holding its 12th Annual John Long, Sr. Raffle and Feast is set for April 2 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Niagara Active Hose on Lockport Road in Niagara Falls. Call 628-1460 for information.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director

Destination Niagara USA, 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!

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Forecast for April, 6, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

There’s a good story on the 31 pound brown trout caught by Bob Klemm of Pennsylvania fishing with Capt. Frank Campbell of Niagara Region Charters in the Buffalo News this week. Check out www.buffalonews.com in the sports section and look for the big fish!

Lower Niagara River

**Glenn Strzelczyk with a nice early season bullhead from Wilson Harbor, New York.**

Lower Niagara River trout action was spotty from both boat and shore before the storms blew in. Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls scored on some nice trout off the fishing platform just before the water started to change color on spinners. Water levels also increased significantly and they had to shut the platform down for the day. For the time being, forget about any river fishing for at least a few days. There is two inches of rain coming down today; and tomorrow, April 7, it looks like up to five inches of snow. It will disappear quick because the weekend looks good. Sixty’s on Sunday; 70’s on Monday. Finding a place to fish, though, may be difficult with high muddy water everywhere until things settle down. There have been a few smelt reported at Artpark – mostly some bigger adults – but hopefully the best is yet to come.

Lake Ontario and Tributaries

Burt Dam and 18 Mile Creek is high and muddy. So is every other creek. Your best bet for fishing is for bullhead. Some good catching was being reported (before the rain though) from Wilson, Olcott and in the Upper Niagara River. Nightcrawlers, cider worms, chicken livers and shrimp are baits that are being used. The Wilson Conservation Club bullhead contest is set for April 7-9. Weigh in is held out of the Wilson Conservation Club, 2934 Wilson Cambria Road (Route 425), Wilson. The tournament is based on your best two fish with the tie-breaker being the overall length of the two fish. Any Niagara County waters are eligible. Entry fee is $10 for 13 years of age and older; free for junior anglers 12 and under. The fun contest actually starts at 5 p.m. on Friday and runs until 1 p.m. on Sunday. All weigh-ins will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wilson club. You can register at CMC Auto Repair, 418 Lake Street, Wilson or The Slippery Sinker, 5780 W. Main Street (at Jackson), Olcott. If you have any questions, contact Eric at 628-6078.

**Tom Miles Jr. with a stocker from Hyde Park Lake in Niagara Falls, New York.**

On Saturday, April 8, the LOTSA pen rearing project will start at the Town of Newfane Marina starting at 9 a.m. They will ready the pens and get them in the water to prepare to receive the fish. And if you want to learn more about spring salmon fishing, attend the next LOTSA meeting on April 13 at Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara on Route 78 in Lockport. At 7 p.m., local angler Matt Dunn will pass along some of his secrets on how he won some Lake Ontario contests. Some Daiwa representatives will also be in attendance to talk about their new Great Lakes rods and reels. A few boats have been out in the big lake catching some browns and lake trout. Stickbaits, spoons and flasher-fly combos were all catching fish last Sunday.

The Hyde Park Lake, Gill Creek and Oppenheim Park Pond trout stockings took place yesterday, April 5. Oppenheim Park Pond, along Niagara Falls Blvd. in Wheatfield, received 100 browns and 200 rainbows Hyde Park Lake in Niagara Falls received 200 two-year-old browns and 1,650 yearlings. In addition, Gill Creek was the recipient of 540 browns from Buffalo Avenue upstream to the dam at the lake.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director

Destination Niagara USA, 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

Destination Niagara USA Fishing Forecast

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Report for March 23, 2017
Fish Bite is On at Burt Dam
Early Spring Weather Brings Rain and Snow Melt

**Matty Wagner of Tonawanda caught this two-tone steelhead at Burt Dam on an egg sac. According to a fish pathologist, this was probably the result of some type of spinal injury.**

After digging out from the March snow storm last week, things are finally settling in to more spring-like conditions. Not everything is perfect though. The weather forecasters are calling for some rain this weekend, especially Saturday and Sunday. That should get all of the streams flowing nicely once they settle down from higher water levels. A gradual increase in temperature has been good for melting off the snow at a slow and steady pace.

Lake Ontario and Tributaries

Burt Dam and 18 Mile Creek have been the place to go as steelhead and browns continue to be the primary target. We’ve had reports of some fresh steel coming into the creek in the last couple of days so this will be a good time to take advantage of some migrating trout. There is a mix of both pre-spawn and post-spawn steelhead.

For post-spawn trout, look for meat like worms and minnows. Pre-spawn is more of an egg sac or grub bite. Jigs will work, too. You just have to figure out what the fish want. Twelve mile and Keg Creek should both be good options, too.

In the harbors of Wilson and Olcott, some perch and northern pike have been biting. Remember that pike are out of season. The piers still have some ice on them, but that should be gone after the weekend. With some ice chunks in the harbor, look for some shoreline trolling to take place starting next week.

The Wilson Conservation Club bullhead contest is set for April 7-9. Mark your calendar.

On April 8, the LOTSA pen rearing project will start at the Town of Newfane Marina starting at 9 a.m. They will ready the pens and get them in the water to prepare to receive the fish.

Speaking of fish, if you are wondering when they will be trout stocking Hyde Park Lake, Gill Creek and Oppenheim Park Pond in Niagara Falls, mark April 5 on your calendar. Oppenheim Park Pond, along Niagara Falls Blvd. in Wheatfield, will receive 100 browns and 200 rainbows around 10 a.m. Hyde Park Lake in Niagara Falls will receive 200 two-year-old browns and 1,650 yearlings at 11 a.m. In addition, Gill Creek will be the recipient of 540 browns from Buffalo Avenue upstream to the dam at the lake.

Lower Niagara River

Lower Niagara River action has been decent from both boat and shore. No major winds or rains caused the water to muddy up so it’s been pretty consistent for both boat and shore fishermen.

Best drifts have been Devil’s Hole and Artpark, but you should be able to find trout throughout the river system – steelhead and lake trout with the occasional brown thrown in. Egg sacs have been working best on the steelhead; minnows for the lake trout.

Pautzke fire brine has been working on the minnows to color them up a bit, but the clear has been working on the eggs before you tie the sacs up. Boat drifters are using 3-way rigs to bounce the bottom. From shore, casters are still using spoons, spinners and egg sacs, but the hot bait the past week has been jigs. Tip a jig with a Gulp minnow or offer up a jig with a lot of flash, color and hair. Both steelhead and lake trout have been hitting.

April 1 will probably see the NYPA Fish Platform open up again, as well as the reservoir. The NRAA John Long, Sr. Memorial Raffle and Feast is April 1 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Niagara Active Hose on Lockport Rd. in Niagara Falls.

The Antique Tackle Show is Saturday, March 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on North Canal Rd., Lockport.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director

Destination Niagara USA, 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!

Too Many Lies, Too Many Crappies – Oneida River

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

New York State Conservation Officers catch illegal poachers in Onondaga County.

Onondaga County, New York

On Feb. 28, 2017, Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Mark Colesante received an anonymous tip that fishermen were catching and keeping over the legal limit of black crappies on the Oneida River. Knowing that the location is private, secluded, and a fishing hot spot, ECO Colesante called ECO Don Damrath for assistance. The two officers watched the fishermen reel in a few fish and head for their truck.

The ECOs met the fishermen at the truck just as they were dumping hundreds of fish from their buckets into a cooler. The men claimed half of the crappies were caught the day before, but couldn’t produce any evidence. ECOs Colesante and Damrath issued summonses for possessing crappies over-the-limit and undersized fish, returnable to Town of Clay Court.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) enforce the 71 Chapters of NY Environmental Conservation Law, protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.

In 2016, the 286 ECOs across the state responded to 26,400 calls and issued 22,150 tickets for crimes ranging from deer poaching to corporate toxic dumping and illegal mining, black market pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.

“From Montauk Point to Mount Marcy, from Brooklyn to Buffalo, the ECOs patrolling our state are the first line of defense in protecting New York’s environment and our natural resources, ensuring that they exist for future generations of New Yorkers,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “They work long and arduous hours, both deep in our remote wildernesses and in the tight confines of our urban landscapes. Although they don’t receive much public fanfare, the work of our ECOs is critical to achieving DEC’s mission to protect and enhance our environment.”

Niagara USA Fishing Forecast

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Report for March 17, 2017

Early Spring Weather Brings SNOW & WIND

Jim Steel with a nice laker in the Lower Niagara River gorge.

Niagara County was hit with a pretty severe snow storm this week, with some areas of the county digging out of over two feet of the white stuff. With that said, there was still plenty of fishing going on for anyone willing to brave the elements.

Lake Ontario and Tributaries

In Lake Ontario and the tributaries, the lake and piers have pretty much been off-limits with the snow, wind and cold. The only open water has been at Burt Dam on 18 Mile Creek and a few browns and steelhead have been caught. Egg sacs, small jigs tipped with a wax worm or spikes, a few different fly patterns, the fish change their mind on what they want on any given day. Hopefully it will get better next week!

If you enjoy antique fishing tackle, there will be an antique fishing tackle show in Lockport on March 25. It will be held at the Elks Lodge, 6791 N. Canal Road, Lockport from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call Dan Bedford at 713-9410.

Lower Niagara River

In the Lower Niagara River, both boat and shore fishermen were pulling some nice trout out of the water. Even with the snow and wind, the water was still fishable due to the northerly wind directions.

Boaters were drifting pink egg sacs or minnows off three-way rigs in Devil’s Hole and along Artpark. Steelhead and lake trout were the most cooperative, but the occasional brown trout is also showing up.

Shoreline casters are still using spoons and spinners, but the secret bait on Tuesday was soft plastics that were being cast by Ricardo Davila of Wheatfield. He caught 5 nice lake trout in the blizzard.

Remember that walleye season is now closed, along with northern pike, pickerel and tiger musky.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Outdoor Promotions Director

Destination Niagara USA, 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

Reticulated Albino Python Snakes in Manhattan, New York

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Longest Snakes in the World, Growing to 20 Feet.
Reticulated Pythons Can be Dangerous.
In New York, a Special Permit is Required to Keep Them

*From L to R: New York State Environmental Conservation Officers Brown, Chomicki, Noyes and Lomozik, with two juvenile Albino Reticulated Pythons. NYSDEC Photo*

MANHATTAN – Early in February – 2017, New York State Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Spencer Noyes came across a Craigslist ad offering an Albino Reticulated Python for sale in Manhattan.

Reticulated Pythons are classified as wild animals under New York State Environmental Conservation Law and individuals are required to have a special license to possess or sell the snakes. Reticulated Pythons are the longest snakes in the world, growing to more than 20 feet in length and can be dangerous.

Working with Lt. Michael Buckley, ECO Noyes determined the seller did not have a license. Acting as an interested buyer, Noyes contacted the seller and after several phone conversations, the seller agreed on a price for the original snake plus a second animal. On Feb. 13, ECOs Noyes and Bill Chomicki went in plain clothes to the seller’s residence in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, New York.

Lt. Nate VerHague and ECO’s Zach Brown and Jarrod Lomozik served as uniformed backup. When the seller came outside with both snakes, Noyes and Chomicki identified themselves as Conservation Officers and, after a brief conversation, the seller admitted to not having any DEC permits to possess the snakes.

The snakes were seized as evidence and transported to the Animal Care Center of New York City, where they are being cared for and will eventually be sent to the Sean Casey Animal Rescue in Brooklyn, New York. The Sean Casey Animal Rescue Group specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of reptiles. The seller was charged with possessing a wild animal without a permit and is due in New York County Court in May.

In 2016, the 286 ECOs across the state responded to 26,400 calls and issued 22,150 tickets for crimes ranging from deer poaching to corporate toxic dumping and illegal mining, the black market pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.

“From Montauk Point to Mount Marcy, from Brooklyn to Buffalo, the ECOs patrolling New York State are the first line of defense in protecting New York’s environment and its natural resources, ensuring that they exist for future generations of New Yorkers,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “They work long and arduous hours, both deep in our remote wildernesses and in the tight confines of our urban landscapes. Although they don’t receive much public fanfare, the work of our ECOs is critical to achieving DEC’s mission to protect and enhance our environment.”

Niagara USA Fishing Forecast

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

• Report for March 2, 2017

Roller Coaster Weather in Niagara County, New York
That rollercoaster weather ride continues, creating problems for area anglers. Warm temperatures into the 60s this week plunged into the 20s within 24 hours. Mild temperatures into the 40s are in the forecast for the weekend. There has been no consistency … like the fishing.

Lake Ontario and tributaries
For Lake Ontario and the tributaries, fishing in 18 Mile Creek has been hit or miss. You have to work for your trout … or an occasional salmon. Along with that, there have been perch and northern pike swimming around from the dam to the harbor. Even out in the lake. In fact, some brown trout trollers off the mouth of the creek trolling stickbaits off planer boards are reporting a fair number of pike being caught, too.

Back to Burt Dam, the water has been stained, primarily due to recent rains. Flow last Sunday was over 300 cfs, but that is settling down a bit now. The increased flow definitely pulled some more fish into the creek. Egg sacs and egg imitations are both good baits to start with. Jigs fished under a float and tipped with a spike or a wax worm will catch some fish, too.

Over in Wilson Harbor, pike and a few trout are hanging around. Some perch as well. Try casting for brown trout off the short pier at the end of Route 425. Check out some of the other small streams, too, like Keg and both branches of 12 Mile. Speaking of Wilson, make sure you mark April 7-9 on the calendar for the annual contest sponsored by the Wilson Conservation Club. Call Eric at 628-6078 for details. Remember that the State of Lake Ontario public meeting is set to be held at Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara, 4487 Lake Avenue (Route 78), Lockport on March 7 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Lower Niagara River
Lower Niagara River action was on hold after the most recent set of wind and rain elements that saw temperatures soar into the 60s and drop 40 degrees. Water was stained at mid-week. Just prior to the blow, there were mixed reports on success.

Buffalo Sabres coach Dan Bylsma had a good day on the water with Captains Frank Campbell and Jim Hanley last Thursday. If you want to see how good, check out the Buffalo News for Thursday, March 2, 2017. Egg sacs, Kwikfish and minnows all caught fish that day, but the most effective was treated eggs put into sacs by Campbell and fished up in Devil’s Hole.

Around that same time, some shore guys were casting spoons and spinners in the gorge and taking some nice steelhead and lake trout. The Niagara Bar has been a little slow, in part because of the excessive amount of baits around and the stained water. Look for fishing to slowly improve by the weekend. It was tough today in the river and the bar.

For those of you we have been asking about the Fort Niagara launch ramps, the total project should be completed by the end of May. As least one ramp will be functional by early May for the start of the LOC Derby May 5. They are connecting the two launches with docks on the water.

April 2 is the John Long, Sr. Memorial feast with the Niagara River Anglers. More information will be on their Facebook page soon.

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!

Niagara USA Fishing Forecast

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Report for Feb. 17, 2017
Free Fishing Weekend in NY

Diane Lorka of Pittsburgh earlier in the week and managed to catch her a 17-pound steelhead.

Lower Niagara, Lake Ontario, Niagara County Trib’s

It’s a free fishing weekend Feb. 18-19 for anyone who wants to sample some fishing around the state. It was designed to promote ice fishing, but you will be hard pressed to find some safe ice around Western New York. Temperatures will be up to 50 degrees into next week.

In the Niagara River, water is still stained, but you can catch fish if you work for them. Capt. Joe Marra of Lewiston took out Diane Lorka of Pittsburgh earlier in the week and managed to catch her a 17-pound steelhead while drifting a Kwikfish lure off a three-way rig. MagLips will also work to catch fish. Egg sacs and minnows will work on any given day and you may have to experiment a bit to see what the fish want.

Capt. Arnie Jonathan of Lockport took out a couple of Alaska fishing guides mid-week – Joe Romano and Kyle Kruchten – and they were three for seven in Devil’s Hole using minnows off three-ways.

Water will continue to be stained heading into the weekend, but if the winds subside, it should start to clear up slowly. Shore anglers have been picking up a few trout too, casting hardware or fishing eggs/beads, or a combo

of both. With temperatures warming up to 50 this weekend and into next week, we should see some increasing fish activity in the river. If we don’t have any wind, check out the Niagara Bar too.

In 18 Mile Creek, Wes Walker at The Slippery Sinker in Olcott reports stained water with a flow of over 100 cfs. The creek is open and you have the option of being able to catch a trout but you do have to work for them. The smaller creeks are still low and clear.

Saith Shine of Sanborn was three for three on steelies at mid-week at Burt Dam using different combos like a jig tipped with a wax worm and a bead above it, egg sacs and a combo of baits. Incidentally, Shine won a local contest through the “Fishing Nerds” Facebook page for cleaning up some of the local streams in a little challenge contest by the site and Greg Schloerb of Amherst. Let’s keep those streams as natural-looking as possible

On Saturday, Feb. 25, there will be the annual rack scoring day with official scorers Dave Muir and Don Haseley at Niagara Outdoors in North Tonawanda. They will be scoring from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whether it’s a rack you shot last fall, one you found or just an old rack that’s been laying around the garage and you always wanted to know what it scored, stop down and share your story.

If you are looking for a fishing boat, check out the WNY Boat Show February 22 to 26 at the Adpro Sports Fieldhouse located at 1 Bills Drive in Orchard Park. Talk with a wide variety of marinas and boating-related vendors. To find out more information go to www.buffaloboating.com.

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!

Niagara USA Fishing Forecast

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

A nice walleye from the Lower Niagara River this week. Photo Submitted by Bill Hilts

Report for Feb. 10, 2017
Contests Point To Methods and Places

Lake Ontario, Lower Niagara, Trib’s

A nice walleye from the Lower Niagara River this week. Photo Submitted by Bill Hilts

A great way to get a gauge on the local fishery is to follow the results of area fishing contests. For example, the Niagara River Anglers Association held its annual Roger Tobey Memorial Steelhead Contest on the Lower Niagara River and in Lake Ontario tributaries last Saturday (Feb. 4) during some pretty adverse weather conditions. Despite cold temperatures, stained water and gusty winds, some fish were caught during the friendly competition.

At the top of the list at the end of the day was Ed Waller of Lewiston, who hauled in a 9.62 pound steelhead from Devil’s Hole while fishing with Capt. Chris Cinelli of Grand Island. He was drifting an emerald shiner on a three-way rig, with a chartreuse bead above it. Second place was an 8.08 pound steelhead reeled in by Norm Deitrich of Haverford, Pennsylvania, caught on a minnow. He was using Waller’s boat along Artpark at 1:50 p.m. when the fish hit. Third place was Fran Szovati of Cold Springs, Kentucky, with a 7.88 pound steelhead. He caught it on an emerald shiner-trout bead combination, fishing with Capt. Ted Kessler of Grand Island – also in Devil’s Hole.

Down on 18 Mile Creek near Burt Dam, a few brown trout were caught. Bob Rustowicz of Cheektowaga hauled in a couple nice trout, including a fish that was around 9 pounds. However, he thought that it would never place in the money so he released it. The only fish he brought to the scales was a 5.82 pound brown trout for a special brown division. He missed by .02 pound to place in the money. Winning brown was a 5.84 pound trout reeled in by Capt. Tyler Morrison of Barker. He was using a jig tipped with a wax worm and fished under a float.

In the Niagara River, water is still stained but it was starting to clear up yesterday. Capt. Joe Marra of Lewiston, NY, caught 8 steelhead yesterday, all on egg sacs upriver. However, as the day progressed, it was getting muddier and Capt. Matt Yablonsky of Youngstown could only muster walleye for customers as visibility dropped to less than a foot. It doesn’t look good for the weekend or early next week.

In 18 Mile Creek, Wes Walker at The Slippery Sinker in Olcott, reports stained water with a flow of about 150 cfs. The creek is open and you have the option of being able to catch a trout, but you do have to work for them. The smaller creeks are low and clear.

Niagara River Anglers Association, February 2017 Contest Winners. Photo Submitted by Bill Hilts

Free Ice Fishing Weekend – New York

If you’ve ever thought about giving ice fishing a try, next weekend might be the perfect time, if you can find some ice. It’s a free ice fishing weekend Feb. 18-19 for anyone who wants to sample some hard water fishing around the state. You can find other spots by doing a little online exploring. Make sure you have at least 4-inches of ice.

Wilson harbor could be back up to snuff in the back bay, but make sure you check things out first. Meyers Lake near Bond Lake, might be an option, too. Give it a go!

If you are looking for a fishing boat, check out the WNY Boat Show that will run Feb. 22 to 26 at the Adpro Sports Fieldhouse located at 1 Bills Drive in Orchard Park. Talk with a wide variety of marinas and boating-related vendors. To find out more information go to www.buffaloboating.com.

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!

Niagara USA Fishing Forecast

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

For Feb. 3, 2017
Walleye to 11.5 pounds Caught This Week!

Big steelhead like this one can be caught in the lower Niagara River if the conditions are right.

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

Burt Dam and 18 Mile Creek is still the place to go in Niagara USA for tributary action. Conditions have been good and small jigs fished under a float and tipped with a wax worm is always a good options. Egg sacs or egg imitations can catch a fish or two. Brown trout and steelhead are both being caught. The occasional Coho salmon is still showing up, too.

Lots of perch in 18-Mile along with a few pike.

Over in Wilson, skim ice is starting to form in the harbor and it will be cold at night through the weekend. Not sure if we will see safe ice before it warms up again. We started seeing some colder temperatures again. Remember New York State will be holding a free ice fishing weekend Feb. 18-19 if we get some hard water. No one will need a license that weekend. Go to the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov.

Some of the smaller streams like Keg and Four Mile might not be open at the mouth to allow entry. If they are closed, cast the mouth with spoons and spinners. If they are open, look for some trout to be available.

Niagara River

Last year's winner of the NRAA steelhead contest - Bob Rustowicz of Cheektowaga, NY. — Last year’s winner of the NRAA steelhead contest – Bob Rustowicz of Cheektowaga, NY.

The Niagara River Angler Association’s Roger Tobey Memorial Steelhead Contest will be going on starting at sunrise on Saturday Feb. 4 and you can sign up at Creek Road Bait and Tackle, The Slippery Sinker and off the NRAA website at www.niagarariveranglers.com. Call 731-4780 for more information. It’s not just for the lower Niagara River either. Boundaries also include Lake Ontario tributaries.

For fishing conditions, it sure is difficult to predict. Because Lake Erie is not frozen over, it seems like any kind of a wind event out of the west or south will cause the lake to muddy up. That muddy water will then go through the river system and shut fishing down for a while. It’s very difficult for the charter guys, too. With many customers coming in from out of town, it’s been a roll of the dice whether or not they can get it right. If the water is stained, go with baits that are brightly colored like a chartreuse. Egg sacs have also been working and use brightly-colored mesh. Some of the guides have been using the Pautzke fire dye on minnows to get the fish to hit.

Three-way rigs are the way to go. Plugs like 3.0 MagLips and K-8 or K-9 Kwikfish will also work for you. Make sure you are getting some action on those lures. If not, move your boat along with your trolling motor. Boat control is key.

Shore fishermen are still using spoons, spinners, jigs, egg sacs or egg imitations like beads. Steelhead and lake trout are both readily available throughout the river. The occasional brown trout is also caught.

Some nice walleye up to 11.5 pounds have been caught the past week. Remember that you can only keep one fish per person through March 15. If you are looking for one for the frying pan, keep one of the smaller ones. Let the bigger females go so that they can spawn this spring.

More information on local fishing: http://buffalonews.com/2017/02 /01/fishing-beat-feb-1/

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!

Niagara USA Fishing Forecast

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

For Jan. 30, 2017
No Ice, Boaters Catching Browns, Steelies!

Dick Preston of Hamlin, NY shows off a nice steelhead caught during the greater Niagara Fishing Expo's on-water educational lessons taught by area captains. The boat educator was Capt. Vince Pierleoni of Thrillseeker Charters on the Lower Niagara River. — Dick Preston of Hamlin, NY shows off a nice steelhead caught during the greater Niagara Fishing Expo’s on-water educational lessons taught by area captains. The boat educator was Capt. Vince Pierleoni of Thrillseeker Charters on the Lower Niagara River.

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

It’s still a bit of a hit or miss in the creeks, but fish are being caught despite brown water in 18 Mile. Burt Dam flow is 170 cfs at the end of this week and anglers are seeing active trout and steelhead. Perch have been driving the trout guys nuts. Some pier casting, too.

Wilson was seeing some action, as well.

Keg Creek was clear but there is a large beaver dam between the mouth and the road.

The big news was over the weekend, when some milder temperatures and decent lake conditions saw some small boats hit the lake and do some near-shore trolling for brown trout. Fish were caught between Wilson and Olcott, as well as east of Olcott in front of the microwave tower in 10 to 20 feet of water. Best baits have been Bay Rats, Challenger and Rapala lures for the boats we talked to.

Colors depend on water clarity. Firetiger and chartreuse work well if there is a distinct mud line. If the water is just off-color a bit, go with more natural presentations like goby color, black and silver, and the like.

If we start getting some colder temperatures, the state will be holding a free ice fishing weekend Feb. 18-19 if we get some hard water again. No one will need a license that weekend. Go to the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov

Niagara River

With a winter storm blowing in off Lake Erie for the next few days, conditions are already effecting the Niagara River fishing both above and below NIagara Falls. Water looked like chocolate milk this morning driving in and things will have to clear up before any fishing can take place – and this storm is expected to hang on through Sunday.

Shore fishermen will probably be the first to see some cleaner water and your best bet will be to cast spoons and spinners in bright colors. Cast something that makes some noise and draws attention to it.

It was good to see the seminar room jam packed for Ricardo Davila’s shore fishing seminar at the Expo last weekend. Then again, most all of the seminar rooms were packed, too – walleye, perch, bass, salmon, trout, electronics. Great to see so many people clamoring for information.

Hopefully the river will be clear next Saturday. The Niagara River Angler Association’s Roger Tobey Memorial Steelhead Contest will be going on starting at sunrise and you can sign up at Creek Road Bait and Tackle in Lewiston, The Slippery Sinker in Olcott; and off the NRAA website at www.niagarariveranglers.com. Call 731-4780 for more information. It’s not just for the lower Niagara River either. Boundaries also include Lake Ontario tributaries.

One of the issues the past week before the water muddied up, was the fact that there was a lot of bait present in the system. Small and medium-sized smelt were reported from area captains who had an issue on the catching end a bit.

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!

Niagara USA Fishing Forecast

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

For Jan. 20, 2017
Lake Ontario and Trib’s

Jon Robins and Eric Dixon of Niagara Falls, New York, hit this double-header while fishing with Capt. Frank Campbell.

It’s a bit of a mess in the creeks, but some fish are being caught – like the 21 pound, 2 ounce brown trout caught this week by Charles Young of North Tonawanda while fishing a jig in 18 Mile Creek near Burt Dam. The rain on Tuesday brought a few more fish into the system and the warm-up is turning a few perch on when the water is clear enough.

It looks like it will hit the 50 degree mark this weekend. Water conditions are stained, so you might want to check out the Niagara Outdoor Expo this weekend and learn how to catch more fish.

Don’t try the ice in Wilson even though 4 inches was reported last weekend. Stop into the Expo instead and visit with Clam Outdoors! Timing is everything.

Lower Niagara River

Timing was perfect for fishing to turn on because one new attraction to the Fishing Expo is morning educational lessons on the river, taught by area fishing charter captains. Four hours of fishing with in-depth instruction for a show special rate. Information can be found on the Expo website or you can contact 716-523-0013 for details.

The river has a nice green color to it and boat captains and customers have been catching fish from Devil’s Hole to the Niagara Bar. Steelhead, lake trout, walleye and even a teenage king salmon hit a shiner at the mouth of the river this week.

Shore anglers have been catching their share of trout in the gorge, using spoons, spinners, jigs and beads.

Some good news on the stocking front – the lower river will now receive a dedicated stocking of 15,000 brown trout each year instead of receiving only surplus stockings. They will also receive some surplus browns if they are available. Great News!

Greater Niagara Fishing & Outdoor Expo

The local fishing community is gearing up for a huge celebration of our natural resources with the opening of the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo at the Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls, it runs Jan. 20-22. This year’s event will be the best ever. Speakers like Bassmaster Pro Mark Menendez, Fishing 411 TV hosts – Mark and Jake Romanack, Electronics Expert – Lance Valentine and Walleye 101, Ice Fishing Legend Dave Genz and the Ice Team will be supporting a huge display by Clam Outdoors and much, much more!

Some 70 different speakers will be dishing out 130 seminars over the course of the three days. Over 125 vendors will be displaying their products and selling the heck out of them. This is an event focused on fishing and please help us pass the word – education is the key for so many things to expand, enhance and improve our sport.

Become part of a fishing movement. Check out www.niagarafishingexpo.com.

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!

Western New York Fishing Forecast – Friday, January 13, 2017

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Nice winter brown trout from 18-Mile Creek at Burt Dam caught by Greg Schloerb of Amherst, NY.

Lake Ontario, Niagara River, Outdoor Show

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

Nice winter brown trout from 18-Mile Creek at Burt Dam caught by Greg Schloerb of Amherst, NY.

The recent weather rollercoaster has been tough on fishermen. Many areas received a pile of rain this past week, creating higher flows in the streams, like 18-Mile Creek below Burt Dam and into the Harbor at Olcott. The water was pushing 170 cubic feet per second down the creek, which should attract some fresh fish into the system. The water is stained, though, so use brightly-colored jigs fished under a float, salted minnows, live emerald shiners or nightcrawlers to try and trick a trout to hit. Steelhead, brown trout and the occasional Coho salmon are still showing up.

The harbor is wide open, thanks to the rain and temperatures in the upper 50’s this past week. Both pike and perch should be available if you want to try and chase them. Off the piers, casting spoons or spinners are options, but only if the wind is not blowing out of the north. Today that wind is out of the northwest and the piers are under water. The ice in Wilson Harbor is shot. You also have an opportunity to do some pier fishing there if the winds cooperate. Some of the smaller streams like Keg Creek or 4-Mile Creek could be open if the flow has increased enough, but we’ve not had any reports yet on those trib’s.

This could be your lucky day!

Niagara River

Ice is still coming down the river and the water is stained – two strikes against anglers from both boat and shore. The ice was causing some problems for drifters and casters, ice coming down from Lake Erie after the high winds and rain really created quite a turmoil. We’ll have to play it by ear when anglers can get back on the water again. Steelhead and lake trout top the list of targets right now, but you have an outside chance at catching a brown trout or a walleye, as well.

Shore casters are using spoons and spinners in bright colors; boaters are drifting plugs like MagLips and Kwikfish lures; egg sacks or egg imitations; as well as minnows. Use those baits from three-way rigs from boats, once the ice has disappeared. If the winds cooperate, take a drift or two out on the Niagara Bar to see if there are any active trout around.

If you’ve never tried the Niagara River from a boat, give one of the lower river educational lessons a try through the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo set for Jan. 20-22 at the Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls. Morning trips are being offered by several charter captains for $100 each to give you an on-water lesson. Sign up at the Expo website at www.niagarafishingexpo.com. While you are on the site, check out the long list of speakers – a total of 70 giving some 130 seminars over the course of the three days. One keynote speaker that just came on board last week was Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Mark Menendez, giving talks Saturday at noon and Sunday at 10 a.m. There is a little bit of everything for the angler – from beginner to seasoned veteran.

There’s a big section on ice fishing, too. Check out www.niagarafishingexpo.com to see what’s happening Jan. 20-22 at the Conference Center in Niagara Falls. Huge!

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!

Western New York Fishing Forecast – Friday, December 16, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Dick Schul, fishing Captain Ernie Calendrelli in the Lower Niagara River, lands a nice steelhead during some great winter fishing.

Lake Ontario, Niagara River

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

Dick Schul, fishing Captain Ernie Calendrelli in the Lower Niagara River, lands a nice steelhead during some great winter fishing.

The only option in Niagara USA right now is 18-Mile Creek and Burt Dam in the Town of Newfane. Both salmon and trout are available in the creek, with Coho salmon replacing King salmon in the fresh run department.

Egg sacs or egg imitations are the preference for catching Coho’s. Numbers have been fair. Flow in the creek is less than last week, but the water clarity is a bit more stained.

Today is a lake effect advisory storm that should hit Western New York for the next couple of days. Expect up to a half-foot of snow. Combined with this are frigid temperatures into the single digits and wind chills below zero. By Saturday, there is some possible rain in the forecast and temperatures in the upper 30s, so that might be your best bet for wetting a line next.

If you want to target trout, your best option is with a small jig tipped with a wax worm or spike and fished under a float. Don’t be surprised if you catch some decent yellow perch using that set-up – from the harbor to the dam.

Lower Niagara River

Action from last week continued into this week for trout fishing. The big news is the influx of steelhead into the river system – some fish reaching the 10 pound mark. There have also been a few brown trout caught.

Best drifting bait has been the MagLip in a 3.0 size, fished off three-way rigs. Many of the captains are now running these and really like the action that it provides. So do the fish apparently. Silver-green and silver-pink are good colors to start with, but it will probably be based on water clarity. Don’t be afraid to change things up.

Shore anglers are working the banks off Artpark for a mix of trout including steelhead, brown trout and lake trout.

Remember that lake trout season opens officially on January 1, 2017. Best baits have been BC Wobbler spoons in chartreuse or orange; in-line spinners in chartreuse or yellow. Upper Niagara River

Not too many people have been out fishing. In the Capt. Bob’s contest that ends on Dec. 17, the largest Rudd has come from the upper river, taken on a crappie tube and fished under a float. With the strong winds in the forecast the next couple of days, there’s a good chance it could muddy the river water up and slow things up for a bit.

If you are looking for a few ideas for some last minute Christmas gifts, consider a fishing charter from area captains (www.niagara-usa.com); a weekend pass to the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo Jan. 20-22, 2017 at the Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls (www.niagarafishingexpo.com); a derby pass for the Lake Ontario Counties events in 2017 (www.loc.org); or a membership in a local fishing club like the Niagara River Anglers Assn., the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Assn., or the Niagara Musky Assn.

Stay warm out there!

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!

Western New York Fishing Forecast – Friday, December 23, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Bill Kiel of Ohio with a Lower Niagara River steelhead near Lewiston, New York

Lake Ontario, Niagara River

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

The first day of winter is here and things are actually warming up a bit – into the 30’s all week; the 40’s after Christmas. The big news this week was the formation of up to five inches of ice in the back bay of Wilson Harbor. However, caution is still advised. Make sure you take every precaution and never fish alone. There is no such thing as “safe ice.” Pike, perch and trout were being reported. Nothing hot and heavy, but hard water fanatics just want to be out there enjoying the season.

As far as tributary action, brown trout and steelhead dominate the catches at Burt Dam and 18 Mile Creek in the Town of Newfane. There is open water from the base of the stairs at Fisherman’s Park to the dam. Jigs tipped with a wax worm or spike, eggs or egg imitations should produce some fish – fished under a float. Water was low and slightly stained. Melting snow and ice should help improve water color.

Lower Niagara River

High winds out of the southwest on Tuesday made for some turbid conditions on Wednesday, so it will be a few days before any boaters will score on trout again. Fishing was good earlier in the week for steelhead and there were plenty of lake trout still around, no matter what you were using for bait. Small egg sacks in pink and chartreuse were working off three-way rigs, as was Kwikfish and MagLips.

Lake trout season re-opens on Jan. 1 in New York’s lower river; Canada’s season is already open. If you do fish in Canada and you catch one for the frying pan, don’t stop in NY waters when you head back, and make sure you follow all of the necessary procedures. A new license year starts Jan. 1 in Canada, too.

There’s a new educational option tied in with the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo set for Jan. 20-22, 2017 at the Conference and Event Center, Niagara Falls. A little mini on-water steelhead fishing session with area guides is now available. Check out www.niagarafishingexpo.com.

Shore fishermen can do well when the water is a little murkier. Cast brightly colored jigs, spoons or spinners to take trout. Artpark is the best spot to cast.

Upper Niagara River

The water is stained and there’s not much going on right now. When the waters start to clear, don’t be afraid to cast some hardware off Broderick Park for a trout – spoons, spinners and jigs. Water temps are down to around 34-35 degrees.

Here’s wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

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!

Winter Fishing – Trout, Steelhead, Bass

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Dick Kostko of Ohio with a Lower Niagara River lake trout is enjoying some great winter fishing.

Lake Ontario, Niagara River

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

Some more fresh king salmon arrived on the scene this week in 18 Mile Creek and Burt Dam, thanks to a little more water flow from the dewatering of the Erie Canal. With the salmon, brown trout and steelhead are both in the mix, giving anglers several options to choose from.

For the salmon, eggs or egg imitations top the list, but with the low, clear water conditions, be sure to downsize your baits. Single eggs, smaller hooks and you may need to go with lighter line, but that will mean you will probably lose some fish, too. Some jigs fished under floats and tipped with waxies is starting to work. Egg pattern flies, nymphs, wooly buggers and the like will work for the trout.

With the water clear, more natural colors seem to work better. Getting out on the piers hasn’t been easy with northerly winds posing a problem. When you can cast a lure, use spoons or spinners to entice fish to hit.

Perch have been in the harbors, especially in Olcott all the way up to the dam.

Lower Niagara River

Steelhead are finally hitting with more regularity after the waters cleared up after last week of wind and rain up on Lake Erie. Devil’s Hole and Artpark are both producing some nice chromer’s up to about 10 pounds. Small chartreuse or pink yarn flies or minnows – both fished off three-way rigs – is the way to go for steelhead.

When the winds are right out of the south or southwest, throw on a Kwikfish or MagLip lure – again off a three-way set-up. No matter what you are using – from boat or shore – you will probably catch a lake trout or three.

While the season is open on the Canadian side of the river, it is closed in New York until January 1. Handle those fish with care and release them back into the water. Where else in the world can you catch lake trout of this quality from shore in a river system? It’s time to request an exemption for lake trout fishing in the lower river – allowing for catch and release with artificial baits only.

Some big bass are also in the river right now and best enticements have been swim baits and jigging spoons. Bass is catch and release only right now and you must use artificial lures.

For musky fishermen, remember that the season will close on Dec. 15. In the Niagara Musky Association’s John Henning Memorial Lower River Tournament held Dec. 4, Andrew Lacko of Kenmore won the contest with a 38-inch muskie casting a rubber creature bait in some turbid conditions. The NYPA fishing platform will close down on Dec. 8. This also includes the Upper Mountain Road access for the reservoir.

Ricardo Davila with nice steelhead caught while fishing from shore in the Lower River.

Chuck Smock with a nice Lower River smallmouth bass.

Upper Niagara River

Bass, walleye and trout should all be available for anglers. Knowing where to go is the trick.

Bass are on their fall feed; trout are staging off creek and river mouths and can be found in creeks off the upper river; and walleye have been reported around Broderick Park, Thompson’s Hole and at the Huntley Power Station.

The only waterfowl hunting going on right now is the goose season and that will remain open until Dec. 17. The late season opens on Dec. 31.

Keep that in mind when fishing the river.

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!

Western New York Fishing Forecast – Thursday, December 1, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Kyle Kraft of Akron, Ohio, caught a 44-inch musky earlier in the week on a MagLip while trout fishing in the Lower Niagara River.

Lake Ontario, Niagara River

Lower Niagara River

More steelhead are starting to show up every day! Devil’s Hole is the best spot for your best chance at a steelie, but Artpark is producing a few, too. Eggs or egg imitations in yellow, pink or chartreuse are all good colors to try. Kwikfish and MagLip wobbling baits will also catch you trout. Remember that lake trout season is closed in New York until the end of the year, but if you venture over into Canadian waters, laker season opened on Dec. 1.

The lower river is the only body of water (along with Lake Ontario) that still has musky season open. That season is open until Dec. 15. This Sunday, Dec. 4, is the John Henning Memorial Musky Tournament from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information contact Adam at (623) 205-9939.

Kyle Kraft of Akron, Ohio caught a 44 inch musky earlier in the week on a MagLip while trout fishing. He also caught some nice bass over 5 pounds in the river using tubes and minnows. The minnows were fished off three-way rigs.

Shore fishermen continue to do well on trout and if the winds stain the water up at all, it should help the shore guys out. Spoons, spinners, egg sacs or egg imitations such as beads – both hard and soft – are working well. In fact, both shore and boat guys are using beads to catch trout. You can keep posted on things that are happening in the Niagara USA area by signing up on Facebook for Niagara USA Fishing and Outdoors.

Kyle Kraft of Akron, Ohio, also caught some nice bass over 5 pounds in the river using tubes and minnows. The minnows were fished off three-way rigs.

Upper Niagara River

With the closing of the musky season, anglers still have the option to catch other species like the catch-and-release bass season, walleye or trout that might be starting to find their way into the upper river. Make sure you mark your calendar for the 4^th Annual Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Report set for Jan. 20-22, 2017 at the Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls. A huge ice fishing section is included in a packed house of vendors and education. Check out www.niagarafishingexpo.com. More information is going on the site every day. We will keep you posted!

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

Lake Ontario and tributaries – Nearly an inch of rain fell on Nov. 30 and into Dec. 1, helping along some of the tributaries. The best spot to be is still 18 Mile Creek and Burt Dam for trout and, believe it or not, there was a fresh run of salmon that arrived this week. Browns, steelhead and salmon are still available, but water was low and clear for the most part before the rain. Downsize your baits to single eggs, small sacs or smaller streamers and wooly buggers in more natural colors if the water is still clear. However, with the recent rains, it could stain the water up a bit and it will give you some more options.

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!

Western New York Fishing Forecast, Friday, November 25, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario, Niagara River

Fishing with Captain Larry Jones, Chris Kempf hooked and landed a beautiful 45" Muskie from the Upper Niagara River. Larry Jones Photo — Fishing with Captain Larry Jones, Chris Kempf hooked and landed a beautiful 45″ Muskie from the Upper Niagara River. Larry Jones Photo

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day celebration! With the long weekend, many people are out there hunting and fishing. Hope you can find the time to enjoy it with family and friends. As the days tick away, remember that November 30^th is the final day for musky season in New York State – with the exception of the lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario. That season will end on Dec. 15. Also, Nov. 30 is the final day for the regular bass season, but Dec. 1 kicks off a catch and release season for bass in New York until the season reopens next June.

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

Best spot to be is still 18 Mile Creek and Burt Dam for trout and the last remaining semblance of a salmon run. Browns, steelhead and salmon are still available, but water is low and clear for the most part. Downsize your baits to single eggs, small sacs or smaller streamers and wooly buggers in more natural colors. Perch and pike are still an option in Olcott and Wilson Harbors. Casting the piers are an option if the winds will let you. Another good spot to cast is off creek mouths that have jammed up mouths that won’t let fish in. Cast with spoons and spinners and you should pick up some fish.

Lower Niagara River

In the Lower Niagara River trout fishermen are still doing well, especially along Artpark. Spoons, spinners and beads lead the way as top enticements from shore. Be careful out there as water temperatures start to drop. Paul Luzzi of Lewiston was using a Lazy Larry’s bead off a three-way rig along Artpark recently and managed to catch two steelhead, two lake trout … and a whitefish! Like we say time and time again, that’s one of the best things about fishing in the Niagara – you never know what you are going to catch! Remember that lake trout season is closed in New York until the end of the year, but if you venture over into Canadian waters, the season opens on Dec. 1. That’s not very far away! Best baits from boats have been Kwikfish and MagLips; spoons, spinners, eggs or egg imitations from shore. Artpark has been the best spot to target.

Upper Niagara River

With the water clearing, this is the last hurrah for musky and bass as far as regular seasons are concerned. Some nice muskies have been reported and this is the time of year you can take a true trophy. With a minimum size of 54 inches though, catch and release as best you can, as quickly as you can.

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!

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

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

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

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).

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 30^th.

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!

New York Big Game Hunting Firearms Season for Southern Zone Begins November 19

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Forrest Fisher

In several areas of New York, hunters are requested to help control the doe populations, as non-resident hunter, Jeff Liebler did here with his first ever deer from New York. Forrest Fisher Photo

-Hunters encouraged to pass on young bucks

By Forrest Fisher

In the highly sportsmen populated southern zone sector of the Empire State, hunters have been waiting all year for the 3-week long big game firearms hunting season. Wait no longer, it will open this Saturday, November 19, at sunrise.

Despite an unusually balmy forecast of 60-degree weather for the 3^rd Saturday in November, New York hunters will endure staying warm – especially since the peak of the rut is set to start on about the same day. It should be a good harvest year for hunters, as the opening day of gun season and the rut rarely coincide.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “New York’s deer and bear populations are great resources that provide more than nine million pounds of quality, locally grown, organic meat to families across the state and I wish all hunters a safe and successful season.”

DEC is encouraging all hunters across the state to pass up shots at young, small-antlered bucks. In a multi-year study conducted with Cornell University, more than 7,000 hunters surveyed across the state reported wanting more opportunities for taking mature bucks without mandatory restrictions on antler size. DEC has been working with several leading sportsmen’s groups across the state to educate hunters on their role in deer management, the impacts of harvest choices, and changes in the deer population, as more and more hunters voluntarily refrain from taking young bucks.

“Many hunters have told DEC that they would like to see older bucks and hunters can make a difference in the future of the sport by passing up young bucks,” added Commissioner Seggos.

Many hunters are already voluntarily passing up young bucks and the proportion of older bucks available in the herd has increased substantially in the past decade. As more hunters choose to pass young bucks, all hunters will enjoy the opportunity to see and take larger, older bucks.

Regular Firearms Season for Deer and Bear Begins November 19

The 2016 regular deer and bear hunting seasons in New York’s Southern Zone begin at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 19, and continue through Sunday, Dec. 11. The Southern Zone regular season is New York’s most popular hunting season, with about 85 percent of New York’s 550,000 licensed hunters participating. Harvests during this season account for nearly 60 percent of the total annual statewide deer take and 30 to 60 percent of the statewide bear harvest.

In several areas of New York, hunters are requested to help control the doe populations, as non-resident hunter, Jeff Liebler did here with his first ever deer from New York. Forrest Fisher Photo

Following the regular firearm deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bowhunting and muzzleloading seasons will run from Dec. 12 through Dec. 20. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess a hunting license and either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges.

In the Northern Zone, the regular deer and bear hunting season opened Oct. 22 and will close at sunset on Dec. 4. The Northern Zone includes the Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau, Eastern Lake Ontario Plain, and the Champlain and St. Lawrence valleys. A late bowhunting and muzzleloading season for deer will be open in portions of the Northern Zone from Dec. 5 to Dec. 11.

Help Protect NY Deer from Chronic Wasting Disease

Though NO new cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) have been found in New York deer since 2005, DEC continues to take the threat of CWD seriously. Hunters should, too. CWD is fatal to deer. If introduced, CWD could spread rapidly and be practically impossible to eliminate from the wild deer herd once established. Preventing CWD from entering New York is the most effective disease management strategy. Hunters can help protect New York’s deer herd from CWD by following these tips:

• If hunting outside of New York, debone or quarter deer before bringing it back and follow the law about importing carcasses or carcass parts from out of state. CWD Regulations for Hunters.

• -Do not use deer urine-based lures or attractant scents.

• -Dispose of carcass waste in a landfill.

• -Report deer that appear sick or acting abnormally.

• -Hunt only wild deer and support fair chase hunting principles.

Report Your Harvest – Be Part of Game Management

Hunter contributions to deer and bear management don’t end when an animal is harvested. Successful hunters are required to report their harvest of deer and bear within seven days. However, DEC data suggest that less than half of successful deer hunters actually report. Failure to report is a violation of the Environmental Conservation Law, and it reduces the data DEC uses to manage deer and bear populations. Hunters may report via DEC’s online game harvest reporting system or by calling the toll-free automated reporting system at 1-866-GAME-RPT (1-866-426-3778).

Other Reminders for the 2016 Southern Zone Regular Hunting Season

Recent legislation allows the use of rifles for big game hunting to continue in Albany County for two years and to continue indefinitely in Livingston County. See the “Rifle, Shotgun, and Bow Areas” web page on DEC’s website for other areas where rifles can be used.

• Crossbows may be used during the regular deer seasons in all parts of New York except Westchester and Suffolk counties, and the bow-only portions of Albany and Monroe counties. Crossbows may also be used during the late muzzleloading season for hunters possessing a muzzleloading privilege. See the Crossbow Hunting web page on DEC’s website for license and training requirements, general rules, and season opportunities.

The Deer Management Focus Area (available on DEC’s website) will continue to assist communities in the Ithaca area with the burden of overabundant deer populations.

• Mandatory antler restrictions (available on DEC’s website) (three points on one side minimum) remain in effect in WMUs 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 4G, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, and 4W during all seasons for all hunters 17 years and older.

• Successful bear hunters are asked to submit a tooth from their bear to DEC so the agency can age the bear and monitor bear population dynamics. See the Bear Tooth Collection web page on DEC’s website for instructions.

• Remember, Hunger Has A Cure… The Venison Donation Program is a great way to help those less fortunate while assisting with deer management in New York.

• Remember Firearms Safety:

1. -Point guns in a safe direction.

2. -Treat every gun as if it were loaded.

3. -Be sure of the target and beyond.

4. -Keep the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

5. -Remember to wear Hunter Orange.

For specific descriptions of regulations and open areas, hunters should refer to the 2016-2017 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide available on DEC’s website. Hunters are urged to review all regulations and safety tips contained in the guide. Hunters may also be interested to read DEC’s booklet, Hunting the Black Bear in New York (PDF, 763 KB), or to review DEC’s unit-by-unit Deer Hunting Forecasts, which are both available online.

Western New York Fishing Forecast, Thursday, November 10, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Lake Ontario, Niagara River

Joe Manhart of New Jersey with a Niagara Bar walleye caught while fishing with Wet Net Charters.

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

With high winds in the forecast today, you might be better off waiting to cast a lure. DEC reminds us that tomorrow, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day – is a free fishing day for any veteran out there that wants to dunk a worm or wet a line. Go to the DEC website at dec.ny.gov for more details.

Wes Walker at The Slippery Sinker in Olcott reported a fresh push of kings, but it was a smaller school of fish. The numbers of browns in 18 Mile Creek have increased, too. With water temps below 60 degrees, the steelhead won’t be far behind. Pike and perch are regulars in Wilson and Olcott harbors. Some browns and steelies are being reported in Wilson, too, but in much smaller numbers. When you can get on the piers at Olcott, browns and a few Coho salmon have been reported. Spoons and spinners work off the piers, but you can drift egg sacs or skein under a float, too. The latter works at the dam along with egg imitations.

In the King of the Creek contest run by “All in the Same Boat Tackle” in Newfane, it was Josh Wittcop as the Grand Prize winner in the Stream Division with a 27.93 pound king. Bob Rustowicz was the Grand Prize winner of the Boat Division with a 29.85 pound salmon.

Lower Niagara River

Not too many salmon are left in the Devil’s Hole area. Those salmon have been replaced by trout. Water temps are around the 55 degree mark and shore anglers are doing well along Artpark on lake trout and the occasional steelhead. Casting spoons or spinners should produce fish. Best colors have been green and orange, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. Egg sacs or egg imitations under a float should trick a trout to hit, as well. Boaters are also focused on either Artpark or the Niagara Bar at the mouth of the river near Fort Niagara. Kwikfish or Mag Lips fished off three-way rigs is the way to go. Remember that Lake Trout season is closed so release those fish as quickly as you can (unharmed). If you want to try and target bass, try drifting a minnow or toss out a tube jig.

Upper Niagara River

Musky action has picked up a little the past week. In the Niagara Musky Association Tim Wittek Memorial Tourney last weekend, the top three fish were caught trolling, jigging and casting – in that order. Ken Szymanski of Buffalo was the top fish catcher with a 48-inch musky. Quite a few smaller fish were also reported. All were released unharmed. The musky season in the Upper Niagara River and Lake Erie will end on Nov. 30. Bass action should also be picking up in that section of river. The regular bass season also ends Nov. 30.

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!

Crossbow for Big Game

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Forrest Fisher

Easy, Fun, Less Training Time

Beverly Ruhland of Wales, New York, enjoys hunting with her brand new crossbow, and she has enjoyed several big deer experiences during the last two weeks of early archery season – that’s when crossbow season opens in New York. Forrest Fisher Photo

By Forrest Fisher

It took 30 years of haggling with legislators and blocked laws in a confused legal system that New York is famous for, not to mention high taxes, but the good usually does win over time, and so it is in New York today. Crossbow hunting is legal.

The New York State crossbow season (last two weeks of early archery season: Nov. 5 – 18, 2016) has brought many happy elderly hunters back to the woods and started new interest in hunting for many young others. I recently received a note from a hunter in Wales, Beverly Ruhland, who shared the excitement of her first day with her new Barnett crossbow in the woods last weekend.

Watch Your Fingers

Ruhland says, “I went hunting today and it was so exciting! I was literally face to face with a big buck that had to be least an 8- or 10-pointer. I was too scared to count his points, but he was so big! I was walking the woods and saw him a short distance away.”

Continuing, Ruhland said, “I did take a shot with my new crossbow, but being so excited I didn’t pay much attention to the proper placement of my left hand. I pulled the trigger and the exiting string caught my thumb, sending the bolt awry. That stung my thumb! The big buck looked at me as I stood still and actually walked right toward me. I couldn’t believe it. He stopped about 5 yards away, stayed about 60 seconds staring right at me. I closed my eyes and thought maybe he was going to spear me with his antlers. Then, thank God, I opened my eyes and he turned to slowly walk away. I was scared and shaking so bad!”

Being a brave hunter, Ruhland admits, “My thumb was throbbing and still is. I really thought the deer was going to attack me. My husband, Bob, a retired Lake Ontario charter captain and avid deer hunter, is still laughing at my story. Even though I missed, I saw 11 different deer that day while sitting in my ground blind. There was another smaller buck, but not close enough to get a shot at him or at any of the others.”

Ruhland is a daily church goer and says, “I’m hoping I can go out again tomorrow after morning mass. Maybe I’ll do better then.” By the way, Bob Ruhland used his crossbow to harvest a big-body buck a few days before Beverly’s sore-thumb, big-deer encounter.

Strong Hunter Groups in New York

The New York deer and bear populations are a great recreational wildlife resource, economic resource too, for Empire State hunters. The nearly 700,000 strong hunter group suggests that big game hunting is an important part of the American outdoor heritage for many folks. The general population is thankful to hunters who provide a valuable public service by maintaining wildlife populations at levels that are compatible with public interest and natural resources, providing for safer travel on our roadways.

While hunting camps in New York State southern tier areas were only alive during the opening day of firearm season, coming in two weeks, now archery hunting with long bows, compound bows and crossbows has enticed hunters to camp weeks ahead of the historical gun season schedule. Hunters now check their stands and assure safe shooting lanes in late summer, how times have changed, all for the good too.

Hunting Camp – Excitement is Ordinary

With every week-ending Friday night, there is extra excitement in the air. Young archers and newcomers to the sport usually do not sleep well on the nights before the hunt, there are dreams of a deer opportunity after daylight. Wind-up alarm clocks begin to sound off around 5 a.m. as lights turn on across hilltops.

Hunters hop out of toasty sleeping bags, scurry across chilly cabin floors to a welcome pot of old-fashioned, percolated coffee – real coffee. Light switches are flicked on and gas lanterns brighten. Flashlights and candles too, offer pre-dawn light, depending on your hunting camp situation.

The grumbling low-frequency voice tones of elderly hunters sort of sound like those of a buck grunting his way through the morning woods in search of a doe. This is the week predicted week of pre-rut in New York. The recurring “thump” heard across the cabin usually means a new log has just been tossed into the wood stove. The sounds of “camp flavor” are welcome and special, because somehow you feel assured that all is well here among your hunting family.

The wood stove and the extra dry air, the sound of humble morning chatter between coffee sipping, cabin laughter and jokes, side bets for biggest deer and the same bull-tales that smelly old men retell every year about this time, are all somehow a special deal for the many who have been there and will never miss an opportunity for a day at deer camp. Deer camp offers those kinds of special times. Hunting and deer camp is an unforgettable experience!

Toilet Tissue Advice

One thing to remember is that most folks usually eat too well when in deer camp, so when you head into the hunting forest, wood-side restrooms are easy to find, but comfortable dry leaves are not. Take a small roll of tissue or toilet paper with you in a re-sealable plastic bag. It’s good to be prepared! I keep my gutting knife in the same bag, that way all is dry too and I can’t forget the really important stuff!

Deer camp fun is still alive even 80-year-old hunters that seem to turn into youngsters. Getting dressed often looks like a group wrestling match, with all hands on deck at once. Everyone is working to reach their hunting stand by a half-hour before sunrise – in the dark, not everyone will make it there in time, but 30 minutes after sunrise works too.

Even during the firearm season, if you are hunting in close quarters to heavy brush and timber, the crossbow is a great way to consider hunting. Crossbows during gun season, something to think about.

Western New York Fishing Forecast, Thursday, November 3, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Jan Hrdicka of Germany with a Devil's Hole King Salmon caught while fishing over the weekend.

Lake Ontario, Niagara River

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

The big news locally was the announcement yesterday that three poachers – we can’t call them fishermen – took two enforcement agencies on a wild fish chase around the Burt Dam area of 18 Mile Creek. They were finally caught and brought to justice. In their possession were 69 salmon ranging from 5 to 35 pounds, using weighted treble hooks at night to illegally take the fish. They were charged with 32 violations. Yes, 69 fish in one night. If you were wondering why the salmon run has been down a bit when you arrive in the morning, this could very well be one of the reasons. It’s highly unlikely that this is the first time that this has ever happened. It’s important to police our own ranks. There are nearly 70 fish that law-abiding citizens CAN’T catch. Call 844-DEC ECOs for any fish and game law infraction. You can remain anonymous. In the meantime, despite the illegal activity, there has still been some decent numbers of fish around at Burt Dam and in 18 Mile Creek. At the dam, eggs or egg imitations top the list of best baits to use for salmon. Brown trout like small flies, egg sacs and live bait like worms. Down the creek further, some salmon are still being caught in some of the deeper holes from boat by using treated egg skein under a float. Casters off the piers – at least when you can get out there – are doing pretty well on brown trout right now. Cast spoons or spinners. Both harbors – Wilson and Olcott – are good spots for pike and perch. If you want to target bass, both largemouth and smallmouth can be caught. The Wilson pier is a good spot for browns, too.

Lower Niagara River

The salmon run is slowly being replaced by the trout run – steelhead, lake trout and even an occasional brown. In fact, a stocking of brown trout is going to take place next week along with a Coho stocking. In the meantime, one of the best drifts on the river has been along Artpark with Kwikfish lures from boat. Shoreline casters are tossing eggs or egg imitations and fishing under a float to take trout. Spoons and spinners will also work for you. Part of the gorge trail under the Whirlpool Bridge is closed down for some repairs right now. Devil’s Hole is still producing a few salmon and some trout are moving in. Bass and walleye can also be caught on occasion. Remember that lake trout season is closed through Dec. 31. If you catch one, please release it as soon as possible.

Upper Niagara River

With water temperatures in the lower 50’s now, the muskellunge are responding nicely. A nice musky was caught at the foot of Ferry Street earlier in the week while he was casting for bass and walleye. Walleye have also hitting off the wall at Broderick Park. Bass and walleye are on their fall feed right now. Our biggest recommendation we can give you is to know exactly where you are in the river and make sure you stay in New York waters if you don’t have a Canadian fishing license or failed to call into the Canada Border Services Agency. They are really starting to play hardball over there, enforcing laws on the books for bait, working papers (if you are a charter captain), licenses and customs issues.

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!

Western New York Fishing Forecast, Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Ricardo Davila with a Lower Niagara River King Salmon caught from shore near Devil’s Hole.

Lake Ontario, Niagara River

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

Action in the tributaries picked up considerably with the recent rains last week. More rain is expected this week so that run of fish should remain consistent. At Burt Dam, there are good numbers of fish and fishermen. Go during the week (if you have the option) to lessen the fishing pressure. Salmon and brown trout top the list of available species at the dam with an occasional steelhead thrown in for good measure. Bill Joseph of Pennsylvania waited until those recent rains and came up with his sons. The result was a limit of salmon for their coolers. Egg sacs or egg imitations are the top baits at the dam.

In the deeper holes down the creek, boaters are using treated egg skein fished under a float. In the harbor, casters and trollers are using stickbaits or spoons. Ditto off the piers, if the north winds die down long enough for you to get out there.

Leading fish in the King of the Creek contest is still 30 pounds from boat and 28 from shore. Perch and pike are available in both Wilson and Olcott harbors. There should be some browns in both 12 Mile creeks, but we’ve not had a report yet. No reports from the lake.

Lower Niagara River

Salmon are still hitting in the gorge from both boat and shore. Treated egg skein from boats fished off three-way rigs; shore casters using eggs, spoons, spinners or rattle baits. Jigs will work, too. Look for fish-holding areas further up in the gorge. Trout are starting to move into the river system now that water temps have hit below the 60 degree mark. Bass are still available, as are walleye. The Niagara Bar has been off limits with all of the north wind that’s been blowing.

Upper Niagara River

Musky action should be getting better with the water temps dropping below 60 degrees. A few fish have been caught but weeds have been a problem for some of the trollers and casters. If you want to find out more about musky fishing, stop in to the next Niagara Musky Assn. meeting November 1 at the Eldredge Club, 17 Broad Street, Tonawanda starting at 7 pm. Guest speaker will be DEC fisheries biologist Chris Legard. Bass are still hitting at the head of the river and walleye can be caught along Bird Island Pier and Broderick Park.

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!

Fishing Report: Orleans County, New York

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal

Today is Wednesday October 26, 2016.

The rain and wind of the past week didn’t stop the 57 entrants in the Archer’s Club Catch and Release Derby from enjoying a great time, great food, great friendships and some fantastic fishing.

The surprise was the number of Atlantic salmon that were caught during the event including a 37″ beauty. It seems like each year of this event just keeps getting better and better.

The weather forecast for the next week is for cooler temperatures and the chance of precipitation several of the days including rain and a chance of some snow tonight.

Flows on all of the tributaries within Orleans County are dropping back from the rains we had. That increased flow did manage to create movement in the fish to more sections to offer many more fishable waters. Right now there is a good mixture of fish in the system of all the cold water species, except Lake trout of course, and a good number of salmon are at the Waterport Dam.

On Lake Alice the numbers of Bluegill being caught continues to drop off, but Bass are still active and now Walleye are being caught.

On the lower stretches of the “Oak” (Oak Orchard Creek) some perch are being taken, but reports have a lot of smaller ones in the mix, good news for upcoming years.

As the colder weather approaches be mindful of the possible icing conditions along our shorelines making for slippery conditions.

Just a reminder that the Erie Canal System will close on November 20th this year and then the dewatering process should start shortly after that.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Fishing Report: Orleans County, New York Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal for October 13, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

The cold temperatures and frost of Monday night and Tuesday morning should go a long way in convincing salmon that it’s spawning time. Even though daytime temperatures will be back up in the 70’s this week, tributary temperatures are definitely heading in the right direction.

Some solid reports have Brown trout and even some Atlantic salmon entering the mix. The best action is still occurring around the mouths of the tributaries and from small boats working the shoreline.

There are fish all the way up to the dam on Oak Orchard, but not as heavy as you would expect at this time of year.

Basically it seems that everything is about two weeks behind where you would expect it to be. A good rain would go a long way towards bringing things back to something close to being normal.

On Lake Alice the cooler temperatures have moved many of the species back to the weed beds around the lake. Bluegill and Crappie are still being taken from the Waterport Bridge but not in the numbers they were a week ago.

Don’t lose out on some great fishing, food, friends and prizes at the St. Mary’s Archer’s Club Catch and Release Derby which will be held on October 19th to the 21st this year. It is truly one of the great events of the fall fishing season.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Western New York Fishing Forecast for Monday, October 24, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Lake Ontario, Niagara River

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

Nice fall bass from the Niagara River caught by visiting Virginia angler, John Reid.

It’s raining out as this report is being written. Could this be the rain that triggers a more substantial run in 18-Mile Creek and some of the other tributaries? We certainly hope so! Salmon and trout are being reported in 18 Mile Creek despite the lack of flow and warmer water temps. Best action has been in the harbor and in some of the deeper holes in the lower sections of the creek drifting treated egg skein under a float or casting Rat-L-Traps, Rapala’s or other body baits. The same program will work off the piers where some salmon and browns are being reported. At Burt Dam, some fish are available include kings and browns with an occasional steelie or Atlantic salmon. Egg sacks or egg imitations have been working best at the dam. Perch action has picked up in Wilson and Olcott harbors and pike fishing continues to be decent if you want to target those toothy critters. In the King of the Creek contest being run by “All in the Same Boat,” a new Boat Division leader was carried to the scales by Bob Rustowicz – a 29.85 pound king using a “secret” bait.

Lower Niagara River

While the run of salmon is definitely slower than what it was, there are still some fresh fish available to those wanting to fish the Devil’s Hole area from boat or shore. Treated egg skein from boats fished off three-way rigs, bouncing bottom. From shore, you can fish eggs under a float or cast hardware like jigs, spoons or spinners. Best colors have been blue, green, pink, fire-tiger and orange. The fishing platform has been producing some nice catches, but they are talking about doing some maintenance in the near future on the corner generator so that will slow things down a bit when that happens.

Upper Niagara River / Erie Canal – Bass Action

A few muskellunge are starting to show up but it will only get better as the water cools. Capt. Chris Cinelli of Grand Island ran a recon trip with his wife and two sons and they boated a nice ‘sky yesterday and lost another. Some night fishing is also going on for walleye and musky. For walleye, try the head of the river and into Buffalo Harbor. Cinelli also reported some good fall bass action around Donnelly’s Wall. The Niagara Musky Association will be holding its next meeting on Nov. 1 at the Eldredge Club in Tonawanda. Guest speaker will be Chris Legard, DEC fisheries biologist talking about recent Niagara River studies on muskies and other species.

Upper River musky reeled in by Parker Cinelli of Grand Island.

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!

Western New York Fishing Forecast for Friday, October 14, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

The King Salmon are moving from Lake Ontario into the Lower Niagara River and fishing action at Devil’s Hole is HOT in Niagara County, New York. Wet Net Charters Photo

Lake Ontario, Niagara River
Lake Ontario and Trib’s

Western New York Fishing Forecast — The King Salmon are moving from Lake Ontario into the Lower Niagara River and fishing action at Devil’s Hole is HOT in Niagara County, New York. Wet Net Charters Photo

The Burt Dam area of 18 Mile Creek has seen a bit of a push as far as salmon are concerned. Several small schools of fish have pushed up through the harbor and made it to the dam according to Wes Walker and the Slippery Sinker in Olcott. While it’s not on fire, they are catching some salmon and browns off the piers casting spoons, spinners, J-13 Rapala’s and Rat-L-Traps. The same thing in the harbor, too. A few guys like to drift egg skein to take fish. At night, some boats like to anchor and toss stickbaits. Up at the dam, it’s mostly eggs – skein, sacks, egg-imitations. There was decent flow there today (Thursday) at 80 cfs. It’s pulling a few fish in, but if we get a heavy rain, that will be the trigger we need.

Some perch are in the harbor at Olcott, as well as in Wilson. Pike are in both harbors, too. Perch and browns are being caught off the Route 425 pier. There was a 14-inch bluegill caught in Wilson harbor this past week, too.

Casting the beaches near the creek mouths can produce some trout, too. That was happening in Olcott and it should be happening in Wilson, as well. If you want to target staging kings off Olcott, there should be some fish there for the trollers, but no one is really doing that right now. Josh Wittcop of Lyndonville is leading the King of the Creek contest with a 27.93 pound king caught off the piers in Olcott. The largest fish caught off a boat so far is a 24.03 pound king reeled in by John Drotter of Burt. The contest runs through Nov. 6 at ASB Tackle in Newfane.

Lower Niagara River

Action has been good since the weekend. Boats were limiting out in Devil’s Hole earlier in the week on treated egg skein fished off three way rigs. The fewer the boats, the better your chance at catching a fish. Writer Dave Figura of Syracuse reeled in a Devil’s Hole salmon while fishing with Capt. Frank Campbell over the long weekend. He also shore fished with Glenn Strzelczyk of Niagara Falls despite some unpleasant rainy conditions. While they didn’t catch anything, they saw plenty of fish rolling and it was still a good experience none the less. Shore fishermen have been taking some nice fish casting spoons, spinners or jigs. Eggs fished under a float will also work under certain conditions. Water temps were into the lower 60s so that should help with fishing.

Upper Niagara River / Erie Canal – Bass Action

Smallmouth bass have been hitting at the head of the river on large golden shiners. That bite will also work in the river proper, too. The walleye bite is starting to turn on off Broderick Park. With waters starting to cool, musky action should start to improve, as well.
Oct. 15 is important in the fishing arena because it’s the last day for several seasons before they close. The NYS inland trout season closes on Oct. 15 – which also includes lake trout – as well as landlocked salmon season inland. This does not include the Great Lakes and its tributaries as far as trout is concerned – except lake trout. Lake trout closed in Lake Ontario and the Niagara River on Oct. 1. It gets complicated.

Be sure to check out the state regulations guide for specific details.

Speaking of regulations, the state has announced that the comment period for the new proposed regulations changes has been extended through Nov. 11. Check out all of those regs at www.dec.ny.gov.

The deadline to comment on the Lake Ontario stocking proposal is Oct. 14 – also extended but we saw no press release on that one.

Fishing Report: Orleans County, New York

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Forrest Fisher

Lake Ontario King Salmon fishing has been great from Oak Orchard Creek to the Niagara Bar this year. Photo by Wet Net Charters

Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal

Today is Wednesday, October 19, 2016.

I thought that this was supposed to be fall, but with the temperatures in the 70’s, I guess Mother Nature is up to one of her tricks again. The rain that we received last night wasn’t enough to make any big change to the water flows within the tributaries within Orleans County.

Cooler temperatures and more precipitation are in the forecast for later this week, but how much rain is yet to be seen. Right now improved water flow would go a long way to greatly improve the fishing on all of the waters of Orleans County.

The good news is that there are Chinook, Coho and Atlantic salmon scattered throughout all of our tributaries as well as Brown trout and Steelhead. The problem is that they are not there yet in the numbers due to the warm water conditions. Hopefully this will change with the next cool down which should occur later this week.

Today is the start of the St. Mary’s Archer’s Club Catch and Release Derby. For all of you who missed out on the opportunity to sign up, there is always next year to join the fun, and have great fishing, food, friends and prizes.

On Lake Alice they are still catching Bluegills off the Waterport Bridge but fewer than last week. Bass are still fairly active throughout the lake especially in the upstream areas.

Perch fishing is starting to become more active on the lower stretches of the “Oak,” but there are a lot of smaller ones in the mix, which is a good sign for future populations.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Western New York Fishing Forecast for Friday, October 7, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Right now, King Salmon are on the angler menu in Niagara County, New York. Wet Net Charters Photo

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

A few fish are still being caught off the Olcott piers the last couple of nights on the lake side of the piers. While spoons are normal hardware for casting there, it was Rattletraps that made the difference of late. Try skein under a float, too. A few slugs of salmon made it up into the harbor but no further than that according to reports. A few browns at the dam but only early in the morning at first light. Hopefully this rain that is in the forecast for Saturday will trigger some sort of a run in the creek at 18 Mile.

Over in Wilson Harbor, there has been a good bite on northern pike. Try casting spinnerbaits. Wilson Pier is a good spot for browns, too, if we get some water flow coming out of the creek. Maybe this weekend.

If you want to make it out into the lake for some trolling action, the better bite has been out deep for a mix of immature kings and some trout. Spoons are the way to go. Anchoring up at the pier heads in Olcott is another option to try and cast for kings.

Lake trout season ended on Sept. 30.

Lower Niagara River –

Rob Morrison of Ashtabula, Ohio shows off a nice king in Devil’s Hole while fishing with Capt. Ernie Calandrelli of Lewiston.

The kings finally showed up in Devil’s Hole a bit more frequently. Capt. Steve Drabczyk of Lewiston is reporting a minimum of five kings every trip out. Secret to his success if the “magic eggs” that have been cured by his wife, Lisa at Creek Road Bait and Tackle. He uses three-way rigs and bounces bottom to take his fish. According to him he is out-fishing everyone!

The NYPA Fishing Platform is still one of the best spots for a king salmon. Casting spoons, spinners or rattle baits can catch fish, but the best is yet to come. Other shore anglers have been using spoons, spinners and jigs to take a mix of fish, including bass and walleye. Try up toward the Whirlpool area, too.

Some action along Artpark on mixed species. River water temp was down to the 60’s.

Bass fishing continues to be spotty. Some days are better than others.

The south launch ramp at Fort Niagara is closed as of Oct. 3 for some work on the ramp, shoreline and the dock.

Upper Niagara River / Erie Canal – Bass Action

Bass action should start to pick up as water temps start to cool down. Ditto for musky action.

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!

Western New York Fishing Forecast for Friday, September 23, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

NHF Days are This Weekend!

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

On the eve of National Hunting and Fishing Day activities for this weekend, it looks like there will be plenty of things going on to see and do.

If you want to wet a line, the Niagara Bar is still a place to be for a salmon bonanza … if the forecasted northeast wind doesn’t do too much damage to the waters. It looks like a beautiful weekend otherwise and the Niagara Bar is holding mature kings getting ready to run up the Niagara … we hope!

Target the red can at the drop off to take your salmon, using flasher-fly, cut bait or spoons. J-plugs will also work for you. Just get your baits into the fish zone using downriggers, dipsy divers, lead core line – whatever it takes.

Capt. Frank Campbell of Niagara Region Charters took his 20-foot Lund out to the drop and used dipsy divers to take five nice kings by employing spin doctors and flies behind his dipsy divers. It proved to be much better than trying to drift for kings in Devil’s Hole, trying to satisfy customers looking to catch a salmon.

Over in Wilson and Olcott, brown trout are starting to show up in small numbers. Ditto for kings in Olcott. A small slug of salmon showed up in the harbor, but not at the dam yet. There are a few fish around there, but nothing to write home about.

Bass fishing has been better.

Don’t forget that the King of the Creek salmon contest is being run by All in the Same Boat Tackle from Sept. 23 to Nov. 6. There is a boat and a shore category. Call 638-4158 for more info.

There was a good turnout at the special DEC meeting held in Lockport last Monday. For a position paper on this, check out www.dec.ny.gov. Make your comments by Sept. 30 at fwfishlo@dec.ny.gov.

Lower Niagara River –

Anxious anglers are waiting in force to try and catch these king salmon in the last stages of their lives. The NYPA Fishing Platform is one of the hotspots for your best chance for a king salmon. Casting spoons, spinners or crankbaits can catch fish, but the best is yet to come. Other shore anglers have been using spoons, spinners and jigs to take a mix of fish, including bass and walleye.

River water is still 74 degrees.

Bass fishing has been spotty. Some days are better than others. Look for the active fish by moving around the river and the green can at the mouth. Live bait like shiners will work; tubes and Ned rigs will catch some fish, too.

With the NYPA Wildlife Festival going on Sept. 24-25, co-sponsored by the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs, remember that there’s also a kids fishing contest that’s part of the Festival. Just catch a fish in Niagara County and bring it to the scales at the NRAA fishing pond. Lots to see and do from 10 am to 5 pm each day. It’s free and a great family activity.

Upper Niagara River / Erie Canal – Bass Action

A few musky were active the past week, but you really might want to wait until water temperatures come down a bit more before you start putting any heavy pressure on them. Ryan Shea of the Brookdog Fishing Company had been focusing on bass this week, but he still had a couple follows on his fly while casting the upper river areas.

Bass action continues to be fair to good, depending on the day and the conditions.

Be careful around the Canadian boundary and don’t venture across that line without calling in. Abide by the bait regulations, too.

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!

Fishing Report: Orleans County, New York Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal for September 29, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Hats off to Joe Yeager with this monster King Salmon recently caught in western Lake Ontario.

The cool down continues for the rest of this week and well into next week.

Rain is in the forecast throughout the end of the week and into Monday of next week, which should spur movement of salmon towards their spawning locations. Fishermen are reporting more hookups around the tributary mouths of Johnson and Sandy Creeks, as well as at the mouth of Oak Orchard Creek.

Right now the flows on the tributaries within Orleans County are at moderate levels to slightly below moderate levels, but the rain over the next few days should improve those conditions.

Right now fishing pressure is light but with conditions improving that should be on the increase.

The weather conditions are moving these fish up to at least the mid-pools and some all the way up to the Waterport dam on the Oak. Please remember that if you are utilizing fishing opportunities on Brookfield Power property to take the time to familiarize their guidelines concerning safety procedures.

On Lake Alice, the Bluegill fishing is starting to drop off slightly, but the bass fishing is on the rise.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Western New York Fishing Forecast for Friday, September 30, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

A call from Chuck Booker of Amherst reported that there were a few fish caught off the Olcott piers the last couple of nights on the lake side of the piers. While spoons are normal hardware for casting there, it was Rattletraps that made the difference and they produced two kings and a steelhead for Ricardo Davila!

A few slugs of salmon made it up into the harbor, but no further than that according to reports. A few browns at the dam. Hopefully this rain that is in the forecast will trigger some sort of a run in the creek at 18 Mile.

Don’t forget that the King of the Creek salmon contest is being run by “All in the Same Boat Tackle” will run to Nov. 6. There is a boat and a shore category. Call 716-638-4158 for more info.

Over in Wilson Harbor, there has been a good bite on northern pike according to Pastors Dave Emmons and Nate Hlad of Newfane. Try casting spinnerbaits. Wilson Pier is a good spot for browns, too.

Lower Niagara River –

Anxious anglers are waiting in force to try and catch king salmon. Capt. Steve Drabczyk reports that he caught three kings Tuesday in Devil’s Hole – the best we’ve heard so far from boaters. Then some Facebook posts went up and Capt. Ernie Calandrelli reported a five for nine day on kings on Wednesday, so it appears to be picking up a little bit. The rain is certainly helping. Treated egg skein off three way rigs is best for the boaters.

The NYPA Fishing Platform is still one of the hotspots for your best chance for a king salmon. Casting spoons, spinners or rattle baits can catch fish, but the best is yet to come. Other shore anglers have been using spoons, spinners and jigs to take a mix of fish, including bass and walleye. River water temp was down to the 60’s.

Bass fishing continues to be spotty. Some days are better than others. Look for the active fish by moving around the river and the green can at the mouth. Live bait like shiners or crabs will work; tubes, too.

Upper Niagara River / Erie Canal – Bass Action

Bass action should start to pick up as water temps start to cool down. Ditto for musky action. The next Niagara Musky Assn. meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 4 at the Eldridge Club, 17 Broad St., Tonawanda starting at 7 pm.

In addition to some reports on the local fishing action, guest speaker will be Jonah Withers with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service talking about the acoustic telemetry project involving lake sturgeon in Buffalo Harbor.

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!

Fishing Report: Orleans County, New York Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal for October 6, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

The cooler temperatures of the past few days have the salmon population slowly moving towards their spawning grounds. The biggest concentration of salmon on the “Oak” seems to be by the deep hole at the bridges area.

Later this week we will be experiencing even more cool down which should speed up the pre-spawn movement.

Water levels on all of the tributaries within Orleans County are at slightly below levels to low levels for this time of year. With no great amount of precipitation in the near future these levels should remain.

On Lake Alice, Bluegills are still being taken by the Waterport Bridge and now some Crappie are starting to show up. Bass are becoming more active and should increase in activity as temperatures cool down.

Don’t miss out on some great fishing, food, friends and prizes at the St. Mary’s Archer’s Club Catch and Release Derby which will be held on October 19th to the 21st this year. It is truly one of the great events of the fall fishing season. Visit the weigh station, Narby’s Superette – to sign up, see Sharon Narburgh, 1292 Oak Orchard Rd. (RTE 98), Kent, NY 14477, or call 585-682-4624.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Fishing Report: Orleans County, New York Lake Ontario, Lake Alice for September 15, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

The weather for the next week or so seems to have higher than normal daytime temperatures and cooler than normal night time temperatures, or at least that is what the weathermen say.

There doesn’t seem to be much action on our portion of Lake Ontario, but the pier fishermen are starting to get some hook-ups. With the shorter days and longer nights water temperatures should start dropping towards that magic number to signal the start of the spawning migration for trout and salmon. With September also half gone, tributary fishermen are preparing for what should be a great tributary season.

This is also the time of year when many fishermen’s minds and hearts start turning towards hunting season.

On Lake Alice there has been an upswing in the Bluegill catch rate and also the sizes of the catch especially around the Waterport Bridge area. Also the bass fishing productivity has increased due to some cooler water temperatures.

Please remember that the St. Mary’s Archers Club Catch and Release Tournament will be held from October 19th to the 21st this year. It’s a great time for some great competition, fantastic food and some of the finest tributary fishing to be found anywhere.

From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario, the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County. We try to make everyday a great fishing day in Orleans County.

Email: sportfishing@orleansny.com

Western New York Fishing Forecast for Friday, September 16, 2016

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Bill Hilts

Bass, King Salmon, Walleye News

Ed Shannon shows up a 30-plus pound Niagara Bar king caught on Kingfisher Charters.

Lake Ontario and Trib’s

An important meeting is being held this Monday, September 19, at Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara, 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport, starting at 6:30 pm. If you are a Lake Ontario drifter, troller or tributary fisherman, you’ll want to attend this meeting. Members of DEC will be discussing what their proposed plans are for 2017 when it comes to salmon and trout stocking, based on recent forage base assessments. This is your opportunity to listen to the proposal and voice your concerns.

On September 23, the King of the Creek salmon contest – from both boat and shore – is being run by All in the Same Boat Tackle, 2911 Lockport-Olcott Road, Newfane, through November 6. Call 716-638-4158 for more info or visit www.abstackle.com.

Speaking of salmon, one of the hottest spots has been the Niagara Bar at the drop-off. Salmon are stacked up there like you wouldn’t believe. Captain Mike Johannes of On the Rocks Charters out of Wilson, went 15 for 18 matures last Saturday on the Niagara Bar before the wind picked up and cut the day short. Fish were in 80 to 200 feet of water down 50 to 80 feet on wire divers set on 3 out 160 to 180. Out of the 15 boated, 14 were caught on meat behind large flashers and Twinkie rigs. His best flasher was a white King’s Flasher. He also caught some on white/green Bechhold flashers. When running the larger flashers, a speed of 2.2 to 2.4 is best. They were marking a lot of fish and quite a bit of bait when they were there.

Olcott also has a fair number of fish hanging inside of 80 feet of water according to Wes Walker at the Slippery Sinker. Plugs, cut bait and flasher-fly are working there for matures. They are starting to pick up a few off the piers and some browns, too. Browns off the piers in Wilson, as well, with spoons. Both harbors have a mix of warm water fish. A few trout and salmon have been caught at the dam, but mostly warm water fish have been hanging around.

Lower Niagara River – Walleye Action

Ray Van Horn with lower river smallie with fishing with First Choice Charters.

Salmon numbers are slowly starting to increase for the shore guys. A few have been caught on spoons; some have been caught on spinners. Rattlebaits will also work. NYPA Platform casters are out-producing the boaters right now as far as salmon in the river. That said, the boaters are still doing well on bass and walleye – especially downriver and on the bar. Worm harnesses for the walleye; tubes and live bait for the bass. Captain Randy Lingenfelter reports that fishing has been good with soft baits and crayfish if you still can find them. B.A.S.S. pro, Ray Van Horn, fished on his boat recently, throwing Strike King Soft Baits doing very well. Baby Rage Craw in three inch. They were catching 25 to 30 fish a day. One of his charters caught a 6.5 lb. smallie last week. Several local media were in town last weekend and managed to get some decent smallmouth bass.

The New York Power Authority’s Wildlife Festival, held at the Visitor Center, 5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston will be September 24 and 25 from 10 am to 5 pm both days. Everything is free! This is the area’s version of National Hunting and fishing day and the event is co-sponsored by the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs. Get ready to have a great weekend!

Upper Niagara River / Erie Canal – Bass Action

Bass are still the best thing to go after with tubes, spinnerbaits or live bait like crayfish and shiners, fished off three-way rigs. Know where you are at all times in the river because there are severe restrictions in Canadian waters – on bait and on calling in before you venture across the line, or is it as you cross the line, or is it when you are in Canadian waters. Not quite sure because we’ve been getting different answers from different people.

Bill Hilts, Jr., Director, Outdoor Promotions

Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation, 10 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY USA 14303
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Sportfishing has a $30 million annual economic impact in Niagara USA!

Hunter Safety Education is Key to Hunter Safety

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Forrest Fisher

Just like many of us already know, education is the key to success in just about anything in life. From the numbers and illustrations noted on the New York State DEC Hunter Safety Website – and shared here, we can see that New York State’s hunter education courses have proven they are highly effective in fostering safe hunters. Approximately 500,000 licensed hunters spend an estimated 10 to 15 million hunter days afield each year. Recent reports indicate that 2015 had the third-lowest number of hunting-related shooting incidents on record in New York. The 2015 hunting season yielded the first year without a single hunting-related shooting fatality since the 1950s.

These low numbers have been achieved through training and the regulations governing hunting activities in New York State. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Sportsman Education Program is designed to teach and promote safe and effective hunting principles, practices, and strategies. The program has been extremely successful over its 66 years of existence.

Since DEC’s Sportsman Education Program was first introduced in New York State, the number of hunting related accidents have declined significantly. Reports on the number of hunting-related shooting incidents indicate that 2015 had the third lowest number on record in New York with 23 incidents. Starting with 2013, the last three years were the top three safest in New York with this being the first year on record with zero fatalities.

You can view and print the 2015 report by clicking the link: visit the Hunter Safety Statistics web page.

Hunter education courses are held across the state

DEC’s free education courses are offered for Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Trapper Education, and Waterfowl Identification. However, courses fill up quickly. Interested new hunters and trappers should sign up for a course soon and complete it before going afield this fall.

DEC’s on-line registration system features a list of all available hunter and trapper education courses and locations. Students can register from any device – smartphone, tablet or computer – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Education courses are added continuously throughout the year, so participants should check the on-line system frequently to find a course or call 1-888-HUNT-ED2 (1-888-486-8332) or 518-402-8966.

New course homework requirements instituted this year

All hunter education and trapper education courses now require students to review course materials and complete a homework sheet prior to attending classroom and field sessions. The new homework requirement provides an introduction to hunting in New York State and enhances students’ understanding of the course material. Students should register for the course well in advance of the classroom and field date(s) in order to allow time to complete the homework requirement, which takes approximately three hours. All courses require successful completion of an in-person field day to earn certification for the course.

Access to the homework materials and online homework options can be found on DEC’s website; participants may also follow the guidelines listed in the various course announcements during registration. Actual course manuals and homework sheets are always available from DEC wildlife offices and sportsman education instructors.

New York sets a good example for other states in this great country to reflect upon.

New York State Whitetail Deer News

Posted on January 23, 2024 by stoadmin

Abundant deer populations are present in New York State near metropolitan areas and near farm areas too. Identifying the process to provide public highway safety, successful farming and hunter achievement opportunities is a complex process. Joe Forma Photo

Pilot Project Concludes on Public Input for Deer Populations
Evaluation and Assessment Continues

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has a pilot effort in progress to improve collection of public input about deer impacts and desired deer population levels (www.dec.ny.gov/press/103053.html). This is a collaborative venture with Cornell University and county-level Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) offices that has concluded and is now being evaluated. The effort was intended to revise and modify the former Citizen Task Force process to improve methods for public input on desirable changes in local deer abundance, consistent with DEC’s Deer Management Plan.

The pilot, which took place in a 1,325-square-mile area of central New York (Wildlife Management Units 7H, 8J and 8S), began with a 2015 survey of residents to gather information on the values they attribute to deer and their experiences with and concerns about deer impacts. Out of the 3,000 surveys that were mailed, 1,456 were completed and returned. Following considerable public outreach to advertise the program, two webinars were held in January 2016 to provide information to residents on DEC’s deer management program, the results of the public survey, deer biology, deer impacts on people and the environment, and deer management issues and challenges. Webinar participants were then asked if they would like to volunteer to be part of an input group, and 12 of the 24 volunteers were selected.

A team of NYSDEC Wildlife Biologists conduct deer assessment checks to provide feedback on age, health and density of the NYS Deer Population during each big game firearms season. Forrest Fisher Photo

This group held two meetings in March 2016 to discuss local deer-related impacts and prioritize issues that they felt DEC should address. These meetings were facilitated by Oneida County officials and two DEC wildlife biologists attended to answer questions and offer advice. Although the group members had been selected to maximize the diversity of deer-related interests and perspectives as much as possible given the low number of volunteers, the prioritization of impacts identified by group participants differed markedly from that indicated by the survey of residents. The number one priority for the input group, deer hunting opportunities, was viewed as least important by the surveyed residents; Lyme disease was identified as the number one management priority by the surveyed residents, but was identified by the input group as least important for DEC to address, along with deer-vehicle collisions.

As group participants observed, making decisions about deer and deer management is a complex task involving diverse stakeholder interests and values, which may be conflicting. Designing a process that can address this complexity satisfactorily is difficult. The pilot process is currently being evaluated by DEC and our Cornell research partners, and we expect to generate recommendations for refinement later in 2016. If, after refinement, the new process proves workable and valuable, DEC intends to implement it on a routine cycle in each aggregate of Wildlife Management Units across the state to respond to changing conditions and attitudes about deer impacts over time. DEC deer managers will consider the public’s prioritization of deer impacts and desires for deer population change, in conjunction with data on the ecological impacts of deer, as they make decisions about changes to deer abundance in each area.

Additional details on the pilot effort and its outcomes are available in the progress report, and DEC will provide more information about future developments as the project continues.