March 5, 2025
Dave Barus

Gunmaker’s charitable branch, Guns for Great Causes, aims to give back and balance the narrative about firearm manufacturers
Henry Repeating Arms has donated over $3.5 million through Guns For Great Causes endeavors.
Compiled by Forrest Fisher
Henry Repeating Arms was started by Louis and Anthony Imperato in Brooklyn, New York, in 1996. The ...
Read More >> February 18, 2025
Dave Barus

When used correctly, a Hunter Safety System Harness provides Fall-Arrest protections to keep the hunter safe up and down.
The best part of the day is when we return home to our family safe and sound and you say, “Hey guys, I need your help to clean this deer.”
By Forrest Fisher
Common ...
Read More >> February 11, 2025
Dave Barus

Read the story – Despite their past, foster children raised with kindness, love, the outdoors, family and Christianity become very special children.
Special children are found through adoption and foster care – they grow together through campfires, family smores and the outdoors.
Share fishing, archery, raising chickens and farm animals, target shooting, ...
Read More >> February 7, 2025
Dave Barus

Ever try wild turkey curry sandwich, rendezvous stew, herb-marinated pheasant skewers, beer battered smelt tacos, or ginger catfish stir-fry? Here is how, read below.
Recipes derived by top chefs from across the world that teach readers how to make a variety of incredibly delicious meals and snacks.
Steve Rinella shares the how-to…visit ...
Read More >> January 28, 2025
Dave Barus

Snakes in Florida and elsewhere are part of life, if you hike, hunt or camp in wilderness areas – go prepared.
You’ll need comfortable, waterproof boots to insure your safety in thick brush and swampland.
Medical treatment for a venomous snakebite can exceed $100,000 – the cost of protective boots is an ...
Read More >> January 28, 2025
David Gray

Islamorada Tournament benefits the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, an organization working to restore these and other species.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa event honors two U.S. Military Veterans in celebration of Veteran’s Day each year.
The tournament runs from the Bass Pro Islamorada Marina and features backcountry fishing for 5 species of fish: ...
Read More >> January 2, 2025
Dave Barus

There is increased bear activity in many areas across the USA. Learn how to “Be aware.”
Negative outcomes can result when a bear is caught off guard.
Be safe, learn how to make your presence known when hiking or hunting in bear country.
By Kim Emery
At the 2025 Archery Trade Association (ATA) ...
Read More >> December 28, 2024
Zach Smith

The character of New England’s rich tradition for all-American-made guns is distinguished by the Charter Arms Company.
The “Undercover Lite” is a 12-ounce revolver model in .38 special caliber that has become a highlight for ladies that need protection.
The Charter Arms Company mission: craft reliable, affordable revolvers for concealed carry customers, ...
Read More >> December 1, 2024
Dave Barus

Thomas Edison, Socrates, Sherlock Holmes and me – fishing for bluegills.
Magic baits are usually not magical, but how you use them can be.
Test, change, revise…and catch more fish.
Practice catch and release when it makes sense.
By Jeffrey L. Frischkorn
It’s tough to behave in a manner equating yourself as an expert when ...
Read More >> November 27, 2024
Dave Barus

As the firearm deer season moves from early to late on the calendar, deer move to hide in the thickest cover during the daytime.
Deer drives, leveraging the natural behavior of deer, using a group of safety-conscious hunters, is an effective hunting strategy.
Brock Windoft, after downing a magnificent buck with deer ...
Read More >> November 26, 2024
Dave Barus

Opening Day, couldn’t sleep, not going hunting, then my phone rang.
Four days earlier, Bonnie posted, “It’s with a heavy heart that my father, Robert Jensen, has passed on peacefully in comfort.
After watching grouse, a buck fawn rubbing her ladder, the silence of the woods grew sudden. Through her tears, she ...
Read More >> November 16, 2024
David Figura

Diving Plane colors do not matter to the fish.
Let the fish tell you what lure and what shape they want.
Multiple lines and multiple depths are simple with Dipsy Divers.
By David Figura
It was an October Lake Erie fishing trip that began mid-morning in Chautauqua County, New York, out of Barcelona Harbor, ...
Read More >> October 22, 2024
Dave Barus

Crossbows are easy-to-use deadly hunting tools. Narrow crossbows are easier to handle and safer to use when going vertical or when sitting in a ground blind.
One disadvantage of standard crossbows is that they can be difficut to cock, requiring strength from the hunter – NOW an easy-to-use internal crank-style cocking ...
Read More >> October 22, 2024
Dave Barus

By Larry Whiteley
The phrase “A Man Among Men” means an exceptional individual who stands out as admirable among other men, and who possesses outstanding qualities, character traits, or achievements that make them a role model among their peers.
I recently spent some time with a man like that. Elena Blevins of ...
Read More >> September 5, 2024
Larry Whiteley

Jelly Roll said, “Toby inspired me to be a better American, a better human, a better songwriter and he inspired me to be a better father.”
Faith and family first, Toby Keith then he put love for his country and the men and women who serve or have served.
Toby’s daughter, Krystal ...
Read More >> September 5, 2024
Larry Whiteley

By Larry Whiteley
There have been many sunrises and sunsets in my life.
When I was young, I didn’t pay much attention to them. I don’t think I ever got out of bed in time to see a sunrise when I was a kid. I don’t remember sunsets either.
As I got older, ...
Read More >> July 10, 2024
Larry Whiteley

By Larry Whiteley
The opening line of one of my favorite songs says, “God bless America, land that I love.” Another line is, “From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam, God bless America, my home sweet home.”
I love America’s great outdoors. I grew up in Missouri ...
Read More >> July 1, 2024
Dave Barus

Black Bass fishing competition in Chautauqua Lake attracts anglers from multiple competition circuits on a weekly basis all summer long.
Lake Erie walleye tournaments from Chautauqua County offer $500,000 cash and prize packages…AND MORE!
Expanding Black Bear numbers are attracted to bird feeders and backyard garbage cans.
By Forrest Fisher
In summertime – ...
Read More >> June 11, 2024
Dave Barus

Develop a plan to get yourself and the kids outdoors more often.
There are 958 million texts sent per hour: That’s 8.4 trillion a year!
Cyberbullying, stalking, and the spread of misinformation: all from uncontrolled social media.
The mental health of kids and adults is suffering because of all the time spent on ...
Read More >> June 4, 2024
Dave Barus

Overpopulation of wild feral hogs in many southern states NEED hunter help.
Choose hunting lodges carefully. Many provide full-service facilities, including meals, guides, and butcher services, at reasonable costs.
Thermal night vision rifle scopes are allowed for night hog hunting in Alabama – and they work.
By Forrest Fisher
This summer, I enjoyed the ...
Read More >> May 29, 2024
Dave Barus

Summer Crappies are hungry, big, fight hard, and are tasty on the dinner table.
The key to finding summer crappie is using a hi-tech sonar process.
Minnows or jig tail baits work; there are secrets to working them for a strike.
By Forrest Fisher
Get the fishing rods ready! Join us as we embark ...
Read More >> May 7, 2024
Dave Barus

Pic 1 of 1: Comparison of Deer Tick life stages over a dime: (L to R) larvae, nymph, adult male, adult female. Photo courtesy of Chautauqua County Health Department
Deer tick bites are painless. You must look to see if you have a tick embedded in you.
Deer ticks carry Lyme ...
Read More >> May 4, 2024
Dave Barus

Should the government mandate American banks to share private transaction surveillance?
Where do we draw the line on privacy protection? See the interview below.
Dr. Ben Carson says, “Banking should be concerned with banking, not with politics.”
By David Gray
Earlier this year, I watched news reports about our government requesting banks share transactions ...
Read More >> May 2, 2024
Dave Barus

CMP: Civilian Marksmanship Program – their Mission: Promote marksmanship through firearms training, competitions and youth programs.
CMP awarded 142 scholarships, over $300,000 in value, to Marksmanship athletes for 2024-2025.
The CMP 2024 Talladega D-DAY Events are set for June 6-9, 2024.
By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
Mark your calendars as the Civilian ...
Read More >> May 2, 2024
Dave Barus

This recipe produces a moist and tender breast that’s absolutely scrumptious.
By Karen Lutto
With spring turkey hunting season kicking into high gear all around the country, successful gobbler getters looking for a delicious new way to prepare their turkey breast should try this Stuffed Smoked Turkey Breast recipe from Hi Mountain ...
Read More >> May 2, 2024
Dave Barus

Have you tried making your own wild turkey pastrami?
It’s easy and delicious.
You just need a smoker or pellet grill and the simple Hi Mountain Seasonings noted below.
By Karen Lutto
Ingredients:
2 to 3 lbs wild turkey breast
Hi Mountain Seasonings Game Bird & Poultry Brine Mix
2 tbsp Hi Mountain Seasonings Garlic Pepper Rub
1 tbs ground ...
Read More >> May 1, 2024
Forrest Fisher

HOW and WHERE to find shark teeth on the beach – 5 Methods / 6 Hotspots
Shark Teeth found on the beach are fossilized – 10,000 to 15 million years old!
Back to the Future – It’s fun on the beaches at Manatee Key in Southwest Florida
By Forrest Fisher
There are shark ...
Read More >> May 1, 2024
Dave Barus

In New York State, the fishing season for Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Mskellunge begins on May 1.
Walleye are challenging to catch and delicious to eat, making them one of the most prized sportfish in New York. As the largest member of the perch family, adult walleye typically weigh ...
Read More >> May 1, 2024
Dave Barus

Budz has shot more than 500 wild turkeys and completed more than 120 grand slams of all four subspecies (Eastern, Merriam’s, Rio Grande, and Osceola).
Budz travels light because he covers a lot of ground. He always has two mouth calls in his mouth,
When Budz needs to reach out a long ...
Read More >> May 1, 2024
Dave Barus

As the sun reflects on the water, his wrinkled, arthritic hands struggle to tie on a crappie jig.
He smiles and thanks God for his last day on the water.
On Memorial Day, take time to thank God for those veterans who gave their lives so you can have the freedoms you ...
Read More >> April 2, 2024
Dave Barus

There is so much more to old, wrinkled hands than stories can share.
Guiding, caring hands of inspiration and love are all around us if we look.
“Take it one day at a time and put it in God’s hands.”
By Larry Whiteley
I recently read a story titled Grandpa’s Hands. It reminded me ...
Read More >> March 31, 2024
Jennifer Johnson

We sincerely hope that you and your families are well and that you have enjoyed this unusual Easter weekend more than expected. Yesterday, here in Western New York, it was a gorgeous spring day. As you can see, the daffodils at the end of the vineyard rows are celebrating.
We appreciate, ...
Read More >> March 28, 2024
Dave Barus

A total solar eclipse will be passing through about one-third of NYS.
The darkness will begin on Monday, April 8, starting just after 3 p.m.
Remember to protect your eyes with specialized solar viewing glasses!
On Monday, April 8, starting just after 3 p.m., a total solar eclipse will be passing through about ...
Read More >> March 28, 2024
Dave Barus
Looking back, Georgia’s statewide turkey reproduction averaged 1.5 poults per hen.
Poults/hen was on par with the average over the past 10 years but lower than the 10-year record high.
Get your license at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, at a retail license vendor or by phone at 1-800-366-2661.
By Georgia DNR
The statewide Georgia turkey hunting season ...
Read More >> March 13, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Here is a long-lasting, cost-effective, highly robust soft plastic bait to endure the razor-sharp teeth of saltwater fish.
Save money, increase effective fishing time, and enjoy more moments reeling in fish.
Imagine catching 54 toothy saltwater fish on ONE plastic tail bait! I did this myself. It’s true.
By Forrest Fisher
Saltwater fish are ...
Read More >> February 12, 2024
Dave Barus

Prepare early for the next chilly season.
Hard to find comfy-warm pants that are silent too and provide safe storage zipper pockets in 8 places.
These pants have a waistband that keeps them there.
By Forrest Fisher
When you’re hunting or fishing where frigid air temps can be expected, you need your gear ready ...
Read More >> February 2, 2024
Dave Barus
EXPO event set for shores of Chautauqua Lake Musky Fishery
Baker Lures, Red October Monster Tubes, Custom Clarkey Baits, Top-Line Bait Company, Smuttly Dog Baits, Bam-Bam Bait Company, D&R Jerk Baits, LiLa Lures and many others will display their wares.
Expert Seminar Speakers, Lure-Swap event, and Kids Fish Corner are among the ...
Read More >> February 1, 2024
Dave Barus
DID YOU KNOW?
Sportsmen contribute nearly $9.4 million every day, adding more than $3.4 billion every year for conservation.
Hunters and target shooters have paid $11 billion in excise taxes since the inception of the Pittman-Robertson Act in 1937.
Hunting in America is big business, generating 680,000 jobs in the United States.
For more than 80 years, sportsmen have paid more than $20 billion for ...
Read More >> February 1, 2024
Dave Barus
All-new Archery Pavilion
Education Sessions
Dedication to Firearm Safety
Off-Site SHOT Week Highlights
By Forrest Fisher
Held in Las Vegas, the 46th Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade ShowSM (SHOT Show®), owned and operated by NSSF® — The Firearm Industry Trade Association — concludes with resounding success, setting new benchmarks for industry innovation, collaboration and engagement.
NSSF works to ...
Read More >> February 1, 2024
Dave Barus
The ice looked solid, but there was no one out there ice fishing.
It was my birthday, and this has been a tradition.
So glad that I had that Frabill Float Suit on.
By Forrest Fisher
Ardent musky angler Carl Schenk was fishing on his birthday Wednesday with his buddy Tom Reinhardt at the ...
Read More >> February 1, 2024
Dave Barus
By Frank Campbell
First and foremost, the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo is set for Feb. 15-18, 2024, at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. The show’s motto is “Teaching Fishing,” it offers the fishing community a long list of educational opportunities focused on fish, fishing, boating, and all the components needed to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Western New York Fishing Forecast for Friday, August 5, 2016
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

-Story Focus is on New York Streams
-Hot Flies Patterns that Work
-Fun for All Anglers
By Forrest Fisher
The warm summer and warm autumn have helped keep trout and steelhead anglers off the famed Great Lakes tributary streams this year, but the heavy sequence of monsoon style rains the northeast received late last ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

-Story Focus is on New York Streams
-Hot Flies Patterns that Work
-Fun for All Anglers
By Forrest Fisher
The warm summer and warm autumn have helped keep trout and steelhead anglers off the famed Great Lakes tributary streams this year, but the heavy sequence of monsoon style rains the northeast received late last ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Today is Tuesday September 5, 2017.
First, I would like to congratulate all of the winners of the Fall LOC Derby. Some fantastic catches were weighed in showing that Lake Ontario is very alive and healthy despite having a little extra water right now.
Right now is the time of transition here ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Catching fish is a lot about knowing how….there’s one source to check in the future if you are heading to Florida: Darcizzle Offshore TV.
Keeping and eating your catch requires training and a sharp knife: Check out the Darcizzle fillet knife from Smith Products in Arkansas.
Keeping the blade sharp is no ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Frank Campbell

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022
From Destination Niagara USA
Happy New Year!
As the fishing action starts to improve again in the Niagara River, remember that the walleye daily creel limit in the Lower Niagara River changes this time of year. Hopefully, recent winds will not muddy ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

3-Tool Package: Scissors, Needle-nose Pliers/Crimpers, Hook Remover
Cut wire, mono, braid easily…and will cut off hook shanks when required
High-Quality – priced under $45
Today’s fishermen are gearheads, no doubt about it. There are a myriad of specific rods, reels, lures, terminal tackle, and accessories to help them be successful in freshwater and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bob Holzhei

Bob Holzhei and first mate, Justin Grubaugh, admire the size of one of our lake trout.By Bob Holzhei
Lake Trout were targeted on this fishing trip and it wasn’t long before the first fish was boated. It was caught on a Monkey Fish lure. Then another and another until our limit ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jim Monteleone

With a profound passion, Jake loved to hunt for deer, turkey, waterfowl.
Does a deep passion for hunting and familiarity with firearms contribute to a lack of discipline for firearm safety? Keep safety rules in mind….always.
Shooting a firearm MUST INCLUDE THE COURAGE TO CORRECT A FRIEND for any lack of gun ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

One of the first seasons to open every year is the September “resident” Canada goose season.
Although they may look the same, “resident” Canada geese are those that breed in the United States and southern Canada, unlike “Atlantic Population” (or “AP”) Canada geese, their relatives that breed in northern Canada and migrate ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Not many folks think about snake boots for hunting with sweat and scent control, but if you hunt or live in areas where the heat index soars to above 110 degrees, you really do need to consider this primary element for a successful hunting experience.
On this note, I found the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Lure organization for crankbaits and spoons – tangle free lure access means less wasted fishing time
Wet protection, rubber seal barrier in the cover
Transportation vibration isolation, keeps shiny lures shining
Partition by color, size, lure type – store up to 90 spoons or 50 crankbaits, or any combination
By Forrest Fisher
Ever ask yourself, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bob Holzhei

Family Campfires set new pace for outdoor fun as RV Sales Skyrocket during Pandemic
By Bob Holzhei
Sales of recreational vehicles (RV’s) have skyrocketed during the pandemic, as people discover a safe way to embrace nature! Enjoying the outdoors while camping is a safe way to travel while social distancing during ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

By David M. Zumbaugh, images by Jon Blumb
A generous offer for a guided May crappie fishing trip on a premier reservoir in Kansas buoyed my spirits after the restraining misery of the COVID-19 pandemic. Being a long-time member of the Outdoor Communicators of Kansas (OCK) has its privileges! The weather ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
David Rose

Weighing 120-130 pounds, the rare fish fought for 40-minutes, was landed, then was carefully unhooked, and safely released alive and well.
Gear: Penn Battle II – 5000 series spinning reel, 8-ft Penn Battle II surf fishing rod, 20-lb Silver Thread mono, 40-lb test shock leader, and a Dusty Hayes Pomp Rig ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

In Gadsden, Alabama — Wes Logan said memories came flooding back to him throughout the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Neely Henry Lake. That’s bound to happen when you’ve fished a place since you were 5 years old.
Logan now has countless new reasons to think fondly of his home water after claiming the tournament title ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

The tide flow is key for picking WHEN to fish.
The place WHERE to fish can change from day-to-day. Newly formed sandbars and emerging weed flats hold both – baitfish and predators.
Fish often hold to the current boundaries- FIND them, find the feeding fish
By Forrest Fisher
There is nothing so fun ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Ducks Unlimited and the University of Florida work together for conservation at the DeLuca Preserve
Land donated to the University of Florida by Elisabeth Deluca
Thanks to the tremendous generosity of Elisabeth DeLuca, more than 27,000 acres of iconic Florida prairie and wetlands habitat have been permanently protected through a unique partnership ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Frank Campbell

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Wednesday, March 31, 2021 from Destination Niagara USA
Happy Easter! April 1 is the traditional opener of the state’s inland trout fishing season. Of course, this does not include Great Lakes tributaries (they are open all year). However, it does include Gill Creek, Hyde Park ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Frank Campbell

Niagara River is fishable, clear water and mild temps beckon to attract more angler action
Longer fluorocarbon leaders help get Steelhead bites for boaters.
Smaller Lake Ontario tributaries of Niagara County, NY are holding trout when weather allows shore angler access
Fishing Forecast for March 17, 2021 from Destination Niagara USA
Happy St. Patty’s ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Fish: Red Grouper, Lane Snapper, Vermillion Snapper….30+ miles out
Rig: 200# test braid, 80# fluoro leader, 10-oz slip-sinker, 9/0 Gamakatsu Circle Hook
Bait: live shrimp, live sand perch, frozen squid, frozen ballyhoo
By Forrest Fisher
The hi-energy growl of the 400 Hp Mercury Verado coming out of the hole is a beautiful sound. As ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Frank Campbell

Warm weather has encouraged anglers to visit waterways in boats and from shore.
Lack of rain and runoff have allowed extremely clear water conditions – it’s a tough bite on those days.
Lake trout, steelhead, brown trout and smallmouth bass have all been landed by fishermen, though.
Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Total economic impact for the USA firearm and ammunition industry increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $63.5 billion in 2019.
Some 342,330 full time jobs are supported by the firearm industry, averaging $56,400 each, in wages and benefits in our economy.
Over 100 hundred million law-abiding Americans rely upon the firearms ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Frank Campbell

Weather in warm-up mode, spring on the way.
Mag-Lips w/Kishel Scent is hot lure for steelhead drift fishing n Lower Niagara River.
Shore fishing on upswing too, w/sacs+beads under a float
Air temperatures are scheduled to break the 60 mark today so being outdoors is a must. While it will be cooling back ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bob Holzhei

Warm winters, High summer nutrition, Fewer hunters = TOO MANY DEER
Do we need DNR to consider additional expanded seasons?
Farmers need help, Home Owners have property damage and deer disease concerns (Lyme, CWD, etc.)
By Bob Holzhei
Within a one-mile radius of our farm in Clinton County, MI, I counted over 40 deer. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

The conjunction of natural creeks and man-made canals in the Fort Myers saltwater canal system are where big fish can hide.
Circle Hooks allow for easy presentation of live forage bait and quick release of gamefish.
After you hook a few trees, then catch a few fish, the positive state-of-mind begins to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Fishing sunrise to noon, we caught 8 species of saltwater fish, and well over 150 fish total, as a 3-man group.
Captain Terry Heller, Fish-On Sportfishing Charters, was savvy, funny, and deadly serious about having fun – we laughed a lot out there! So good for our pandemic souls!
We experimented with ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Education, Biology, Legislation, Recruitment included in the new plan.
Karlin Dawson named as Deer Outreach Specialist to Work with Missouri Conservation (MDC)
Special focus on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Field-to-Fork Programs
During July 2020, the National Deer Alliance and the Quality Deer Management Association joined forces to merge their two groups, combine ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Demands that Congress ban the modern sporting rifle (MSR).
Call to repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a law passed with wide bipartisan support.
Reality of crime is that more murders are committed with knives, fists and clubs than all rifles combined.
With a reminder note from the National ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

My favorite Turkey Call is the Box Call, it can make turkey music.
The type of wood can make a huge difference, reasons why some turkey hunters carry more than one box call
The 4-Play call is single box call that can make more notes, at more different pitches, than any ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

WAY TOO HEAVY to carry, but this safe assembles in pieces easy to ship and move
21 million NICS checks were conducted for the sale of a firearm in the past 12 months
NSSF estimates that 8.4 million people purchased a firearm for the first time in 2020
By Forrest Fisher
Anyone that owns ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

$30,000 in cash prizes on the line for best solutions
Winter is annual maintenance time for many anglers. Re-spooling with new line is a must-do task. Ever thought about what happens once you dispose of the old line in a fishing line recycling tube?
It’s not pretty. Turning fishing line into new ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

By Fern Fisher
The perfect quick-to-make meal for Super Bowl Sunday, or any other day. Most everyone has these simple ingredients in their everyday pantry.
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground venison
6 cups of diced (3/8 inch) white potatoes
2 cups diced sweet white onion
2 cups sliced celery
2 cups sliced carrots
2 TBS minced garlic
1 TBS ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

This new Browning shotgun has a number of features that elevate it above run-of-the-mill deer hunting shotguns. For 2021, the evolutionary new Maxus II sets its sights on whitetails with a Rifled Deer model.
The Maxus II is a fast-handling autoloading shotgun designed for hunting deer with a fully rifled barrel ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Gotta love the new durable camo coverage and protected metal-part finish on the new Winchester firearms in this modern world.
The Winchester® Super X4 Hybrid Hunter Woodland features a classic Woodland camouflage paired with a Cerakote Flat Dark Earth finish on the receiver and barrel. The is combination is an functional eye-catching ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
David Gray

64-year-old Polar Kraft Jon Boat looks and works even better now than it did in 1957!
Memories are one key to future fishing fun, make them with your family
Humble Pat Richardson has won 43 fishing tournaments, his story follows
By David Gray
One thing can be said about the sport of fishing, it ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Amanda Nalley - Florida FWC

Be prepared for encounters, do your best not to disturb them
Springtime is an active time for wildlife in Florida, with sea turtles beginning to nest on beaches, manatees leaving their warm-water winter refuges and gopher tortoises starting to stir outside their burrows.
With warmer weather, a variety of species around the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Summer is here, frogs are breakfast food for big bass
Not all frog lures are created equal, learn about differences below
Heavy frogs, light frogs – when to use each of these
By Forrest Fisher
Did you know that bullfrogs never sleep? Some say that’s why big bass never sleep either! With summer water ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Elk, Moose, Black Bear, Birds, Fish, Mountains – Great Views…Bring a Camera!
Take note of National Park Entry Permit Requirements, VISIT www.RECREATION.GOV
One memory here can last for All Time, especially when you stand on the Continental Divide, located here. East to the Atlantic, west to the Pacific. Wow.
Black Bear in Rocky ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jeff Liebler

Learning to shoot well, whisper in the stand, control our scent and be there at the right lucky time…made it all happen.
Face camo adds to the youth hunting fun, making that first shot good sure makes it unforgettable.
The crossbow allows a friendly introduction into accurate shooting potential at the very ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
David Gray

Drop Shot Rigs with finesse soft plastics was the secret bait key
Scented tubes, high-floating drop-shot baits and creature critters were most effective
Tough weather dictated our fishing plan, the rigs we used, and boat-positioning tactics
By David Gray
Lenny Devos is a fisherman’s fisherman.
He loves to fish. Fishing is his passion.
Lenny loves to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
David Gray

By David Gray
Doug Minor just embarked on his latest fishing adventure. Although this is a business adventure, it is very much about fishing. It took some talking to get Doug, who led Strike King lures through 37 years of innovation and growth, to consider coming out of retirement just weeks ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Fish for free…in New York, SPECIAL DAYS for Residents and Non-Residents
Every year, six days are designated in New York that allow people to fish without a fishing license. Two of those days are coming up so it’s a great time of year for those to try it for the first ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Black Bass Fishing …could be the most fishing fun for all ages.
Not only does June 20th mark the first day of summer, but it’s also the traditional season opener for black bass (largemouth bass and smallmouth bass) in New York. They’re considered the state’s #1 sportfish for good reason – ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

The recreational Red Snapper Season will opened on June 11 for Gulf state and federal waters, and will remain open through July 25, closing on July 26.
“I’m excited to announce the beginning of Florida’s recreational Red Snapper Season in state and federal Gulf waters beginning Thursday, June 11,” said Governor ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Congratulations to the U-Betcha team led by Capt. Chris Vogt of Albion. They won the Wilson Harbor Invitational Tournament and nearly $15,000 in cash last weekend. The tournament is based on the best six salmon for the day and their 6 fish weighed in at 90.92 pounds for a total ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

DEC Announces Extension of Online Hunter Education Course Through August
Offerings Now Include Online Bowhunter Course
24,000 Hunters Have Completed Online Course since April; New York State Sporting License Sales Up Nearly 10 Percent
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that DEC’s online hunter education course ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Waterproof and fog-proof, tough aluminum eyecup tubes
Lightweight and compact, custom-molded hard case
Lifetime Warranty from German Precision Optics (GPO)
GPO USA PASSION™ 8×42 ED Binocular Wins Best Birding Binocular Award – Best Binoculars Reviews (BBR) has awarded the GPO PASSION 8×42 ED binocular with its 2020 Best Birding Binocular. Now in its tenth ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Blake Tabb
Want to have a more successful and safe shooting range trip? Make sure you’ve got the right gear
By Blake Tabb
Do you want to have a more successful and safer shooting range trip? Make sure you’ve got the right gear! Preparation for range day begins with the right range bag and ends ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

NSSF®, the firearm industry trade association, praised the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, (H.R. 1957). This historic legislation, which received overwhelming bipartisan support, is among the most meaningful legislative measures for sportsmen conservationists ever. The Senate’s approval is a major step forward toward delivering on the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Chautauqua County, NY – Veterans enjoyed this free event sponsored by WNY Heroes, Inc. – they caught fish and line-stretching fun departing from Chadwick Bay Marina/Clarion Hotel.
Chartreuse stickbaits (Yaleye Lure) and spinner/worm rigs (Eye-Fish Rigs) were the hot lures
Wind and waves did not deter volunteer charter captains from finding the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

You see the Buck, the Elk, the Moose…but your bow is somehow unreachable. Now, a proven solution.
Reduce FROM a the game of CHANCE…TO a game of CHOICE.
Mount on your hip, on your treestand, on your backpack while hiking in. The Intuitive design makes bow retrieval fast and easy in any situation.
One ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

Be careful, view animals from a distance and do not touch
By Jason Houser
In the next several weeks, wildlife throughout the country will be bearing young. This is an awesome time of year and is a chance to see newborn elk calves, deer, pronghorn fawns, as well as many others. At ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Kitchen Kate

A tasty deer camp “Cup of Energy.” Recipe by “Kitchen Kate.”
Makes 8 Servings, what you’ll need:
Noodle/Cheese Ingredients:
2 cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup parmesan cheese
1 jar marinara sauce
1 box (12 oz) rigatoni pasta, cooked
1 tsp chopped basil
One 12-ounce coffee mug for each serving
Olive Oil
Meatball Ingredients:
1 lb ground venison,
1 TBS garlic
1 TBS ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

Significant Gifts for that one Significant Other, Outdoors Mom’s are special
Colorful 3-season and 4-season quilts, comfy outdoor footwear, bacteria-safe cutting board, a unique Wok w/ burner system
By Jason Houser
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and significant others and children are not always the best at picking out gifts. Flowers die and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Collin Voss

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly…Identify the “right” (best) ammo brand for your firearm before hunting
Federal Champion .22LR 40-Grain Ammo
CCI Hollow-Point .22LR 40-Grain Ammo
Winchester .22LR 40-Grain Ammo
By Collin Voss
I am not wise in this field, but I experienced this first hand and have enough facts that can end an ongoing debate ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

Walleye Season open in New York State
Lake Erie Walleye Population Exceeds 100 MILLION!
You don’t have to look far to find exciting walleye fishing opportunities in New York
Walleye are challenging to catch and delicious to eat, making them one of the most prized sportfish in New York. As the largest member ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Radim Schreiber
Sharing the Light of Fireflies…for Everyone affected by COVID-19
I created this video to help people during these challenging times and I feel sad knowing that many people are suffering right now. So I hope the fireflies can shine their light and bring us hope, love, and joy.
Let’s help each other ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

The Vermont walleye fishing season will open on Saturday, May 2, marking the return of some of the best walleye fishing in New England.
Revered by many as one of the best-tasting fish in freshwater, the walleye is Vermont’s official warmwater fish. The state offers excellent spring walleye fishing opportunities in ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld
Ideas to tap the Great Lakes water were essentially stopped in 2008, when the Great Lakes Compact was made law
Instead of cities and states around the lakes worrying about keeping enough water along their lakefronts to float boats, they are now concerned about lakeside parking lots becoming marinas.
Who is going ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Wade Robertson

The mystery and secrets of deep waters can offer a line-stretching surprise.
Fish “on the rise” can solve our doubt for the presence of fish – they are usually there.
A priceless reward can happen every now and then. Enjoy that moment!
By Wade Robertson
The statement has been made that we know more ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Snakes are common across the United States, the Georgia DNR can help us understand more about snakes, then venomous and non-venomous types.
By the Georgia DNR
As spring hits full stride, Daniel Sollenberger from Georgia DNR will field more calls and emails about snakes. And most will involve two questions: What species ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
George Trulock
Trulock Chokes Can Improve Your Shooting
By George Trulock
The answer is obvious – every turkey hunter wants better performance in the field. But the solution to getting better performance may not be as obvious. Usually, hunters try, more or less at random, different shotshells to see if they can find something ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dawn Montane

From home, YOU CAN share in the beauty of Nature, all free.
Explore in many new ways, MAKE YOUR OWN Nature Journal, it’s Fun
Travel, Explore, Enjoy – here’s WHAT TO DO!
By Dawn Montane
Many Americans, at the time of this writing, are under a “shelter-in-place” or “leave only when necessary” order from ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Wade Robertson

Do we have to go in Mom? Please, can I stay on the dock?
A reference book on North American Fish made me an 8-year-old “whizz-kid.” That was fun!
Fishing bonded me with my mom, dad and so many other family members, and their friends too, from a very young age.
By Wade ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

A strutting turkey is mostly air and feathers, read to know more about where to shoot.
Nothing is more exciting than to shoot a spring tom with archery gear.
Make a good shot and recovery is quick. If you make a poor shot, it could be a long day.
By Jason Houser
Wild ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

The addition of just these 3 days allows for working mothers and fathers to take their children to pass along shared hunting traditions.
Priceless
The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®) has made Sunday hunting a priority issue in Pennsylvania. NSSF led the Sunday Hunting Coalition, along with 15 other like-minded hunting and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for April 15, 2020, from Destination Niagara USA
COVID-19 impacts continue to be felt throughout the fishing community, leaving people a bit confused as far as what is happening with the local fishing scene.
Charter captains are shut down. For the most part, marinas are shut down. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

The cost of the course is $19.95
The online course will be available April 15 through June 30, 2020
First-time hunters who want to hunt during New York’s turkey hunting seasons must first earn a hunter education certificate prior to purchasing their first hunting license. This applies to both the regular season, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

This 12-gauge camo shotgun ships with 6 interchangeable choke tubes, including an extra-full version.
Picatinny rail mount option for optic addition is included.
QD swivels are attached at front and back
Whether the shot is longer-range or considerably closer, the CZ Reaper Magnum over-and-under offers choke tube options to fill your turkey tag. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Josh Lantz
Avoid mistakes by watching, listening and adapting.
Calls, gentle yelps, clucks, but don’t over-call if the birds are quiet.
Read on to learn WHEN TO USE a decoy. The birds will always show you what they want.
By Josh Lantz
Most turkey hunters believe the opening days of the spring turkey-hunting season offer the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

Firearms & Ammunition Sales BATTLE Sanitizers & Toilet Paper Sales
Records show firearm accidents at their lowest level since record-keeping began in 1903.
Despite increasing numbers of new firearm owners, the downward trend of accidental firearms accidents is welcome by everyone.
By Mike Schoonveld
Barrack Obama won many awards while he was president. I’m sure ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Youth Spring Turkey Hunting Weekend is April 25-26
Regular NYS Turkey Season opens May 1
Hunters Should Always Follow Safety Tips to Prevent Injuries and Limit Spread of COVID-19
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that spring turkey season opens May 1 in all of Upstate ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Karen Lutto

Big critter on the ground, 4-miles from the road, you know what that means: skin, section, quarter, debone…you need the right tools BEFORE DARK.
At Hunt Camp back home, help all your buddies, field dress their big game prize QUICKLY, sharp cutting tools do the trick and make it easy
These Outdoor ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

By Jason Houser
Hunting mushrooms in the spring is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. This falls into the same time frame as turkey hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities. Carrying a bag with you while in the woods and coming home with it full of edible ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Marinas and tackle shops can now apply for available loans
See the useful list (link below) that allows a review of the COVID-19 mitigation rules by state.
CARES Act includes forgivable loans to pay for up to eight weeks of payroll, including benefits.
Just about every business in the recreational fishing industry has ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

By Forrest Fisher
It helps. The beach, the sand, the lake, the trees, the birds, the fish, the deer, the sunset.
These are wonderful diversions.
As all folks are responsible when we need to be, corona-fear is legitimate. Visiting the beach with your close family can help. Controlled numbers of people, people you ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

No matter where you hunt, turkey season is short and bag limits are small.
NOT filling a limit, there is a reward, your time afield is maximized, the hunt is extended.
The important thing is being “out there,” a day or two away from work, the anticipation for another hunt.
By Mike Schoonveld
I ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Gopher tortoises are threatened due to habitat loss, let’s all share the need to be aware
Florida gopher tortoise awareness day is April 10th
Find gopher tortoises on a walk to any Florida beach, and at many other places
By Forrest Fisher
Gopher tortoises are charming creatures.
They are also beachgoer stoppers. “Hey look over ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for April 1, 2020, from Destination Niagara USA
We hope everyone is always staying safe out there and practicing social distancing!
April 1 is the traditional inland trout and salmon opener throughout New York State. This has very little impact on the Niagara Falls USA fishery because ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for March 18, 2020 from Destination Niagara USA
Fishing the waters in Niagara Falls USA has been one of the few constants in this time of uncertainty in the world.
Fishing in the lower Niagara River was on fire this week. Double-digit catch days were the norm ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bob Holzhei

Choose rod type, length, action
See a custom rod-building catalog, simplify choices
Order, sort the parts, prepare the parts, follow the instructions, get it done, and SEE BELOW
By Bob Holzhei
Building a custom fishing rod is much easier and more affordable than many fishermen think! I’m not a rod-builder, but I met a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for March 25, 2020 – from Destination Niagara USA
Life is far from normal as we continue to move forward in this changing world. Adding a little bit of normalcy back into our lives is important … like fishing and being outdoors. With some mild weather ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

By Jason Houser
I do not know if it has ever happened to you or not, but I have been accused, more than once, of having an unorganized fishing boat.
There was a time in my life that every time I headed to the water; I was unprepared for the day ahead. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Fern Fisher

This recipe works for any medium-thick fillet (1/2″ – 1″), including walleye, salmon, trout, even bass
Simple ingredients, easy preparation, indescribable deliciousness
Can also be prepared on the grill, simply use heavy-duty aluminum foil instead of the baking dish
By Fern Fisher
Ingredients:
Pam spray or Olive Oil
Hellman’s real mayonnaise
1 large salmon fillet (you can ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

There has been a drastic decline in raccoon harvest by America’s hunters and trappers.
Lack of proper wildlife management can cause wild animal diseases and can hamper human safety.
Call the proper authority to handle ANY Sick Wild Animal you may encounter to do your part in this modern world of conservation.
By ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Hopefully, the spring weather has arrived with more consistent temperatures into the 50-degree range now. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Lewiston Smelt Festival – the date has changed from the first Friday in May to the first Friday in June – June 5 this year – to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Brassard

Millions of New Hunters Are on the Way, say Hunting and Conservation Groups
In 2020, more than 460 million acres of state-owned lands are available to hunters and federal agencies are making it easier to access federal lands
Delta Waterfowl’s First Hunt Program has introduced more than 75,000 people to waterfowl ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Illegal Exotic Snake Breeding Den Identified in Orange County, New York
157 Venomous Snakes removed
29 species in all
This year on Feb. 20, a Newburgh, NY man pled guilty to misdemeanor commercialization charges and agreed to pay a $500 fine related to the possession of more than 150 venomous snakes seized from ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

The NRAA Roger Tobey Memorial Steelhead Contest is set for Feb. 22 in the lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario tributaries. Sign up at Creek Road Bait and Tackle in Lewiston or the Lewiston Launch Ramp the morning of the event. It runs from sunrise to 2 p.m., with awards ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

Learn about different turkey call materials that offer different turkey sounds
Soundboard, plating surface, striker – all offer options in tone choice
Learning the sound variations and practicing tone undulations with your own call, it’s the MOST FUN and will help you learn the turkey calling ropes
By Jason Houser
Turkey calls are at ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Bipartisan legislation to keep the government open and invest in conservation to become law
By Randall Williams
Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have passed a bill to safeguard hunting traditions, while paving the way for new investments in conservation.
Bipartisan legislation to fund the government through September 2020 cleared both chambers and included language allowing excise taxes on ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for March 4, 2020 – from Destination Niagara USA
The big news this week is not the fishing but what’s happening around the area.
At the top of the list is the fact that the ice boom is coming out already. Removal started on Monday this week, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

Kings, Cohos, Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout…and their forage base
Atlantic Salmon and Steelhead have more extended lives and thrive on different forage
The Michigan DNR has an essential decision to make, in 2020: is the King dead?
By Mike Schoonveld
After the results of the coho salmon stocking experiment in Lake Michigan a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jim Monteleone
Learn How to Develop Your Own Turkey Hunting Expertise
Learn Where to Sit, What to Look For, How to Locate Turkey
Learn about Calls to Use, Decoy Set-Up, Location
By Jim Monteleone
A friend of mine asked me a long time ago what my secret was to killing two turkeys in Virginia every year. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Sure-Shot Game Calls, proud to be “Presenting Sponsor” for Marsh Fest 2020
Cash prizes with state and world fame qualifier recognition for winners
Contest and family event details for Marsh Fest 2020, visit www.marshfest.com.
By Forrest Fisher
When wanna-be world-class duck and goose callers gather March 6-8 at Winnie-Stowell Community Park in Winnie, TX ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jim Monteleone
Read the Bird, Listen to his Gobble
Understanding Gobble Talk and RESPONDING, or NOT
Over-Yelping, Biggest Secret to a Wise Old Bird
By Jim Monteleone
You can read a bird by listening to his gobble and I want to explain the different types of gobbles that you might hear.
A “volunteer gobble” is one ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

This is the first of four experimental seasons under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations
In Alabama, 400 permits were issued with 3 bird tags/permit (1,200)
Alabama permit numbers and management plans are expected to the same for 2021
By DAVID RAINER, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Another warm winter left Alabama’s ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jim Monteleone
Learn the Language of Turkey Talk
Clucking, Yelping, Cutting, Cackling and more
Realism, Patience, Sounds and Tones
By Jim Monteleone
A lot of folks believe that the skill in calling turkeys is the most critical element of hunting. Although it plays a significant part in filling a tag, I consider it about 33 percent ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Caught (and RELEASED) by Thomas Hendel, angler in Lake Placid, FL
Lake Placid is located in Central Florida, in Highlands County, it is a 3,400-acre lake on the south side of the town
The TrophyCatch program is a Florida Angler Recognition Program from a partnership between the FWC, anglers, and fishing industry ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Feb. 12, 2020 – from Destination Niagara USA
This weekend is the first NYS Free Fishing Days weekend of the year, set for Feb. 15-16. If you are 16 years of age or older, you don’t need a fishing license for these two days, but ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

Talk to locals, bait shops, learn where the usual unsafe ice is located
Four inches of ice, minimum, for people and gear…not an ATV
Simple Common Sense will usually prevent ice-fishing accidents
By Jason Houser
Ice fishing is supposed to be a good time during the winter months while we wait for the first ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Wade Robertson

Preventive maintenance allows repeatability in performance
How to remove copper bullet build-up from the rifled barrel
How to maintain the bolt…it’s important!
By Wade Robertson
Well, another deer season has come and gone. You will in all likelihood be putting the rifle in the cabinet for another year where it will sit primarily forgotten. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

DO carry a small, sharp, pocketknife, DO NOT use a bone saw of any type
DO make a good shot, DO field dress quickly, DO watch the temperature
DO thaw frozen venison slowly for best taste
By Jason Houser
I hear people all the time say they do not like the taste of deer. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020 – Provided from Destination Niagara USA
The fishing action in the Niagara River is finally turning back around again with the favorable weather conditions this week. Capt. Frank Campbell of Lewiston caught 4 trout in 2 hours of fishing on Tuesday, despite ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Fish close to structure: bridges, piers, docks
Sight feeders: use live or frozen bait – shrimp, clam strips, fiddler crabs
Gear: Open-face reel, sturdy rod, braided line, fluorocarbon leader
By Forrest Fisher
When winter anglers from all across the United States travel to southwest Florida, they find sun, sand, warmth, and one fish species ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

Lampreys, lampreys everywhere…some are part of nature
Native species vs invasive species are always a concern for understanding
Lampreys live in the Great Lakes, isolated northern lakes, the Mississippi River, other places
By Mike Schoonveld
A couple of years ago I fished for sturgeon on the Rainy River in Minnesota, just upstream from where ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

The true safari experience requires experienced professional hunters and skilled camp/field staff
Find hunting areas that provide a variety of game: Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Kudu, Antelope
Safari hunts are life-altering experiences, they captivate all your senses. Special moments in life.
By Forrest Fisher
Whenever folks think about a safari, they have shared with me ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Tyler Frantz - Natural Pursuit Outdoors

Perfect for camp or those cold days afield
By Tyler Frantz
Ingredients:
1 smoked ham end w/bone-in
1 pound (bag) of dried northern beans
2 large potatoes diced
1 onion chopped
1 cup diced carrots
1 TBS minced garlic
3-4 hard-boiled eggs, yolks removed
Black Pepper & Parsley seasoning to taste
2 cups ham broth or stock if available
1-2 TBS olive ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

We created a happy oriole colony around our home by providing grape jelly feeders
Abandoned (used) oriole nests are never used again by the orioles
The nests proved to be surprisingly easy to “harvest”
By Mike Schoonveld
How often have you watched a scene in an old western movie where a good guy is ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Humphries

Contributed by Mike Humphries
The Hellcat from Springfield Armory® has proven its mettle in a grueling 10,000-round test, showing that the EDC innovator not only has the features to make it the best on the market but also the durability to outlast all the competition.
With support from Federal Ammunition and Action ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Serena Juchnowski

Linda Powell went to college hoping to study genetics and research
After working in the medical field for 14 years, Powell realized in her mid-30s that she needed adventure
She found it, then came the life-changing question: Do you want to try hunting?
By Serena Juchnowski
When you ask a child what he ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Jan. 22, 2020 from Destination Niagara USA
After another round of windstorms, it looks like things are going to take off again in the river in a good way.
There was plenty of fish around the last time the water was decent, especially in the lower ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Jan. 8, 2020
Destination Niagara USA welcomes all fishing guests to this website!
Before we even get into the fishing there needs to be a big shout out for the 7th Annual Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo set for Jan. 17-19 at the Conference and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

Burger, steaks, roasts, stew meat, and ribs are all fine and dandy, maybe you want more
It’s easy to put breakfast sausage, summer sausage, jerky, and other novelties in the freezer
What to do, where to buy supplies, how to process your game meat
By Jason Houser
As hunters, we don’t have to hunt ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Greg Duncan

2020 Program Details
Payouts and discounts available to collegiate bass anglers
By Greg Duncan
Collegiate bass anglers will have more opportunity to cash in on tournament success in 2020 thanks to the continued support of Ranger Cup University. The contingency program, designed by Ranger Boats exclusively for college anglers, is free of charge ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Rich Creason
Adaptation and Instinct takes over to Survive
Extraordinary occurrences begin, we learn from these
Life or death may remain in the balance
By Rich Creason
The space invaders have arrived. A tiny particle of dust rides the wind up into the heavy clouds. Ominous clouds form and are made up of millions of water ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

Plan your Wisconsin hunt for a select zone- do the homework to identify the zone for success
Be patient, collect priority points for several consecutive years to score on zone selection
Research the guide, the gear, the location, and weather forecast…then count your blessings, control your aim
By Jason Houser
If you are looking ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bob Holzhei

When do you know when you need help?
When people distance themselves from you, you know something is not right.
It feels good to know yourself when you find help, define a solution and make a resolution.
By Bob Holzhei
My love affair with the outdoor world began as I grew up on ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

The 1st Boot Question is always: Are they comfortable?
Then, depending on where you plan to hunt: Will the boots keep me warm if it’s cold outdoors?
Last, and very important: Are the boots durable, waterproof, and breathable?
By Jason Houser
There are a lot of things that can make or break a hunt.
Some ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Report
Thursday, Dec. 27, 2019 – From Destination Niagara USA
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!
No white Christmas here in Western New York as temperatures hit the 50-degree mark with no white stuff in sight. If you scored on some new fishing gear under the Christmas ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

Pontoon Boat crappie fishing offers spacious fun
Grenada Lake crappie are the biggest I have ever seen
Secret 20-foot long crappie rods are not imaginative, you should see the net!
By Jason Houser
Are you looking for a big crappie? Well, look no further than the lake dubbed, “the home of three-pound crappie.”
It might ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Report from Destination Niagara USA
Big fish in Trib’s during December runoff periods
Ice Boom going in on Lake Erie very soon
Temperatures are in the single digits with the wind chill and there’s not much wind.
Efforts are underway to install the ice boom at the head of the river ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

Saved by a Smartphone App
Add $14 for Trailer Tow Care
Sleep better at night
By Mike Schoonveld
Launching a boat from a trailer isn’t supposed to be an exciting task. Getting in the boat, heading out to the lake, catching some fish, now that’s fun and exciting. But just backing down the ramp ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Nicole Stone

By Nicole Stone
With the holiday season in full swing, there is no better way to save money (and time) on your shopping this season than browsing the online Holiday Sportsman Show. This show is completely digital and can be accessed on your time in the comfort of your home. For ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Kristyn Brady

by Kristyn Brady
In his third appearance before Congress this year, the TRCP’s president and CEO again pressed lawmakers to invest in surveillance and testing for the deer disease that has sent state wildlife agencies scrambling to respond
In a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

By Mike Schoonveld
When the new braided lines were introduced and became popular with saltwater anglers, reel-makers adapted. They quickly developed new models specifically for the new skinny line. These braid-crankers were scaled down in overall size, fitted with relatively massive drag systems, and engineered with super-high gear ratios. Physical size, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

6mm Creedmoor Elite Match OTM, 107gr Sierra MatchKing® bullet
Muzzle velocity: 2,950 fps; muzzle energy: 2,068 ft-lbs
Sig Sauer temperature-stable propellant provides consistent muzzle velocity in all weather conditions
Early in November (2019), SIG SAUER, Inc. extended its line of Elite Match premium competition ammunition with the addition of 6mm Creedmoor.
“6mm Creedmoor is ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Opening day hunters were hampered with wind and rain in Maryland, but the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that 8,061 deer harvests were reported on the opening day of the 2019 Maryland firearm season, Nov. 30. This represents a 29% increase over last year’s Saturday opener. The overall weekend ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Karen Lutto

By Karen Lutto
Your delicious roasted turkey will be the centerpiece on the family table at Christmas dinner. To ensure a beautifully tender, moist and flavorful turkey this holiday, here is one easy recipe using flavor from Hi Mountain Seasonings for a “Bourbon-Glazed Holiday Turkey”. This is a true treat for ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA, Pictures, Stories and our latest Fishing Report
The white stuff is starting to come down again. Depending on where you are in the county will determine how much snow we will be receiving before it’s over.
Mark Romanack and his Fishing 411 TV crew came into town on Sunday ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Rich Creason

By Rich Creason
My better half, Susie, and I have enjoyed numerous trips to the land of Chautauqua, an area located in the far western end of New York State, and about eight hours from our home in central Indiana. To get there, we leave home around five in the morning ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Steelhead, Brown Trout, Bass…all hitting with the new snowfall
Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Dec. 4, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
Lower Niagara River trout action was getting back to good again and then for some reason the bottom fell out. Water clarity in the river was trashed on Wednesday for ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

By Jason and Lotti Houser
This easy Venison Chili recipe is hearty and delicious, perfect for the cold months of hunting season, or any time you have ground venison in your freezer.
I grew up on venison. If you lived in a family of hunters, you probably did too.
When properly butchered, you end ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Report for Nov. 27, 2019
From Destination Niagara USA
Happy Thanksgiving!
This is the calm before the storm.
A cold front is expected to blow in today with gusts up to 60 miles per hour. It could be a repeat performance from Halloween. No treats here.
Things were slowly starting to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

The WORLDWIDE BAN-THE-DRINKING-STRAW movement started with a single turtle’s straw-clogged nostril video…WHAT ABOUT GOLF BALLS?
By Mike Schoonveld
I confess to being a recovering golfer. I think I’m fully recovered since my urges to hit the links are now exceedingly infrequent. I haven’t owned a set of clubs since I got ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

Wanted: Squirrel Tails
By Jason Houser
The Mepps brand of fishing lures is best known for natural hair-dressed spinners. Over the years, they have tried many types of hair, including synthetic and other natural materials, as well as the hair from Angus cowhides, bear, and fox, coyote, and badger fur. But they ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Outdoor Holiday Gifts for Friends and Family
One-stop shopping even when you are not sure what to buy
Buy a $15 coupon to support Youth and Military Veterans, earn up to $5,000 in discounts
By Forrest Fisher
Most outdoor folks have little time for shopping, even for their loved ones and best friends of ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

This report is by Ron Bierstine from Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019:
There’s been an abrupt change in the weather with snow on Veterans Day and through the night with a drop in temperature.
Something like 6 – 8+ inches of area-wide snow and forecast temps in the 20’s ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Gulf of Mexico fishing for giant powerful saltwater fish, and Red Snapper too
Cruise at 70 mph, listen to your favorite tunes, enjoy a cold beverage…unforgettable fun
Fish, Swim, Winter Fun – 100 miles offshore, if you like
CLICK picture for a video of an incredible fish trip to the Gulf of Mexico ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Report from Destination Niagara USA
This week it was 10-plus inches of snow and cold temperatures that is impacting local angling action.
There are a few bright spots though. Trout action on the lower Niagara River was good as waters cleared up and fish became a bit more ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Nik Kolbeck

Two Iconic Mepps Lures combine to become new deadly fish-catchin’ lure
15 fish-catchin’ colors in Comet Sizes #1-#4
Mepps Comet Combos come packaged with 3 unrigged Mister Twister Curly Tails
By Nik Kolbeck
The Mepps Comet Combo combines the legendary Mepps spinner with the original Mister Twister Curly Tail Grub.
It’s perfect for hooking up with ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Report & Forecast for from Destination Niagara USA
Check out these pictures from a few days before Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019
Fishing pressure lightened up the past week with the opening for the Southern Zone regular big game hunting season last Saturday. However, the fishing action didn’t let ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Self-Install pre-fit barrels come in four popular calibers: 6.5 Creedmoor, 7 mm Remington Magnum, 308 Winchester and 300 Winchester Magnum.
The Helix 6 barrels for Savage are 100% manufactured in the USA
Also fitted for easy installation of an aftermarket muzzle brake or suppressor
Changing the barrel on a Savage 10/110-series rifle is quick, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing – Walleye, Brown Trout, Musky, Carp, Lake Trout, WOW
Destination Niagara USA is a vacation destination for fall fishing
One angler caught 4 Musky on the same trip!
Story includes Fishing Forecast for week of Oct. 30, 2019
Will it be a trick or treat for area fishing this ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Live Bison are typically transported to expand herds in other parts of the country – the auction is a 54-year-old tradition at Custer State Park
Wild live Bison range in size from 400 to 1500 pounds, depending on sex and age
The Bison auction program is exemplary in the world of Conservation
By ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Fishing in the fall for bass provides primal competition to meet with nature and the biggest fish
Baits that trigger a strike are hard to find, but there is one key thing to know, read on
Lure balance, hook point quality, color, rate of wobble and wiggle, all are key
LIVETARGET David Walker ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Karen Lutto

Bluefish is a popular saltwater game fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. In the United States, they are found from the Florida Coast to Massachusetts, and also in the Gulf of Mexico. Bluefish are caught in great quantities, and when cooked up fresh, they are delicious. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz

This report is by Ron Bierstine from Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge on Monday, November 5, 2019:
There are some showers and gloom today with temps in the 40’s °F. Clear weather in the forecast this afternoon and tomorrow and then unsettled weather or Lake Effect Snow (LES) with colder temps ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Nov. 6, 2019, from Destination Niagara USA
For Lake Ontario, lots of rain late last week and part of Saturday caused turbid conditions in the bigger creeks. Smaller creeks are producing browns and steelhead right now. Egg patterns and streamers work well according to Scott ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Learn HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY, the program is free with membership
Membership is as little as $35/yr, right now; half-price Life Memberships right now too
By Forrest Fisher
Perhaps the NRA should be called the Empower Yourself Association. I’m one of those folks that are careful when I travel, cautious when I ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Visit Alaska – Make a Plan
A love of landscape is not new in Alaska. In a place so beautiful, with the strong cultural values of Alaska Native peoples, reducing our impact on the environment is only natural. We know that sustainable travel – considering environmental, social, cultural, and business practices ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

Fun to catch fish through the ice in a new way: “FISH ON!”
Ever use the ice as a live well? Learn why. Catch, Care, Release.
Walking (running) on the ice to a raised Flag…an Adventure!
By Jason Houser
When you think of ice fishing for big trout, the last place you probably expect ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Jason Houser

“It is not what we have that will make us a great nation: it is the way in which we use it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
By Jason Houser
In my view, conservation can be broken down into three subcategories: Habitat, Wildlife, and Fish. Each plays a vital role in successful conservation practices.
Within ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

New gear today talks to us in new ways that make finding fish and trying to catch them more fun
You can connect your phone, your radio, your drone…to your sonar
Installation is easy, it’s all pictorial…even I could do it
By Mike Schoonveld
As the people point to the sonar unit on my ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

ONLY Ingredients:
Olive Oil
Cavender’s Greek Seasoning
HOT GRILL
Presented by Forrest Fisher (photo credits: Jim Zumbo)
When Jim is not shoveling snow off the deck or fighting off the Wyoming wolves and grizzlies that want to partake in his cooking, he is sharing recipes with outdoor friends on-line. Here is one of those ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

The Parka and Bib are soft, quiet, flexible fleece shell fabric.
The Parka has 10 pockets for storing gear and warming hands.
By Forrest Fisher
A month ago I met Nick Andrews from ScentLok at an outdoor meeting event and he explained the technology controlling human odor during the hunt. I’m from a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Salmon and trout continue to trickle into places like 18 Mile Creek. This last rain should help. Karen Evarts at The Boat Doctors reports that some fresh salmon made the run to Burt Dam in the last couple of days, but there were crowded conditions last weekend. Eggs or egg ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Over 600 turtles were returned to the wild
Illegal commercialization of wildlife ranks 4th behind guns, drugs and human smuggling
Illegal trade of turtles is having a global impact on many turtle species and our ecosystems.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has charged two suspects for poaching thousands of ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

New Midweight Whitetail System
Theissen V1 Whitetail Midweight System, perfect for all-season deer hunting
From cool autumn evenings to the season’s first frosty mornings, every deer hunter knows there’s a broad spectrum of weather conditions to conquer in order to find success. The Thiessens’ V1 Whitetail Midweight System is the perfect ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Big Game Early Archery Season Started Oct. 1, ends Nov. 15, 2019
Crossbow Season Opens Nov. 2, runs through Nov. 15
Firearm Season (Shotgun, Handgun, Rifle, Crossbow, Bow) Opens Nov. 16, ends Dec. 8
Muzzleloader & Late Archery Season Opens Dec. 9, ends Dec. 17
By Forrest Fisher
Chautauqua County is the land of big ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

The meandering Merced River offers peaceful trout fishing
Giant trees, some 10 feet in diameter, can mesmerize visitors
High rock mountains offer an unmatched view, even more spectacular during sunrise and sunset
By Forrest Fisher
The spirit of reflection can provide a trail to the sacred territory. No matter where we travel in 2019, it ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Fishing rod guides bend and don’t break
Hi-modulus sensitivity rod blanks from Scheel’s allowed for detecting the lightest of strikes
“Smart Boat” technics from Humminbird for total position control to target hotspots
By Forrest Fisher
Walleye fishing legend, Johnnie Candle, suggested that we look at mid-river shoals on the Mississippi River near La Crosse, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Red-winged Blackbirds, Blue Jays, White-throated Sparrows among highest losses – why have they disappeared?
We have lost enormous numbers of familiar birds
Suspected contributors: climate change, habitat loss, pressure from invasive species and pesticide use
To make a difference: Make windows safer – prevent window strikes, landscape with native plants, keep cats indoors, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Schoonveld

Mussels and other invasive species have had effects
Asian Carp could alter much more than is discussed
Flying Asian Carp have become “YouTube Stars”
By Mike Schoonveld
None of the 180-plus invasive species found in, or threatening the Great Lakes, have more name recognition among average citizens than the Asian carp. Though people have ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Oct. 9, 2019 – Destination Niagara USA
Out in the lake, some boaters have pounded the piers with limited success. Better luck for salmon and trout has been out deep, but no specific details are available.
If you are looking for salmon, the best area in ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Charter captains have been struggling in the Devil’s Hole area for salmon. In fact, some captains have canceled their salmon season due to sparse numbers. The shore guys are catching a few, like off the NYPA fishing platform. Glow spoons have been the ticket.
A few brown trout have been caught ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
David Gray

200HP V6 Yamaha Outboard for 555 pounds
Instant Acceleration to 57 mph
By David Gray
Karen Lutto and I had barely shaken hands with the Yamaha outboard motor team when they gave us the Yamaha Marine “Hot Sheet” for their V- MAX/SHO 200Hp X-Shaft. As I looked over the motor specs, Product Education ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Wednesday, August 28 from Destination Niagara USA
The Fish Odyssey is over, the LOC Derby continues through Labor Day, and river and stream anglers are itching to see some salmon and trout in the rivers and streams.
The first king salmon was caught in the lower ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Brent Frazee

By Brent Frazee
I’ll never forget the day when my worlds collided in an instant.
Sept. 11, 2001.
One moment, I was reveling in the peace and solitude of the outdoors, with not a care in the world. The next moment, I was jolted into the reality that no American ever thought possible ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Sept. 11, 2019 – from Destination Niagara USA
Get ready to rumble with the fall salmon run in the Lower Niagara River and nearby Lake Ontario ports.
While it hasn’t arrived in full force yet, the New York Power Authority is doing its best to make ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Used Humminbird 360, side imaging and mapping to break down fish-holding spots in lake
Caught his bass on a 3/4-ounce Molix football jig w/green pumpkin Strike King Rage Craw trailer
The win earns Jocumsen $100,000 cash
It was relentless determination and commitment to his game plan that paid off big for Carl Jocumsen, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Karen Lutto

Every fisherman knows, or quickly learns, that retrieving your catch or baitfish from the Livewell can be a sticky and painful experience—that is until now. With the Angler’s Best Livewell Buddy, retrieving your catch or baitfish, even the elusive pinfish, is quick, easy and painless.
The Livewell Buddy is a flexible, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Mississippi River pools offer multiple species
Fall weather excites fish toward binge feeding
Autumn colors provide an extra measure of goodness for visitors
By Forrest Fisher
Near La Crosse, Wisconsin, the Upper Mississippi River spreads well beyond its main channel, a bonus for anglers. Hundreds of tiny islands, channels, and deep pools offer a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Unforgettable moments at the Black River near La Crosse, Wisconsin
Light line, swim jig with Strike King Shad
Bass Cat with Yamaha Vmax Engine
By Forrest Fisher
There is something special about fishing for bass, especially when you’ve tried before, but you let your kids fish so they have that first cast and last ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Experts say the best deer hunting with a bow is from 15 to 30 feet up in a tree. Dangerous? Yes!
Early to rise can mean “early to sleep” while in your tree stand. It’s common, it’s fun, it keeps you in the woods, but can be deadly if you are ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

From Navionics: We believe details are important, especially while on the water. Let’s dive in and see how the latest app release can make your boating experience easy and fun.
Drop a marker with one tap.
Have you ever needed to quickly add a marker on your location while boating or fishing? Well, now ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

National Geographic’s current issue is about that fragile connection between all things
We all need nature to help us
Celebrate by locating an NHF Day event near where you live, there are many.
By Rick Clunn
Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day, and I know that there is some special day to celebrate ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, from Destination Niagara USA
Lack of Rain, Warm Weather, Slows Lower River King Salmon Run
Big Bass in the Lower Niagara are ON-THE-BITE
Walleye, Northern Pike and many other species beginning to feed for winter now
In the Niagara River, Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bob Holzhei

Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Wisconsin offers comfort and Sounds of the Outdoors
Autumn Musky, Walleye, Bronzebacks on the bite with upcoming Fall Colors
By Bob Holzhei
Catching a limit of walleye was expected, however, I wondered if it was the call of a loon that echoed in my mind and brought me ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Karen Lutto

Simple, Accurate, Effective, Durable, Affordable
Unique Precision Elevation System
Simplify 3D Archery, Simplify Competitive Shooting
Designed to bridge the gap between archery hunting and competition bow sights, the Viper Archery Products Sidewinder Series provides the fastest, easiest and most precise elevation adjustments of any single-pin sights on the market. The Sidewinder and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Big Bass and Small Bass….you know you need to jig “in the junk”
We do that with Soft Plastics, Jig Heads and Buzz Baits to Score
Where to find help with Colors, Sizes, and Choices that Work…see below
By Forrest Fisher
If you’re like me, whenever I fish, the baits I use sort ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bob Holzhei

By Bob Holzhei
Although I fished for walleye in the lower Niagara River before, this incredible fishing adventure provided pin-ball action, landing one walleye after another and yes, a limit of walleye was cleaned to take home for meals.
Fishing with Charter Captain Joe Marra who operates Niagara Rainbow Charters out of ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

onX and TRCP release a groundbreaking analysis of state land access across 11 Western states
By Randall Williams/TRCP Author
This week, onX and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership revealed the stunning results of collaboration to quantify how many acres of state lands across the West are entirely landlocked by private land and, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Lures to use, boat speed, depth control
By Forrest Fisher
According to Ken Perrotte of Virginia, making the trek 8 hours north to visit Lake Erie to fish for walleye from Dunkirk Harbor, or from any of the three Cattaraugus Creek boat launch access sites, is more than worth it. Ken says, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Tyler Mahoney

Why do we need a SMALL portable charger with BIG energy?
By Tyler Mahoney
As much as many of us would hate to admit, we all probably need a solution for a portable charger when we are out hunting and fishing. In between cell phones or GoPro’s, it seems there is always ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

By Capt. John Oravec
They’re back! The Orleans County waters of Lake Ontario once again are teaming with big hungry king salmon. The first key area you want to hit are the 85 to 125 feet of water between the “Pump House” – a long troll – to the Little House”. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Report from Destination Niagara USA
The calendar has aligned once again to bring Lake Ontario anglers 3 different fishing derbies for one special weekend.
The Orleans Rotary Derby is winding up and will end on Sunday, August 18. It’s still not too late to enter. The current Grand ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Matching Lure Sets can make a fish-catching difference!
NYSDEC Fisheries Chief Steve Hurst wants more public input on fishery issues
Wilson Harbor, Olcott Harbor…provide safe access to Lake Ontario monster fish
By Forrest Fisher
In the world search for outdoor fun, salmon fishing with new friends aboard a 39-foot well-equipped boat can light a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for August 21, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
What a week!
It’s been a flurry of activity, starting with three derbies at the same time last weekend.
The Orleans Rotary Fishing Derby ended last Sunday, leaving two derbies left going into this weekend – the Fall LOC Derby ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Brassard

President signs into law H.R. 1222, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act
All Americans asked to promote a Culture of Safety and Responsibility
Today, August 1, 2019 – on the first day of National Shooting Sports Month®, The White House issued a Presidential message to the nation on the importance ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Brent Frazee

By Brent Frazee
I was just a little guy when I learned the importance of having a fishing buddy.
Every time I would visit my grandparents’ home, I would head to their garage. I knew that’s where grandpa Eric would be, and his good friend Mel would be with him.
They had a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Thursday, August 8, 2019
In the lower Niagara River, Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls managed to climb around the gorge a bit this week and caught some nice smallmouth bass, walleye and silver bass from shore. Water is still high, but fish are available. A ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. Tom Marks

By Capt. Tom Marks
I much prefer to write about fishing. Unfortunately, lately, all my time is being consumed by “fighting” to keep industrial wind developers from building wind projects in Lake Erie. In all my life, I could never have imagined being in such a dire place. “My lake,” Lake ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Heather Miller
Berkley® Lights the Night with Illuminated Glowstik Fishing Rods
The new Berkley Glowstik rods boast a unique battery-powered technology that enables the rod to glow orange, so anglers can better see when fishing at night. The rods feature a fiberglass blank construction with an LED core, illuminating a lightweight fiber-optic cable ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
A big benefit of being in the fishing business is attending the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST. Held in Orlando each summer, ICAST gives a preview of all the new fishing equipment, tackle, marine and outdoor products that fishermen everywhere are going to see very ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Enter to Win Daily on CarbonTV.Com – Now Until December 15, 2019
Kryptek Outdoor Group and CarbonTV have partnered on an epic sweepstakes where one lucky winner will win a 2019 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss named INVICTUS, fully customized and wrapped in Kryptek Typhon™ camo and valued at nearly $100,000. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Glenn Walker

Tak Logic Technology Gel has started to lock-up all those lost favorite lures in tackle boxes around the fishing world. Lure Lock continues to lead the tackle management industry with the introduction of its new 4-inch deep tackle box. The deeper 4-in-1 box offers a unique divider system, allowing anglers ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Bill Hilts Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast (August 1, 2019)
Hot Fishing getting HOTTER
August is a celebration of fishing contests as we head into the final full month of Summer.
The Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey Derby (www.fishodyssey.net) set for August 17-25 has registrations available online starting August 1 and in the shops ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing is great right now
The moss in the Niagara River is starting to subside according to reports from Creek Road Bait and Tackle in Lewiston. As a result, the walleye fishing is starting to pick up, especially on the Niagara Bar at the outlet (mouth) of the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

The 29th Steve Harrington Memorial Erie Canal Fishing Derby is over. We won’t know who will win the boat, motor, and trailer, though, until the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, July 21 at the Gasport Fire Hall starting at 3 p.m. There will be a random drawing of first-place winners to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Neal Corby

On July 12, 2019, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Desert Storm veteran and youth fishing mentor David Lowrie was surprised with a complete boat overhaul thanks to Minn Kota®, Humminbird® and the One-Boat Network™ Live overhaul at the American Sportfishing Association’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for July 11, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
Moss is still an issue in the Niagara River, but fish are available to be caught if you can solve the moss problem. Lisa Drabczyk with Creek Road Bait and Tackle reports some decent bass action the past ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Fern Fisher

By Fern Fisher
This is the easiest, fastest, most tasty and quick recipe for delicious venison burgers.
Everyone that visits our humble abode says they love it, so I’m sharing it with you all. Please let me know what you think.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground venison
½ lb lean ground beef
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
154 Military Veteran’s, more than 50 volunteers as charter guides/hosts
Clear weather, smooth sailing, hundreds of pounds of walleye fillets for veteran freezers
Stickbaits, spinner worm rig tactics were key to catching fish, details follow in story below
By Forrest Fisher
It was a tad before 6:00 a.m. when the morning sky-glow of bright ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

No O-rings, plastic retainers, rubber bands or other things to lose on these broadheads
Same cost as other high-performance broadheads
100 and 125-grain sizes, with 2-inch and 2-1/4 inch cutting diameters, respectively
By Forrest Fisher
For decades, big game broadhead engineers have come up with quite a few evolutions for change to make a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for July 3, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
The Erie Canal Fishing Derby is set to kick off today, July 3, and run through July 14 from the Upper Niagara River to Albion in the canal proper (no tributaries like Tonawanda Creek in Pendleton). Fish species ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bob Holzhei

Life is about sharing your passion, making new friends and finding that next…First Cast
By Bob Holzhei
No matter how old you are, there is always a next first cast.
I slowly walked to the pond behind our rental home in Punta Gorda, FL to field test the custom fishing rod I asked ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bob Holzhei

Get ready for hunting “Above Ground” during the Summer Months
Get a full body harness, then learn how to use it
Carry a cellphone or signaling device
By Bob Holzhei
Each year, thousands of hunters are injured in tree stand accidents. In fact, according to the Treestand Safety Awareness Foundation (TSSA), there are about ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

What lure should I buy?
What color, what size, what brand?
By Forrest Fisher
Catching many fish lately?
No? Do you wonder why not?
Ask yourself this question, “Am I happy with my lures, baits, sizes, colors?”
If you’re not catching fish, then you know the answer to that question. As an outdoor writer that has ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

The statewide bass season opens on Saturday, June 15, as well as the Great Lakes muskellunge season on that same day, as anglers get ready to rumble.
First off, we need to emphasize the point that Lake Ontario is open for business! Despite the high water levels and State of Emergency ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

By Forrest Fisher
No matter where I travel with a fishing rod, catching fish on the surface is absolutely the most exciting. In some cases, it’s also the most effective. Not all surface lures work the same, but there is one lure that seems to always stand out when I ponder ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

High water is not a factor
Smart Troll with diving planes is highly effective
Warrior Spoon lures proved they are hot
By Forrest Fisher
High Great Lakes water levels have raised concerns for shoreline issues, but it sure has not affected the fishing. In Lake Ontario where the water level is the highest above ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
There are kindred spirits of the sea, and they came alive on this day-trip for me
Seashells, the sound of surf, sea birds, beautiful dolphins
By Forrest Fisher
It was about 10 years ago that I first met someone that could offer to take you for a short sightseeing boat ride near Key ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Bill Hilts Fishing Report & Forecast for Niagara USA…June 20, 2019
Capt. Hank Condes of Wilson (Blade Runner Charters), said it best as he spoke to a group of front line tourism folks this week in Wilson Harbor: “June isn’t the transition month that it used to be!” The push is ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Mike Joyner

Look for these Critical Elements to assure a great Turkey Hunt:
Woods, Waters, Streams, and Forage Resources
High-Harvest Average
Lots of Public Hunting Land – it spreads out the hunters
Chautauqua County in New York meets the List!
By Mike Joyner
Ultimate destination – a bold claim for a resource-laden state such as New York. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
David Gray
The Minnesota Fishing Challenge is Extraordinary for a lot of reasons. Click the picture below to see the video story.
By David Gray
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

One of the biggest things we can control as deer hunters is our scent, but it’s not easy. We all perspire, we sweat when we walk out with our gear, climb a tree and set up. The gentle wind from whatever direction helps to disperse the “hunter alert” smell to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Tammy Sapp - Florida FWC

New Video Urges Families to “Have the Talk” About Gun Safety
Own it. Respect it. Secure it.
Talk with your Kids. Do it TODAY.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) unveiled a new public service announcement (PSA), “Protect the People You Love,” to encourage families to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario Counties Derby set for May 10-19, 2019 – $15,000 for biggest salmon!
Outdoor media catch big fish, many species, in visit to Niagara
The Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby is set for May 10-19 with a Grand Prize of $15,000 for the biggest salmon and a total prize ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Mepps Trolling Rig® and Crawler Harness…NEW
In eastern basin Lake Erie, most anglers are conventional. They troll with lead core line, deep diving stickbaits and custom made spinner/worm rigs. Who would have ever thought to try a Mepps combination through all the contention with standard convention? Guess what? They not only ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Kings, Walleye, Browns, Bass, Lakers…!
High water in Lake Ontario and Lower Niagara persists, fish don’t care
The LOC Derby is more than half over, ending on May 19 at 1 p.m. The current leader is a 25-pound, 14-ounce king salmon reeled in by Robert Mueller from Hamburg. He was fishing out ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), the firearms industry trade association, celebrates President Donald Trump’s signing of H.R. 1222, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, at The White House. The President signed the NSSF-priority bill May 10, just two weeks after the bill was passed by Congress.
“We deeply ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

Posted Wednesday – May 22, 2019
By Capt. John Oravec, Tight Lines Charters
LOC Derby winner 2019, Robert Mueller with his 25# King Salmon. Courtesy Narby’s Superette.
Wow! All week long strollers found hungry king salmon from “Chrome Dome” to “the Nose” in 45 to 65 feet of water. Lots of salmon! The ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for May 23, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
Salmon and trout fishing in Lake Ontario off the shores of Niagara County continues to be good to very good, despite the announcement that the lake is once again in a state of emergency as far as high-water ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for May 2, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
We have a smelt report! One was caught this week in the lower Niagara River according to Mike Fox of Lewiston. He checks nearly every night and one night this week there was one that was netted, the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Quick-Read Outdoor Stories to Learn From: Fishing, Hunting, Shooting
Lessons from Experience: Recipes, Youth Mentoring, Women in the Outdoors
Bear, Deer, Rabbits, Squirrels, Birds, Fish, Wildlife, Photography
By Dave Barus
Old and young alike will love this manifest of outdoor spirit and culture shared by award-winning freelance outdoor writer, Ken Cook, in his new ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Whitetail deer management in communities where people and vehicles are numerous can result in accidental collision and injury. Many states are trying to understand the best method to employ for better management. In New York, a written plan exists, perhaps a plan that other states might gain benefit from, as ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

For May 8, 2019
Kings, Browns, FUN!
Wow! The waters from 10 to 30, both east and west of the “Oak,” are flush with quality fish! This quality “mixed bag” is dominated by king salmon and brown trout. The consensus is that a mix of downriggers, small spoons and board lines rigged ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Fish are Biting: Egg sacs, Kwickfish, MagLips, No.4 spinners/Spoons, Jigs…all working
Lewiston Smelt Festival coming up on May 3
Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast is from Destination Niagara USA
Monday of this week saw the New York Power Authority (NYPA) start the process of removing the ice boom at the head of the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Kristyn Brady

14 national groups and 70 local affiliate chapters oppose the proposed weakening of clean water standards that would threaten fish and wildlife habitat
By Kristyn Brady
Today (April 15, 2019), dozens of national, regional, and local hunting and fishing groups submitted final comments on the EPA’s proposed rollback of Clean Water Act ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Karen Lutto

Z-Man Project Z ProFileZ: Drew Reese
Finesse fishing godfather narrates rich history of the Ned Rig
Not a non-sense story tale. Not a fairy tale. This is the story of something you need to know as a fisherman that wants to catch more fish every day. After learning more about this, I ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

“We Keep It Wild” program set for needed help from Outdoor Industry
EVERYDAY PEOPLE Can Support this program through product purchase and donation
Together, we have helped protect 51 million acres, 3,107 river miles, removed or halted 34 dams, purchased 14 climbing areas & designated 5 marine reserves
A diverse assortment of 22 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

This week’s STREAM fishing report is from Ron Bierstine from Oak Orchard Tackle and Lodge, April 16, 2019.
Thanks to the rain toward the end of the weekend through early Monday, flows in the Oak and other area smaller tributaries are back up. There are real nice conditions to help preserve the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Boat and shore anglers scoring on Lakers, Browns, Coho’s and some King’s too
Lake Erie ice boom still in place
Some ice chunks continue to come down through the Niagara River system, serving as obstacles in the upper and lower river sections. This stems from the fact that the ice boom is ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

NYS Annual Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend Set for April 20-21
Junior Hunters must be 12-15 yrs of age
Junior Hunters must hold a hunting license and a turkey permit
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that spring turkey season opens May 1, in all of Upstate ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Bill Hilts Fishing Forecast for Niagara Falls USA – Niagara County, NY
Fishing forecast for April 10, 2019
The lake fishing out of Wilson and Olcott, NY is really starting to turn on. Brown trout have been hitting closer to the shoreline on stickbaits and spoons.
Capt. Vince Pierleoni of Newfane was focused ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz

This week’s STREAM fishing report is by Ron Bierstine from Oak Orchard Tackle and Lodge, Albion, NY – April 9, 2019.
Ideal fishable flows in Oak Orchard River are at about medium with 2 feet or so of stained visibility. Reports of some water level fluctuations through yesterday probably as a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Firearms Industry Economic Impact Rises 171% Since 2008
Since 2008, federal tax payments increased by 164 percent
Pittman-Robertson excise taxes to support wildlife conservation increased by 100 percent
State business taxes increased by 120 percent
From the National Shooting Sports Foundation®, the firearm industry trade association in Newtown, Connecticut, we learn that the total ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz

By Ron Bierstine from Oak Orchard Tackle and Lodge,
Try the Oak Orchard River public fishing access for winter/spring steelhead fishing. Angling pressure is typically less than the popular fall months.
Trout season is open today so time to fish for some steelhead. No wait. Oh yeah, there is no closed season!
Thanks ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Kristyn Brady

Mining the base of the food chain is neither sustainable nor economically justifiable
By Kristyn Brady
Today, three recreational fishing groups filed a formal objection against the Marine Stewardship Council’s recommendation that Omega Protein should receive a certification of sustainability for its U.S. Atlantic menhaden purse-seining operations. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

For April 3, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
The NYPA fishing platform is open!
April 1 is traditionally the opening of the lower Niagara River’s fishing platform at the NY Power Authority, as well as the reservoir access off Upper Mountain Road and the water intakes area in the upper Niagara River. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Each year that goes by, I search for recipes that are worth sharing because they meet the rules of “Easy-To-Make” and “Delicious-To-Eat.” Charlie Killmaster from Georgia has several great game recipes. Here is one of them and there are more at this site: https://georgiawildlife.blog/2018/12/12/oh-deer-7-venison-recipes-youve-gotta-try/.
Ingredients:
Venison roast, preferably shoulder/neck, 1 to 3 lbs.
Thick-cut ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

By Dave Barus
I have carried one of these to my deer woods for more than 50 years now. Today, there are more options to choose from, lightweight handles and more, but the reality of the device as a tool for sportsmen is unchanged. I cannot believe this is selling for ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

For March 28, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
The inland trout and salmon opener is April 1, but the Great Lakes are open all year! In the Lower Niagara River, there are plenty of trout available. However, the river water is super clear and fish are getting really picky according to Capt. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Did you know what they call a SNOOD of the turkey?
What are Turkey Caruncles?
Tom or Hen? Easy way to tell is illustrated below
By Forrest Fisher
As hunters, we never stop learning. Folks in different parts of the country call turkey by different local slang terms at times, not counting the different ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Forecast for March 21, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
Clear waters, active fish in river and streams
Shore casters and boaters doing well
Happy Spring!
Stream and river action are both strong right now and this week’s weather doesn’t look too bad as of right now, especially on Sunday. In the lower Niagara ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bob Holzhei

Rod length, sensitivity, power, flex…all these factors matter
Setting the hook, it’s the best feeling with a rod you helped design
Rattlesnake skin and other custom handles personalize rods to the individual
By Bob Holzhei
“The sensitivity in any fishing rod can be determined by placing the tip of the rod against your throat ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Trout Season Opens April 1 for Inland Streams
Although the opener is traditionally met with snow, high flows and cold temperatures, April 1 is nonetheless the opening day for trout and salmon fishing throughout the State of New York and an indication that spring is just around the corner. Look for ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz

This week’s Orleans County Fishing Report is from Ron Bierstine from Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge – March 26, 2019.
Nice flows in the Oak are still somewhere near slightly high or just less. Good upstream supplies have been keeping these “high turbine flows” going. Chance of flows are coming down ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Morgan McCalla

Hard Mast Crop Logic, Peter Fiduccia Explains in the Video
Wildlife Nutrition
Cost Effective, Easy to do
Join host Peter Fiduccia and his special guest Bob Wallace from Chestnut Hill Outdoors as they share step-by-step details on planting chestnut trees. They are an ideal mast tree to supplement any wildlife food plot program.
Carrying ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Condition your Calls, Learn How
Friction Calls: Pot Call, Box Call
No matter where you live, turkey season is not far away. In Florida, the gobbler season is already open! In Georgia, it starts two weeks away. Other states too, not far away.
Yelping, clucking, purring…pot calls, box calls, locator calls – it ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

Six Winners Selected out of 2,000 Entries
In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8) and Women’s History Month, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the winners of the 2018 “WomenHuntFishNY” statewide photo contest.
“In DEC’s first-ever statewide photo contest to celebrate women who hunt and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Bill Hilts Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for March 13, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
Action has picked back up again in the lower Niagara River according to Lisa Drabczyk of Creek Road Bait and Tackle in Lewiston. Steelhead fishing was good in Devil’s Hole and along Artpark on pink egg ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz

This week’s fishing report is from Ron Bierstine from Oak Orchard Tackle and Lodge, March 19, 2019.
Temperatures are improving for this mid-week period with highs forecast in the 30’s or 40°F. There is a chance of rain showers going to snow showers toward the end of the week. Overall ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Feb. 21, 2019: Fishing has been good the past week in the lower Niagara River.
Capt. John Oravec, the Troutman, has been catching a mix of steelhead, brown trout and walleye – not necessarily in that order – using emerald shiners and egg sacs off three-way rigs. One of the most noteworthy ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

More snow and cold arrived on the local fishing scene, but that hasn’t stopped boaters from hitting the lower Niagara River for walleye and trout. Action was hot just prior to the big blow last weekend that filled the river with ice. However, some boaters were planning on hitting the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Locating and Luring Coyote to You
Gaining Access to Productive Properties, How to Find These Properties
Caliber, Ammo, Scopes, Lights, Calls…It’s All Here
By Forrest Fisher
Hunting veterans and novices alike will become better coyote hunters after reading this book written by award-winning author and expert coyote hunting guide, Michael Huff.
This book provides ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

From Destination Niagara USA
After a bit of an ice storm yesterday around Western New York, temperatures will be shooting up into the 40s and 50s today, bringing with it high winds with gusts to 60 mph through late Friday afternoon. With this end of Lake Erie still open, it will ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

Shed hunting in the Northeast can be fun and is a good way to scout new hunting zones for next fall
In late December and continuing through March, New York State whitetail bucks shed their antlers as testosterone levels drop in response to lengthening days. When the snow begins to melt ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Report for Feb. 13, 2019
It’s a free fishing weekend in New York!
Feb. 16 and 17 are designated Free Fishing Days in the state, originally approved to help promote ice fishing in the state. It looks like there will be plenty of that going on, but thanks ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Grant Applications Accepted through Feb. 15, 2019
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that $3 million is available in the first round of the State’s newly consolidated Invasive Species Grant Program. To support projects that target both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species across the state, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Fishing Report for Jan. 24, 2019 from Destination Niagara USA
Steelhead, Lake Trout and Walleye…Winter Bite Fun
After the heavy rains yesterday, much of the Niagara River shoreline snow and ice was melted away. However, more cold weather is on the horizon and we saw about an inch of snow this morning ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

With a severe winter storm blanketing the region in snow and cold temperatures, there hasn’t been too much fishing action going on other than some diehard ice fishermen. Wind chills as low at minus 30 has kept most people home for the most part with hundreds of schools and businesses ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

6th Annual Greater Niagara Fishing Expo is running Jan. 18-20
Tough Weather…Great Time for an Outdoor Show, BUT WE STILL HAVE great fishing
REPORT FOR Jan. 17, 2019
The 6th Annual Greater Niagara Fishing Expo is almost here, set for Jan. 18-20 at the Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls. The website ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

The Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Dec. 13, 2018 from Destination Niagara USA beckons to all anglers.
Brown trout and steelhead are dominating the Niagara Region fishing report this week, with walleye not far behind. Buffy Frank of Lockport caught a monster brown trout yesterday while fishing a favorite Niagara ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Hunting over Bait Piles is illegal in New York
Shooting a firearm while Hunting within 500 feet of a house is illegal in New York
Carrying the Tags of Another Person not signed over to you is illegal in New York
There are quite a few rules to hunt inn New York State, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing – from Destination Niagara USA…the FISHING REPORT for Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018
After some muddy water slowed things up earlier in the week, anglers are catching fish again in the lower Niagara River. You never know what you are up against after a storm in Western New ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Many of the tributaries off Lake Ontario have been low and clear with the lack of precipitation. That said, there will be a significant rain event tonight that could bring up to an inch of rain. Today the high is 50 degrees but it will get cooler by the weekend. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

New Year, New Fishing Rules…Check Them Out
Fishing is GOOD, really good for January
Happy New Year’s! Now that the ball has dropped on 2019, area fishermen should be aware of some changes in regulations. Lake trout season is now open below Niagara Falls in the Niagara River and on the Niagara ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Report for Jan. 10, 2019 – from Destination Niagara USA
It’s hard to believe that the 6th Annual Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo is here already Jan. 18-20 at the Conference and Event center Niagara Falls. And it’s also hard to believe that it keeps getting ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Musky, Brown Trout, Coho, Walleye, Bass…Fish-Catching Madness: Niagara Falls USA – Full Report, Nov. 21, 2018
The place to be this week is the Niagara River both above and below Niagara Falls. The musky are on their usual hot fall bite.
In the Upper Niagara River, Capt. Ted Kessler was reporting some ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

On Nov. 17, Environmental Conservation Officer Shea Mathis spotted two hunters walking along the railroad tracks in the town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, NY.
The two claimed they had a lousy morning hunting and had not taken any deer.
ECO Mathis checked their licenses and found their deer tags attached. A third ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz

Thanks to rain yesterday/last night AND a return to above-freezing temps, AND a little bit of snow melt, AND no more thirsty vegetation, AND groundwater now reasonably recharged after the droughty summer/early fall – all the tributary flows are on the rise and off color.
Flows in the Oak are slightly ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

It’s November 30 and there are quite a few noteworthy occurrences that take place.
For example, muskellunge season closes today with one exception – the lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario. The upper Niagara River produced a few nice late-season fish, like the 50-inch trophy reeled in by Rebecca Gaulteri ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

After a week of muddy water in the Niagara River, the fishing is slowly starting to improve to the delight of boaters and shore anglers. Mike Rzucidlo of Niagara Falls saw a slight green tint show up in the lower river on Tuesday and he grabbed his gear to head ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
By Ron Bierstine, Oak Orchard Tackle and Lodge
Some cool, fall weather is hanging in with slightly colder temps forecast through the mid-week and a chance for snow or rain showers. No significant lake effect snow is expected here on the immediate WNY big Lake Ontario Plain. The greatest impact is ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz

This week’s STREAM fishing report is from Ron Bierstine from Oak Orchard Tackle and Lodge, November 6, 2018.
We had a bit more rain last night and this morning that should maintain flows. Forecast is for any serious precipitation to have moved out of the area this morning and then followed ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Free Fishing Day in New York State: Nov. 11, 2018
Upper Niagara River Musky Fishing is Hot
Burt Dam has a Fresh Run of King Salmo
Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018
Make sure you mark Nov. 11 on your calendar. That’s now a “free fishing day” in New ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

In the southeastern Hudson Valley (Wildlife Management Units 3F, 3G, 3N, and 4Z) of New York, the proportion of older bucks in the deer harvest has never been higher. In 2017, three out of every four antlered bucks were 2.5 years old or older, and this remarkable accomplishment happened with ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Hunters and Trappers Favorite Time of Year…Open Season
Hunting seasons for big game like whitetail deer and black bear are underway with the archery season. Likewise, many small game species, like ruffed grouse, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, and wild turkey, are also open and in progress.
Hunting and trapping seasons for bobcat, raccoon ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz

Depending upon your perspective, the area escaped the most recent heavier precipitation. Most of the past weekend’s significant rain hit south of here and so the Oak flows should be maintained at what’s been a real nice medium flow or barely greater and mostly clear.
The other area smaller tributaries ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Tribs hold king salmon, brown trout and steelhead now
Egg sacs in chartreuse, orange or pink and nymphs, glo bugs, woolly buggers are HOT
Upper Niagara River musky fishing picks up with downturn in water temps
Oct. 31, 2018 – Niagara Falls, USA: Burt Dam and 18 Mile Creek continue to be good for ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz

By most all accounts, there is good action on the Oak. Brown trout numbers are definitely picking up and fish reportedly are on the move. Some steelhead have been reported every day too. The end of this past weekend and beginning of this week have been good for hookups around ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

On October 3, Environmental Conservation Officer Jason Smith received a call from a resident of Woodstock (New York) regarding a snake close to his home.
The caller was not certain of the species, but was concerned the snake might be venomous. ECO Smith met the caller at his residence and found ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation
DEC is partnering with the Center for Conservation Social Sciences (CCSS) at Cornell University on a survey of roughly 11,000 randomly-selected New York landowners to better understand public perceptions of and preferences for black bear population levels. The survey is being sent out this fall to owners of both large ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

Did you know that only about 50 percent of hunters report their deer, bear and turkey harvests each year, even though it’s required by law?
Did you know that a hunter can be fined up to $250 for failing to report?
Reporting a harvest within seven days of take is not only ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lower Niagara River salmon fishing is still going on and some trout are starting to move in. There are salmon and trout at Burt Dam, too, but things have been a hot and cold, depending on whom you talk to.
Karen Evarts at the Boat Doctor’s in Olcott, NY, reports only ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz

Most guys are targeting salmon, although more trout anglers are in the mix now too.
There’s likely to be plenty of Kings around for a while yet. Guys are reporting good numbers of fish massed in the last of the slow water areas and there are likely salmon still passing ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

This week’s FINAL LAKE fishing report is from Capt. John Oravec of Tightline’s Charters, September 25, 2018.
Get Ready! The coming weeks are an exciting time for big fish, kings and browns and are now available to the small boat angler fishing in close, out to 20 ft. of water, as well as ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Fall is in the air. Oct. 1 is the opening of a long list of different hunting seasons, including the Southern Zone opening of the early archery season for deer and bear.
With so many things going on, it’s the perfect time to go fishing! The rains that fell Tuesday ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Salmon Snagging is Illegal in New York State
On Sep. 19, Environmental Conservation Officers George Scheer and Shea Mathis were on boat patrol in the Lower Niagara River when they were approached by a group of fishermen in another boat.
The anglers reported an individual in a red shirt blatantly snagging fish ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
Salmon are Staging
Look for Big Runs to Begin in Oak Orchard River soon
So far, it is kind of a mixed bag for salmon-catching opportunities. We have now have strung together a few nights of cool weather helping to lower water temps some. Still no big precipitation events – next chance of ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
The Niagara River salmon action is still going strong according to reports from shoreline casters and boat drifters. From shore, Ricardo Davila of Wheatfield was doing well tossing Booker glow in the dark spinners. Rich Pisa of Kenmore was drifting egg skein under a float along the shoreline around the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

National Hunting and Fishing Day is Saturday, September 22, a tradition since 1972. As you look around Niagara Falls USA, there are a number of exciting events going on this weekend, including the two-day Wildlife Festival sponsored by the New York Power Authority and the Niagara Co. Federation of Conservation ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

Orleans County LAKE fishing report for Sep. 18, 2018, is from Capt. John Oravec of Tightlines Charters
Well, the weather for many enjoying the Orleans County fishing action, it has been wonderful this week!
There are a few matures in the mud-line area in the estuary and up the Oak Orchard ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Fall Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby Winners – BIG FISH!
Kings are coming in closer to shore each day, BE READY
New York Power Authority hosting Wildlife Festival Sept. 22/, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The days are getting shorter as Pacific salmon slowly migrate closer to their home ports.
Last Saturday ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Fall was in the air last weekend as cooler temperatures and rain triggers some early movement into the Niagara River and closer to the mouths of area streams.
Staging kings off Wilson and Olcott were finicky the past few days, forcing boats to head out for more stable conditions starting in ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec
Alert! The big sows are in!!!
After a long day on Monday 8/27/18, guiding two2 separate veteran groups to a bunch of mature Kings 80 down over 120 on cut bait, I switched programs. Troll moved to rough structure in 60′ of water and got more 15 to 22 pound Kings! ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Mature king salmon are moving closer to their natal streams and are starting to darken up in Lake Ontario.
Crazy winds have riled things up a bit, making fishing a bit more difficult.
The Niagara Bar finally turned on for big fish as a 32 pounder was caught, as well as a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Tyler Frantz - Natural Pursuit Outdoors

Bass, Walleye, Lake Trout, Musky…Imagine
All-you-can-eat Crab Legs
Sandy Beaches for kids and family fun
More than 20 Wine Tasting Vineyards within 20 minutes drive
By Tyler Frantz
DUNKIRK, New York- As the 150 Mercury engine on Buffalo-native Ken Christie’s Triton bass boat sliced across choppy roller waves, sending a chilling spray of Erie lake ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

From a tired Captain, the day after Labor Day…
Fish on and Happy Labor Day from everyone at Orleans County Tourism, the Fishing Fleet and the supporting area merchants that make coming to the “Oak” the top Great Lakes Fishing Package again this year!
Whether you are a local fisher-person going out ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

LAKE REPORT from Capt. John Oravec of Tightlines Charters:
Happy Fisherman from Minnesota with one of the 3 Salmon he caught. Not bad for his first time fishing on Lake Ontario. Courtesy of Mike Grager
This week we were blessed with two fisheries, both in shore with red hot action! Fishery #1: lots of ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Ken Perrotte

By Ken Perrotte
I’ve often heard Lake Erie described as the best walleye fishing in the United States, but never made an opportunity to fish this lake and see just how “Great” it is. After seeing how quickly we were able to catch two boat limits of fish in early August ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced that special permits will be issued for the opening weekend of duck season to hunt waterfowl at two popular state-managed locations.
The permit requirement applies to waterfowl hunting at the Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas located primarily in ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lucky Man Survives Gaboon Viper Bite
Snake Was Illegal
Man Had No Permit
New York – A Staten Island was bitten on the hand by a deadly Gaboon Viper (Bitis Gabonica) while the man was
cleaning its cage and was transported to Jacobi Medical Center in Bronx County. The Gaboon viper is a snake ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

In New York, trout and trout anglers have benefited from abundant rainfall and cool weather conditions this spring that promote the growth and survival of trout and salmon.
However, with the forecast for high temperatures this weekend through next week, it is important to remember that trout and salmon are coldwater ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Business Takes a NEW Direction
Lure of Autumn Bass Fishing, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon
Sights of Colorful Foliage
Plans for Waterfowl Hunting, Stream Fishing for Brook Trout
By Forrest Fisher
My workday plan was busy with a business trip from New York City to Montreal. The airport traffic was heavy, the security lines long, longer ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
WHO: Rush Outdoors TV & Barcelona Charters Teams Up to Catch Fish
WHERE: Eastern Basin Lake Erie, Barcelona Harbor, Chautauqua County, New York
WHAT: Catching Walleye and Lake Trout
HOW: Troll Speed: 2.3-2.5mph; Water Depth: 130-135 feet; Fish Depth: 75-85 feet; Water Temp: 66 degrees
GETTING TO THE FISH: Downriggers, Divers, 8-color and 10-color ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

On July 6, Lt. Dave McShane and ECO Paul Sherman responded to a report of an injured Bald Eagle on an undeveloped island on Cross Lake. The eagle had been spotted by kayakers unable to provide specific information on the location of the raptor.
The two officers searched the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
2017 Angler Survey Catch Rates are nearly THREE TIMES GREATER than 30-Year Average
Anglers Harvested More than 70,000 Walleye in 2017
Walleye Fishing Expected to Remain Exceptional for Years to Come
Stickbaits, spinner/worm rigs and spoons fished in, or just above, the thermocline in summer last year, produced limits of walleye for anglers ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Silent Presentation is KEY
Simple Fishing Rigs can be MOST EFFECTIVE
Quality Line, Sharp Hooks, Stiff Rod can help ASSURE Hookup & Catch
By Forrest Fisher
When does the adventure of a short fishing trip become special?
After that unforgettable connection to big fish success.
When the fun is non-stop spontaneous.
When you realize something very good ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Drop-Shot Rigs Simplify Lure Location
Venom Worms Offer Unique Action on Drop-Shot Rigs
Colors, Bottom-Weight, Make a Difference
By Forrest Fisher
When the wind on Lake Erie kicks up waves that churn over the top of the 7-foot breakwall at Chadwick Bay in Dunkirk, New York, it’s too rough to go bass fishing there. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Hot Walleye Bites, is it YOUR TURN?
CHANGE Lures, Speed, Turn Radius, Time of Day You Fish
CHECK Colors, Leaders, Hooks – Control Hand Odor Scent
By Forrest Fisher
Many anglers in the Northeast USA and especially in Western New York, have a preference for Lake Erie walleye fishing. Many of them are ready ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

There is a lot of great fishing going on this week off the “Oak” in Orleans County. One group of fishermen, charter and “Rec” boats are coming back to port happy by trolling 55 to 135 ft of water, mainly east of the harbor from the west end of the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

East wind has shifted action, but the bite is HOT
Spoons and flasher-fly combo’s are effective
Look for Kings to start staging off Niagara River mouth
Lake Ontario has three different fishing derbies going on this weekend.
The Orleans County Rotary Derby has been going on for 2 weeks, ending this Sunday, August 19 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lots of fish near Lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario
Tournaments offering large prizes for many age groups
King Salmon on the big bite with right winds
We’re at the half-way point of the Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey Derby, ending on Sunday, August 26 at 1 p.m. It’s still not too late to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

It is the “high season” off the Oak for Lake Ontario salmonid sportfishing and the fleet is crushing quality silver fish in many areas!
Fishermen, Fisherwomen and especially Fisherkids are seeing ACTION from 200-550 ft of water, running spoon programs 45 to 75 ft down.
The big northeast winds early Thursday rolled cold water ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Hunting & Trapping Newsletter brings news of a veteran spring turkey hunter from New York that bagged a bird with rare triple spurs
This spring, retired DEC biologist and avid turkey hunter Bill Hollister knew he had found something rare after he ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Kings are on the move Early and Close to Shore!
Spoons, Lures, Meat…all working
Fishing Forecast and Tournament Results (August 2, 2018)
August is a crazy time of year for fishing because of the number of fishing contests and because the fishing is usually so darn good. Salmon are reaching their peak size ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

King Salmon are Staging in Lake Ontario off Niagara River
Bass and Walleye Hitting in River
Contests in Progress and in the Future, Sign-Up
Salmon fishing in the lake is moving along at a steady clip and the Niagara River action is improving.
In the Niagara River, it won’t be long before the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

Long days + heavy catches + loads of high quality silver fish = the “High Season” for anglers that are visiting and fishing the Trout and Salmon Grounds of Orleans County! Longtime known as “Home of the King”, the ongoing migration offers all year classes of Chinook plus a “mambo” brown trout ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Plentiful Walleye, Bass, Yellow Perch, Steelhead, Lake Trout, Musky
Fun, Adventure, Camaraderie, Unforgettable Memories
Tasty Eating, Extraordinary New Friends, Discovery
By Forrest Fisher
For all of us that fish Lake Erie for walleye from New York or Canada, this summer has been one to remember. The fish have been cooperative, close to home and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Budd Schroeder

By Budd Schroeder – July 16, 2018
America is heading for deep trouble and it is because of the actions and philosophy of the liberal leftists and socialists. Actually, socialism is high on the agenda of the left and is getting big pushes from the major media and many colleges and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

This week’s fishing report is from Capt. John Oravec of Tightlines Charters.
As Sonny and Cher once sang: “And the Beat Goes On!” There is a steady traffic of fishing boats. I counted over 50 on the weekend rigged for Salmon action and getting it! Boats from Vermont, Ohio, New Jersey, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Secrets to Finding Out Where Summer Walleye Live?
Color is a Factor, Pearlescent Coatings Improve Attraction Rates
Check Terminal Tackle and Leaders to Assure Hooked Fish come to Net
By Forrest Fisher
Captain Brad Smith had an ear to ear grin as we walked up to his dock at Monroe Marina on Barcelona Harbor ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

Finding Infestations of Asian Longhorned Beetles Early Saves Money and Trees
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today encouraged New York pool owners to participate in DEC’s annual Asian Longhorned Beetle Swimming Pool Survey during the month of August. This is the time of year when Asian Longhorned ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

King salmon fishing continues to be good to very good on Lake Ontario. With the good is the bad though. The sea fleas have been a nuisance. A new LOC Derby leader came to the scales out of Wilson this past week when Scott Foster of North Tonawanda recorded a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Wednesday, July 18, 2018 from Destination Niagara USA
Salmon fishing continues to be very good in the lake out of Wilson, Olcott and out of Fort Niagara on the Niagara Bar. It’s too late to sign up for the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association’s ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Colin Moore

FLW Costa Series/Northern Division: Lake Erie – Buffalo, NY
WHEN: Early Bite was Best
WHAT: Rigs – TOP 5 PATTERNS…Drop Shots and Tubes were effective
WHERE: Sand/gravel and rock/gravel bottom areas held fish
Fishery: 4lbs-4oz separates top 44 places!
Big Bass of Day: 6lbs-6oz
by Colin Moore/Courtesy of FLW
EDITOR NOTE: Day 2 and Day 3 of ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Capt. John Oravec

Lake Ontario Fishing News from Tightline’s Charters – July 24, 2018.
By Capt. John Oravec
The Lake Ontario waters off Point Breeze – simply put – are teaming with big king salmon after a big nor’easter storm caused the inside water to roll over. A classic upwelling, the salmon are feeding ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

Approximately $525,000 in grant funding, made available by the state’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), is now available through the new Trees for Tributaries Grant Program to support riparian tree planting projects for communities across New York State. This funding is available to municipalities, academic institutions and not-for-profits, for projects that ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

This coming weekend is the start of the Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Trout and Salmon derby, set to kick off June 30 and run through July 29. The summer contest runs for a month, offering up $29,000 in cash prizes. Included in the mix is a $10,000 Grand Prize for ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation

In warm weather, fields and yards quickly become a jungle of wild flowers, grasses and other greenery. While those fields of green may be a chore to landowners, it provides habitat for many animals. Ground nesting birds use these areas to construct their nests and raise their young.
Rabbits and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario is continuing to offer up a mix of good fishing opportunities for Salmon and Trout.
Scott Foster of North Tonawanda took over the lead in the Summer LOC Derby with a 26 pound, 15 ounce salmon while fishing out of Wilson with a Dreamweaver spoon on July 5. No ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Scott Croft

Proposed legislation to have ‘adverse impact’ on boating
By Scott Croft
WHAT: The New York Senate and Assembly are considering legislation, SB 9092 and AB 9806a, that would require all boat operators in the Empire State to complete a boating safety course within one year. Currently only those born after May 1996 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

It’s a Free Fishing Days weekend in New York State and Niagara Falls USA has plenty of things going on to get a line wet. This coming Saturday, June 23, there will be a kids fishing derby at the Town of Newfane Marina in Olcott for kids ages 4 to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

The third Saturday in June is the statewide opening of the regular bass season and Great Lakes muskellunge season. To help kick the bass season off, there are plenty of options going on such as the 1st Annual Brauer’s Restaurant Opening Day Bass Contest. This fun competition is for two-person ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Simple Fishing, Simple Fun, NEW METHOD
Peaceful Fishing Fun with Time to Share Conversation
Braided Line, Fluorocarbon Leaders, Sharp Hooks
By Forrest Fisher
“There’s one!” Frank shared, “Can you get the net Forrest.” It was actually, to be more correct, “another one.”
We started at 7 in the morning on the Friday before Memorial ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

A complete list of season dates and bag limits for each zone can be found on the DEC website. The waterfowl hunter task force rationale can be found at Duck Season Dates. Hunters interested in printing the pocket guide can find it at 2018-2019 Waterfowl Season Pocket Guide (PDF). Hard ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Fish Bite is HOT!
Upper Niagara River, Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario
Smallmouth Bass, King Salmon, Walleye, Brown Trout, MORE
What a week is all we can say. The start of the Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby kicked off, the CIPS International Fishing Congress was going on and the Salmon Slam ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

LOC Contest Winners Announced…BIG CASH WINNER$
Big Salmon, Big Brown Trout, Big Walleye, Lots of Smallmouth
It’s a Good Time to Be Fishing Niagara!
Congratulations to all of the derby and tournament winners! In the Wilson Harbor Invitational tournament last Saturday, it was Tom Allen’s A-Tom-Mik team winning the $20,000 check by ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
Water Clarity Slowly Clearing in Trib’s
Fishing Pressure is Light, GET OUT HERE!
Look for Steelies, Browns and Rainbows as Waters Shift to Warmer
By Ron Bierstine, Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge
Nice spring weather is hanging in with warmer temps through the beginning part of this week. Flows in the Oak are ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

May 9, 2018 Fishing Report and Advice for Catching Fish
King’s Coho’s and Lake trout action in Lake Ontario is HOT
Smallmouth Bass in Lake Erie, Lower Niagara and Trib’s is HOT
It’s Tournament Time, check out the schedules below
It’s time for the long-awaited International Fishing Congress in Downtown Niagara Falls USA and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

Cattaraugus County Black Crappie Topples Old Benchmark
St. Lawrence County Walleye Shatters Former Record
Two new state fishing records were set over the course of one weekend in New York recently, State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.
“High quality fishing opportunities abound across New York and announcing ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation
NYS Spring Turkey Season Opens May 1 at 30 minutes before Sunrise, thru Noon each day
Spring Turkey Season Ends May 31, Bag Limit is 2 male birds/season
Chautauqua County, NY had Highest Hunter Turkey Harvest in 2017
Spring turkey season opens May 1 in all of upstate New York, north of the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Much warmer temperatures blanketed the area this week, bringing winds and some thunderstorms the tail end of the week. The temperature spike did trigger some fish to hit for the 23rd Annual Niagara Spring Media Event that was happening all week in Western New York waters.
Because of the winds, one ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

New York Motorists Encouraged to Safely Move Turtles to Side of the Road
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded the public that the state’s native turtles are on the move in May and June, seeking sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs. Drivers that ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Smelt Run is Triggered by Rising Water Temps
Lower River Fishing is HOT for Steelies, Lakers
Warming Trend – Fish are Dropping Back in Trib’s
It looks like the weather is finally breaking. Lower river drifters were doing well again according to Capt. Frank Campbell of Niagara Falls. He has hit steelhead and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus

I Bird NY Engages New Yorkers of All Ages and Abilities in Beginning Birding
Connecting New Yorkers with Nature
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos recently announced the launch of two birding challenges for 2018 through the State’s “I BIRD NY” program. I BIRD NY was launched ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
This week’s Orleans County (NY) fishing report is from Ron Bierstine at Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge, 3/27/18:
Looks like we are finally getting our warm-up! Forecast thru this week is for high temps in the 40’s or near 50°F. Precipitation is expected today thru tonight and a chance again Thursday.
For ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
April 1 was the designated opener for the NY Power Authority Fishing Platform in the Niagara Gorge and the reservoir is now open for business as of April 1, too. However, a wind storm is ripping through the region today and a high wind warning is in place. Thanks to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Thursday, March 22, 2018 – Destination Niagara USA
Tribs are plentiful with Steelhead and Brown Trout
Olcott and Wilson Pier fishing is Good
Bullhead Contest at Wilson Conservation Club – APRIL 6
Despite a lack of precipitation, steelhead and brown trout are still being caught with regularity in ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
We finally saw some warmer temperatures this week as the thermometer hit the 50 degree mark for the first time in March. We also received some rain which should draw even more trout into the tributaries. More rain is expected tonight. In the lower Niagara River, conditions have been clear ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
NYS Dept. of Env. Conservation
Hunters in New York Harvested More than 200,000 Deer during 2017-18 Hunting Seasons
By NYSDEC
Hunters in New York State enjoyed another successful year, harvesting an estimated 203,427 deer during the 2017-18 hunting seasons Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.
“Deer hunting in New York is a cherished and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Bullheads too!
Fish are biting off 3-way Rigs/Minnows
NYPA Platform Still Closed due to High Water and Ice
The signs of spring are all around us!
The New York Power Authority started pulling the ice boom at the head of the Niagara River where it meets up with Lake ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
If you are looking for some sort of a fishing update, the easiest way to describe our situation right now is that it’s a mess. Mother Nature took a few weeks to play some April Fool’s chicanery by throwing up a complete smorgasbord of weather wizardry that included excessive rains, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
Happy 1st Day of Spring!
Fish Numbers are Good, Fishing Pressure is Light
Oak Orchard Creek, Johnson Creek, other tribs – All have Fish
By Ron Bierstine – Oak Orchard Tackle and Lodge
Happy First Day of Spring!
Clear but cold-ish weather is forecast thru the week with highs in the 30’s. No impact is ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
It’s March 15 and it’s the final day of walleye, northern pike, tiger musky and pickerel fishing seasons in New York. We’re also less than a week from the arrival of spring. However, someone forgot to tell Mother Nature. We were dumped on again, with another 6 to 8 inches ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
Winter is Waning, Rising Water on All Flows
Look for Steelies in the Smaller Flows
See Fishing Report Updates: http://fishoakorchard.com/steam-conditions/
This week’s fishing report is from Ron Bierstine at Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge.
Thanks to last week ending with a couple days of cold temps, flows had actually retreated quicker than anticipated ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
By Ron Bierstine at Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge
Through the weekend and right now, flows in the Oak are medium or maybe just slightly more than medium. There were reports that flows retreated yesterday and that may have just been a temporary thing. Water color is clearing with 2 ft ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Anglers – Ice Fish for Walleye
Hunters – Get Ready for Goose Season
Families: It’s Maple Syrup Time and Late Winter Adventures
Chautauqua, New York – Feb. 22, 2018: Winter Fishing – Anglers on Chautauqua Lake have enjoyed one of the finest ice fishing seasons in several years. Huge crappie over three pounds, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Boat Action and Shore Action is GOOD!
WNY Sport & Travel Expo set for March 8-11, 2018
Today is the final day of the NYS Winter Classic competition. That doesn’t mean the fishing will stop though. Lower river action has been good to very good for boaters bouncing bottom with three-way rigs. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Feb. 22, 2018 – Destination Niagara USA
Stream & River Levels, Coloration – Subject to Weather Swings
Fresh Fish are Entering Streams
Use Caution if Going Ice Fishing
Activities: Boat Show NOW, Outdoor Expo – Mar. 8-11, Alberto Rey at Orvis, Feb. 25 – NOON
It’s been a roller ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Thursday, March 8, 2018 – from Destination Niagara USA
It’s starting to feel like spring a bit. The time changes on Saturday as we “spring” ahead, the days are growing longer, and the sun is a little higher in the sky.
The WNY Sport and Travel Expo is also here, the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
By Ron Bierstine, Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge
Weather forecast has been changeable so far this week. The forecasted storm for tonight and tomorrow is expected to bring more snow then rain. The beginning of the storm is expected for rain south of here and then the overspread on the WNY ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Clear Water, Lots of Fish
Brought to you by Destination Niagara USA
With Lake Erie some 90 percent ice covered, the Niagara River is becoming very clear, making things a bit more difficult to be consistent on the water.
One tip is to downsize your presentation with slightly smaller baits like egg sacs ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
2018 Niagara Outdoor Expo IS ON this Weekend
You can FISH THRU the EXPO
Learn at the EXPO, Over 120 Seminars!
Yes, people are catching fish, but you do have to work for them. More importantly, right now, is the fact that the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo is about to open, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
As this is being written, it’s February 1 and the temperature is near 40 degrees.
The sun is shining. However, before the day is over the temperatures will plummet into the teens and it is supposed to be cold all weekend. That will continue into next week.
In the meantime, fishing ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Walleye, Steelhead, Trout ON-THE-BITE in Soft Winter Water of Lower NIAGARA RIVER
Forecast/Report for Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018
In the ice fishing arena, it’s been a good ice fishing year so far but with the recent rain and warm weather, you will rally want to be very careful out there. The last ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
By Ron Bierstine, Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge
All of the area tributary flows are on the rise from a couple days of warm temps. The warm temps have caused more snow melt, whereby most of the area snow pack and snow piles have gone away, except for protected woods.
Smaller tributaries ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
Oak Orchard River – Winter Steelhead News
Water Visibility
This week’s fishing report is from Ron Bierstine at Oak Orchard Tackle & Lodge: “Something like 6 – 8 inches of light snow accumulated from yesterday and today. Seasonal temps are in the forecast today and a little warmer tomorrow with colder temps ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Destination Niagara USA: Where Adventure Comes Naturally
Temperatures continue to put a damper on open water anglers in the Niagara River and in area tributaries. However, that’s going to change for the better this weekend as temperatures will shoot up into the 30s and it may even hit the 40 degree ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Lower Niagara River Fishing is BACK ON
Ice Fishing in Wilson and Olcott Harbors is HOT
Greater Niagara Fishing & Outdoor Show is ON, Jan. 19- 21
A January thaw is already underway in Western NY and it could spell good news all the way around for anglers. For starters, the lower Niagara ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
Winter is Here, Temps in Single Digits, use CAUTION
Look for Browns, Steelies in Deep Pools
Erie Canal Repairs and Dewatering Complete
The Today is Tuesday December 26, 2017.
The winter season is now in full swing with us having a very white Christmas. Temperatures will dip into the teens during the day and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Record-breaking cold and adverse weather conditions have put a damper on fishing action in Western New York.
The lower Niagara River was too stained to fish on Tuesday, but there is hope for the weekend if not before. However, the extreme cold may keep people from being on the water or ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
While weather forecasters are calling for a white Christmas followed by a blast of Arctic air from the North Country, anglers right now have been limited in where they can get a line wet. High winds, rain and snow melt contributed to muddy conditions in the Niagara River both above ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Coho Salmon Making NEWS in Lake Ontario Trib’s RIGHT NOW
Big Brown Trout are Numerous this Season
Cold Weather Slowing Down Shore and Boat Access this Week
Back-to-back storms in Western New York had an impact on some of the fishing opportunities last week and weather continues to influence where and when ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
Salmon Still Can be Found at Waterport Dam
Trib Fishing is Good
Winter Fishing, Be safe, Watch for Shore Ice
The Erie Canal is in the process of being dewatered again, which is providing good water flows in many of the tributaries within Orleans County.
On the “Oak” there are still some salmon available ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
A good old-fashioned snow storm hit Western New York this week. In fact, it’s still going on south of Buffalo. So far, it hasn’t touched Niagara Falls USA with snow, but it did impact water conditions in the Niagara River. Rain and high winds hit first, creating a muddy mess ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
Today is Tuesday December 12, 2017.
Well the crews must have finished their work on the Erie Canal and the canal has been refilled to check the repairs. Once everything passes inspection the system should be dewatered again for the winter. For the tributaries within Orleans County this means added ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Imagine 79 days of Legal Big Game Hunting
Imagine 79 days of Hunting for $52 Cost
Imagine 7 Deer Harvest Bag Limit
All True, yet there are STILL TOO MANY DEER
New York NEEDS MORE HUNTERS!
By Forrest Fisher
Remember those days in school when the teacher said, “Time up, pens down!”
New York deer hunters ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Lynne Menz
Today is Tuesday December 5, 2017.
Well it looks like the vacation from warm weather may be over with rain and snow in the forecast over the next week or two. With the on and off rain today, tributary levels and clarity of the tributaries within Orleans County should remain at ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Today is Tuesday November 21, 2017.
Milder weather seems to be the rule over the next week or two with only a slight chance of snow in the forecast.
Although this is a great forecast for tributary fishermen, I’m sure that the hunters would prefer to have at least some snow to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
New York Power Authority fishing platform FISHING IS STILL HOT
Jigs, ¼ ounce, Working to Fool Walleye and Brown Trout
Trib’s have Fish TOO
The water in the Niagara River is still in bad shape according to many of the local charter captains looking to target musky in the upper river or trout ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Trout/Salmon Trib Fishing is GOOD
Mile Weather this Week
Erie Canal Continues to Supply Trib Water Flow
Mild and pleasant weather conditions continue for our area well into the next week or so with just a slight chance of rain. Fishing conditions on all of the tributaries within Orleans County are very good ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
At the time of this report, it was starting to rain.
After a very windy day yesterday, the wind and/or rain combo could negatively affect water clarity in places like the Niagara River or some of the smaller streams off Lake Ontario. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t catch fish.
The ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Fresh Trout/Salmon are in Trib’s
Upper Oak is HOT with BROWN TROUT
Lake Alice Crappie Bite Starting
Today is Tuesday November 7, 2017
More seasonal weather has finally arrived along with an abundance of rain. Here in Western New York we are well on the way to setting new records for the amount ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Fishing is Switching Gears with Colder Weather
Smaller Streams HAVE FISH NOW, especially AFTER EVERY RAIN
Musky Tournament is ON, Nov. 5
Weather conditions have certainly impacted the fishing this past week. High winds and rain resulted in water temperatures dropping 5 degrees since last weekend. That said, it could be just what ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Olcott Pier: Salmon and ONE BIG MUSKY!
Trib’s Hold Lots of Fish after Every Rain
Shore Fishing and Boat Fishing is VERY GOOD
There are many fishing activities going on right now so you will have to pick
and choose what you want to do.
For example, salmon fishing is good in Olcott right now ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Runs of Trout/Salmon ON_AGAIN, OFF-AGAIN
Lake Alice Bass Action Good on Upper Stretch
St. Mary’s Archers Club Derby was SUCCESSFUL
Today is Tuesday October 24, 2017.
The temperature yo-yo continues with the temperatures looking more like late September than late October.
Runs of all of the cold-water species are on again and off again on ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Trout/Salmon are in Trib’s
Trib’s will Offer GOOD Action into Winter
Lake Alice Bass Action Good on Upper Stretch
Today is Tuesday October 31, 2017.
This Halloween, the trick is to make the perfect cast with that special fly to that very special spot and catch that ever-elusive fish you have been dreaming ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Hunters are Encouraged to Pass on Young Bucks
With the start of New York’s most popular big game season slated for Saturday, Nov. 18, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos is encouraging hunters to be safe, enjoy the natural beauty of the environment, and consider passing ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Devil’s Hole Stairs to Gorge – Repaired and Reopened!
Big Musky on a Good Bite All Week
Walleye, Steelhead and Lake Trout fishing good from Shore and Boat
There’s another storm blowing in this weekend, but Niagara County could luck out on some of the rain and white stuff, should it arrive. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
FREE FISHING DAY in New York on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11
Orange/Blue are Hot Colors for Eggs, Lures and Wooly Booger’s
Musky Tournament Rescheduled from Nov. 5 to Nov. 12
After some intense weather over the weekend and cold weather blowing in the end of this week, you will have to pick and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Rainy Week Triggered King’s and Coho in all the Trib’s
Kings, Browns and Coho’s Wacking Baits – FROM SHORE TOO
Bass, Walleye Still Biting in Upper Niagara/Lake Erie
Recent rains earlier in the week triggered a big slug of salmon and trout to run into many of the Lake Ontario tributaries, including 18-Mile ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Trout/Salmon in the Trib’s Now
Lake Alice Bass Action Still Good
St. Mary’s Archers Club Tourney set for Oct. 18-20th
Today is Tuesday October 10, 2017.
This is the time of year that the crispness in the air and the changing of the leaves begs us to get outside and enjoy the wonders that ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Paddle-tail Jigs Entice Deepwater Smallmouth Bass during PEAK Color Foliage
October Fishing on Lake George offers Exhilarating FUN, Finesse Fishing
Morning Fog is Part of Stirring Fishing ADVENTURE
By Forrest Fisher
The air tasted fresh. One ray of sunlight was flickering through a tall tree to the east, lighting up ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Trout/Salmon in the Trib’s Now, but Spotty
Lake Alice Bass Action Still Good in Upper Stretch
St. Mary’s Archers Club Tourney ON – Oct. 18-20th
Today is Tuesday October 17, 2017.
The cool down of last night brought frost to some areas, but not the nearby shoreline of Lake Ontario. Temperatures will be back ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Olcott Pier and Burt Dam turn on!
Watch wind for Pier Action hot bite.
Lower River Shore Fishing has been HOT
There are plenty of fish around to be caught!
Scott Scheffler, Marina Director for the Town of Newfane and heading up Fisherman’s Park at Burt Dam/18 Mile Creek, reports that some dandy brown ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
King’s, Coho Salmon on Niagara Bar ON-THE-MOVE to Devil’s Hole
Browns Biting at Night from Shore
Rainy Weather May Cause Big Run
Bass & Walleye Biting in Upper Niagara/Lake Erie
Get ready for another slug of fish to arrive in the lower Niagara River and area tributaries off Lake Ontario! Both wind and rain ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Trout/Salmon Hitting Early Mornings and Evenings
St. Mary’s Archers Club Tourney Oct. 18-20th
Today is Tuesday October 3, 2017.
With temperatures warming back up again the migration of fish up our tributaries has slowed just a bit.
There are a good number of salmon at the Oak Orchard dam below Waterport Reservoir (Lake Alice) ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Cool-down Has Lake Ontario Fish Moving
Point Breeze Pier Casters Getting Some Fish
Bass Fishing Still Good on Lake Alice & Erie Canal
Today is Tuesday, Sep. 12, 2017.
The cool down in the temperatures at night have started to move pre-spawn trout and salmon even closer to the tributaries that they will be ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Sept. 7, 2017
39-3 King Salmon WINS LOC!
King Salmon Fishing IS ON for SHORE ANGLERS
Reports for Lake Ontario, Lower Niagara River, Upper Niagara River, Lake Erie
Daniel Clinger from Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, won the Fall Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby with a huge king ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Weather Warm-Up will Cool-Down Lake Ontario Fish Movement in Trib’s
Archer’s Club Tourney Coming Up on the “Oak,” see Details
Smallmouth Fishing Good on Lake Alice
Today is Tuesday September 19, 2017.
Well it looks like we are in for another long stretch of pleasant summerlike weather conditions. This should slow down the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for September 21, 2017
Egg Skein from Boats is #1
Glow-In Dark Spoons are Hot from Shore
Increasing Near-Record Temp’s Could Slow Run
The salmon run is happening in the Niagara River right now from both boat and shore. From boat, treated egg skein is the ticket. From ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Trout/Salmon Moving from Trib’s Back to Lake
St. Mary’s Archers Club Tourney Oct. 18th-20th
ERIE CANAL SET TO CLOSE on Oct. 11
Today is Tuesday September 26, 2017.
Where have these summerlike temperatures been all summer?
Trout and salmon are moving back out into the lake from their near-shore haunts and lake fishing is fantastic ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
FLW Costa Series to Buffalo, NY
Competition Event Set for July 26-28, 2018
Eastern Lake Erie Bass Fishing Resource DRAWS WORLD CLASS ANGLERS
Abundant Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass will Provide Highlight for Region
BUFFALO, N.Y. – September 8, 2017 – On July 26th – 28th, Buffalo will welcome an estimated field of 150 boats ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
King Salmon are SNAPPING! The Run is ON.
Lake Ontario, Niagara River, Piers, Creeks – All Have Fish.
Shore or Boat, Grab Your Gear.
The salmon are snapping all around Niagara Falls USA as the mighty fish have shown up in the Niagara River and off the piers in Olcott. Lake action is ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
King’s and Coho Salmon Slowed by Warm Weather
Bass, Walleye, Silver Bass being caught by Shore Anglers
Cold Front this Weekend Will Bring Fish Back to Lower River and Trib’s
A cold front finally came through the Western New York area, bringing some much-needed relief from the heat.
With some 15 days of 80-plus ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Lower Niagara River, Wilson Harbor and Olcott Harbor ALL Provide Easy Access to Big Ocean-sized Fish
Boat Trollers and Pier Casters both SCORE on Fall King Salmon
Charter Fishing from a Boat is FUN, Affordable and Comfortable
By Forrest Fisher
With water levels slowly returning to normal, late summer on Lake Ontario means fishing ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
LOC Ends Soon: 39 lbs – 3 oz King in Lead(51 inches long!)
Recent North Wind, Lake Turnover, Cold Water Close to Shore
PIER FISHING Fishing for King Salmon is STARTING
FISH ODYSSEY Tourney Winners Announced
Brought to you by Destination Niagara USA, Aug. 31, 2017
The 41st Annual Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey Derby ended ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
LOC Derby Ends Sep. 4
Lure Selection Tips
Lake Alice Bass Fishing Still Good
Today is Tuesday August 29, 2017.
There is still time to enter the Fall LOC Derby and collect some of the great cash prizes that are up for grabs. The derby ends on Monday September 4th at 1 PM with ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Lake Ontario Fishing Derbies Start this Weekend
Get ready to Rumble – Lake Ontario fishing style! This weekend, there will be three different fishing derbies going on, as well as a ladies tournament.
The Fall Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby kicks off on August 18 and runs through Labor Day. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
King’s Salmon are Schooling on Niagara Bar
Derby Results Yield 30-pound King Miracle Win
Big Fish Catching is on RIGHT NOW
Brought to you by Destination Niagara USA
Last weekend there were three fishing derbies and a tournament going on in Niagara Falls USA waters.
John Van Hoff of North Tonawanda went out ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Lake Ontario – The hottest action out deep has been for steelhead off Wilson and Olcott. Boats have been heading out to 400-500 feet of water for salmon and trout, but most of the fish have been nice steelhead taken on spoons.
Flasher-fly will work for trout but if there are ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
The “Great Lakes Experience” EVENT is Exemplary
Allowing Lures, Lines, Rigs, Rules and Laws, to Meet Each Other
Communication, Great Fishing and Laughter Create EFFECTIVE FUN
Summer Fishing for Lake Erie Walleye in Chautauqua County, NY
By Forrest Fisher
If there is a language common between anglers and fish, they were talking to each other ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Rotary Derby Awards this Sunday
Mid-Level Fishing producing King Salmon
Border Water Fishing producing Steelies & Salmon
Today is Tuesday August 15, 2017.
By request, the Orleans County Hotline Report will now be updated every Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
First, the location of the Rotary Derby Awards Ceremony this Sunday has been changed from the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
King of the Oak Tournament News
King Salmon and Coho’s have New Location
Lake Alice Bass Fishing
Today is Tuesday August 22, 2017.
There were a lot of derbies and tournaments going on this weekend with some fantastic catches brought to the scales.
The “King-of-the Oak” Tournament was postponed on Saturday due to a ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Free for Kids 10 to 110 Years of Age
No Experience necessary
Classes Conducted at State University of NY at Fredonia
The Children in the Stream Youth Fly Fishing Program will be starting its eighteenth year of providing weekly free fly tying and fly fishing classes to youth and adults in the western ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
ADRIAN COLLEGE WINS YETI-FLW NORTHERN CONFERENCE
Jarret Martin & Zachary Graham Haul in 20 Bass, Weigh 5 biggest: 16lbs-3oz
Presented by Bass Pro Shops
CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. (July 24, 2017) – The Adrian College duo of Jarrett Martin and Zachary Graham, both of Gallipolis, Ohio, won the YETI FLW College Fishing Northern Conference tournament at Chautauqua Lake. Presented ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Public Comments on the Draft Plan Accepted Through September 1
Goal: Protect Wild Whitetail Deer, Moose and Captive Elk and Other Species
New York is Leading Way to Protect Wildlife and Hunter Resources
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the release of a draft New York ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
After the hard northeast blow on Lake Ontario, trollers were forced out to more stable water in the 300 foot to 500 foot depth contour off Wilson and Olcott.
Spin doctors and flies have been attracting a few mature kings, Coho salmon and steelhead. Spoons are also working consistently out ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
Bear struck by car, scared, climbed tree
Bear was tranquilized and examined
Released to Coyle Hill State Forest, Allegany County
On July 5, Environmental Conservation Officer’s Russ Calanni and Jason Powers, and Lt. Don Pleakis and Division of Wildlife staff, worked to safely remove a black bear that had climbed a tree in ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Black bears have been active stealing food.
Campers, hikers, and rock climbers om alert in two locations
Campers and hikers are encouraged to keep all food, toiletries, and garbage in a bear resistant canister to avoid attracting black bears.
Campers are also advised to avoid cooking and eating after dark. Prepare and eat ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
The Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association held its annual club tournament(s) last weekend and some impressive fish were caught. At the top of the list is the current leader in the Lake Ontario Counties trout and salmon derby, a 32 pound – 4 ounce king caught by Sandra Brown ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
LOC Summer Derby Results are in
31 pound, 10 ounce Orleans County Salmon is WINNER
Summer Fish are on the Big Bite
Today is Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017.
First, I’d like to congratulate the winners of the Summer LOC Derby, especially those that were caught out of Orleans County. Out of Orleans County, we ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Integrated Map Provides Fish Locations, Shore Fishing Access, Boat Access
Depth Contours ZERO-IN on Hotspot Fishing Locations
Bait Shops, Marina Locations, Shipwrecks, ALL HERE…ALL FREE
By Forrest Fisher
There is a NEW interactive, online, Western New York Hotspot Fishing Map application that is yours FREE at this link: https://wnyfishing.mrf.com.
The regional website map has been ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Summer Fish are on the Big Bite
LOC Summer Derby is ON
31 pound, 10 ounce Salmon is LOC Leader
Today is Wednesday July 19, 2017.
Rain is in the forecast off and on through the end of next week, but it sounds like more of a quick shower or two than the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Thursday, July 20, 2017
The King Salmon fishing in Lake Ontario is one of the hottest bites going, especially in the waters off Niagara County! “Salmon fishing has been on fire at the Niagara Bar in 120 to 180 feet of water,” says Jake Joseph of Jiggin’ Jake’s Charters. “The fish ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
For Wed. July 12, 2017
Salmon, Trout, Bass, Walleye, Musky…WOW!
Water levels are continuing to come down in Lake Ontario to the delight of boaters and landowners. However, even the high water levels have not had any negative effects on fishing in the lake.
Salmon fishing continues to be very good out on ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
LOC Derby Fishing Helps Find Fish
Fish for a Cure starts This Week
Erie Canal Tourney is ON!
Today is Wednesday July 12, 2017.
It seems like this appears in my report a lot, but rain is in the forecast for most of the rest of this week, except for Saturday and into ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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.
Don’t take my word for it, though, just ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
LOC Derby Starts June 30!
Weather Changes Has Affected Fishing Access
Today is Wednesday June 28, 2017.
Yesterday Mother Nature gave us cooler temperatures, wind, rain, waves and even a water spout on Lake Ontario, just to show us who is really in control. With all of those conditions going on, fishing ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Fishing Catching Details and Forecast (June 29, 2017)
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Orleans County Lake Ontario Open Winners
Unpredictable Weather Affecting Lake Patterns
Bluegills & Bass at Lake Alice
Today is Wednesday June 14, 2017.
First I would like to congratulate the top 3 finishers in the Orleans County Open Tournament, Ed Monette of team Cannonball Runner, Vince Pierleoni of team Thrillseeker and Dave Siegfried ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
New York State Conservationist for Kids is FREE
Useful Outdoor Discovery Articles
Environmental Education Information for All Ages
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Erie and Harbors
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Dave Barus
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Today is Wednesday – May 24, 2017
Condor Derby: June 9
Orleans County Open: June 10-11
Bald Eagle Marina Open for Launching
Rain off and on will not help the water level in Lake Ontario any time soon.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers the Lake Ontario water level is still more than ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Kings, Coho’s, Lures
Lake Ontario Water Levels Still High
Upper Niagara & Lower Niagara Action
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
LOC Derby Winners Announced
Water Levels Still High
Big Fish and Favorite Lures
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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
Those zip-lines with strange looking towers on the hills in the distance of places we travel definitely beckon ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Heavy Rains Curb Trib Fishing for a Few Days
Emerald Shiner Bait Schools Are Heavy
Sign Up for Tournaments Now
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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
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. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Fishing Getting Good
Lake Alice Offers Many Inland Species
Today is Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
Fishing is picking up at a pretty good pace on Lake Ontario off Orleans County.
Brown trout fishing is at its best, Coho fishing is good and an occasional steelhead is showing up in the mix on ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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
Eastern Lake Erie & ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Today is Wednesday – May 3, 2017
Lake Ontario Water Level Threatens Shoreline
Fish Hitting in Lake Ontario
Trib’s and Lake Alice are Fast & Muddy
One thing is for sure, we have more than enough water to go around and then plenty to share with others. The extended dry spell of today will ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
High Water in Lake Ontario
Lewiston Smelt Festival on May 5
LOC Tournament is On
Lower Niagara Fishing Platform News
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Trib’s: High and Muddy
Marina Activity in Full Swing
Today is Wednesday, April 12, 2017.
Winter, summer and spring all in one week. This must be a new record!
Depending on which weather forecast you listen to, this weekend will either be summer-like and dry, or spring-like and wet.
After all of the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Trib’s: High, Smaller Tribs are Better
Spring Conditions are Near
Today is Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Daytime temperatures in the mid to high 40’s and night time lows in the high 30’s will melt whatever snowpack that is left.
The snowmelt has caused the “Oak” water flow to be high and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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). ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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
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, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Smelt Run is On!
Dippers out Every Evening!
Lewiston Smelt Festival set for May 5
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
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, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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
Lower Niagara River trout ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Tributaries: Fish Are Moving In
Cold Snap Conditions
Today is Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Well spring is here at least on the calendar, but not by Mother Nature’s standards. Yesterday was spring like but today feels more like January than mid-March. Then by the weekend more spring like conditions will return ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
6-hour Guided Fishing Trip with Captain Dave Wilson
Catch Salmon, Trout and Steelhead
28′ Baha Cruiser, Boat Has Enclosed Private Bathroom
All Fishing Gear Provided No Fishing Experience Necessary
NYSDEC – The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is once again teaming up with Captain Dave Wilson to offer some Beyond BOW Women’s ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Report for March 23, 2017
Fish Bite is On at Burt Dam
Early Spring Weather Brings Rain and Snow Melt
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Tributaries: Bank Ice, Nasty Wind
Wind and Snow Storm Conditions
Today is Wednesday, March 15, 2017.
It may only be 6 days until spring on the calendar, but Mother Nature has some different ideas.
The wind and snow of the past few days continues today with high winds, lake effect snow ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Report for March 17, 2017
Early Spring Weather Brings SNOW & WIND
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
• Lake Ontario Tributaries: Browns, Steelies
• Crappie at Kenyonville Bridge
Today is Wednesday, March 8, 2017.
The rain of yesterday and today, along with the warmer temperatures, will give way to more seasonal conditions and by the weekend, expect temperatures in the 20’s with the possibility of some snow showers.
The only good ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
• Lake Ontario Tributaries Flowing
• Ice is gone, Some Boats in Water
Today is Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
Its spring, which will be followed later this week by winter and then either next week or the week after by spring again.
Word has it that the Welland Canal is due to open very ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Tributaries
Streams are Flowing, Some Boats in Water
Today is Wednesday February 22, 2017.
Above normal temperatures continue thru the rest of this week and well into next week.
Yesterday there were small boats on Lake Ontario working the shoreline around the tributary discharges and from what I’m told, some brown trout ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Tributaries
Not Much Ice Fishing!
Today is Wednesday February 15, 2017.
As quickly as the ice starts forming, the temperature rises above freezing and then it’s gone again. The only good news about that is that we are just that much closer to spring and the start of lake fishing season.
On ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Report for Feb. 17, 2017
Free Fishing Weekend in NY
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Report for Feb. 10, 2017
Contests Point To Methods and Places
Lake Ontario, Lower Niagara, Trib’s
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

For Feb. 3, 2017
Walleye to 11.5 pounds Caught This Week!
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Trib’s – Browns/Steelies
Today is Wednesday February 1, 2017.
WELCOME TO WINTER
Just when it seems like the weather is turning in favor of the ice fishermen; Mother Nature takes it back yet again.
Colder weather stays with us thru part of the weekend, but then again goes above freezing for the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts
Lake Ontario Tributaries – Melting Snows
Today is Wednesday February 8, 2017.
WINTER?
The temperature roller coaster continues with temperatures in the 50’s today and then below freezing for the next two days.
The good news is that all of the tributaries within Orleans County are at least partially open if not fully open.
The ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

For Jan. 30, 2017
No Ice, Boaters Catching Browns, Steelies!
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Trib’s – Browns/Steelies
Today is Wednesday January 25, 2017.
We are in the midst of another reprieve from old man winter, at least for another day or two.
The smaller tributaries within Orleans County are at higher and muddier conditions. This due to the warmer temperatures and rain/snow that we have ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

For Jan. 20, 2017
Lake Ontario and Trib’s
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. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal
Today is Wednesday January 4, 2017.
After a very mild start to 2017, winter begins again this week with temperatures in the 20’s for daytime highs.
The rain of the past day or so should keep water levels on the tributaries within Orleans County at very fishable ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Tributaries – Browns/Steelies
Today is Wednesday January 11, 2017.
The up and down temperatures continue, with us being in the warmer temperature part of the swing for now.
Rain of last night, and more rain and snow in the forecast should keep the water levels in all of the tributaries within ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

Lake Ontario, Niagara River, Outdoor Show
Lake Ontario and Trib’s
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario Trib’s – Browns/Steelies
Today is Wednesday January 18, 2017.
The rain of the past day or so, and the milder temperatures, should again give good flows to all of the tributaries within Orleans County.
Water clarity may diminish over the next day or two with the increased run-off, but all in ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

Lake Ontario, Niagara River
Lake Ontario and Trib’s
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal
Today is Wednesday December 14, 2016.
WINTER IS CLOSE!!
The first day of winter isn’t until December 21st, but by the end of this week, we will have wind chill factors well below zero. Lake Erie snow on Thursday and then Lake Ontario snow on Friday are ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal
Fishing Report for Day Ending December 28, 2016.
With daytime temperatures above freezing for most of next week, conditions should remain good for stream fishing throughout all of the tributaries within Orleans County.
Unfortunately this means that the ice fishermen will have to wait a little longer ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal
Today is Wednesday December 21, 2016.
Welcome to the first day of winter!
The colder than normal temperatures over the last week or so have started forming ice on portions of Lake Alice, but don’t break out the ice fishing gear quiet yet. Warming temperatures for the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

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, ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal
Today is Wednesday November 30, 2016.
It looks like today will be the end of the above normal temperatures for a long time. Rain mixed with snow is in the forecast for the rest of the week and into next week.
They are finally dewatering the Erie ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

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. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal
Today is Wednesday December 7, 2016.
WINTER IS CLOSE!!
Colder weather is finally upon us, but not cold enough to start producing solid water. Wet snow and rain is in the forecast for the rest of this week and into the weekend. Could it be that winter ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario, Niagara River
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 30th is the final day for ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal
Today is Wednesday November 23, 2016.
Rain or snow is in the forecast for each day the rest of this week, but it may not be much. The forecast for next week seems to be clearer with moderate temperatures.
Fresh Brown trout and Steelhead seem to be ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

-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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal
Today is Wednesday November 16, 2016.
The weather rollercoaster will be very wild this week with temperatures possibly setting a new high on Friday and then the possibility of snow by Sunday. I wonder what else Mother Nature can throw into the mix?
Fishing on the tributaries ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal
Today is Wednesday November 2, 2016.
Temperatures over the next week should be in the higher than normal range for this time of year. Rain in the forecast for today and tomorrow may not be significant enough to make any great change in water flows in ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Erie Canal
Today is Wednesday November 9, 2016.
More seasonable temperatures with off and on again rain throughout the next few days should keep fishing conditions in great shape.
There are a good number of salmon throughout all the tributaries within Orleans County, including a fair number of Atlantic ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Niagara River
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher
Easy, Fun, Less Training Time
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

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. ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Lake Ontario, Niagara River
Lake Ontario and Trib’s
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

Marine Fisheries Law Specialists Training
Patrol Vessel Skill Development
Five of 31 recent graduates of the NYSDEC Division of Law Enforcement 20th Basic School for Uniformed Officers recently transferred to the Marine Enforcement Unit (MEU) where they will become specialists in marine fisheries law. They will be required to operate some of ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

Lake Ontario, Niagara River
Lake Ontario and Trib’s
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
The end of summer this week will be singled by much cooler temperatures by the end of the week. Some rain on Friday may entice some salmon to make their way at least part way up the tributaries within Orleans County.
Those with smaller boats are having some luck close to ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Bass, King Salmon, Walleye News
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

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 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Some rain today and the more moderate temperatures predicted for the rest of the week should help create better fishing conditions well into next week.
Lake Ontario is slowly setting up for the migration of Chinook salmon preparing for their spawning runs. Reports have the action slowly picking up in the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Contest Winners, Methods, Lures
Lake Ontario and Trib’s
The LOC Derby is starting to wind down, ending on Labor Day. Grand prize leader for the $25,000 is still the 33 pound, 13 ounce King Salmon weighed in by Richard Clark. To make the leader board, you need a fish better than 30 ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
As the hot weather continues the fish occupying those inside waters remain very elusive. Most reports are of those fish diving to the bottom as boats pass by them. The offshore fishing seems to be holding up very well beyond the 28 line with a good mixed bag of fish ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

King Salmon Stacking Up On Niagara Bar
Captain Matt Jablonsky Offers Hot Lure Tips
Lake Ontario and Trib’s
The $25,000 winner in the Fall LOC Derby was Drew Kersic of Philadelphia, with a 34 pound, 9 ounce King out of Oswego. He caught it the second last day of the 18 day contest ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Well at some point the lake has to set up again, but not quite yet. There are big fish on the inside waters but also very warm water. The water temperature is slowly dropping to more seasonal temperatures, but it’s not happening fast.
If you’re looking for numbers, the 30 plus ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

The Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey and Lake Ontario County’s derbies are dominating the catching scene as things settle back into more favorable conditions after some nasty winds blew through and messed the lake up.
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Last night we had a wild wind come through and really rile up the lake. Reports this morning are that things are starting off slow and temperature is down below 100 feet out at the 30 plus line. As short as the wind event was, I would have to believe ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario – King Salmon & Steelhead Action
It will be a busy weekend in Wilson, Olcott and the Fort Niagara areas. It happens when the calendar aligns properly – three different fishing derbies on the same weekend, giving you nearly $100,000 in cash and prizes – if you get into ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Dangerous to Pets and People
Summertime is Primetime for Algae Blooms
While all of us up north long for the warm weather and sunshine of summer, this year the average temperatures have been higher than usual for many geographic areas if the USA. The net results in area with high nutrient runoff ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario – King Salmon & Steelhead Action
Captain Tim Sylvester of North Tonawanda sends word he had a good trip Tuesday with local anglers Lee Bolsover, Mike Hanowski , Mark Clark , Eric Thursom and Ryan Gebphart, all from North Tonawanda. Ryan had just landed a 21 pound King off ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario and Tributaries
Salmon and trout action continues to be very good for trollers. Karen Evarts at the Boat Doctor’s in Olcott reports limit catches by many of the charter captains.
One in particular was Captain Jim Gordon of the Hawg, has been doing excellent on a mix of kings and ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Upgraded Pier Improves Fishing Access to Lake Erie
By NYSDEC Press Release
Repair work and accessibility improvements to the Dunkirk Fishing Pier in the City of Dunkirk, Chautauqua County, are now complete. Enhancements to the pier now offer improved access to one of Lake Erie’s most popular fishing sites.
The Dunkirk Fishing Pier ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
There are only a few more days until the end of the Summer LOC Derby this Sunday, but still enough time to enter and win one of the great cash prizes that are up for grabs.
Next up, will be the Orleans County Rotary Derby running from August 6th to the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Well our old nemesis, the northeast wind, is back and really riling up Lake Ontario big time.
Some are saying that where fish are found this minute, they won’t be there 5 minutes from now.
The good news is that it looks like we have lost the northwest wind, at least for ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
First congratulations to all of the winners of the 26th Annual Erie Canal Derby. Some great fish were caught which proves what a great fishery the canal provides right at our doorstep. It provides a great place to take a kid fishing on a lazy summer afternoon and enjoy nature.
Another ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lake Erie – Walleye and Bass
Closest consistent action for walleye continues to be off Sturgeon Point in 70 feet of water. While trolling worm harnesses or stickbaits are always an option off planer boards, downriggers or diving planes – like Dipsy-Divers, some anglers prefer to use the very basic approach ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

Lake Ontario, Niagara River
Lake Ontario and Tributaries
Action on Lake Ontario continues to be very good for trout and salmon trollers working out of the mouth of the river, Wilson and Olcott. In the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association’s King Salmon Tournament last weekend, Fisherman’s Daughter came away with ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
The Storms of earlier this week has the lake and the fish all mixed up again. You can find fish anywhere from 60 feet of water all the way out to the 32 line, the trick is getting them to bite. Add to that the fact that today is one ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario, Niagara River
Lake Ontario and Tributaries
Fishing in Lake Ontario continues to be as hot as the weather – really!
Captain Dan Evans of Lone Wolf Charters in Wilson reports fishing was great earlier in the week – lots of kings and steelhead from 120 to 350 feet of water. He ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
The Erie Canal Derby is in full swing with some great fish already on the leader board. With 4 more days left in the derby there is still plenty of time to get out there and catch a winner. On the Erie Canal catches of both catfish and sheepshead are ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario and Tributaries
Some monster fish are being caught out there. Captain Dan Evans of Wilson reported a 32.5 pound salmon hauled in by Todd Garzarelli on Tuesday. According to Evans with Lone Wolf Sportfishing, fishing for both salmon and trout has been good from 80 to 350 feet of ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Forrest Fisher

Helps Novice Anglers
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has developed a new instructional (available on-line) manual entitled “The I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing.” The new manual is part of a series of publications DEC has produced recently to get more people involved in the ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
Wednesday June 29, 2016
Let’s start out with fishing derby news.
This Friday, July 1st, starts the LOC Summer Derby which runs through July 31st. There is $29,000 in cash up for grabs with a $10,000 grand prize for the biggest salmon. More information can be found at www.loc.org or by calling ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
Bill Hilts

Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Trout & Salmon Derby – July 1-31, 2016
Catching BIG salmon and trout in Lake Ontario consistently is not an easy proposition. Time on the water is certainly a piece of the formula for success. When fishing in a contest like the LOC derbies, every year we ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

Lake Ontario, Niagara River
Lake Ontario and Tributaries
Fishing for salmon and trout was on fire over the long holiday weekend, evidenced by the leaderboard of the Summer Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby.
John Van Hoff of North Tonawanda targeted the waters off Wilson in 100-plus feet of water and in ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin
First a big thank you to the Erie Canal crews who got the emergency repairs done quickly and the canal back open in time for the start of the Erie Canal Fishing Derby which starts today and runs through July 17th this year.
Fishing on Lake Ontario has gone past good ...
Read More >> January 23, 2024
stoadmin

Increasing numbers of black bears have been reported in many parts of New York State.
With the onset of warmer weather, Adirondack and northern New York black bears are on the move. The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has been notified of nuisance bears in the towns of Corinth, Chestertown, ...
Read More >> January 12, 2024
Larry Whiteley

Chickens can be like dogs – they can find a way into your heart. Reasons why are not difficult.
On the farm I grew up on, Grandpa called them Chicken Hawks.
The kids from the family next door learned a little more about life that day.
By Larry Whiteley
The family next door got ...
Read More >> December 27, 2023
Dr. Peter Brookes

Chain pickerel are freshwater fish but manage well in brackish water, especially in winter with cool waters, but also depending on the salinity.
We used 9-foot, 8-weight fly rods rigged up with intermediate lines and a 30-lb. test leader to handle these toothy critters, with a variety of smaller, musky-like streamers.
The ...
Read More >> December 3, 2023
Larry Whiteley

Outdoor lessons learned early in life build great memories for the future.
Take the time to share the outdoors with those you love.
Be patient, explain the details, laugh and learn together – strong bonds form.
By Larry Whiteley
My 12-year-old grandson, Hunter, and my 10-year-old granddaughter, Anna, were going deer hunting for the ...
Read More >> November 5, 2023
Larry Whiteley

Thanksgiving has a significant meaning for Americans, but an even more substantial meaning for Native Indians.
Black Friday is not just about pre-holiday sales, it is also Native American Heritage Day!
Native Indian spirituality, tradition, and conservation ethics emphasize gratitude for creation, care for the environment, and recognition of the human need ...
Read More >> October 30, 2023
Larry Whiteley

The best part of your life can be found when the trees change color to paint a most colorful and new perspective.
By Larry Whiteley
Autumn has always been my favorite season. There is something about its waning days of light and warmth. Colorful trees paint the landscape. A plethora of hunting ...
Read More >> October 21, 2023
David Figura
Chautauqua County, NY, is noted for mega-limits of Lake Erie walleye and monster musky from Chautauqua Lake.
Great sunsets with a glass of microbrew beer or local vintage winery tastings are on the usual after-dinner menu.
Our group learned a lot about the fun of camaraderie, effective fishing tactics and great walleye ...
Read More >> October 21, 2023
Dr. Peter Brookes
Thriving with walleye and smallmouth bass, Lake Erie is the most biologically productive of all the Great Lakes.
The “Come-Fish-Lake Erie Program” provides one and all with access to many choices of affordable charter fishing services.
Fishing with artificial lures, live bait, and planer boards – Lake Erie walleye fishing from Chautauqua ...
Read More >> August 28, 2023
Larry Whiteley

My dad didn’t allow me to cry, but I cried when I shot my first bird.
The big boys don’t cry and real men don’t cry rule gradually faded away after my dad passed.
Men need to know there is nothing wrong with showing emotions. That does not make them any less ...
Read More >> August 26, 2023
Larry Whiteley

TV Nature Shows are great, but Backyard Nature Shows are Incredible
Birds, Rabbits, Squirrels, Butterflies, Deer, and so much more…PEACE.
Sunrise and Sunset are the best times to Sip a Coffee on a Quiet Chair in your Backyard.
By Larry Whiteley
For some of you, your only experience with nature is watching shows on ...
Read More >> August 23, 2023
Dave Barus

Country Music, Nature Trails, Fishing, Great Food, Museums, and the Aquarium on the Boardwalk.
Klondike-like gold rush music boom started in the 1980s – it’s even better now.
The Osage Indians were first here in Branson. Perhaps they were drawn here by the fantastic fishing.
By David Gray
My old friend Larry Whiteley asked ...
Read More >> July 29, 2023
Dave Barus

Chasten Whitfield is a 23-year-old championship lady angler passionate about helping less fortunate others.
“Their Life, My Lens” is a TV Show where Chasten Whitfield asks America to provide support to continue an empowering program.
“Chastenation” is the name of her non-profit program to empower the Abilities, Not Disabilities, of kids and ...
Read More >> July 25, 2023
Dave Barus

Where hospitality and nature meet hunters and fishers.
Where walleye tournaments are common, smallmouth bass reach seven pounds, and bowfishing is fun after dark.
Wilson Lake is a favorite with campers, hikers, bikers, hunters, paddlers, and water sports enthusiasts.
By Jonathan Blumb and David Zumbaugh
The Outdoor Communicators of Kansas held their spring conference ...
Read More >> July 7, 2023
Forrest Fisher

Advice #1: Seek expert help. The well-stocked Port Charlotte tackle shop called Fish’n Frank’s offers charter captain advice from local fishing specialists.
Advice #2: Keep an optimistic focus. Share a grin and good questions to identify the best fishing methods.
Advice #3: Tackle care. The legendary fish-filled backwaters of Charlotte Harbor demand that every angler ...
Read More >> June 22, 2023
Dave Barus

Flexibility, sharpness, perfect balance, and made in the U.S.A.
Sure-fire handle grip, orange in color: It’s easy to find!
A lifetime guarantee promotes how good it is before purchase.
By Forrest Fisher
A newbie in my gear room would definitely notice that I like to collect knives. Each is handsome, and they can ...
Read More >> June 16, 2023
Dave Barus

Deer Ticks (Blacklegged Ticks – Ixodes Scapularis) can carry Lyme Disease and are VERY TINY in physical size.
Protect yourself by becoming aware of their size and available repellents (Picaridin & Permethrin) that can work to keep ticks off of you and your loved ones.
Learn what to do if you ...
Read More >> June 9, 2023
Dave Barus

Fishing Legend Jimmy Houston among Team Reviving Historic Company
Luck E Strike: An American Original Since 1970
Redman Spinner will be 1st lure to lead new red/white/blue packaging and product line
Singer, songwriter, and entertainer Toby Keith, pictured left, has acquired Luck E Strike, a bait and tackle brand name as ingrained with ...
Read More >> June 9, 2023
Bill Frye

We share and teach these principles: Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Respect Authority, Respect the Environment.
We teach kids to build trust with adults and others.
Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches – Please consider helping us plant the seeds of a new life for troubled youth.
By Bill Frye, President – Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, ...
Read More >>
May 9, 2023
Forrest Fisher

The Hunting Wire is looking for Voice of Leadership Panelists
Special interest in voices from the guide/outfitting realm, ammunition communities, archery communities, local/state/federal agencies
If you’re interested, send me an email at jay@theoutdoorwire.com
The Hunting Wire team would like to thank you for helping us grow in 2023. We are bigger and better ...
Read More >> May 9, 2023
Forrest Fisher

NYS Pheasant-rearing farms reduced from 7 to 1, then Avian disease hit this year. All the breeder birds had to be euthanized.
Walleye fishing in Eastern Lake Erie is HOT and crowded after dark right now. Respect the other fellow in a nearby boat.
Turkey hunting in Western NY is GOOD – ...
Read More >> April 29, 2023
Dave Barus

Conference Event for Outdoor Storytellers: June 12-15, 2023 – Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Learn “How-To” create Social Media links that generate Effective Distribution Relationships
POMA members “Network with Industry” at this Annual Meeting/Learning Session
By David Gray
The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) is a vibrant group of communicators that share content-creation ideas and foster ...
Read More >> April 7, 2023
Forrest Fisher

Light rods, light lines, artificial lures and lots of fish.
Finding the forage and simulating their size and color was key.
Savvy lures, special action-assist knots, using stealth – learning the how-to.
Fun fishing near Pine Island, Florida.
By Forrest Fisher
Just before sunrise, it was still dark, I was greeted with a friendly handshake ...
Read More >> April 3, 2023
Dave Barus

I like Simple
We all Like Delicious
By Forrest Fisher
Across the country where black bear hunting is allowed, harvesting a black bear means more than just a fabulous rug. Bear meat is delicious and healthy when properly cared for in the field and during transport and storage. Generally, bear meat tastes similar ...
Read More >> March 30, 2023
Forrest Fisher

Where to fish – an easy choice when you fish with old guys (the fish are in the water).
Rigging and weighting plastic worms and alternatives.
Lure selections, knot varieties, water depth: fishing factors that matter.
By Forrest Fisher
When young-minded friends meet on the water in Florida for a post-retirement gathering, life is ...
Read More >> March 8, 2023
Forrest Fisher

Ever catch 10 bass on the same plastic worm? Nobody has! Be honest. BUT I JUST DID!
Patent-pending plastic baits with TANTALIZING soft action, multiple color choices, scent-impregnated, chewy and DURABLE.
Xstended Life Bait APEX STICK WORM from MTO Lure Company
By Forrest Fisher
When former Elite Series bass Pro, Darrin Schwenckbeck, ...
Read More >> January 18, 2023
Dave Barus

Crispy chicken wings or meaty chicken drumsticks – perfect for football games!
You can fry, grill, smoke, or bake the wings at the tailgate or the house.
Dust your wings with Trail Dust, Cajun Cowboy, or Pineapple Siracha seasoning for more kick.
The Hi Mountain Seasonings Chicken Wing Bundle (www.himtnjerky.com) has everything needed ...
Read More >> January 6, 2023
Larry Whiteley

The old giant Oak Tree was a friend to me and my family, and so many others.
For about 200 years, the old Oak Tree was here for the Osage Indians, the early settlers, the farmers, and us.
With thousands of sunrise and sunset moments, this tree shared the character of our ...
Read More >> December 23, 2022
David Ranier

More and more people are interested in wild table fare, which has made learning to hunt a priority.
Outdoor Alabama gives everybody the opportunity to cook wild game with unique recipes.
Outdoor Alabama gives everybody a place to share their best recipes.
By DAVID RAINER
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
If your hunting ...
Read More >> December 17, 2022
Larry Whiteley

An old deer, an old man, an old treestand, and the click of an old muzzleloader.
Broken antler tips, a little slump to his back, a limp in his walk – it was a big old buck.
The old man and the old deer looked at each other…
By Larry Whiteley
It was ...
Read More >> December 8, 2022
Larry Whiteley

98 years young – US Army WWII veteran, full of life and laughs: Life Lessons for us all.
Fish tales of the broken braid would keep everyone wide-eyed!
Everyone needs to hear the stories about these amazing men and women veterans of the greatest generation. There are not many left.
By Larry Whiteley
I ...
Read More >> November 29, 2022
Robin Jenkins - DVM

Peace River Wildlife Center – Punta Gorda, FL
By Dr. Robin Jenkens
Rehabilitating baby birds is no small feat.
Baby birds must be fed 4 times per hour for 14 hours each day.
We can save wildlife because people support our mission.
Support baby bird rehabilitation (and other species), please donate or shop our online gift store.
Follow ...
Read More >> November 17, 2022
Dave Barus

Al’s “Age-Old” Goldfish Lures are proven irresistible to hungry fish.
Al’s Goldfish Spoons are Made-in-America! We need more of this.
Al’s Goldfish Spoon is a tested and true fish-killer lure since 1952.
Al’s Goldfish Spoon is available in multiple colors and 3/16 to 1-1/4 ounce sizes.
Al’s Goldfish Lures are affordable (great holiday gift).
By ...
Read More >> November 17, 2022
Dave Barus

Hunter Orange or Pink is required when hunting with a firearm in NYS – NYS Hunting Accidents in 2021 are the LOWEST ON RECORD.
NYS Hunter Education information: Basic Rules of Hunter Safety.
Chautauqua County is among the highest deer harvest areas in NYS.
NYS Whitetail Deer are 100 percent CWD-FREE. More than 200,000 ...
Read More >> November 17, 2022
Lacy Jo Jumper

Find the Perfect Fly Rod FOR YOU.
FISH SPECIES – a big factor in determining Fly Rod Selection.
Rod Length, Line Weight, and Rod Action are among the CRITICAL CHOICE FACTORS.
By Lacy Jo Jumper
A thoughtfully-selected fly rod can make or break the on-the-water experience, and knowing which type you need isn’t ...
Read More >> October 30, 2022
Larry Whiteley

When grilling a steak from a deer, I think about that morning in the deer woods, it is special.
Cooking a wild turkey in my smoker, my mind travels back to a spring morning, a beautiful sunrise, the gobbles.
Saying grace before meals, among other things, is a way to remember God ...
Read More >> October 29, 2022
Kristine Ostertag

Here are some tools that I have found helpful and recommend that everyone review.
The tools mentioned below are reliable and of excellent quality.
If you are a first-time or veteran hunter, I hope this helps you decide on tools to consider for your hunting season.
By: Kristine Ostertag
Your alarm goes off, ...
Read More >> September 30, 2022
Forrest Fisher

It starts with a short, virtual, 3D submarine adventure ride to the bottom of the sea…where you buckle up.
Gain up-close and personal physical contact with a variety of friendly sea creatures in the touch pool.
Visit the Lionfish! They get their name from their long, colorful fin rays that resemble a ...
Read More >> September 16, 2022
David Gray

Alex Otte has grown from a severely injured 13-year-old girl to become an inspirational lady and leader.
Her positive-minded survival story shares her grief with every family that has ever lost someone to an impaired driver.
Bottom line: Boating under the influence = Driving under the influence. She wants to spread that ...
Read More >> September 16, 2022
Bob Holzhei

Early lessons in life help shape the future of our young people. Teachers can help.
My students taught me that nature and conservation are important in today’s world.
The students brought in venison, rabbit, squirrel, and pheasant – suddenly, the world was a better place.
By Bob Holzhei
I was fortunate to grow up ...
Read More >> September 13, 2022
Mike Joyner

Need a limit catch of Walleyes? Visit Dunkirk, NY, in Chautauqua County.
NYSDEC Region 9 has a new hands-on Director that knows the ropes: Julie Barrett O’Neill
By Mike Joyner
One can easily state that any and all ports of access to Lake Erie lead to the walleye capital of the world. You ...
Read More >> September 10, 2022
Dave Barus

Georgia allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer and no more than two antlered deer.
Deer of either sex may be taken with archery equipment at any time on private land during the deer season.
To pursue deer in Georgia, hunters must have a valid hunting license, a big game ...
Read More >> September 7, 2022
Dave Barus

Shore lunch completes every Canadian fishing adventure.
Canadian guide and foodie Kent Kulrich shares his secret shore lunch recipe.
By Dr. Jason A. Halfen
Waves lapping against the rocks, a crackling fire, and a delicious handcrafted meal of fresh fish, fried potatoes, and warm beans fuel the body and fill the soul. This ...
Read More >> September 5, 2022
Dave Barus

Loomis unveils new Steelhead Rod offerings with IMX-PRO STEELHEAD Series.
Blending different modulus materials was one key to dynamic rod development.
Light in weight, sensitive, durable, affordable, warranty protection.
By Forrest Fisher
If you’re among the lucky ones chasing chrome in a Great Lakes or ocean-bound tributary stream, you already know that we anglers ...
Read More >> September 3, 2022
Dave Barus

By Frank Campbell
The final weekend of the Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Trout and Salmon Derby is this weekend, and Joe Miller of Honeoye is still leading for the $25,000 Grand Prize with a 28-pound, 14-ounce king salmon reeled in off Point Breeze in Orleans County. Both trout leaders changed this ...
Read More >> July 25, 2022
Forrest Fisher

Forage fish, predatory fish, wildlife, nature critters…and people in boats – all share in the bounty provided near Sanibel Island and nearby Estuaries.
Fishing friends gather, stories form and grow, grins occur, and life is good with fishing.
By Forrest Fisher
As my grandson and I turned the corner to head toward the ...
Read More >> July 12, 2022
Forrest Fisher

Easy-to-do
Simple ingredients
By Forrest Fisher
My grandson and I tried something new in the smoker getting ready for a Sunday family dinner celebration. Chicken drumsticks! A few weeks back, we found some huge chicken drumsticks at a local market in Arcadia, Florida. When we bought them, we vacuum-packed 13 of them ...
Read More >> July 3, 2022
Forrest Fisher

Hot Beach Day, 107 heat index…YOU NEED to chill with a cold beverage.
Avoid sunstroke and heat exhaustion by staying hydrated.
We found a lightweight carry-along friend to help ensure fun in the sun.
By Forrest Fisher
At 2 PM on July 2nd on a busy holiday weekend on a beach in Southwest ...
Read More >> July 1, 2022
Larry Whiteley

By Larry Whiteley
It was the morning of July 4th. A truck with three men pulls into the marina. Their families were still sleeping at the lodge where they were all staying. They get out of the truck and tease each other about who will catch the most fish while unloading ...
Read More >> July 1, 2022
David Gray

By David Gray
I grew up in a place that had many heroes.
That place was the United States of America.
During the time that I grew up, we did not need the news channels to tell us who our heroes should be.
Though true heroes were pointed out to us so we would ...
Read More >> May 28, 2022
Dawn Redner

Answer: During the 2022 Illinois turkey hunting season!
25-pound bird, 12-inch beard, double-triple spurs…UNREAL.
Full camo shotgun, full camo boots and garb, 25-yards, aim, squeeze, shot – BANG…BIRD DOWN.
A surreal moment after harvest, it will last me FOR ALL TIME.
By Dawn Redner, with Forrest Fisher
The Illinois turkey season was open and, honestly, ...
Read More >> April 7, 2022
Dave Barus

By Bob Holzhei
Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of the 2022 camping season!
Camping allows travelers to spend time outdoors in the fresh air and has become more popular than ever during the post-pandemic era. Some recreational vehicle dealers are having difficulty keeping RVs on their lots.
Camping is very budget-friendly too! ...
Read More >> April 7, 2022
Dave Barus

By Larry Whiteley
Have you been to the grocery store lately? I went with my wife the other day and was totally shocked. Usually, I don’t pay much attention to what she spends on groceries. Since it was just the two of us, I always figured it couldn’t cost too much. ...
Read More >> March 29, 2022
Dave Barus

By Bob Holzhei
With tick season just a few weeks away, outdoor folks – especially turkey hunters, are preparing to sit their butts down in the woods. It might be good to know about the tick prevention safety guide that has been developed by Brian Anderson, who is from Iron Mountain, ...
Read More >> March 27, 2022
Forrest Fisher

Look for gravel on the bottom, shovel in, dig, lift, drop into a floating sifter, shake out the sand. Place your hand underneath the sifter and lift up slightly, look for the teeth. There they are!
Place the teeth into a collection jar, get on to the next shovel-full.
It’s not unusual ...
Read More >> March 26, 2022
Forrest Fisher
A place designed for individuals with physical disabilities and their families. Big fish are waiting to greet you!
Located on beautiful Lake Shebandowan about 50 miles west of Thunder Bay, Ontario, the newly modernized Wilderness Discovery Centre provides outdoor adventure for disabled persons. It’s all about sharing access to the wilderness ...
Read More >> March 25, 2022
Larry Whiteley

Inspiration abounds in spring – beautiful sunrise sunshine, birds, bees, fresh tree buds, and it seems, at least to me, there might be angels everywhere.
Anticipation and fun to look forward to – limits of crappie, white bass, walleye, suckers and tasty fish fry’s.
Special hunting treats – spring gobblers, fresh morel ...
Read More >> March 21, 2022
Forrest Fisher

It’s a good idea before heading out – Discuss the obvious. At all times, treat the gun as if loaded.
Go over the common rules – Embed them even if you know them. Assure to use the proper gauge and ammo type, check it twice.
The shooter sequence – The shotgun shell ...
Read More >> March 1, 2022
Forrest Fisher

Muskoka Lake Fishing Fun for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass
Single-blade spinner rigs fool big and little fish…when presented in the “fish zone.”
How-to, what-to, when-to with expert angler, Andy Wilbur, sharing one of his secrets.
By Forrest Fisher
You know, the older we get, the more we forget! I discovered ...
Read More >> January 17, 2022
Dave Barus

In Winter, the Switzerland Alpines can be found in Gaylord, Michigan – snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and river rafting peace and quiet
In Summer, relax and unwind with camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, surf-boarding, wake-boarding…the list is long!
All year round, enjoy the forests, fields, the peace of sinkhole lakes, ...
Read More >> January 5, 2022
Dave Barus

Conservationist & Outdoor Journalist, U.S. Navy Veteran.
Host of the Great Ozark Outdoors from 1976 to the present.
Public Relations Manager for Bass Pro Shops for 23 years.
By Dave Barus
You might say that Larry Whiteley is a common and uncommon, outdoors Christian man. You would be correct, but there is so much more. ...
Read More >> October 30, 2021
Larry Whiteley

By Larry Whiteley
When he came back from war over 55 years ago, he never wanted to touch another gun. He never wanted to smell gunsmoke in the air. He never wanted to see blood staining the ground again. Family and friends knew he had served in the military but ...
Read More >> October 10, 2021
Larry Whiteley

By Larry Whiteley
I went grocery shopping with my wife the other day. I’m usually not much of a shopper unless I am in the local outdoor store. It can take me hours and cost me a lot of money when I go in there. I always need to replace something ...
Read More >> August 12, 2021
Larry Whiteley

By Larry Whiteley
He sure is lucky, this 4-year old little boy asleep in his bed. He’s going fishing for the first time today. Mom promised him she and dad would take him if he kept his toys picked up. Even though some toys are just pushed under the bed or ...
Read More >> July 21, 2021
Dave Barus
Mulligans can offer new and better opportunity for the next time.
Mulligans are do overs, but why not do the good things over too!
Keep the grins and giggles nearby, God wants us to share those too.
By Larry Whiteley
Simply put, a mulligan is a “do-over” in the game of golf. Hit a ...
Read More >> May 3, 2021
Dave Barus

Take a good cooler for food and beverages – protect yourself and friends from dehydration.
Gear includes a 15” x 24” gravel sifter, shovel and shark tooth collection jar.
Wear sneakers or beach shoes, pack a cell phone, emergency toilet paper, venom-extraction kit – and tell someone where you will be for ...
Read More >> April 12, 2021
Larry Whiteley

Was it the owls and crickets, or the stream flowing nearby…that brought dad back into mind?
The old days and the days of today, there was love in both places, but so different.
It’s something about campfire smoke in the morning at sunrise, it makes your eyes wanna cry.
By Larry Whiteley
He ...
Read More >> February 24, 2021
Larry Whiteley

Kids love the winter cold and sparkly snow!
Birds, squirrels, deer, mice and more…all tell a story of their journey.
The coffee tastes especially good on snowy mornings…a good time to share quiet time.
By Larry Whiteley
In the quietness of the early morning, he sat staring out the window at icicles hanging from ...
Read More >> January 23, 2021
Bill Hilts

Shore fishing is VERY GOOD…spoons and spinners…bring a camera!
Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for April 8, 2020, from Destination Niagara USA
Boat fishing is good for Kings, Lakers, Steelhead, the Big Bass are just starting up
Social distancing is critical when it comes to fishing, both onshore and in a boat.
COVID-19 continues ...
Read More >> December 27, 2020
Larry Whiteley
By Larry Whiteley
From time to time in life, you meet people with hearts as big as the outdoors they love. It is hard for those who know these two unforgettable people, Bob and Barb Kipfer, to think of one without thinking of the other. They are husband and wife, but ...
Read More >> December 27, 2020
Larry Whiteley

As I sat there, I thought, “Deer hunting is about sunrises and sunsets, the wildlife that go about their daily routines not knowing you are there. It’s about all the memories you make with family and friends or alone in a barn.”
By Larry Whiteley
The forecast for opening day of the ...
Read More >> November 20, 2020
Dave Barus
Woodsy turkey call sounds combine screech and scratch controls
Henry C. Gibson and Eric Steinmetz each provided sound innovations about 120 years apart
Tone and tune change in one box that allows clucking, purring, yelping and cackling is about pure genius
By Larry Whiteley
Now some of you probably read that headline, and your ...
Read More >> September 3, 2020
Larry Whiteley

Hunting, fishing, frog-giggin’ and sucker -grabbin’
Freckles, frowns, wrinkles and specks of gray…is winter here?
Kids, grandkids, heartwarming memories…thank you Lord. Pass it on.
By Larry Whiteley
He was up early getting ready to pick up his son to go deer hunting. He had brushed his teeth and was washing his face. ...
Read More >> July 10, 2020
Larry Whiteley

Sunrise, Sunset, Starshine…life-long breathtaking moments
Family, Fishing, Memories, Doctors…and Reality
Radiation, Chemo…Time to Re-Rig
By Larry Whiteley
He was alone on the lake. The sunrise was breathtaking. He had seen lots of mornings but none this beautiful. His first cast landed near some bushes. He felt the thump and set the hook. The largemouth ...
Read More >> July 2, 2020
Larry Whiteley

Eagles are an American Icon
Eagles signified majestic strength from the ancient times of Babylon, Egypt and Rome
Eagles are part of Native American tribe mythology
Eagles…respect, honor, tradition, nature, awe.
By Larry Whiteley
The bald eagle’s role as our nation’s symbol goes back to 1782 when it was added to the Great Seal of ...
Read More >> June 30, 2020
Larry Whiteley

Mentors play an important role in our outdoor heritage and future
By Larry Whiteley
David Merrill grew up hiking, fishing, and camping in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains. It was an amazing place where a young David would discover many life experiences in the great outdoors as he roamed through the mountains and valleys ...
Read More >> May 25, 2020
Larry Whiteley

Loons, Lynx, Trophy Fish…Unforgettable Fun at Fletcher Lake Lodge, Canada
Arrive by air (bush plane) from Kenora, Ontario…exciting and fun!
Visitors find hugs, smiles, peace, quiet…and great food
By Larry Whiteley
Between fishing for and catching trophy walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike and musky, there are sightings of moose, bear, lynx, bald eagles, fantastic ...
Read More >> May 23, 2020
Larry Whiteley

World class fishing is found everyday in the famous Tri-Lakes region of southwest Missouri.
Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake & Bull Shoals Lake offer trout, bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, perch and more.
Visitors discover affordable family fun, family fishing, family entertainment and restful accommodations.
By Larry Whiteley
Where can you go and fish three ...
Read More >> May 23, 2020
Larry Whiteley

Endless adventure with hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, bass and trout fishing, hunting, trap and skeet shooting, spelunking, rock climbing and more.
Visit public parks, resorts, campgrounds, forests or one of Branson’s three crystal clear lakes.
Water ski, boat or go bass fishing at Table Rock Lake, or kayak and ...
Read More >> May 5, 2020
Larry Whiteley

After comfort and wearability, there is only long-lasting comfort and long-lasting wearability
By Larry Whiteley
My family has several traditions: The opening day of firearms deer season, going fishing the last day of trout season, hunting for morel mushrooms and looking for shed deer antlers, and more. A different kind of a ...
Read More >> April 21, 2020
Larry Whiteley

I’ve had lots of knife sharpeners in my life, but thanks to my new Work Sharp…I don’t need them anymore
It has 4 different sharpening angles depending on the type of knife and 5 flexible belts from extra-coarse to extra-fine
By Larry Whiteley
My favorite TV show of all-time is “Home Improvement” ...
Read More >> April 21, 2020
Larry Whiteley

At nighttime, there is nothing more relaxing than the sound of rain making music on my canvass tent
When thunder rumbled, turkeys gobbled at the sound. I smiled.
I looked to the west and saw what I was looking for. A rainbow.
By Larry Whiteley
It’s 5 am on an April morning. I sit ...
Read More >> April 18, 2020
Larry Whiteley

A special gift – protection and peace for grandpa’s mind – for a very special young lady
The Kimber Micro 9 measures a little over 6 inches in length and 4 inches in height
Aluminum frame, steel slide – it weighs a little less that a pound with an empty magazine
By Larry Whiteley
My ...
Read More >> March 27, 2020
Larry Whiteley

New hunting land…I saw 33 deer on one day, 57 deer on another day, here’s how.
Controlling your body odor is critical, there is only one good way, most critical.
Trail cam’s that talk with remote pictures can help us map out deer kill zones.
By Larry Whiteley
You are probably thinking why ...
Read More >> February 19, 2020
Larry Whiteley

As responsible sportsmen, we need to share our outdoor skills with more kids
As Christians, we need to consider our choices in order to bring kids closer to life through the outdoors
As neighbors to each other, let’s take the extra time to help kids find fun away from electronics and TV
By ...
Read More >> January 23, 2020
Larry Whiteley

Is that the haunting howl of the wolf or the call of a loon?
Can you ever forget that buck grunt in a November woods or a turkey gobble on a spring morning?
The sounds of nature are everywhere in the wild if we just take the time to listen.
By Larry Whiteley
There ...
Read More >> January 16, 2020
Larry Whiteley

As kids, we would check down the outhouse hole for snakes and spiders before sitting down
We drank cow milk from our cow, then churned the cream into butter
I rode my imaginary horse through the fields and climbed the hills in search of adventure
By Larry Whiteley
My early years were spent on ...
Read More >> November 27, 2019
Hunter Whiteley

Preparation is key, my 4-step “How-To” process:
Identify Deer Trails, make false scrapes, choose key areas
Hang tree stands, add safety lifelines
Control human scent (what works for me and my family)
Monitor weather, look for a rising barometer and cold front: Prime Time
By Hunter Whiteley
Going into this year’s hunting season, I was ...
Read More >> October 8, 2019
Larry Whiteley

By Larry Whiteley
I was working on a turkey fan mount in my workshop this past spring when I suddenly heard the sound of a turkey hen talking to me. I jumped and for a slight moment, I thought it was a hen coming to get me because I had taken ...
Read More >> August 19, 2019
Larry Whiteley

New Gear for Outdoor Sportsmen
By Larry Whiteley
Have you ever seen a new outdoor product come out on the market and think to yourself, I wish I had thought of that? I sure have! Here are several innovative products that companies have developed to help make your outdoor adventures even better.
Lure ...
Read More >> May 16, 2019
Larry Whiteley

By Larry Whiteley
It sure is getting foggy. I’m not sure I could even see a deer sneaking through the woods in this stuff. Oh well, I just love being out here sitting in my stand, even if I don’t see a deer. It’s a great time to be alone with ...
Read More >> April 19, 2019
Larry Whiteley
Sensible gear to avoid bugs, mice, snakes makes camping lots more fun
Choices for a truck tent, comfy pad, pillow and the right sleeping bag
By Larry Whiteley
The beauty of nature can easily be missed if you’re not out there camping in our great outdoors. Even if it is cool, cold, rainy, ...
Read More >> February 7, 2018
Joe McAdams
1400 New Kids – FIND the OUTDOORS for the First Time
Parents of Kids – DISCOVER FISH and FUN of New York OUTDOORS
Kudo’s to TV Station Crew and Outdoor Sportsman Volunteers
By Joe McAdams – ECFSC Kids Fest Co-Chairman
This was the Erie County Federation’s 1st participation of the WNED-TV Kids Fest. I’ve ...
Read More >> November 7, 2017
Larry Whiteley

Boone and Bo…squirrel hunters that lived for the next day, every day
The autumn of their years – a special story to my grampa and his dog
Lessons for every generation to pass down
By Larry Whiteley
Bo was a beagle and beagles are usually rabbit dogs, but he was all squirrel dog and ...
Read More >> October 10, 2017
Larry Whiteley

By Larry Wisher
It’s a warm day. For winter, that is. I’m sitting on a big flat rock in the middle of the woods. The sun soaks deep into my bones. Days like this don’t come that often in winter, here where I live.
I take my jacket off and use it ...
Read More >>