Tag: steelhead fishing

2016 Lake Erie Sport Fishing Outlook Once Again Good News for Anglers

Posted on by stoadmin
Photo by Forrest Fisher

Western Basin Lake Erie News – Walleye and yellow perch bag limits announced

COLUMBUS, OH / Ohio DNR– Lake Erie anglers should experience another year of diverse fishing opportunities in 2016, according to Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch fisheries are managed through an interagency quota system that involves Ontario, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. Each jurisdiction regulates its catches to comply with quotas and minimize the risk of over-fishing these species. Quotas for the upcoming fishing season are determined through consensus agreement by these jurisdictions through the Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which were just recently announced for 2016.

As a result of the 2016 quota allocation, the walleye daily bag limit is four, and the yellow perch daily bag limit is 30 per angler in Ohio waters of Lake Erie until April 30. The daily bag limit will be six walleye from May 1 through Feb. 28, 2017. From March 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017, the daily walleye bag limit will be four. A 15-inch minimum size limit is in effect during the entire season for walleye. The yellow perch daily bag limit will be 30 from May 1 through April 30, 2017, with no minimum size limit. Lake Erie anglers can find walleye and yellow perch bag limit information at ODNR offices, in special publications at bait and tackle shops and at wildohio.gov.

Walleye
Ohio walleye anglers will catch fish mostly from the 2014 and 2013 hatches, with some fish from the 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 year classes. Additional fish from 2007 and 2003 will also be harvested by anglers. Walleye from the average 2014 hatch will range from 15-18 inches, while walleye from the 2013 hatch will be between 16-20 inches. Fish from the 2003 and 2007 hatches are likely to carry most of the Central Basin fisheries, and a good number of these walleye will be over the 26-inch range. Large walleye from strong hatch in 2003 will continue to provide “Fish Ohio” opportunities (greater than 28 inches), with this year class nearing the size that may give Ohio a new state record walleye. Additionally, in 2016, anglers should see a number of smaller (less than 15 inches) fish from the excellent 2015 hatch. Anglers are reminded of the 15-inch minimum size limit and encouraged to release these fish with as little handling as possible so they can contribute to the fisheries in future years.

Yellow Perch
Expect good perch fishing in 2016, with improving numbers of fish in the Western Basin and the largest fish in the eastern areas of the Central Basin. Perch anglers should encounter fish ranging from 7 to 13 inches from the 2014 through 2008 hatches this year, with major contributions from the 2014, 2011 and 2008 year classes. Fish from the average-to-better hatches in 2007 will contribute fish in the 10-plus inch range. “In 2015, yellow perch fisheries flourished in the eastern portions of Ohio’s Lake Erie, and we expect this trend to continue into 2016,” said Tyson.

Black Bass
Smallmouth bass fishing in 2016 is expected to be fair but improving. Smallmouth bass catch rates decreased in 2015, when compared to 2014, but are still the highest observed since the mid-1990s. Smallmouth bass should be an excellent size (14 to 22 inches and weighing up to six pounds). The best fishing for smallmouth bass will continue to be in areas with good bottom structure, which is the available habitat across much of the entire Ohio nearshore and islands. Continuing the trend from previous years, largemouth bass fishing should be excellent in 2016. This emerging fishery is producing high catch rates and some large fish in nearshore areas and harbors across Ohio’s Lake Erie. All black bass (smallmouth and largemouth) must be immediately released from May 1 through June 24. Beginning June 25, the daily bag limit for bass will be five, with a 14-inch minimum length limit.

Steelhead
Steelhead anglers should enjoy another year of great fishing in 2016 in Ohio’s Lake Erie open waters and in tributaries. Peak summer steelhead action on Lake Erie can be found offshore from June through August between Vermilion and Conneaut, with catches measuring 17 to 29 inches. Most Lake Erie anglers troll for steelhead in deep waters using spoons with divers or downriggers until fish move close to shore in the fall. The daily bag limit remains at five fish per angler from May 16 through Aug. 31, and two fish per angler between Sept. 1 and May 15, 2017. A 12-inch minimum size limit is in effect throughout the year.

White Bass
White bass continue to provide excellent seasonal fishing opportunities in the Maumee and Sandusky rivers and in the open lake. The 2016 catch will be dominated by fish from the 2012 and 2010 year classes. A few fish from the 2007 hatch could be as large as 16 inches. Anglers should focus on major Western Basin tributaries during May and June and nearshore areas of the open lake during the summer. There is no white bass daily bag limit or size limit.

Other Species 
Bays, harbors and main lake shorelines offer excellent fishing for panfish, as well as occasional northern pike and muskellunge in vegetated areas.

Anglers are reminded that fishing conditions on Lake Erie can change hourly, and adjustments are often necessary to improve success. Anglers should take into account factors such as water temperature, cloud cover, water clarity, boat traffic, wave action, structure, currents and the amount of baitfish in the area. Anglers are also reminded to carefully monitor Lake Erie weather and to seek safe harbor before storms approach.

Updated Lake Erie fishing reports are available at wildohio.gov or by calling 888-HOOKFISH (888-466-5347). Information is available from ODNR Division of Wildlife staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the Fairport Harbor station (440-352-4199) for the Central Basin and at Sandusky Station (419-625-8062) for the Western Basin.

Information on the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s Lake Erie research and management programs, fisheries resources, fishing reports, maps and links to other Lake Erie web resources are available at wildohio.gov.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

Western New York Fishing Forecast for Friday, August 12, 2016

Posted on by Bill Hilts
Senator Thomas O’Mara with his 15 year-old son, Thomas, fishing out of Olcott Harbor with Captain Bob Cinelli, found the secret to catching lots of steelhead in Lake Ontario.

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 the port rigger, 55 feet down, using a mag NBK spoon when they put out a 300 foot copper.

We were fishing the top 60 feet of water in 300-400 feet of water west of Olcott with a brown on black spoon when it tore out of the release. Clark grabbed the rod, his first time fishing Lake Ontario. It took 25 minutes to get it into the boat – a 31 pound King! Of course, they would be leading the Orleans County Fishing Derby had they been entered. They ended up with a nice mix of kings and steelhead, boating 9 fish for the morning trip.

Wednesday, it was Captain Bob Cinelli of Newfane hosting Senators Rob Ortt and Thomas O’Mara, as well as O’Mara’s son Thomas – showing off. Fish are spread out right now after the recent blow and they picked salmon and trout from 5 miles out to 13 miles out using all spoons – a mix of Wonderbread, Spooks and some Silver Streaks with a green stripe through it. None were out of the package as they were all doctored up to a personal preference. They were fishing the top 65 feet of water using downriggers and copper lines from 200 to 350 feet back. Mostly steelhead were caught.

The other option for anglers was inside of 160 feet of water for mature kings, Captain Vince Pierleoni of Newfane was targeting big fish early in the morning and they did turn a nice 28 pounder using flasher and cut bait. They were not in the Orleans County derby either!

Tim Sylvester with Mark Clark (right) with 31 pound king.

After getting blown off a tournament at the eastern end of the lake, Captain Pete Alex and Vision Quest launched at Wilson (another advantage being west) and fished from noon until 6 pm on Sunday. They took 21 bites landing a nice bunch of kings and steelhead straight north of Wilson. They worked the suspended bait pods and targeted 50’-75’ down. Hot spoons were DW Carmel Dolphin, Martell (rocked), and Get-R-Dun. They did have some meat mixed in. Kings were a mixed class with biggest about 22 pounds.

The Fall Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby will be held August 19 to September 5. A $25,000 check is up for grabs for the largest salmon caught. Check out www.loc.org for details. On August 19, “Reelin’ For-A-Cure” is a team ladies fishing event with proceeds going for cancer. Contact Stephanie Pierleoni at 481-6388 for details.

Lower Niagara River – Walleye Action

Walleye action is finally starting to pick up a bit according to Captain Arnie Jonathan of Lockport. He managed to catch a few fish last Sunday during the Independent Living Bass Contest. He was fishing with Doug Usiak and Jeff Riefensnyder. Worm harnesses fished off three way rigs at Stella worked best. The winner had five walleye registered. Some bass were caught too, but bass fishing continues to be tough overall.

August 20th kicks off the 40th Annual Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey Derby for Niagara, Erie and Orleans counties. Six species categories and kids 15 and under fish for free. All the prizes have been increased for this landmark competition honoring the late Jeremiah Heffernan, a charter captain from North Tonawanda who passed away last fall. The Odyssey runs until August 28th. Check out www.fishodyssey.net for details.

The Niagara River Anglers Association will be hosting its annual walleye contest on the lower Niagara River August 21st to help round out the month of action. This is a change from the original announcement. Go to www.niagarariveranglers.com or stop in at Creek Road Bait and Tackle for additional details.

Upper Niagara River / Erie Canal – Bass Action

Bass fishing continues to be decent around the upper river. Live bait, like crayfish and shiners, are your best bet. Canadian waters have been the most productive in the west section of river and around Strawberry Island. If you do go into Canadian waters, make sure you call in to Canada Border Services and make sure you know what bait is allowed.

Attention all you kids out there: The 3rd Annual Free “End of Summer” Kids fishing contest will be held at Wide Waters Marina, Lockport, on the Erie Canal, Saturday, August 13 from 10 am to 2 pm. Get out there and have some fun!

Bill Hilts, Jr., Director, Outdoor Promotions

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

Magic Bullets for Winter Steel

Posted on by Matt Straw

Matt Straw Steelhead Fishing

Light snow falling as you step into the woods.

One set of footprints in the snow, leading to the river.

Old tracks, made more than a week ago.

Suddenly your heart skips a beat.

Those are your tracks!

No one has been here but you for weeks!

No doubt about it, then.  You feel almost certain, steelhead will be there, in a half-dozen pools at the end of this trail through the cedars and pines.  Put your hood up, so that snow brushed from low-hanging branches can’t find your neck.

Fishing alone, again.

Nobody else would come.

Can’t blame them, really.

Most people don’t consider it a good time, watching immobile fingers invent new shades of purple.  What they don’t Winter Steelhead Fishingrealize is the power of human adrenalin.  When silver-and-pink missiles with fins erupt from a winter stream and they are tethered to a thrashing float rod that you hold in your hand, fingers not only regain color and feeling, they stay warm for hours afterward!  Fish on!  Who can be cold?

Wading in rivers during winter is always warmer than ice fishing.  Out on the ice, the wind sucks the heat right through your clothes.  In a small river valley, the wind is something that only makes treetops dance.  When you get cold, just walk to the next pool, getting warmer with each step.

Another great thing about winter wading is the predictability of the quarry.  Steelhead often concentrate in wintering pools, especially during the toughest winter conditions.

Here’s how I find winter pools:

  • Begin searching based on the precipitation event that brought fall-run steelhead into the river in the first place.  Big rains and high water will draw them way up river.  Smaller rain events and lower flows will keep them closer to the ocean or the big lakes.
  • Within the segment of river chosen, find the area with the lowest current flow gradient. Identify these areas where the land slopes the least with topographic maps or just by paying attention to current speed.  The object is to find the slowest current areas, especially when the water is 34°F or less (a stream thermometer is one of the best tools to use for locating steelhead during any season).
  • Within the area of lowest current flow gradient, look for pools that widen out—where the river is wider than average. This spreads and slows current further, especially in areas with noticeably low gradient.
  • A wintering pool doesn’t have to be very deep. In fact, 3 to 4 feet, depending on clarity, is about optimum.  Especially when the water is 32°F and would be frozen if not moving, steelhead like to feel a little sun on their backs.  Not that deep pools can’t be wintering pools. The slow water is the primary draw.
  • The keys are slow, straight, and even currents.  Steelhead may use current breaks like logs, but in the coldest water the turbulence created by current breaks becomes uncomfortable.
  • Straight pools or wide, slow runs tend to be better than bending runs and pools for the same reason.  Steelhead try to avoid turbulence.  In a straight pool, steelhead tend to locate dead center in winter.  In a bend pool, winter steelhead tend to hold on the inside of the bend, where the water is slower and less turbulent.

Winter Steelhead FishingSteelhead are more aggressive in flowing 33°F water than any other species I’ve encountered—and that includes lake trout.  Big rainbows do seek shelter from the cold, but stay in flowing water.  Slow, yes.  Stagnant, no.  Steelhead crush the same lures, baits, jigs, flies, and beads they strike all year, but the effectiveness of some presentations trails off as the water dips below 37°F.  Personally, I prefer beads or jigs baited with fresh steelhead eggs tied into spawn bags with nylon mesh (such as Redwing Tackle Spawn Netting) fished under a stream float.  The keys to presentation:

 

  • Steelhead won’t move far to intercept a bait or lure in cold water, meaning the water has to be covered both incrementally and methodically.
  • To cover the water incrementally, start with your shortest cast and end with the longest cast. That ensures you won’t “line” a fish before giving it a chance to take a bait.
  • To cover the water methodically, make each cast only a few inches longer than the last one.
  • Use small jigs (1/80 to 1/32 ounce) to present baits like waxworms, plastic nymphs or spawn bags.  A jig anchors a bait in the flow.  Using a bare hook allows the bait to waft around—something steelhead like in warmer water.  In cold water, it’s more effective to have a slow, steady drift that stays put.  Steelhead won’t chase as much and tend to be put off by things that slip, slide and dance around.
  • When the banks are locked in ice and snow, rivers tend to drop and clear.  Long, thin fluorocarbon leaders are a must. (I use Raven Invisible 4.5- and 5.6-pound leaders.)
  • Use the smallest or least obtrusive floats possible.  Most of the time, I use clear plastic floats from Drennan, Ultra, or Red Wing during winter.

When the snow is falling, steelhead seem ghost-like, undulating slowly in the current.  The colder the water, the more wraith-like they become.  Find the slowest water they’ll accept.  Step carefully, working slowly into position.  The rings from footfalls seem to go on forever in slow, placid wintering pools.  Take your time baiting up.  No sudden movements.  No bright clothes.  Stand still during each drift and those ghosts will materialize into solid form, muscling into the quiet scene to transform into rod-bending, silver-bullet, demons.