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 steelhead action and maybe draw in some more fresh fish. Flows in the Oak are slightly high with what looks like a good head of turbine water. There has been no overflow water and water color is stained at about 2ft of visibility that may get a little dirtier through today. Seasonably cool temps are in the forecast today and tomorrow with warmer temps and a chance of more precipitation by the end of week. Look for flows to hang in around high levels or even higher if there is any more significant precipitation.
Water temps are flirting with 50°F but cold nights have stalled the rising temperatures for now in the high 40’s°F. By the end of the week and weekend with warmer weather, sun and dark water, look for a rise in water temps probably into the 50’s.
Guys are into good steelhead action on mostly spawning and staged/-back fish and some fresh fish. Light to moderate fishing pressure has allowed the few persistent anglers to take advantage of the good flows and stay on the fish now later in the season for mid-April and likely through the end of April. The other area smaller trib’s have medium to slightly high and dirty flows. Those flows should be crested and on the retreat now at least before there is any more significant precipitation. There is mixed bag action all around, mid-sized trib’s like the Oak or Burt are hanging on to steelhead with a few fresh fish thrown in. The Niagara and bar are coming into its own now with spring warm up and the near shore big Lake O small boat trolling or casting action is productive when wind and waves cooperate.
This week’s LAKE ONTARIO fishing report is by Capt. John Oravec, Tight Lines Charters, April 18, 2019.
What happened to Spring? This week the south shore shallows of Lake Ontario were stirred to mud by cold fronts and rough water. Yours truly has seen over 44 such Spring seasons so in lieu of glowing catch reports, how about Plan B?! When faced with chocolate water, troll north seeking the milky green edge switching to downriggers, leadcore, divers and a slow spoon program. Seek out the 40 to 80 foot drop off and tune in your fish finder looking for Lake trout and kings. Plan C is to carry a stream combo with a simple kit of terminal tackle, a pair of waders and head for the Oak where steelhead are available.
Myself, I am making good brown trout catches on live minnows drift fishing at the Niagara River where the waters are clear. So there you go! By being versatile, well equipped and ambitious, any visiting fishermen can score a catch when the skinny waters inside 15 feet are unfishable! Part of making the most of your visits to Orleans County is knowledge. Now you have it! See you on the Water! Troutman out! 11.4 lbs Brown Trout caught off Johnson’s Creek in 10′ of water. Courtesy of Intimidator Sportfishing His twin, a 10.3# Brown Trout caught today using a bay rat stick bait 110 ft. east of the Oak past Flats. Courtesy Intimidator Sportfishing |