Greater Niagara Region
Bill Hilts, Jr.
Lake Ontario And Tributaries
A decent slug of salmon arrived on the scene in Olcott earlier this week, probably a trigger from the rain last weekend. Combining that we more rain and colder temperatures this week, it might just be enough to get more anglers out there to take advantage of the extra fish. It should spread some fishermen out, as well, because many of those fish have made it to Fisherman’s Park and Burt Dam according to Wes Walker and The Slippery Sinker. In addition, decent numbers of brown trout and a few steelhead have been available to casters working the waters from the dam to the stairs. Boat trollers or drifters have been picking up salmon and trout in some of the deeper holes closer to the harbor and pier casters are still picking up fish … when you can get out there. It has been a little tough with the recent winds blowing from the north. Wilson has also seen some fishing being caught off the piers and in the harbor. No reports from the creeks, but most of the creeks have been low and clear and we need some rain to change that condition. Hopefully that will be this week.
Lower Niagara River
Not too much changed from last week except maybe a few less fish to target. Boat drifters are averaging a couple fish a day, bouncing fire red treated egg skein off three way rigs. A few steelhead are mixed in with the salmon and some lake trout are arriving on the scene, too, according to Capt. Jake Joseph. Capt. Jake also reports good numbers of bass and walleye swimming around for anyone who wants to try and target them. Worm harnesses for the walleye; bass shiners for the smallmouth. Shore fishermen are picking up a few fish off the NYPA fishing platform – salmon, trout and silver bass. In the gorge at Devil’s Hole and along Artpark a few trout are showing up for those casting spoons, spinners or using egg imitations like trout beads.
Upper Niagara River
Bass fishing continues to be decent throughout the river. Live bait or tubes top the list of options. Musky action should improve as the waters cool and the weather this week should get those fish thinking. Shore anglers on Squaw Island (now called Unity Island) are reporting good perch action, but access is restricted to the north end due to construction.
Oswego County
Mary Ellen Barbeau
Oswego River/Lake Ontario report:
According to Larry Muroski of Larry’s Oswego Salmon Shop:
The water level has been between 7,000cfs and 2,600cfs over the last few days. This afternoon it is currently running at 4,370cfs. Things are definitely heating up on the river. Salmon are finally here in good numbers. From the Utica St. bridge to the dam, they are active taking skein, stickbaits and egg sacs.
According to Capt. Kevin Davis of Catch the Drift:
We had the best bite of the season this morning. It was just unreal with a double-digit day by 9 a.m. Salmon season is definitely here.
According to Capt. Andy Bliss of Chasin’ Tail Adventures:
We landed the biggest king of the season so far Tuesday morning. We had a great bite in the rain. There are good numbers of fish in the river. Best baits have been deep diving crankbaits and skein under floats off the wall.
The bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are Mandatory Personal Flotation Device (PFD) zones on the Oswego River below the Varick Dam. For more information, view the Oswego County Tourism web site at www.visitoswegocounty.com and look for the fishing report along the top bar on the home page. The Oswego Fire Department offers loaner life jackets at no charge through its “Loaner For Life” program. For more information contact the fire station, 35 E. Cayuga St., at 315-343-2161.
Salmon River Report
According to the Douglaston Salmon Run:
Yesterday, there was a steady stream of fish moving through the run throughout the day. Anglers found a good mix of kings, Cohos, and even a fair amount of steelhead coming through. Fish seemed to be moving slowly through the run, even Cohos were reportedly stopping to rest, allowing fishermen to fish to them before they moved on. Some fishermen described the behavior of the fish as “very cooperative”. With a high chance of rain tonight we are hopeful we will see, at the very least, more of the same.
According to Whitaker’s Sport Shop and Motel:
With the windy conditions yesterday, leaves were a factor and anglers reported doing well on blue and cerise. Anglers staying in the motel reported having a good day in the Ballpark and Longbridge with a mix of kings and steelhead. In the mid to upper end of the river anglers are getting into fish in the Sportsman Pool, Trestle Pool, Bovines, Ellis Cove, Frazier’s Run, Wire Hole and below the Altmar bridge. Over the last couple of days anglers have found a mix of kings and Cohos in the Upper & Lower Fly Zone with egg patterns producing the best results.
Oneida Lake
The deeper water fishing season is coming to a close. Anglers are finding the night bite for walleye picking up a bit. Casting blade baits from shore has been working well.
Sandy Pond report
There is nothing new to report from the pond. There is very little activity this time of year.
Fair Haven / Cayuga county
Captain Werner Stenger
Rain is in the forecast for several days over the next week.
With Johnson, Marsh and Sandy Creeks all being on the low water flow side, the rain will be a welcome sight. The rainfall should not only help the water flow but should offer some stained water conditions.
Over this past holiday weekend, fishing went from marginal to very good. Normally in the fall we get runs of salmon then brown trout and finally steelhead trout but right now we have all three in the tributaries within Orleans County.
On the “Oak” these fish are all thru the system from the pier head all the way to the dam and in fairly good numbers. Perch fishing from the mouth to around the route 18 bridge has been fair to good depending on who you talk to.
Marsh Creek has the lowest water flow of the four tributaries yet is still showing some good catches on the lower portion. When the weather permits those with smaller boats are catching fish along the shoreline especially around the tributary discharges.
Time has almost run out for you to enter the St. Mary’s Archers Club Catch and Release Derby which will be held this year on October 22, 23 and 24. Great fishing along with great food and great company are all on the agenda for this fun filled event.
On Lake Alice Bluegill and Crappie are still the main species being taken around the Waterport Bridge area but that has slowed down.
Bass fishing on all of the waters within Orleans County has picked up some, but that is pretty normal for this time of year.
From Point Breeze on Lake Ontario the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA and the rest of Orleans County, Let’s make everyday a great fishing day right here in Orleans County.