Upstate New York Fishing Report for March 10, 2016

Greater Niagara Region

Bill Hilts, Jr.

Lake Ontario And Tributaries

The improved fishing seems to be coinciding nicely with the wonderful weather we’ve been having. Fishing has been decent in 18 Mile Creek, as well as some of the other tributaries like Keg, 12 Mile and 4 Mile. According to Wes Walker at The Slippery Sinker in Olcott, some nice steelhead have been coming from Burt Dam area. Water was stained with about a foot and half of visibility but they are catching fish. To target spawning fish, use egg sacs. For pre or post-spawning trout, use a jig tipped with a wax worm and fished under a float or fish a minnow. In the harbor they’ve been picking up a few browns and steelies, too. Drifting minnows or casting spoons are both good approaches. Some trollers have started working the shoreline and picking up browns and cohos. J-9 jointed Rapalas in silver-chartreuse or firetiger. Yo-Zuris are working, too, in a silver Emerald shiner pattern. This mild weather has really gotten things going! Over in Wilson, a northwest wind created some chunk ice around earlier in the week but that shouldn’t be an issue this weekend.

Lower Niagara River

The lower river is finally starting to stabilize and clear up according the Capt. Jake Joseph of Youngstown. The rainbow and lake trout bite has been good along Artpark and in Devil’s Hole from both boat and shore.  There’s been a good bite on the Niagara Bar, too, around the green can. Egg sacs, minnows and wobbling baits like Kwikfish and MagLips are all producing. Walleyes are also mixed in and they can be caught on minnows and shiners. Remember that walleye season closes as of March 15.

Upper Niagara River

Water color is good but no reports have been received this week. Casting spoons or egg sacks off Broderick Park could be good for a trout or two. You may catch a walleye, too, if you use a minnow or a jig. Remember walleye season closes on March 15 as does pike and pickerel. Mark your calendar for a Fish Forum at the Aquarium of Niagara, 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls starting at 6:30 pm. Some of the topics include the lake sturgeon of Buffalo Harbor; the Emerald Shiner project and status of what’s happening in the upper river; invasive species with Sea Grant; and stream restoration projects. To register call 852-7483. The New York Power Authority announced that the ice boom removal has started at the head of the river.

Oswego County

Mary Ellen Barbeau

Oswego River Report:

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:

Michael De Rosa – Zero Limit Adventures – Tailwater Lodge

Water levels remain high, 1700 cfs at the dam today.  Currently the snow is melting very fast, there is a light rain, temps in Altmar are at 59 degrees and all tribs to the main river are full.  We are just now receiving some local flood warnings, although they do not include Salmon River itself.  The good news is that there is very little snow pack left on the Tug Hill Plateau so, long-range, we are looking at good water levels and water temps later this month!

With so few fishermen on the river this week there is very little to report.  A few degrees rise in water temps will encourage March spawning and then Drop-Back (post-spawn) steelhead will be heading for the lake.  Normally, any high water this time of year will trigger the late steelhead out of the lake and into the system to spawn.  As water temps approach 50 degrees expect to see some early Landlock Salmon.

Orleans County

Orleans County Tourism
The warmer weather of the past few days has cleared most of what ice was left and has given all of the tributaries within Orleans County good water flows.

Most of the tributaries are at medium to slightly high flows with almost clear water.

On the “Oak” water flows have been reduced slightly on the turbine channel and the overflow side is at a maintenance level.

Water temperatures are quickly approaching the 40 degree mark and steelhead are on the move throughout the tributary system.

When wind conditions are right some are braving the waters of Lake Ontario, catching some fresh Brown trout.

Bullhead, Perch and Bluegills are starting to be taken on Lake Alice and in some of the tributaries.

With the possibility of a good amount of rain in the forecast over the next day or two, all of the conditions could quickly change as far as water clarity and levels but time will tell.

The warmer weather should also spur some action in the marinas as those who primarily lake fish rush to get their vessels ready for what could very well be an early start to the lake season.

Speaking of Lake Ontario, water levels for the start of the season appear to be above normal levels and warmer than the past several years.