PICTURED ABOVE: Chuck Grampp of Williamsville caught this nice salmon. Photo provided by Bill Hiltz of Destination Niagara USA
Greater Niagara Region
Bill Hilts, Jr.
Lake Ontario
Despite record high water levels in Lake Ontario, salmon and trout fishing continues to be good in the lake. 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. A mix of salmon and trout can be found in 100 to 300 feet ofwater. Flasher-fly, meat rigs and spoons like Dreamweavers and Michigan Stingers have been producing fish on a consistent basis. Pierleoni just returned from the Orleans Open Salmon and Trout Tournament last weekend where he placed second – less than 5 points behind the winner, Capt. Ed Monette and Cannonball Runner. Pierleoni actually caught one more fish that Monette – 16 to 15 – but scoring is based on 10 points per fish and a point per pound. This Saturday is the opening of the regular bass season so you will probably see a few more boats heading out. The Newfane launch ramp at Olcott is not having any water issues and launching is not a problem. All the boat slips are viable. The kids fishing derby set for June 24 in the Town of Newfane marina has been cancelled for this year. However, this coming Saturday, June 17, is the Wilson Conservation Club’s 31st annual kids derby from 8 a.m. to noon. Fish in any Niagara County waters. This contest is based on length and you must have your fish measured by noon. Call 930-7500 for more info. The club is located on Route 425 near the water tower. In Tonawanda, the kids derby will be at Niawanda Park near the band shell along River Road. Registration starts at 8 a.m. There are other activities going on in addition to the fishing. In addition, that same day will be the start of a new event across the state – the New York State Summer Classic Fishing Tournament, and running through August 31. There are a total of 10 different fish species categories and 55 weigh stations throughout the state. To find out more information, check out www.nyssummerclassic.com.
Lower Niagara River
In the Lower Niagara River, water temperature are still slowly creeping up there. Only a few steelhead and lake trout are still holding on. Mostly bass were caught this week on jigs, Kwikfish and MagLips. The regular season opens on Saturday the 17th and live bait can then be used again. Shore casters in the gorge have been using tubes, swim baits and marabou jigs. Inline spinners will work, too. Moss hasn’t increased that much. The worse is yet to come. Take advantage of the clearer water while you can.
Upper Niagara River
In the Lower Niagara River, water temperature are still slowly creeping up there. Only a few steelhead and lake trout are still holding on. Mostly bass were caught this week on jigs, Kwikfish and MagLips. The regular season opens on Saturday the 17th and live bait can then be used again. Shore casters in the gorge have been using tubes, swim baits and marabou jigs. Inline spinners will work, too. Moss hasn’t increased that much. The worse is yet to come. Take advantage of the clearer water while you can.
Oswego County
Mary Ellen Barbeau
Oswego River Report
After several weeks of high water in the river, the flow is down to 5,350cfs this morning. This level makes the river more fishable. Look for walleye, smallmouth bass and sheepshead throughout the river.
According to Jake Metcalf of fishoswegoriver.com:
Gar Pike are extremely active on the Oswego River in the month of June and throughout the summer. More times than not you they will completely ignore your bait. Yesterday I was able to land one of three that I hooked using swimbaits. Their mouths are very small yet full of teeth which makes it difficult to bring one to land.
Lake Ontario report:
As often happens in June, the lake fishing has been inconsistent. Anglers are fishing for brown trout in the more shallow water up to 25 feet with stickbaits and spoons. On a good day, anglers are finding kings, cohos and lake trout in 100-200 feet of water. Spoons and flasher/fly combinations are working well.
According to Capt. Kevin Davis of Catch the Drift:
The fishing remains challenging. We are having some good days and some slow days.
According to Capt. Andy Bliss of Chasin’ Tail Adventures:
There was a little brown trout action yesterday. It was a matter of covering lots of water and spreading out your lures from the top down to 54º.
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:
The heat kept anglers off the river for a couple of days this week. The water temperature was 65F early in the morning and likely climbed higher with the day’s heat. Tuesday we had scattered showers but nothing significant. We did have reports of decent activity for smallmouth bass although most were on the smaller side, less than 15 inches. Yesterday was a beautiful day on the run and the water flow is running at 185cfs.
Notice:The Salmon River Fish Hatchery building continues to be closed due to construction. The grounds, including picnic area and fish ladder, are still open dawn to dusk. We anticipate construction to be finished early summer. You can reach the hatchery at 315-298-5051, Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Oneida Lake Report:
Anglers found a more active walleye bite over the last week. Using blade baits or trolling worm harnesses has been successful. Look for a good perch bite in deeper water with minnows.
Sandy Pond report:
According to Dave Wood of Woody’s Tackle:
There is not much to report from the pond. The high water is limiting access with only a few anglers reported on the water. The DEC boat launch remains closed. Those anglers that are able to access the water will likely find Northern pike and walleye along with some perch.
Wayne County Fishing Update
Chris Kenyon
Lake Ontario
The kings are hitting straight out from Sodus Bay 80 to 120 fow. Most of the hits are coming from the riggers using NK Mag, green glow and some A-Tom-Mik green flies.
Lakers are on the bottom and will hit dodgers and peanuts.
It was a northeast wind today so it’s anyone’s guess where the temps will be tomorrow morning.
The browns are still hitting; however, it has been scattered and many charters are heading straight out deep in the morning.
Bays
Bass season starts this Saturday, the 17th of June. The fishing will be great in all the bays, however the only launch site on Sodus Bay is Margaretta Road. That’s the report now…. who knows what the weekend will bring.
The no wake conditions remain on all Wayne County bays, so that will make getting to your hot spot very difficult. Currently, Port Bay doesn’t even have an open launch site.
Many anglers are still fishing from Bay Bridge and casting out from the pier heads. Hughes Marina has a launch site, so you can head east on the lake and gain entrance to Sodus Bay.
It sounds like a broken record however, the speed on the bays is still idle. It’s a Wayne County Emergency condition. There is no restriction on Lake Ontario.
Check out the rest of the Wayne County Tourism web page for the locations and hours of local bait and tackle shops. waynecountytourism.com.
Erie Canal
Most of the launches on the canal are open and bass fishing is always productive on canal waters. With high water ruining bay fishing, the canal is a great option. Widewaters is the favorite location, just west of Newark. There is plenty of parking for trucks and trailers.
Orleans County
Orleans County Tourism
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 of team Tracker.
The weather threw everything at the 31 teams in the tournament this past week and weekend and all of the teams still came out winners, in my opinion.
Off and on Thunder storms are predicted over the next week, and even with more seasonal temperatures, should set things up for more unpredictable weather.
Fishing near the mouth of the “Oak” is producing good numbers of White bass, Perch, pike and bass, which by the way bass season opens this Saturday.
On Lake Alice the catches have mainly been Bluegills and bass, especially around the fallen trees.
On Lake Ontario it’s been any one’s guess where the fish will be with the ever changing weather conditions.
One interesting thing is that spoons are not producing a well as some type of flasher and fly or cut bait rigs presently but that could change quickly.
Also with the weather conditions the fish are scattered throughout the water column and from 100 feet of water on out.
One can only hope for some more stable weather to allow the lake to set up again and fishing to return to somewhat more normal patterns.