Monday, February 20, 2017

Late winter Salmon River fishing report

At a 750 cfs. release the gauge at Pineville is at 936 cfs.  The river has been flowing between 900-1100 cfs for quite a while now and this has contributed to a very consistent fishery as far as finding steelhead.  Most fish can be expected to be found in the deeper pools with the Schoolhouse, Abandoned Trestle and the Sportsman holding real good numbers.  It is also time to start seeing steelhead setting up in primary spawning areas and we will see more spawning activity as we move into March and April. 


The water temps are 34-35 degrees and with the warmer weather forecast over the next couple weeks we will see these temps stay cold as the snow slowly melt into the drainage.  Speaking of which, I took a ride up through the Redfield/ Route 2 corridor this afternoon and there is a huge snow pack.  Some areas have an easy 4-5 FEET laying on the ground right now.  Unless we get no more snow and the temps stay in the 40's and 50's over the next month or so, we will see a major run-off this spring if the warm-up happens the way it usually does here. 

Salmon River Flea, pink, blue or orange chenille body
and a white poly wing and tail.  How simple can it get.
Right now the gear fishermen are doing good on egg sacs and smaller flies, small black stones, Salmon River Fleas and trout nymphs.  These same patterns are working with the fly rodders fished on the bottom with weight.  Normally I like to indie fish but the fish have been ignoring the indie-drifted flies for some reason.  With the water being clear with very little sediment fish are shy of line over 6-8 lb test. 

The river is very fishable and the steelhead are cooperative, for the most part.  If cabin fever is taking hold get your gear and come visit.  You wont be disappointed.

Tight lines

Friday, February 17, 2017

NYS fish for free days

February 18,19, 2017 are the first 'fish for free' days in NY State for the 2017 calendar year.  Take advantage of this opportunity to get something from NYS that is free. 

DEC Announces State of Lake Ontario Meetings

The public will have the opportunity to learn about the state of Lake Ontario fisheries at public meetings held in Niagara, Monroe, and Oswego counties in March, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.

"Lake Ontario and its tributaries continue to provide world-class fishing opportunities for the hundreds of thousands of anglers who enjoy it every year," Commissioner Seggos said. "These fisheries provide unsurpassed recreational opportunity and generate substantial economic benefits to the surrounding communities. The state of Lake Ontario meetings provide an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in the lake and its tributaries to interact with the scientists and managers who study and manage these fisheries."

Lake Ontario and its embayments and tributaries support thriving populations of fish, including a variety of trout and salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch, and panfish. New York's Lake Ontario waters comprise more than 2.7 million acres. A recent statewide angler survey estimated that more than 2.6 million angler days were spent on Lake Ontario and its major tributaries. The estimated value of these fisheries exceeded $112 million annually for local economies.The meeting dates and locations are as follows:

Tuesday, March 7: 6:30 - 9 pm at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport, Niagara County. The meeting is co-hosted by Niagara County Cooperative Extension and the Niagara County Sportfishery Development Board.

Thursday, March 9: 6:30 - 9 pm at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campus (Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science building (76-1125) - Carlson Auditorium), Rochester, Monroe County. The meeting is co-hosted by RIT and the Monroe County Fishery Advisory Board.

Monday, March 13: 6:30 - 9 pm at the Pulaski High School auditorium, 4624 Salina St., Pulaski, Oswego County. The meeting is co-hosted by the Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association. In the event of heavy lake-effect snow, the meeting will be held at the same time and location on March 14.

Staff from DEC, the United States Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will share presentations, including updates on the status of trout and salmon fisheries in the lake and its tributaries, forage fish, and stocking programs. The meetings will provide ample time at the end of the scheduled program for the audience to interact with the presenters.

Information about DEC's Lake Ontario fisheries assessment programs can be found on DEC's website. For additional information contact Steven LaPan, New York Great Lakes Fisheries Section Head at the Cape Vincent Fisheries Research Station, (315) 654-2147.