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Great Niagara River Fishing Story The Great Niagara River Fishing Story
PART 2
The finest in World class
lake trout and brown trout fishing is said to be the best in the northeast is right
here. Fish these species in the same manner as steelhead. Aluminum boats 16-20 feet are recommended
with a trolling motor big enough for controlling the speed of your drift and the
direction of your boat. Shoreline fishing can be extremely effective
and shore fishermen can score from the N.Y. Power
Authority’s fishing dock at the foot of the power plant or fishing the rugged
shoreline above or below that area. Most popular shoreline fishing starts above the power plant starting at the Whirlpool State Park area and shifting down river to the Devil's Hole State Park area. There is rugged terrain to encounter on either one of these adventures so be sure you are in shape to climb rocks and stairs. Do not go off established trails and always travel light and with a companion. Don't forget your camera. You will encounter some of the most beautiful scenery in God's creation and you will want to show others where you ventured. King Salmon - Coho
In March and generally into May, the fishing picks up at what is known as the
Niagara Bar. The Bar is located at the mouth of the Niagara River where the
river empties into Lake Ontario. At this time of year hoard's of lake trout,
brown trout and spring coho salmon and king salmon [chinook] all drawn by
the smelt and alewives that are the choice feed of these beautiful creatures.
Again 16-20 ft. boats recommended. Yellow Perch.
May and early June will find a lot of fishermen searching out the fine tasting
yellow perch. 11 to 14 inch perch considered lake perch will be hitting on
minnows on a 2-way perch rig or crappie rig. This action will again pick up in
late September and October. June, July , August and into early September
brings the warmer water and the Bass and Walleye fishing to the
forefront. Most of the cold water fish like the salmonoids and their forage base
have moved from the river to the deeper, cooler waters of the lake. Bass. There are a dozen smallmouth bass drifts favored by the local fishermen
and the best way for a new fisherman to find these spots is to either ask at the
boat launch or go where you see the fishing boats congregating. You will learn
real fast on how to latch onto one of these 2-3 pound fighting bronzebacks. It
is not unusual to latch onto a 5 pound plus fighter. Favorite artificial baits
are numerous but the one standout is the Berkley Power Grub. Live baits are
leeches, nightcrawlers, crabs [crawfish], minnows and big shiners and not
necessarily in that order. Food fare for the day depends on what other natural
feed is available at the time. Again, the Bar at the mouth of the river is a
favorite location. Walleye fishing brings out the best of the hard fishing fisherman. Using the
same live baits as the bass fishermen and sometimes the same drifts, the walleye
fisherman will latch on some of the largest walleye in the entire northeast and
including Canada lakes. In the summer of 2000 walleye of over 14 pounds have
been reported. One taken by a reputable Charter Captain in the summer of 2001. 11 and 12 pound walleye
are really happy catches and most all are released by concerned anglers. 4 to 5 pound are common and
anything just over 18" being fine table fare. Size limit is 18" and
that rule is strict and enforced not only by the Conservation officials but
other fishermen. Nightcrawlers on either a 3 hook worm harness
with spinner and beads or a large silver/copper spinner with a yellow sally
[fly] tied on a 1/0 hook has been a local favorite for over 60 years. Silver
Kwikfish or Flatfish lures [banana baits] with the front hook removed and a piece of
nitecrawler fastened to the remaining hook has proved to get ‘em on those
tough days. K-8, K-9 sizes. All baits are tied with a three-way swivel with a
drop sinker mostly a pencil sinker so called because of its shape. Weight will
vary but start with 1 ounce as a rule of thumb and adjust from there. Identical
3-way hookup for bass fishing. Muskellunge
and Northern Pike are available but not abundant in the Lower Niagara,
meaning they are not a particularly targeted species. Most fishermen spend their
time targeting bass and walleye during the summer months......... Go to Map A Send us your comments through our Feedback
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