From red-hot Lake Ontario trout and salmon action to shifting spring patterns in the Niagara River, Upstate New York fishing is hitting its stride.
By Frank Campbell | The largest fishing contest of the spring will help kick off the fishing season on Lake Ontario with the Spring Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Derby, continuing through to May 10. The big fish competition offers a $15,000 Grand Prize for the largest salmon and Niagara Falls USA waters are the place to be in May! Just check out the leaderboard for previous contests to see where the big salmon have been caught. Things are certainly starting out good. Capt. Dave Scipione of Scipione Fishing Charters reports that fishing on and around the Niagara Bar was on fire his last couple of times out. Fish were anywhere from 20 to 50 feet of water. At a certain point it was nearly impossible to get 4 rods set up. Best lures were Dreamweaver, Warrior and Northeast Troller magnum spoons, using two riggers and 2 divers for his program. Top spoon color patterns were green jeans, green glow alewife, seasick waddler, and carbon 14. For salmon, Scipione says to keep your speed around 2.5 mph and your lures 5 to 10 feet off the bottom. For lake trout and brown trout, keep your lures on or near the bottom and reduce your speed to 1.8 to 2.0 mph.
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