As predicted, the salmon run in the lower Niagara River is on. East and northeast winds on Lake Erie led to the lake flipping over, sending mid-50-degree temperatures down the river triggering a decent run of autumn kings. Boaters in Devil’s Hole have reported double digit hook ups drifting treated egg skein off 3-way rigs. Several fish have also been taken by casting deep diving stick baits. Shore anglers are also successfully casting spoons, spinners, and crank baits. Try to utilize bright colors or glow when casting from the bank. Walleye and bass fishing continues to be good throughout the river for both live bait drifters and those working artificial baits. The best option for live bait has been crayfish, but shiners should start to dominate as the preferred bait with cooler water temperatures.
Alan Raymond with The Wicked Worm reports that some guys are still catching smallmouth bass along the edges of the river, and he’s starting to see salmon more – mainly on jigging spoons and spinners. He’s anticipating more fresh salmon coming up this week as Lake Erie waters have flipped, bringing cold water through the river system.
Capt. Kyle Kokanovich of Rust Belt Sportfishing reports that the salmon fishing in Devil’s Hole has been getting a little better each day. On Sunday, he went four for five on mature king salmon using egg skein rigged on three-way set-ups, bouncing the bottom.
Mike Ziehm of Niagara Falls has been out this past week in the gorge and some more fish have moved up the river. He has seen several pods of salmon even though the water is super clear. Northeast winds cooled the lake down and Erie did a little magic of her own in the temperature department. Now the river is mid-50s degrees, which is a big help. He’s landed some kings and walleyes on No. 4 spinners in white and chartreuse. The fishing will only get better.
In the upper river, Jeff Pippard with Niagara Outdoors in North Tonawanda reports very good smallmouth bass fishing action as they start their fall feeding frenzy. Leeches and golden shiners are working, which will also produce the occasional walleye.
Karen Evarts of The Boat Doctors and Tackle Barn reports the piers in Olcott are rocking right now. The fish slowed up for a day, but the Northeast brought them back in big time. One hot spot has been the rocky beach area at the foot of Jackson Street in Olcott for kings and browns on spoons. Northern pike are also biting in Olcott Harbor. Burt Dam has kings, browns and steelhead, in part due to water releases from the Erie Canal that have started. King salmon have started moving around more and the run is starting. Quite a few hen salmon were reported on Sunday. At the dam, egg sacs, beads, jigs, and skein are working, in no particular color. It changes daily. On the piers, use J13 Rapalas or spoons in green or blue. Good perch fishing is being reported in Wilson Harbor.
Frank Campbell
Director, Outdoor Promotions
