Lake Erie and Tributaries, Upper NY, Fishing Update.
Posted on November 17th, 2010[nggallery id=362]The creeks did come up last weekend and some fresh steelhead did move into the tributaries, however we are back to low and clear conditions in all Lake Erie tributaries except Cattaraugus Creek. The Catt is in good shape and is currently flowing at 300 cubic feet per second. The steelhead run has been fair, with fish spread throughout the creek, from the mouth to the Springville Dam. No location has been consistently holding large numbers of steelhead. The key has been to move around and fish a variety of water types such as large pools, riffles, tail-outs and pocket water. Fishing with egg sacs and egg pattern flies are good bets for fresh run steelhead. White streamers and bugger patterns are good options in clear conditions while darker patterns in black and purple will produce if the water gets stained. Boat and pier anglers can still target steelhead at the creek mouth with spoons and spinners.
Other tributaries such as Chautauqua, Canadaway, Eighteen Mile and Buffalo Creeks are low and clear, but worth a shot. There are decent numbers of steelhead, scattered in these creeks. Due to the clear conditions, it is advised to downsize your presentation with small egg sacs, single eggs, egg pattern flies, small hooks and light fluorocarbon tippet. Also move stealthily and avoid stomping through the water near holding areas.
Boat anglers have had good opportunity to fish the open waters of Lake Erie during this stretch of mild weather. Most have been targeting yellow perch and report good catches on salted emerald shiners and small golden shiners. The quality perch bite continues for those fishing the 50-55 foot zone off Cattaraugus Creek and Sturgeon Point. Boaters can also give their favorite springtime walleye areas a go for late season walleye. Walleye typically move back inshore at this time of year to feed before the onset of winter. For smallmouth bass, key on reef and shoal areas in 15-25 feet of water.
If you need more fishing information please call or e-mail Mike Todd (716-851-7010; mttodd@gw.dec.state.ny.us) or Jim Markham (716-366-0228; jlmarkha@gw.dec.state.ny.us). Good Luck Fishing!
The fishing hotline can also be heard at (716) 679-ERIE or (716) 855-FISH.
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