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Fishing Report

CHAUTAUQUA LAKE

The muskie bite is hot and heavy for casting anglers. The flats off Mayville and Lakewood Bar have been producing with top water baits. While walleye anglers are still finding “eyes” along the weed lines, working worm harnesses and stickbaits, casting stickbaits and jigging with shiners have all produced walleye catches. Yellow perch are available around the lake at depths of 5-10 feet of water. The shallows around rocky points and docks will continue to produce good fish. Remember to check all regulations before heading out. This is a tricky time of year with artificial baits/catch and release and daily creel limits and sizes. It always best to know the rules before heading out.

LAKE ERIE AND TRIBS

Recent weather has pushed schools of perch deeper off Dunkirk Harbor and Sunset Bay. Evening anglers are still finding success close to shore. Keep in mind spawning is winding down but shoals in 8-15 feet of water are still working best. Trolling or casting stickbaits works well. In areas where walleye are more heavily congregated, there will likely be a pack of boats to deal with. Anglers also have good chances to catch walleye away from the pack. Walleye are available during the daytime, too. Target depths of 20-35 feet of water off/near the popular nighttime spots and off the windmills. Try trolling, bottom bouncing or vertical jigging. The most consistent yellow perch fishing remains east of Cattaraugus Creek in 50-60 feet of water. Perch schools are moving around, so expect to do a little searching.

Dunkirk and Barcelona harbors are catching good numbers of smallmouth bass. Water temperatures are still relatively cool in the outer Buffalo Harbor, so bass fishing is slower there.

LAKE ONTARIO AND TRIBS

The hard northeast blow last Thursday certainly scattered some fish around, changing up a very good salmon bite. According to Capt. Matt Yablonsky of Wet Net Charters, action was good from the Niagara Bar to 30 Mile Point in 100 to 200 feet of water. Fish are everywhere and all throughout the water column. Spoons, flasher-fly and meat were all catching fish. In the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Charity Fishing Outing from Olcott, fishing was consistent despite the mixed up waters. Bill Salley, fishing with the LaBatt crew aboard the Hawg with Capt. Jim Gordon of Appleton, reeled in the big fish of the day, a 19.45 king salmon. Second place was former Sabres player and coach Lindy Ruff who “high-sticked” a 19.34-pound king salmon while fishing with Capt. Vince Pierleoni aboard the Thrillseeker. Third place was Tim Kraska of Eden, fishing with Capt. Jonathan Ross aboard the Tomahawk. The weigh-in station will be open in Krull Park at the Lions Club pavilion starting at noon each day. Yes, Lake Ontario is open for business and the launch ramps are open at Olcott, Wilson and Fort Niagara. Bring boots for Wilson and Fort Niagara. Remember that there is a no-wake zone in effect within 1,000 feet of the shoreline (5 mph).

LOWER NIAGARA RIVER

In the Niagara River, fishing has been good for bass and trout. Bass have been hitting swim baits and tubes. Trout have been hitting MagLips, minnows and sacs in Devil’s Hole and along Artpark. Water levels are high and it limits how much shoreline is available when casting. Spinners, jigs and egg sacs are working from shore. The NYPA platform has been closed because of the high water levels. Upper river bass fishing has been good, too.

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