CHAUTAUQUA LAKE

There have been some non-specific reports of crappie being caught. Spring is the typical time for crappie to congregate in the canals and in the open lake near green weeds and structure. Small minnows or jigs with plastics or minnows are good bets for crappie. Bullhead are showing along shorelines, especially during low-light periods. Nightcrawlers, chicken livers, raw shrimp and prepared baits work well for bullhead in the outlet.

LAKE ERIE AND TRIBS

Steelhead fishing in the Lake Erie tributaries remained solid up through last weekend. There may still be some fresh fish around, but reports indicate that most remaining steelhead are actively spawning or drop-backs. Catches of suckers are on the rise, too, another telltale sign that the steelhead run is, or is about to, taper off. Cattaraugus Creek is still a bit high, but fishable. All other creeks are slightly lower to low, with clear conditions. Downsize lines, baits and flies, and move stealthily to fool wary trout.

LAKE ONTARIO AND TRIBS

Long with inland creeks and streams statewide. April 1 also kicks in some new fishing regulations for Lake Ontario and the tributaries. For Lake Ontario, the daily limit for steelhead drops from three to two as part of your fish totals per person. In the tributaries, the daily limit for brown trout drops from three to one fish per person. Steelhead will remain at one fish per person, but the minimum size for that one fish, should you decide to keep one, must be at least 25 inches long now. The Niagara River is currently exempt from all these new regulations for the time being.

As far as some other fishing facts, the Town of Newfane Marina will not open for the time being. However, the launch ramp will remain open. In addition, the gas pumps are being converted to pay-at-the-pump and that project should be completed by next week.

Roy Letcher of Newfane reports that the pier action has been good in Wilson and Olcott. Cast Little Cleo spoons and stickbaits for primarily brown trout. You can also drift a float with an egg sac or a minnow to pick up a fish or two. Bullhead are also being caught in Wilson, Olcott and Golden Hill, but the water was muddy in some areas. When you can get on the lake for some trolling action, some brown trout are being caught with regularity using stickbaits along the shoreline inside of 20 feet. Some salmon are also being reported by trollers from the Niagara Bar to 30-mile Point. The rain we experienced last weekend gave the creeks a good shot of water flow and some are muddy for right now. It should improve quickly with mild weather in the forecast. All the launch ramps are open in the state parks here, as well as the town launch in Wilson. Streams are still holding trout, but they are on the way out. Suckers and bass are moving.

LOWER NIAGARA RIVER

Niagara River fishing has been good to very good. It will take a few days for the action to return after the severe storms blew through over the weekend. From shore, casting spoons, jigs or spinners will work. Drifting egg sacs or egg imitations will also produce a trout or two. Remember social distancing. If someone is fishing a spot, say in the lower Niagara River from shore, pay attention to how they are fishing the area, too. If the river current takes their lure downriver and they are working the shoreline back up, make sure you are giving adequate distancing from that individual for more than just the virus. It will be more than six feet. In fact, ask them if it’s OK. Common courtesy can go a long way toward a better angling experience for everyone.

UPPER NIAGARA RIVER

Emerald shiners are schooling in many harbors and marinas around the upper Niagara River, attracting yellow perch. Catches of some good-sized perch have been reported in Grand Island marinas. Emerald shiners are available for dipping at marina/harbor sites and work great for perch.