CHAUTAUQUA LAKE

There is some ice fishing activity in the sheltered bays of the south basin, where ice is 4-5 inches. Fishing has been slow. The north basin and the narrows have thin ice that is not safe

Ice fishing activity is picking up with good ice on smaller lakes and ponds in the southern tier and in some shallow areas of popular lakes such as Silver and Chautauqua. Regional opportunities should expand beyond this week when an extended freeze moves in. Keep in mind that ice thickness can vary greatly on the same body of water, especially if there are springs, stream inlets or heavy snow cover. Remember that a minimum of 3-4 inches of solid ice (blue or black) is the general rule for safety, for individuals on foot. Five inches of solid ice is better for a small group fishing together. “White,” or slush ice, is about 50% weaker. Drilling holes or tapping with a spud bar to check ice thickness is recommended on your way out, or when moving around. Safety ice picks, boot cleats, throw rope and a floatation devise are recommended safety supplies.

LAKE ERIE AND TRIBS

Cattaraugus Creek is currently in prime fishing shape with medium flow. All other Erie tributaries are in decent shape with slightly lower to low flows. There has been some slush to deal with during the morning hours, but creeks are otherwise open. The window of steelhead fishing opportunity should extend through mid-week. Creeks may get icy beyond that with an extended deep freeze moving in. Water temperatures are near freezing now and steelhead are lethargic and hugging the bottom. It is best to keep drifted offerings slow and deep. It is also good to concentrate efforts during the warmest part of the day. Common wintertime steelhead baits include egg sacs, egg flies, trout beads and small jigs tipped with a waxworm.

LAKE ONTARIO AND TRIBS

Scott Feltrinelli with Ontario Fly Outfitters reports that scattered single trout are everywhere, but you must work for them. This is the usual winter fishing pattern that we are in right now. Waters are low and clear. Be stealthy on your approach. The streamer bite remains good. Karen Evarts at the Boat Doctors in Olcott reports that wax worms and spikes have been flying out of their 24-hour bait machine in front of their shop. Candy bars and floats, too. Fishing pressure has been light. With colder temperatures in the forecast, look for some icing up to take place in the smaller streams. Good luck out there and stay safe!

LOWER NIAGARA RIVER

The recent Western New York lake-effect event missed us here in Niagara Falls USA once again, but the influences can still be felt by stained water in the Niagara River from the winds impacting Lake Erie. Lake Erie water temperatures are still above freezing and there is no ice, so a wide-open lake is susceptible to winds, rain, and snow – whatever Mother Nature dishes out to us this time of year. And it can change quickly!

Mike Ziehm of Niagara Falls was reporting 3 feet of visibility on Monday morning upstream of the power plant. He was landing brown trout, lake trout, rainbows, and steelhead for four days in a row. Jigs and spinners were the tools of his casting efforts. However, visibility turned to a foot at mid-day and the action was finished until things settle down again. More wind is on the way. Lisa Drabczyk with Creek Road Bait and Tackle in Lewiston said that beads and jigs tipped with a plastic shad minnow were working along Artpark before the water turned color. From boats, Capt. Matt Yablonsky of Wet Net Charters reports that the river is stained right now, and he has not been out this week yet. However, the bite was decent before the water got dirty. Devil’s Hole was giving up some feisty steelhead on egg sacs, fished off 3-way rigs. The Niagara Bar has been pretty good as well. There was a decent lake trout bite with some browns mixed in, again off 3-way set-ups. Emeralds and golden shiners were best out there, triggering consistent hits. An occasional king salmon has also been surprising anglers drifting around out on the Bar. If the wind does not blow too much, look for action to begin again by this weekend.