The heads and tails of wintertime steelhead fishing in the five Lake Erie tributary streams of Chautauqua County provide a colorful and inspirational look into why anglers travel from near and far in freezing weather to fish here. Photo courtesy of Andrew Frelock

Pinch yourself.

Couldn’t feel that?

Yes, it’s December, and this month ushers in winter’s early grip. Hasten not: there is still one week left of the regular big-game hunting season (closes on Dec. 7), and on our Lake Erie tributaries, the fishing remains remarkably strong. With water temperatures in the high 30s and flows fueled by steady freeze-thaw cycles, steelhead settle into deep wintering pools, making them easier to locate.

The fish concentrate now, so look for the slower, deeper pools where you can often find dozens of fish in one place. Where to go for steelhead in December is no secret. Canadaway Creek is one of the best December performers thanks to reliable groundwater flow. Silver Creek offers deep holding cuts and easy access, making it ideal in colder weather. The Chautauqua Creek Gorge is considered a more technical winter fishing zone, but it is often loaded with fish. Of course, Cattaraugus Creek is the outstanding winter water, but remember, anglers on Seneca Lands must carry a Seneca Nation fishing license and hire a native guide under the new regulations.

Tackle that works in winter is varied. The metabolism of all fish, including steelhead, slows as water cools, so presentations should follow suit. Fly Anglers can focus on stoneflies, small eggs, woolly buggers, and pocket-water nymphs in size 12-16. Spinning anglers usually drift single eggs, 4-inch pink worms, or 6 mm hard or soft beads on 6-8 lb leaders. Add jigs and floats, a December favorite, with soft-tipped noodle rods and 1/64-1/32 oz marabou jigs, and fishing for steelies can be deadly in the soft seams of Chautauqua County Lake Erie tributaries. Andrew Frelock, a young man and expert fly tyer who supports the Hairy Trout Fly and Tackle Shop (716-575-5037) in West Seneca, likes to fish Silver Creek at this time of year. His catches on his homemade flies and tiny jigs are becoming legendary among local steelhead anglers. Check out his social media page.

Before hitting the water, many anglers stop at Chautauqua Reel Outdoors for fluorocarbon refills and local color patterns – see Mike Sperry. Anglers can also check FishUSA for winter jigs; they ship quickly across the region.

Weather considerations are always a winter concern, but you can’t catch ’em from your couch. Snow squalls are common, but fishing remains excellent whenever afternoons push temperatures above freezing. Slight warming trends often trigger a rewarding “bite window” that can last several hours. Ice buildup in rod guides is the biggest challenge; some anglers coat their guides with silicone to reduce ice buildup.

For out-of-town anglers, local guide services like Canadaway Creek Outfitters with Marty Kleeman (716-410-3720) or Orvis-endorsed guide Alberto Rey (716-410-7003) are invaluable. Rey highlights how the many small and large creeks in Chautauqua County can make anglers feel supported and confident regardless of weather conditions.

For lodging, visitors can check out the new Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, Chautauqua Suites in Mayville, or several local bed-and-breakfast establishments in Westfield, Fredonia, and Dunkirk, which can be found with an online search.

Gotta love the outdoors!

Outdoors Calendar

Nov. 30: NYS Inland Musky Season/regular NYS Black Bass season ENDED.

Dec. 1: First day of NYS Black Bass catch and release season – through June 14, 2026.

Dec. 1: Lake Trout Season opens for Lower Niagara River/Lake Ontario.

Dec. 2: Niagara Musky Association, monthly meeting, Eldredge Club, 17 Broad St., Tonawanda, 7PM start.

Dec. 4: WNY Walleye Assoc., monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, Hamburg.

Dec. 6: WNY Trout Unlimited, Christmas Party, Duff’s, 3090 Orchard Park Rd., West Seneca, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., $10 entry.

Dec. 8 – 16: NYS Southern Zone Late Archery/Muzzleloader Big Game hunting season.

Dec. 26 – Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone late archery/crossbow/muzzleloader special deer-only season. Regular firearms are not allowed.