Weekly Fishing Report

The fishing on the lower river remains steady for smallmouth bass, with the spawn past peak and fish beginning to show signs of feeding in deeper water as the regular black bass season opened on Monday. Live bait such as shiners and crayfish fished off 3-way rigs should entice bites in 10-25 feet of water now that it’s legal. The best areas will be drop-offs at the end of drifts like Stella and the Coast Guard. There is some moss to contend with, and, additionally, alewives have entered the river to spawn. Move around to target moss-free areas. Walleyes are also starting to show up in catches, with worm harnesses taking most of the fish. Walleyes have been feeding in the same areas where the bass are, so expect a mixed catch in most areas.

Walleye and bass action in the upper Niagara River continues to be decent for Steve Brzuszkiewicz of Marilla. Once again, he limited out with 6 walleyes and also caught 5 catch-and-release bass Monday morning by 9:30 a.m. Smallmouth bass were up to 19 inches long. Walleyes were all nice eaters. He caught all the fish on a stickbait, but things were complicated by the presence of increasing moss.

Out in Lake Ontario, Capt. Joe Oakes of Salmonboy Fishing Charters in Wilson reports fish seem to be scattered from 90 feet out to 400-plus feet of water. There is bait everywhere, and finding it hasn't been an indication of being on fish lately. Best baits have been mostly spoons. Look for temperature breaks for best results. His target area has been 20 to 80 feet down using anything in green; white and black have been working.

Karen Evarts at The Boat Doctors and Tackle Barn in Olcott reports that fishing is a bit tough now due to the area winds. The kings being caught were full of alewives. Trollers are getting a few steelhead, too. Use NK 28 or other standard-sized spoons. Moonshine spoons with the UV tape are working best. Some nice smallmouth bass are being caught in Olcott Harbor.

In the Orleans County Open, which requires teams to catch five salmon and five trout, there were a few local connections. The Tomahawk team, led by Capt. Jonathan Ross of Hamlin, dominated the event with a score of over 481 points. Also on the team was Capt. Roy Letcher of Olcott. Second place was Vision Quest, led by Capt. Pete Alex of Erie, PA, with 415 points. He runs his charter operation out of Wilson. Third place was Legacy, led by Capt. Rob Westcott of Hamlin, with 413 points. Westcott won the Pro-Am last weekend in Niagara.

For the kids: This Saturday (June 20) is the free Wilson Conservation Club Kids Derby. Fish any Niagara County waters from 8 a.m. to noon. Measuring at the club immediately follows. Father's Day is the Widewaters Kids Derby in Lockport, hosted by the Moose Lodge. June 27th and 28th is a free fishing weekend in New York. June 27th is Hooks for Harry Kids Derby in Olcott from 8 a.m. to noon at the Town of Newfane Marina.

Sign up for a fishing tournament or derby in Niagara Falls USA. See the full schedule of events here.