Jan 5, 2020

All creeks were blown out on Monday, with some of the smaller streams dropping back into fishable shape by Thursday. However, all are back on the rise again at report time. Without additional precipitation this evening, some of the smallest streams, feeder streams and the gorge section of Chautauqua Creek are possible options for the weekend. Check the USGS water data pages before heading out. Between high water events, anglers have recently reported decent steelhead fishing, with some fresh fish showing in the creeks. When fishing winter conditions, it is best to keep drifted offerings slow and low for steelhead that are more lethargic and hugging the bottom. Fly anglers typically target winter steelhead by drifting egg patterns, trout beads, nymphs and woolly buggers. Egg sacs, trout beads and jigs are common offerings by spinning or center pin drifters.

NY DEC