Nov 7, 2019

Lake Erie Tributaries
Anglers saw some decent steelhead action at the start of the week on streams such as Eighteenmile, Canadaway and Chautauqua Creeks. Fishing then slowed as flows dropped to low and clear. Cattaraugus Creek was in good fishing shape for a day or so before yesterday's rain arrived. The 1 to 1.5 inches of rain that fell, has all streams running high and muddy today. More steelhead will be moving in on this high water event and with each subsequent rain event through November. The steelhead bite is often very good just as streams drop back into fishable shape. Some of the smaller streams should be ready by Saturday and medium streams possibly by Sunday. Cattaraugus Creek will take longer. Keep and eye on the Cattaraugus Creek USGS water data page for discharge to drop below 500 cubic feet per second. Fly anglers typically target steelhead by drifting egg patterns, trout beads, nymphs and woolly buggers or by swinging streamers. Egg sacs, trout beads and jigs are common offerings by spinning or center pin drifters.

NY DEC