Oct 30, 2018

Niagara River
The upper river is a good smallmouth bass fishing option in the fall as waters cool and bass go on the feed. Also, conditions on the river are often more manageable than the open lake in the fall, and boat launches remain open late into the fall. Target feeding bass outside weed edges by drifting bottom bouncing rigs with live shiners, crayfish or plastics.

Anglers are still catching decent numbers of king salmon up in the gorge, along with increasing numbers of trout. Target king salmon by drifting the Devils Hole by boat or from shore at Devils Hole and Whirlpool State Parks. Cured salmon skein is the top salmon bait for drifters, and shore anglers connect by casting large spoons and spinners or by drifting skein under a float. Steelhead generally show in good numbers at the spots listed above, but are also available along Artpark State Park. Egg sacs, egg pattern flies, shiners or jigs with plastics fished under a float or casting medium-sized spoons and spinners are good trout offerings. Lake trout season is closed in the lower river as of October 1st. Incidentally caught lake trout should be quickly returned to the water.

NY DEC