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Author Topic: Niagara River Fishing Report - Oct 2019  (Read 11088 times)

LEO

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Niagara River Fishing Report - Oct 2019
« on: October 19, 2019, 09:27:45 AM »
Oct 19, 2019

Lower Niagara River
Lake trout season is closed on the lower Niagara River as of October 1st and will reopen on January 1st. There are some king salmon around the lower river, however salmon fishing is slower than usual for this time of year. Devils Hole drift is the best option for boaters. Expect to work hard and make every bite count to put a couple in the boat. Controlled drifting with a three-way rig with cured salmon skein is the top technique. Shore anglers are picking up the occasional king salmon from the NYPA platform, Devils Hole and Whirlpool State Parks. Large spoons, Vibrax spinners and cured salmon skein are good offerings. Anglers fishing upstream of Lewiston are also catching the occasional brown trout or steelhead. Anglers report good smallmouth bass action in the lower drifts and out on the Niagara Bar. Drifting with a bottom bouncing rig and live shiners is a good tactic.

NY DEC

LEO

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Re: Niagara River Fishing Report - Oct 2019
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2019, 11:46:15 AM »
Oct 25, 2019

Fall is traditionally the top time to target muskellunge in the upper Niagara River. Target muskie by casting large stickbaits or by drifting and jigging large (8"-10") tube jigs. Trolling around the outer Buffalo Harbor and breakwall gaps can produce a muskie catch as well.

This year's lower river king salmon run never seemed to pick up much stream. Salmon are still around and anglers are catching a few, but most anglers are now targeting trout. Trout numbers are building and shore anglers have recently reported some good catches from Artpark State Park and the NYPA fishing platform. Devils Hole and Whirlpool State Parks are good shore options too. Anglers in the gorge are catching a mix of steelhead, brown trout and incidental lake trout. Be aware that lake trout season is currently closed on the lower river and will reopen on January 1st. Incidentally caught lake trout should be immediately released. Egg sacs, trout beads, egg pattern flies, shiners or jigs fished under a float, or casted spoons and spinners are good trout offerings.

NY DEC