December 10, 2022

Tributary anglers continue to report solid steelhead action, with all streams fishing well when levels are not too high. There are many big steelhead around in the 26-30-inch, 8-10-pound range. Following a rain storm all creeks came up and peaked on Wednesday. The Chautauqua County stream levels are falling back fast today and some may be a fishable option by Friday. The Erie County streams may take a few days without any additional rain to settle out. Cattaraugus Creek likely won't be an option for some time. Keep an eye on the USGS Water Data for New York pages when planning your outing. In colder water, techniques such as swinging flies and casting lures become less effective as steelhead are more lethargic and not willing to move as much to take the "bait". Drifting techniques with egg sacs, trout beads, egg flies, nymphs, stonefly patterns, buggers and jigs fished near the bottom is a dependable approach during the colder months.

NY DEC