October 18, 2012

Fall fishing has been fairly consistent, with fish responding to a variety of methods. Caddis were showing in fair numbers. Nymph and streamer fishing has been very effective. Statewide regulations have trout season ending Oct. 15, but some waters remain open, including the Beaverkill. Check regulations before heading out. Catskill Flies

John Miller at Bob’s Sport and Tackle reports fishing has been very good as fall temperatures settle in, with the action highlighted by a monstrous brown trout – reportedly a 19-pounder – caught in Kensico Reservoir. Bass action has been good across the region, while crappie and yellow perch have been hitting well on waters

Lake George anglers continued to take advantage of some fine fishing, with lake trout found at 50 feet and bass – both largemouth and smallmouth – also offered consistent action. Northern pike were also cooperative as much of the attention now turns to the Northern Zone firearms deer and bear seasons.

The blackfish season opened up to some excellent inshore and offshore fishing, with blackfish in the 8-pound class common offshore and fish up to 5 pounds inshore. From the shore, blackfish were caught off the inlet rocks along rocky beaches in the Sound on the North Fork. Boat anglers did well on the artificial reefs,

This is the time of year when attention turns solidly to hunting, with the opening of the Northern Zone firearms season Oct. 20 after the weeklong (Oct. 13-19) muzzleloader offering. Fall turkey hunters were also out in good numbers due to a huge hatch that had birds visible in many areas.

Cayuga Lake Lake trout fishing was slow, possibly due spawning activity. Fishing 80 to 110 feet down with flasher and flies was producing a few lakers, as was vertical jigging in 80 to 100 feet of water. Bass fishing has been good on the north end, with a variety of plastic baits working. Seneca Lake

Lake Ontario There were still salmon being found around tributary mouths. J-plugs and flasher and flies are still working. With the lack of rain most tributaries were still too low for salmon to make their way into them, other than the Genesee River. A few salmon were being taken at night by anglers casting glow-in-the-dark

Lake Ontario and tributaries Burt Dam and Eighteen Mile Creek needs some water to really pull some fish into the system. In the meantime, your best bet is in the harbor and off the piers, although some salmon and a few more trout are at Burt Dam area. Some salmon action was being reported in