January 10, 2013

Not hearing much as the open-water crowd hasn’t ventured out and the ice fishing fraternity awaits safe ice.

Not hearing much as anglers await safe ice. Lake George had yet to offer that as of last week, but that’s typical for early January.

Saltwater anglers focused on sea bass, cod, ling and pollock fishing as the action continued to improve with the cooling ocean water temperatures.  Most codfish were between 4 and 8 pounds, with pool fish on open boats between 12 and 20 pounds.  The best fishing occurred on the 20 fathom and deeper wrecks off the

Anglers were reportedly out on the ice on some of the traditional spots such as Lake Colby and Chazy Lake, but ice conditions varied. The heavy snow late last month created some sloppy conditions and made for tough travel when on foot, which is really the only way to go until the ice thickens. Check

Cayuga Lake Yellow perch were being taken in the north end on fathead minnows. Remember, the Finger Lakes tributary season ended at sunset on Dec. 31. There are a few exceptions to this, check the Finger Lakes tributary regulations before heading out. Seneca Lake Yellow perch were being caught from the pier and by Painted

Lake Ontario Tributaries were up and there are some brown trout and steelhead being taken on egg sacs and egg-imitating flies. Perch were biting in the bays but launching boats continued to be difficult. Weather is a serious factor now as well. Oneida Lake The shore walleye bite continues to be slow and scattered, but