Western New York Fishing Report – March 7th, 2014

Lake Ontario and tributaries: Ice fishing action in Wilson and Olcott continued to be an option for hard water anglers, but you do have to work for them. And this is also the time of year when conditions can change quickly, so be aware of that. Any warm temps should open up 18 Mile Creek at Burt Dam a bit for anglers looking to chase a trout or two in the open water.

Lake Erie and tributaries: Best ice action has been out in deeper waters, off Sturgeon Point in 50 to 62 feet of water for bigger perch.

Upper Niagara River: Not too much to report other than some ice action around Grand Island.

Lower Niagara River: The Niagara River Anglers Association held their annual Roger Tobey Memorial Steelhead contest last month. with more than 50 diehard fishermen heading out to any local trout waters they could find. In the end, Jim Sayer of North Canton, Ohio, was the top dog with a 13.6-pound steelie caught on a pink egg sac in Devil’s Hole while fishing with Capt. Jim Rores.

Chautauqua Lake: The walleye bite has been best in the late afternoon/early evening hours in the northern basin. Some of the best spots have been in Dewittville Bay and Long Point in 20-30 feet of water with a jigging Rapala or spoon.

Silver Lake: The water clarity has improved at the south end, allowing for sight fishing of bluegill again. There were plenty of bluegill around the south end, but they have proved to be finicky at times. There has been an uptick in crappie catches during low-light periods. Tip-ups with shiners produce the occasional northern pike. The yellow perch bite is better in deeper areas of the lake. Always keep an eye on weather and ice conditions.

Conesus Lake: The ice was holding up at last check. The bluegill bite has been good off Vitale Park (north end), although anglers catch many smaller throwbacks for every keeper. There has not been much reported pike or tiger muskie action on tip-ups as of late. There was still no sign of crappie schooling in the shallows, but that could change at any time.

Honeoye Lake: The panfish bite continued to be slow. Previously, jigs with grubs produced decent catches of sizeable bluegill and pumpkinseed in 8-15 feet of water near the south end. When cooperating, yellow perch were a better bet in deeper areas over 18 feet.