May 15, 2014

St. Lawrence River: Not hearing much lately, which is likely a product of the cold air and water temperatures of last week. Black Lake: Chapman’s Marina in Hammond reports fishing activity has been a bit sluggish for crappie of late, but that will almost assuredly change when waters warm just a bit. Much of the […]

Hatches – caddis, Blue Quills, Red Quills and Quill Gordons – should be picking up by now. But at times fish can refuse to surface even during good insect activity. When that happens, try a nymph under the hatch. Beaverkill/Willowemoc: A decent number of Hendricksons and Red Quills were about. West Branch of the Delaware: Good levels

Most of the attention has been on the trout, since the region’s trout waters have been stocked. Some waters worth a look at Fishkill Creek in Dutchess County; the East Branch of the Croton River, as well as the Croton’s West Branch in Putnam County; Amawalk Outlet, the Cross River Reservoir Outlet and the Croton

Trout waters are fully stocked and slowly warming up, and that’s where most of the angling attention has been of late. Not hearing a lot from Lake George, which should be yielding some early season lake trout. On Saratoga Lake, Tim Blodgett of Saratoga Tackle reports panfish (bluegill and crappie) hitting well, as are plenty of

The ocean and bays water temperatures are warming and larger striped bass have shown up and were being caught on clam bellies at the bridges spanning the South Shore inlets.  The outgoing tide yielded the best bite, but the first of the incoming tide has also been productive. In general, the afternoon tides have been

The region’s trout streams have mostly been stocked, but cold water temps have kept fishing from really heating up. Still, anglers are plying the waters of the West Branch of the Ausable with some success. And the backcountry brook trout ponds are beginning to yield good numbers of fish, although we’ve yet to hear of

Cayuga Lake: Anglers fishing the north end were getting some perch and anglers trolling the south end were getting a few browns and Atlantic salmon. Trolling stick baits in 10 to 30 feet of water was working for the browns and salmon. Seneca Lake: Anglers fishing around Sampson State Park were still getting yellow perch

Lake Ontario: Wind continued to be an issue but when anglers have been able to get out the brown trout bite has been good. Trolling near shore in 6 to 20 feet of water with stick baits or small spoons was producing some nice brown trout. Casting from shore with spoons was also yielding browns.

Lake Ontario and tributaries: Fishing has been good on the lake for browns, coho salmon and lake trout. Fishing has been good all the way to Point Breeze. Target the creek mouths where warmer water is attracting baitfish. Fish the mud lines. Wes Walker at The Slippery Sinker in Olcott reports some fresh steelhead in