March 19, 2015

St. Lawrence River: Very slushy ice conditions have frustrated anglers of late, but things could melt and then re-freeze and actually improve things a bit. Black Lake: Plenty of ice, but plenty of slush, too. Fishing has been slow and anglers aren’t thrilled with the slog to get to their fishing spots. Conditions could improve

Not much happening, and the April 1 trout opener could be ceremonial at best.

The New York City reservoir system, at last check, continued to offer ice fishing options, but we’re not hearing much on angler success. And keep an eye on changing conditions now.

Great Sacandaga Lake was yielding some good pike, a few walleye and perch before the pike and walleye seasons closed. Remember, shanties should have been removed from the ice by March 15. Plenty of ice still but keep an eye on changing conditions. On Lake George, lakers remained a top target, as well as perch,

The freshwater action was better than the saltwater fishing this report period as the small harbors, marinas and canals remained largely frozen over, keeping boats at the dock or in the driveway. Boats that did get out and headed offshore for cod, pollock and ling reported generally slow fishing east of Shinnecock Inlet. This can

Lake Champlain was yielding a few perch of late, but the smelt fishery is virtually nonexistent again, a product of the arrival of alewives. Schroon Lake was producing a few smelt and the occasional laker or landlock, but the going was tough once you got off the truck tracks. Most of the region’s waters have

Cayuga Lake: Much of Cayuga Lake was frozen over, which is extremely rare for this second largest Finger Lake. Normally only the north and south ends freeze over. Travel on the ice had improved some from last week but it continued to be difficult with the snow and slush.  Seneca Lake: Not hearing enough to

Lake Ontario: Nothing to report. Oneida Lake: Tough travel on the ice has made it tough to get a read on the fishing of late. Oswego River: Few anglers have been out. But that could change with the slow arrival of spring-like weather. Salmon River:  Not hearing much of late but fishing activity should pick