March 3, 2016

It’s that time of the year when the trout crowd starts checking stream conditions ahead of the largely ceremonial April 1 opener. So far this winter the weather has been warmer than normal with little snow,  but frequent rains. River conditions are good and if things remain relatively unchanged it could be a good early […]

Ice conditions took a huge turn for the worst recently with rain and warm weather. So we’re not hearing much and many anglers have waved the white flag and are gearing up for the April 1 trout opener.

Lake George: Some spots were still offering up safe ice at last report, but use caution and watch for bubblers. Perch were running hot and cold, but anglers were picking up some landlocked salmon and marking a lot of smelt. Saratoga Lake: Panfish and plenty of pickerel, whether you want them or not.

Overall, the fishing was quiet this report period as many anglers stayed off the water due to the cold temperatures. Too, some of the open boats have been hauled for maintenance.   Saltwaters Bait and Tackle reported that there were a few white perch caught in Santapogue Creek in West Babylon. The best bait was

Schroon Lake: Lake trout action has been good. Find the smelt and the lakers shouldn’t be far away. It’s a big weekend on the lake with the March 5-6 derby. Lake Champlain: Ice was still available and anglers were picking up perch up north, panfish and pike down south. South Bay was also offering safe

Cayuga Lake: Nothing to report. Anglers are now pointing to the April 1 trout opener in the tributaries. Seneca Lake: Yellow perch fishing can often be good this time of year on Seneca, but so far no reports of how anglers have been doing. Canandaigua Lake: Nothing happening. Owasco Lake: No report. Otisco Lake: There

It’s been a challenging year for ice anglers, and with the season winding down and the weather continuing to warm use extreme caution and your own good judgment if deciding to venture out.  Also, a reminder that from Nov. 1 to May 1, all persons regardless of age, aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21

Lake Ontario and tributaries: Best bet at last look was Eighteenmile Creek and Burt Dam at that end of the lake. Fish a small jig under a float. Tip the jig with a wax worm and you should be able to catch some fish. It will be dependent upon water conditions. Rains should drawn in