Lake Erie Fishing Hotline
February 3 to February 10, 2012
If you fish Wiscoy Creek (even once) and would like to keep a diary for DEC, please call Fisheries Office at (716) 372-0645 or email at fwfish9@gw.dec.state.ny.us. The program will run March 1st through October 31st. This program duplicates one run in 2009, and will be used in conjunction with a late-summer electrofishing survey to evaluate the fishery's overall quality. In 2009, over 93 anglers participated in the program.
Lake Erie Tributaries
Winter season steelhead caught on
Eighteenmile Creek on egg sacks.
The Lake Erie tributaries' water levels have been dropping quickly, since peaking at high levels on Wednesday. All of the streams, except Cattaraugus Creek, look like good options for the weekend. The smaller streams are in good shape today, while the more popular, medium sized streams are better bets for Saturday and Sunday. Steelhead catches were good earlier in the week, with anglers reporting a mix of both fresh and darker steelhead. The Chautauqua County streams have been fishing best, however decent action was also reported in Cayuga Creek and the upper stretch of Eighteenmile Creek. In cold water conditions, it is best to keep drifted baits slow and deep as steelhead are lethargic and hugging the bottom. Egg sacs, egg pattern flies, trout beads or small hair jigs tipped with a waxworm/spike (fished under a float) are good bets. Concentrate efforts during the warmest part of the day when chasing winter steelhead.
Winter season steelhead angling on the Lake Erie tributaries can be a challenging and potentially hazardous outing, with the onset of ice and snow. Safety is of utmost importance. Some helpful items that you should consider include neoprene waders, ice cleats for boot soles, a walking stick/pole and a fishing companion whenever possible.
For those new to tributary steelhead fishing, see the Steelhead Fishing in Lake Erie Tributaries page for information on steelhead fishing tackle, equipment and links to steelhead stream maps. Anglers should note that there are special Great Lakes Tributary Regulations.
Lake Erie and Harbors
Lack of ice has allowed boat anglers to get out on Lake Erie when winds have been manageable. The yellow perch bite has been fair at best due to murky water conditions. If the favorable weather forecast holds true and water clarity improves, this could be a good weekend to get out. Northwest of Sturgeon Point in 45-50 feet of water is a good bet, as that area is usually the winter-time, yellow perch hot spot (for ice anglers). Emerald shiners are the bait of choice for Erie perch.
Dunkirk Harbor can be fished throughout the winter as a warm water discharge at the power plant keeps the harbor ice-free. Anglers can target brown trout and steelhead from the city pier, DEC fishing platform (near warmwater discharge) or from boats. Minnows fished under a bobber have worked best, but spoons and stickbaits work as well.
Upper Niagara River
Upper river waters are a murky green color, but fishable. Clarity will continue to improve through the weekend. Nearshore sites can be good for yellow perch at this time of year, especially when using emerald shiners.
Ice Fishing
Some area waters had good ice and good catches over the past couple of weeks. However, the most recent warming temperatures and rainstorms have degraded ice coverings, especially near shore. Therefore, in good conscience, I can not recommend any waters for ice fishing at this time.
Remember that a minimum of 3 to 4 inches of solid ice is the general rule for safety. Drilling holes or tapping with a spud bar to check ice thickness is recommended on your way out. Safety ice pics, boot cleats, rope and a floatation devise are recommended safety items. Use good judgement and fish with a friend when possible.
Those new to ice fishing can check the Ice Fishing Basics page for more information.
Attention Ice Anglers: DEC reminds anglers of new ice fishing regulations. In waters where ice fishing is permitted, anglers will be allowed to use up to three lines and five tip-ups except as noted in special regulations for specific waters. Previously, ice anglers could only use two lines with five tip-ups. See related Press Release for more information.
If you need more fishing information or would like to contribute to the fishing report, please call or e-mail Mike Todd (716-851-7010; mttodd@gw.dec.state.ny.us) or Jim Markham (716-366-0228; jlmarkha@gw.dec.state.ny.us). Good Luck Fishing!
The fishing hotline can also be heard at (716) 679-ERIE or (716) 855-FISH.
