March 1 - March 15
Salmon River
As of February 27, the flow is 1,500 cubic feet per second (CFS) at the dam and increases downstream with inflow from the tributaries. Steelhead are being found throughout the river. Good baits are egg sacs (blue or pink mesh), 8-12mm beads, pink worms, nymphs, glo bugs, and sucker spawn flies. For more information, view Steelhead Fishing in Lake Ontario tributaries.
Oswego River
The flow is 10,200 cubic feet per second (CFS) as of February 27. Steelhead are being caught, along with a few brown trout. Try egg sacs, beads or egg imitating flies. See link above for information on steelhead fishing.
Remember there are mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) zones on the river. For more information on PFD zones and life jacket loaner programs, visit the Oswego County Tourism website.
Lake Ontario
When conditions allow, a few anglers have been getting a jump start on the spring brown trout fishing on the lake. Trolling with small spoon or stickbaits usually works for the spring brown trout.
Skaneateles Lake
The launch gate will open on Saturday, March 2.
Other Waters in Central NY
Nothing to report at this time.
You can also listen to this hotline report by phone at (607) 753-1551. For fishing reports in more areas of New York, visit the DEC Fishing Hotlines page.
Additional Fishing Report Sources
For those interested, there are other fishing reports available in the Central NY region, which can be found through the following sites: Wayne County Tourism, Visit Oswego County, and Lake Ontario Fishing.
Contact Us
If you would like to contribute to the Central NY fishing report, need more fishing information, or have any fishing/fishing equipment related questions, you can contact [email protected]. Good luck fishing!
Participate in the DEC Finger Lakes Angler Diary Program
Warm water (bass, pike, etc.) angler diary cooperators are needed for Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Hemlock, and Canadice Lakes. If interested, please contact Region 8 Fisheries at [email protected] or by calling 585-226-5343.
Additionally, DEC is always looking for new participants in our Finger Lakes Angler Diary Cooperator Program. Our numbers have dropped in recent years, and we need new cooperators now more than ever. Contact us to learn more about this program and how to sign up:
- If you fish Cayuga Lake, Owasco Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Otisco Lake or any of their tributaries contact the Region 7 Fisheries office at (607) 753-3095 ext. 213, or by email at [email protected].
- If you fish Canadice Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Conesus Lake, Hemlock Lake, Honeoye Lake, Keuka Lake or Seneca Lake contact the Region 8 Fisheries office at (585) 226-5343, or by email at [email protected].
Boating Safety Certificate
Under Brianna's Law, all motorboat operators will need a boating safety certificate. How soon this certificate is required depends on your age, but by January 1, 2025, all operators of motorized vessels regardless of age will need a certificate. For more information on Brianna's Law, classes, and the age breakdown view the Boating NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Boating Education site.
Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Know the Freshwater Fishing Regulations before venturing out!