Weekly Fishing Report

Each week, catch up on a full report on where to fish, popular baits and lures, weather conditions and upcoming fishing tournaments and derbies.

Niagara Falls USA Weekly Fishing Report For November 5, 2025

Fishing the lower Niagara River continues to be a hit or miss proposition as the late fall conditions take hold. With that said, warm water species like smallmouth bass are putting on the feed bags, and trout fishing is improving every day. Good numbers of chunky bass have been cooperating throughout the river (both upper and lower) on live shiners; also, crankbaits, swimbaits, and plastics off a drop shot rig. Brown trout are starting to respond to beads and shiners fished off three-way rigs in the lower drifts, while steelhead, a few leftover salmon, and incidental lake trout are being taken in the upper drifts on eggs, beads, and MagLips.

As of this report, the water has stained a bit and could become unfishable with high winds in the forecast this week. In the meantime, the best color was chartreuse or similar bright offerings.

Alan Raymond with the Wicked Worm in Youngstown reports that smallmouth bass are still being caught consistently using shiners. Out-of-season lake trout are being caught as anglers target other species. Lake trout season will reopen on December 1. A few guys are still catching salmon from shore, and fishermen are starting to transition to egg sacks and beads to catch trout. Raymond noted that he is starting to see an influx of walleye back on the Niagara Bar.

Mark Mika of Newfane was fishing with Capt. Paul Karelus of Early Risers Charters over the weekend, and they were targeting brown trout and steelhead on the Bar. Instead, they hit some nice walleyes on a Demon Dancer spoon and a Mepps Syclops spoon. Brown trout are being caught from the Youngstown public docks, according to Raymond.

Karen Evarts at The Boat Doctors and Tackle Barn in Olcott reports good action at Burt Dam in 18 Mile Creek. Brown trout is the primary target, and there are still a few salmon hanging around. Egg sacs, flies, and beads in peach colors have been working best.

Olcott Harbor has been producing some brown trout as well. Blue/silver and orange spoons and spinners have been working for casters. A few yellow perch are also being caught.

November 11 is Veterans Day. It is also the final Free Fishing Day in the state for 2025. Take a veteran fishing!

Sign up for a fishing tournament or derby in Niagara Falls USA. See the full schedule of events here.