Weekly Fishing Report

Bass and walleye fishing continues to be good on the lower Niagara River, but the better days have been the rainy, unstable weather days, according to Capt. Joe Srouji of Angler’s Edge Outdoors Fishing Charters. Heat waves of over 90 degrees along with clear blue skies made things a challenge this past week, but on the days he fished under overcast skies and rain, the bite was incredible. Typical dog days of summer fishing was a challenge for walleyes with worm harnesses, but they are available throughout the river system. Jigs have also been taking their share of walleye, especially out on the Niagara Bar. Best colors have been purple and white, while most productive sizes are 3/4 to 1-ounce.

Bass are way more aggressive with crayfish, as well as soft plastics, all taking fish. He sees a much better size of smallmouth bass with 2.5- to 3-pounders coming to the boat regularly. Practicing catch and release for smallmouth is a great way to give back to the fishery. Bass can be found from Devil’s Hole to the Niagara Bar. Crabs and shiners can be fished off three-way rigs. Artificial baits will also produce a good deal of action, with the most productive presentations being drop shot rigs, Spro’s CJ Smasher, jerk baits and spinnerbaits in bright colors such as shades of chartreuse. Fish spinnerbaits in the first 10 feet of water, jerk baits in 10-15 feet of water, and drop shots in water deeper than 20 feet.

Thanks to some east wind, the inside water went cold on the surface for Sunday, reports Capt. Hank Condes of Bladerunner Charters. He ran to deeper, more stable waters targeting 350 to 420 feet of water between Wilson and Olcott. He ran all standard-size spoons on riggers and divers from 40 to 60 feet down on his riggers and 120 to 150 clicks back set on high and deep divers. He found very consistent fishing, including both mature and 2-year-old king salmon, some Coho salmon, and plenty of steelhead.

Timing appears to be good for both the start of the Fall Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby on August 21 (through Labor Day) and the Reelin’ for a Cure all-ladies tournament on August 21 out of Wilson and Olcott. Capt. Anthony Ellis of Redemption Charters reports the lake water did flip over the weekend. He was able to get on some salmon and trout quickly Sunday morning, but the water was moving and changing rapidly. He had to run to deep water to find stable temperatures, and he caught everything in the top 50 feet of the water column. Just because the inside water turned cold doesn’t mean you should fish there. Charlie Young of Tonawanda and Trevor Luthart of Medina both scored on salmon and trout Sunday, casting a ¾-ounce Cleo spoon from the Olcott pier.

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