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 February 4, 2026

Ice is still a major issue in more ways than one. Ice is packed into the launch ramp areas in the lower Niagara River, making boat access impossible. The Village of Lewiston public works will be attempting to free up some of the ice this week, but more frigid temperatures will arrive this weekend, so we may have to wait for a warm-up.

Ice is also an issue along the shoreline for casters. Even if the ice appears safe, don’t venture out. It is very dangerous.

Alan Raymond with The Wicked Worm in Youngstown reports that it seems like the only available open water is the Whirlpool area. The ice near his shop is starting to erode a bit with the river current. The sun and warmer temperatures should help the cause this week, but another Arctic blast will hit this weekend.

Open water has been limited at Burt Dam and 18 Mile Creek near Olcott, reports Karen Evarts with The Boat Doctors and Tackle Barn. The more consistent action has been ice fishing at Wilson Harbor with pike chubs and wax worms. Scott Brauer of Gasport reports that Wilson Harbor is fun with the kids, as there are a lot of small fish around. You must work through the smaller ones to get to the bigger ones!

Remember that the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo is February 19th to 22nd at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. With over 200 seminars from experts in the fishing world, this is a good time to check out the website at www.niagarafishingexpo.com for all the details!

The Birds on the Niagara International Bird Festival will kick off on February 12th and run through February 16th. There is a long list of activities, from keynote speakers to birding tours. Check out www.bird-niagara.org for details.

On the fishing side of things, February 14th and 15th will be a free fishing weekend in the state. Anyone 16 years of age or older who is required to have a license can fish for free on Saturday and Sunday.

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