Mo' Fish Movember

So it's been awhile since my last update but finally the weather is seemingly leveled out.  Over the last few weeks we haven't had rains of biblical proportions like we have experienced this year and the temps are normal.  That being said we can now have an easier time predicting what the fish are going to want. 

On nearly all of the tributaries the salmon are all but gone.  Only moldy zombies still remain other than the potential for VERY few fresh fish.  The brown trout bite has been great on the Ontario tribs recently with the steelhead fishing starting to pick up.   Most of the fish coming on egg patterns.  Earlier this month the Erie Canal started its annual draining and has since tapered off in the past few days.  Streams that experience this runoff will have a color similar to that of tea.  When the water is this color the fishing is pretty great.  The clarity isn't terrible but it's enough fr the fish to feel comfortable in the open water.  Larger egg patterns worked well during this time with limited success swinging flies.  Currently the conditions are streams dropping a bit since the canal drainage is slowing.  The larger tribs like oak orchard are still getting this surplus canal water.  On the smaller tribs, the water is clearing up and downsizing your flies will be useful.

As for the Lake Erie Tributaries, the steelhead are spread out all throughout the waterways with fish readily taking eggs and some nymph patterns.  Dead Drifting both have been effective.  Finding seams and deeper pools on the brighter days are going to be the keys to success.

Look for days that are going to be warmer than others.  This change in temp really gets the fish in high gear.  Yesterday with the higher air temps the fish were very eager to take flies.  As mentioned earlier the best flies have been egg patterns with sizes depending on water conditions.  In the clear water size 12-14 have worked well and in the tea water sizes 8-10 have been the best.  Yarn eggs, blood dots, estaz eggs, and otter eggs have been the go to's.

I have dates available for catching some later browns and winter steelhead if you are interested.  If your new to fly fishing and don't mind a little cold weather this is the perfect time to land the big one!  You can contact me at wnyflyguy@gmail.com.  Be sure to look out for my latest videos about tying the otter egg pattern (will be out soon) and my latest tributary trip (will be out in a few days)!  Thanks again for reading and tight lines!


Current Stream Information: 

18-Mile Creek (Burt):  November 29th, 2017

Heavy/Moderate fishing pressure

Med/Stained Flows
52.4 CFS

18-Mile Creek (Hamburg):  November 29th, 2017

Med Flows
2.93 ft 

Cattaraugus Creek:   November 29th, 2017

Stained Flows

610 CFS

43.2 ⁰F

Oak Orchard Creek:   November 29th, 2017

Heavy Fishing Pressure

Tea Flows

173 CFS    

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Mixed Bag

The salmon run in well established in the Lake Ontario tribs and we are starting to see some old and moldy fish especially on the larger streams.  Spawning salmon have sparked up the egg bite too.  Salmon, browns, and even some steelhead are being caught on egg patterns.  Swinging streamers has still been productive but it is starting to make the transition from bigger flies to egg patterns and even some stoneflies.  With the lack of any really serious rain this past week the creeks are clear and the small tribs are low.  Purple has been a good color in the early morning switching over to earth tone colors (black, olive and brown) in the afternoon. 

The Erie streams are similar conditions to Ontario streams with clear and low water.  Good numbers of steelhead are well spread throughout the waterways.  With the water so low smaller nymphs and some low profile egg patterns have been producing. 

This is a great time of year to get out for the fresh chrome.  These hard fighting fish will give you the battle of a lifetime!  If you're interested in taking a guided trip with me feel free to email me at wnyflyguy@gmail.com.  I still have a few prime dates open.  Thanks for reading and tight lines!

Current Stream Information: 

18-Mile Creek (Burt):  October 24th, 2017

Heavy fishing pressure

Low/Clear Flows
17.6 CFS

Cattaraugus Creek:   October 24th, 2017

Low/Clear Flows

293 CFS

55.5 ⁰F

 

Oak Orchard Creek:   October 24th, 2017

Heavy Fishing Pressure

Med/Clear Flows

51.3 CFS    

 

Salmon River:        October 24th, 2017
488 CFS


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Fall Push

It's been awhile since I've made a post and the last month has been a busy one!  Up until the last week or so the weather had reverted to its summer blaze.  Warm temperatures and lack of rain made me anxious about the prospects of a good salmon run.  However fall finally came in full force.  Rainy cool weather has brought many fish into the local tributaries and the fishing is hot.  Despite there being a lot of fish in the streams, they are in the mindset of getting as far upstream as possible and not stopping for anything.  This makes the fish a little tough to work.  However there are some salmon that were early runners that have settled in and are taking flies readily.  Fishing early in the morning and just before sunset have been the most productive periods.  The change of light and cool water temperatures make for good pushes of fish upstream.  Creeks like Sandy, Oak Orchard, 18 Mile, and Johnson have fish spread throughout the waterway so there is a great shot at seeing and possibly catching many fish.  Obviously the larger the stream the more fish there will be.  However on the other side of that coin the larger the stream the more fisherman there will be as well. 

The most productive flies have been woolly buggers, stoneflies,and woolly leeches in earth toned colors.  Egg sucking leeches and egg patterns have produced a few fish as well.  Swinging and dead drifts have both worked equally as well.  The fresh salmon are still pretty aggressive and hot to take a bunch of line. 

I still have prime dates available for fishing the tribs this fall.  November is a great time to land a trophy Brown Trout or fresh steelhead.  You can contact me at wnyflyguy@gmail.com.  Be sure to check out my latest video!  Thanks again for reading and tight lines!


Current Stream Information: 

18-Mile Creek (Burt):  October 12th, 2017

Heavy fishing pressure

Med/Stained Flows
110 CFS

 

Cattaraugus Creek:   October 12th, 2017

Stained Flows

1250 CFS

59.5 ⁰F

 

Oak Orchard Creek:   October 12th, 2017

Heavy Fishing Pressure

Med/Clear Flows

109 CFS    

 

Salmon River:        October 12th, 2017
482 CFS


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Fall Fever

The time is here everyone.  The salmon are running here in Western New York.  Larger tribs like Oak Orchard and 18 Mile Creek have the highest concentrations of fish.  There are not a ton of fish around but if you look you will find them.  Unfortunately we haven't had a ton of rain to bump up the flows in the smaller tribs to get them in there too.  However fresh fish are trickling in during the low light and cool times.  This cool weather is helping keep the water temperatures down and aiding fish migrations.  The upcoming forecast is calling for warmer weather and not much rain so look for the action to slow this coming week. 

Right now your best shot at a fish is still in the lake.  Guys with boats (or creeks with mouth access) can cast clousers and other large baitfish patterns to try and get one to eat.  If you hook one be prepared for the fight of your life!  The salmon being fresh is the best opportunity for AGGRESSIVE strikes and blistering runs. 

As for the flies being used in the streams, earth toned streamers sizes 4-8 have been the best producers.  The fish are still far off from dropping back to spawn so egg imitations won't be used here. 

On the other hand, inland trout fishing has been good.  Good caddis and trico hatches have been coming off in the evening.  The best flies have been Elk Haired Caddis (size 12-16) coupled with a cream trico (22-24) as a trailer.  Also Hopper droppers have worked with Pheasant Tailed nymphs in sizes 16-18. 


To inquire about a guided trip for the migratory salmon, browns, and steelhead feel free to contact me at wnyflyguy@gmail.com, I have prime dates open!  Also if you are looking to get a nice tributary starter rod I am selling an 8wt that's perfect for the fall fishing (see link below for details).  If your looking to get into the inland trout fishing I am also selling a 3wt St. Croix Imperial with fly line (See second link below). Thanks again for reading and tight lines!

Current Stream Information: 

18-Mile Creek (Burt):  September 12th, 2017

Light fishing pressure

Low/Clear Flows

71.8 CFS

 

Cattaraugus Creek:   September 12th, 2017

Clear Flows

215 CFS

58.5 Degrees Fahrenheit

 

Oak Orchard Creek:   September 12th, 2017

Light Fishing Pressure

Med/Clear Flows

40.3 CFS    

 

Oatka Creek:        September 12th, 2017
Low/Clear Flows
69.9 CFS

Salmon River:        September 12th, 2017
596 CFS


My YouTube Channel
8wt Fly Rod
3wt Fly Rod

Fall Prelude

It's that time of year again where the salmon fever for us fly fisherman is at its peak.  Reports of salmon in the Salmon River are already emerging with a few fish spread out throughout the waterway.  Labor day weekend brings a boost of water for the rafters so expect a decent push of fish this coming week.  As for the other Ontario tribs, everything is still in summer mode for the most part.  The Oak and 18 Mile should be getting fish within the next couple weeks depending on what the rain and temperatures do.  It has been relatively cool (especially compared to last year) at night making the water temps start to fall.  Look for the smaller tributaries to have fish in 3-4 weeks.  The Erie tribs are pretty nondescript with low flow and coolish water (~70F).

To inquire about a guided trip for the migratory salmon, browns, and steelhead feel free to contact me at wnyflyguy@gmail.com, I have prime dates open!  Also if you are looking to get a nice starter rod I am selling an 8wt that's perfect for the fall fishing (see link below for details).  Thanks again for reading and tight lines!

Current Stream Information:  Keep an eye on the forecast for cool weather and rainy days for those salmon to start making their push.

18-Mile Creek (Burt):  August 31st, 2017

Light fishing pressure

Low/Clear Flows

2.73ft

Cattaraugus Creek:   August 31st, 2017

Clear Flows

185 CFS

Oak Orchard Creek:   August 31st, 2017

Light Fishing Pressure

Low/Clear Flows

14.6 CFS   

Oatka Creek:        August 31st, 2017
Low/Clear Flows
71.8 CFS
Salmon River:        August 31st, 2017
261 CFS


Check out my new video on my guided trip in Maine!
My YouTube Channel
8wt Fly Rod

Lazy Bones

I apologize for the severe lack of postings lately but as I'm sure many of you know life gets busy.  The crazy wet weather from this spring has continued into the summer allowing for some good trout fishing in the inland streams.  The frequent rain has kept the water temperatures down for the inland trout so they are not nearly as stressed as this time last year.  The terrestrials have been the best producers recently with ants leading the way. 

As for the tributaries, they are still high from all the rain and have been consistently "off color".  The clarity and temperature of the water has made the fish pretty active and there has been decent action with "resident" largemouth and smallmouth bass.  Clouser minnows, woolly buggers, and marabou jigs have been the best producers.  Some of the tributaries even have some resident rainbows that were left over from the spring stocking efforts.  Burt dam and Oak Orchard have been consistently producing small bows.

As every summer things slow down in terms of cold water gamefish opportunities here in WNY.  However hitting the bench and stocking up on flies for the fall is a must (especially on all these rainy days we have been having!). 

This is the time of year when days start booking for the fall salmon run so schedule your trip early on by emailing me at wnyflyguy@gmail.com.  Tight lines and I hope to catch you on the water!


Current Stream Information:  Just as a heads up my truck was burglarized in the Waterport power project parking lot (Oak Orchard Dam) a few days ago.  Lots of gear was stolen so make doubly sure that your vehicles are secure!

18-Mile Creek (Burt):  August 1st, 2017

Light fishing pressure

Off Color Flows

3.53ft

Cattaraugus Creek:     August 1st, 2017

Clear Flows

219 CFS

Oak Orchard Creek:   August 1st, 2017

Light Fishing Pressure

Off Color Flows

106 CFS   

Oatka Creek:        August 1st, 2017
Clear Flows
139 CFS

My YouTube Channel

Out like a Lion

I apologize for not posting in awhile I was down south fishing the flats for snook, trout, and redfish, but onto the local waters.  Spring is here despite old man winter trying to hold on.  The water levels are up a little right now but that's good news for the steelhead action.  The smaller area tributaries are just about perfect fishing conditions right now with streams like the Oak, 18 Mile, and the Catt running med and stained.  But just like any other Spring season the conditions can change rapidly.  Flies that have worked well have been swung streamers for those aggressive chromers.  The best streamers have been woolly buggers in earth tones (black being the best), emerald shiner imitations, and egg sucking leeches.  Soon it will be time to try skating bomber along the surface for some different steelhead action.

This is the time of year where fishing the mouths of creeks along the mud line is just a ton of fun.  Pitching large baitfish patterns in 5-15ft of water for browns is some of the most exciting fly fishing I do.  My favorite go to patterns are #2 Clouser Minnows in Orange/Yellow, and Black/Silver as well as game changers fished deep in the mud.  When using the game changers a sink tip is needed to help that fly breech the surface.  Most fish are cookie cutter browns but every year I pick up a stud or two near 30 inches.  If you are interested in taking a guided trip to do this kind of fishing or in the tributaries feel free to email me at wnyflyguy@gmail.com so we can set up a date.


Current Stream Information:  Its hard to believe that it's just two days away from the inland trout opener already!  Look for lots of fishing pressure this coming weekend.  Also look for the tribs to be steady and possibly falling through the next couple days.

18-Mile Creek (Burt):  March 30th, 2017

Med fishing pressure

Stained Flows

144 CFS

Cattaraugus Creek:     March 30th, 2017

Strained/Muddy Flows

1090 CFS

42 degrees F

Oak Orchard Creek:   March 30th, 2017

Med Fishing Pressure

Stained Flows

507 CFS   

Oatka Creek:        March 30th, 2017
Stained/Muddy Flows
423 CFS

My YouTube Channel

February Follies

Well what a winter we are having!  Between the rain, snow, warm day, and cold days we have had everything but the kitchen sink thrown at us in terms of weather.  Right now we are enjoying a little taste of spring but what does that mean for the fishing? 

I can tell you that the fishing has been different.  With all the drastic changes in weather the fish have definitely been a little wary.  During the periods of consistent weather the fishing has been better since the fish get into a bit of a groove.  There are pros and cons the the light winter we are having.  The good thing is that with the rain and melt-off combination there are a lot of fresh fish and opportunities to get out and do some excellent steelhead fishing.  Right now all of the tribs are open and are on their way down from the rain we had last night.  This is prime time for the chromers.  The bad news is that pretty much all of the snow is gone leaving no real melt-off for when spring actually does come.  In previous years with heavy snowfall winters we have had snow melting into the tributaries into the first weeks of May keeping a steady stream of fish coming in.  In addition to keeping the discharge ideal, the snow melt also keeps water temperatures in cooler ranges for the steelhead.  The way it looks right now there won't be much snow on the ground but we do have quite a bit of winter to go still.  Rivers like Oak Orchard and Burt have been consistently producing fish for people able to manage slow drifts or swings.  The Oak and Burt have also been the most consistent in terms of discharge and visibility because of the impoundments.  The smaller area tribs have either been frozen or blown out for most of the winter however during periods of lower fishable water there have been some limited steelhead action.  My most productive flies have been Zonkers, egg sucking leeches, and some egg patterns have been the best flies recently.  While we are still on the topic of the tributaries right about now is a good time to maybe start trying at the mouths of the creek stripping flies for browns and steelies.  I know I'm gearing up for that by tying some baitfish flies.

Along with the tributary fishing I have been fishing the inland streams for browns.  Depending on the weather and time of day the inland browns have been more compliant than the steelhead.  Swinging woolly buggers in black, olive, and brown has been the most productive followed by a variety of nymphs including hares ear, scuds, and midge pupae.  On the warmer days the midge hatches have been really good and getting good numbers of browns taking full on dry flies.  Black midges sizes 18-24 have been the most productive when the fish are keyed in on the dries. 

Look for a video of some miscellaneous fish that I hauled in last year and maybe some fly fishing from my trips to Florida in the past years.  Thanks again for reading and tight lines!!

Current Stream Information:  Look for streams to be falling and for fresh fish to be entering the tribs.

18-Mile Creek (Burt):  February 22nd, 2017

Low fishing pressure

Stained Flows

129 CFS

Cattaraugus Creek:     February 22nd, 2017

Strained/Muddy Flows

1350 CFS

32.2- 43.7

Oak Orchard Creek:   February 22nd, 2017

Med Fishing Pressure

Stained Flows

263 CFS   

Oatka Creek:        February 22nd, 2017
Stained/Clear Flows
307 CFS

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Winter Meat

Finally getting back to blogging after the busy end of the semester and holiday season.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and happy new year!  I've been out a number of times since my last blog with getting a mixed bag of things.  If you can believe it on the larger tribs there are still a salmon or two hanging around in addition to fair numbers of browns and good numbers of steelhead.  Getting a slow dead drift has been the key when using eggs or nymphs.  When swinging flies (depending on the water conditions) purple and black have been productive colors when the water has been clearer and pink, red, and orange have been better when the water has been stained.  Despite the heavy rain and snow melt off we had this past week the creeks are retreating faster than usual due to the cold weather we are having and looking at the forecast it looks like it's here to stay.  That being said watch out for icing on all the tribs and expect the small area tribs to be frozen solid by the end of the weekend.

Thanks again for reading and don't forget that you cant catch fish on the couch!  Tight lines everyone! 

Current Stream Information:  Look for streams to be falling fast and starting to freeze in the next couple days.

18-Mile Creek (Burt):  January 5th, 2017

Low fishing pressure

High Muddy Flows

142 CFS

Cattaraugus Creek:     January 5th, 2017

High Muddy Flows

1850 CFS

32- 37.4

Oak Orchard Creek:   January 5th, 2017

Low Fishing Pressure

High Stained Flows

32 CFS   

Oatka Creek:        January 5th, 2017
High Stained Flows
334 CFS

My YouTube Channel