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

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