2 minute read
Casting off in the Niagara region
Anglers enjoy fishing off the Wilson Pier on Lake Ontario.
Area offers four distinctive areas noted for freshwater fishing
Fishing along the Niagara River and Lake Ontario has really caught on in recent years.
“When it comes to freshwater sportfishing, there is no other place in the country with the same size, diversity, and number of fish as the Niagara region,” says Frank Campbell, outdoor promotions director for Destination Niagara USA.
Anglers target species including smallmouth bass, walleye, trout, and salmon using a variety of fishing methods.
• e Vintage Kiddie Rides for children
up to 52 inches
• R Rob &Carol Allen’sMagic Show 2pm
(Sponsored by WNY Dairy Farmers)
Open: Memorial Day Weekend: -Saturday,Sunday,Monday 12 -6p.m. June -Saturday and Sunday 12 -6p.m. July through Labor Day -Friday,Saturday,Sunday 12 -6p.m.
EXCEPTIONS: July 3rd 12 -8pm
(Fireworks over the lake at 10pm) July 4th, 12 -6 p.m.
OlcottBeachCarousel Park 5979 Main St., Olcott, NY 14126 716-778-7066 •https://olcottbeachcarouselpark.org
Every species of fish that swims in the Great Lakes can be found in the waters around Niagara County. The Niagara River joins two Great Lakes: Ontario and Erie. The nearby Erie Canal affords other fishing opportunities, as well. The fishing landscape can be broken down into four distinct regions, each offering its own unique draw to anglers:
• Falls Region: The area above Niagara Falls has shallower water that’s home to warmwater fish like bass and muskellunge.
• River Region: The Niagara River, carrying the water from the upper four Great Lakes, is the lifeblood for a host of fish species that call Niagara their home, including salmon, trout, bass, muskie, walleye and more. Fishing activities below Niagara Falls exist 365 days a year, with some of the best trout fishing in the world taking place during the late fall, winter and early spring.
• Lake Region: Lake Ontario offers up one of the finest trout and salmon fisheries on the Great Lakes. Winning Lake Ontario Counties Derby fish routinely come from the famous Niagara Bar, and in 2014, all three grand prize catches came from Niagara Falls USA — the first time that’s ever been accomplished!
• Canal Region: The Erie Canal is a blossoming recreational waterway that’s underrated by many. While it’s most noted for boating and its historic value, fishing can be very good for warm water fish species like pike, bass, carp and panfish.
Niagara Falls USA offers a free Niagara Falls USA Outdoor Guide. You can also find a weekly fishing report, which is currently recorded at (877) FALLS-US.
Fishing updates can also be found by calling the Niagara County Fishing Hotline at 282-8992 ext. 4.
John Lignos of Orchard Park shows off a salmon he caught on a fishing excursion with charter boat captain Frank Campbell, right, of Niagara Region Charter. The two were heading into the fish cleaning station at Lewiston Landing.
