Syracuse.com - Nov. 2-4: Steelhead moving into the Salmon River; Oneida Lake shoreline walleye bite still slow

[HuntingNY-News]

All persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet, regardless of age, must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) from Nov. 1 to May 1. Also, be aware that many of the dock structures at the DEC boat launches have been removed, or will be shortly.

CNY FISHING FORECAST

All persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet, regardless of age, must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) from Nov. 1 to May 1. Also, be aware that many of the dock structures at the DEC boat launches have been removed, or will be shortly.

Bait stores (list and map).

SALMON RIVER

Both the lower and upper fly fishing sections are now open. There are still some salmon spawning in the mid-to-upper river in the riffle areas. Chinook and coho salmon die after spawning, so there are fewer of them each day in the river. Good baits are egg imitating flies and plastics, and streamers such as egg-sucking leeches. Steelhead fishing has picked up in the lower river as these fish enter to feed on the abundant salmon eggs. Good baits are egg sacs and egg imitating flies and plastics.

OSWEGO RIVER

There are still salmon in the river, along with brown trout and steelhead. Good baits have been egg sacs, beads, and egg imitating flies. The bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) zones on the Oswego River below the Varick Dam.

ONEIDA LAKE

Yellow perch fishing has been good in 10 to 15 feet of water with worms and fathead minnows working. A few walleye are being taken by shore anglers casting stickbaits (minnow imitating plugs like Rapalas or Storm Thunderstiks) at night. Overall though, the fall walleye fishing continues to be slow and anglers have really had to work to get a few fish. Generally during the fall walleye move into the shallows just before and after dark, to feed on the gizzard shad. Casting stickbaits in black and silver or blue and silver usually works well for these fish.

CAYUGA LAKE

With the low water there is no salmon or brown trout activity to report in the tributaries. With more rain in the forecast that could change quickly though.

SENECA LAKE

Yellow perch are being caught on the south end off the pier and by the salt plant. Smallmouth bass and a few northern pike are also being caught off the pier.

OWASCO LAKE

Panfishing has been good around the lake with worms, fathead minnows and if you can find them, spikes working well. Vertical jigging with plastics in 75 to 110 feet of water on the north end is still producing lake trout.

OTISCO LAKE

No new fishing information. The current lake level has made launching larger boats tricky for some anglers.

SKANEATELES LAKE

A few yellow perch, bass and rainbow trout are being caught, but overall the fishing was slow on the lake over the last week.

SODUS BAY

Yellow perch are being caught in deep water, 25 to 30 feet on small minnows. The low water is making launching boats difficult for some.

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

Water is low. Anglers were out fishing for muskie this week, but no reports of any noteworthy catches yet. Some anglers are catching some nice perch over at Chaumont Bay.

WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR

The crappie bite is still on. Try using fathead minnows and jigs.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog