Syracuse.com - Jan. 4-6: Ice is forming, but most places are still not safe for ice fishing

[HuntingNY-News]

There's good numbers of fish (steelhead and browns) in the Salmon River, but sub-zero weather at night and resulting slush have made fishing difficult.

CNY FISHING FORECAST

Bait stores (list and map).

SALMON RIVER

There’s good numbers of fish (steelhead and browns) in the river, but sub-zero weather at night and resulting slush have made fishing difficult.

OSWEGO RIVER

Fishing has been more difficult with the higher water and snow, but some steelhead and brown trout are still being caught. The higher water makes access difficult in some areas. Drift boat anglers typically do better with the higher water. Good baits continue to be egg sacs, beads, and egg imitating flies. The bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are new Mandatory Personal Flotation Device (PFD) zones on the Oswego River below the Varick Dam.

ONEIDA LAKE

No fishable ice yet. Some have ventured out on Big Bay this week – and fallen through, according to one bait shop owner.

CAYUGA LAKE

No fishable ice yet.

SENECA LAKE

Anglers have been catching crappies and perch off the Watkins Glen pier using fathead minnows and spikes.

OWASCO LAKE

No fishable ice yet.

OTISCO LAKE

Some ice, but questionable.

SKANEATELES LAKE

No fishable ice at this point.

CAZENOVIA LAKE

Some anglers getting out, but no reports on thickness of ice.

SODUS BAY

Bay is iced over, but no reports on how thick at this point. May be fishable by the weekend.

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

There’s fishable ice on Eel Bay, Lake of the Isles, Chippewa Bay and Goose Bay. They all have at least 5 inches, according to one bait shop owner. Anglers are catching perch and northern pike.

WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR

Some ice, but it’s questionable at this point.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog