Syracuse.com - Dec. 16-18: Salmon River remains full of steelhead; Sodus Bay perch bite remains strong

[HuntingNY-News]

There are steelhead being caught throughout the Salmon River, with most of the angler pressure taking place between Pineville and the Lower Fly Zone. At Sodus Bay, fishing around the islands, or at the mouth of Second Creek, with fathead minnows is working for perch.

CNY FISHING FORECAST

Bait stores (list and map).

SALMON RIVER

There are steelhead being caught throughout the river, with most of the angler pressure taking place between Pineville and the Lower Fly Zone. Good baits continue to be trout beads (10mm), egg sacs (blue, pink and chartreuse mesh), streamers, stonefly nymphs and egg-imitating flies. The Upper Fly Fishing Area closed Nov. 30 and will reopen on April 1. Fish are starting to transition to their winter holding water (the slower, deeper pools).

OSWEGO RIVER

Brown trout and steelhead fishing has been very good from the bridge to the dam, especially for anglers getting out in drift boats. Estaz eggs, egg sacs, trout beads and woolly buggers are all working for the browns and steelhead.

ONEIDA LAKE

The nighttime shore walleye bite has slowed down for many, but some are still cashing in when the wind is in the right direction (blowing into shore). Anglers are also catching perch from shore using minnows and bobbers. Yellow perch are being taken in 10 to 20 feet of water around weed beds. The docks have been removed from the South Shore launch.

CAYUGA LAKE

There were reports of Atlantic salmon in some of the tributaries, and anglers were getting them on egg-imitating flies and streamers. Lake trout and Atlantic salmon are being taken around Taughannock by anglers trolling with spoons, or flashers and flies. Perch are being taken in the north end in 10 to 15 feet of water on fathead and larger minnows.

SENECA LAKE

Yellow perch fishing has been good in 20 to 30 feet of water around Painted Rock and also off the pier. Small minnows and grubs have been working. Brown trout and Atlantic salmon are being taken on the surface for anglers trolling, or casting, with streamers and stickbaits.

OWASCO LAKE

Not many out fishing. Those who are fishing are targeting perch. A few browns are also being caught in the Inlet.

OTISCO LAKE

No new fishing activity to report.

SKANEATELES LAKE

Shore fishing with marshmallow and worm rigs has been working for rainbow trout. Rainbows are also being taken on streamers cast or trolled near the surface. Yellow perch are scattered but some nice-sized fish are being taken when they are found.

SODUS BAY

Perch fishing continues to be very good. Fishing around the islands, or at the mouth of Second Creek, with fathead minnows is working for some jumbo perch.

SANDY POND

No fishing activity to report.

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

Muskie fishing is still the highlight, but it’s been slow lately. Several perch fishermen have been getting out, but that bite is slow, too.

WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR

Fishing the spillway with fathead minnows under floats, jigs or stickbaits continue to work well for walleye. A few walleye and yellow perch are still being taken in the reservoir.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog