Syracuse.com - Jan. 6-8: Ice fishing has started in earnest on some St. Lawrence River bays; CNY anglers still waiting

HuntingNY-News · January 5, 2012

Due to the wind and cold temperatures, few anglers were on Oneida Lake this week, so there is no information to report. There may be fishable ice in the bays by next weekend. Meanwhile, the Salmon River continues to produce good brown trout and steelhead angling.

CNY FISHING FORECAST

There is very little fishing information to report this week. Things have been quiet as anglers wait for safe ice. All persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet long, regardless of age, must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) from Nov. 1 to May 1.

Bait stores (list and map).

SALMON RIVER

The browns and steelhead have transitioned into their winter holes (deeper water). Fishing is still pretty good, though. 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 April 1.

OSWEGO RIVER

Fishing has been hot or cold, depending on the day. On the days when they’re hitting, anglers are catching mostly browns and rainbows using bucktail jigs and minnows, with some casting Little Cleo lures.

ONEIDA LAKE

Due to the wind and cold temperatures, few anglers were out, so there is no information to report. There may be fishable ice in the bays by next weekend.

CAYUGA LAKE

Lake trout and Atlantic salmon are still being taken around Taughannock by anglers trolling with spoons, or flashers and flies. Finger Lakes tributary fishing ended Dec. 31.

SENECA LAKE

Yellow perch fishing continues to be 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

No activity to report.

OTISCO LAKE

No activity to report.

SKANEATELES LAKE

Few anglers are out fishing. Shore fishing with marshmallow-and-worm rigs is usually the ticket this time of year for rainbow trout. Those who venture out in boats can usually take rainbows by casting or trolling streamers near the surface. No reports on the perch fishing.

SODUS BAY

Perch fishing continues to be good, though few anglers are taking advantage of it, according to one bait-shop owner. Fishing around the islands, or at the mouth of Second Creek, with fathead minnows continues to work, he said.

SANDY POND

No activity to report.

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

Anglers have fishing for northern pike and perch recently — on the ice. At midweek, Eel Bay had five inches of ice. Lake of the Isles had four inches. No reports from Chaumont Bay.

WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR

No activity to report.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog