Syracuse.com - Jan. 20, 22: Three straight days of cold weather may be ticket for CNY ice fishermen this weekend

[HuntingNY-News]

Ice was reported in most bays on Oneida Lake at midweek, but it was still only about 2-2½ inches. May see some safe ice by this weekend. Stay tuned.

CNY FISHING FORECAST

Fishing activity continues to be quiet on most bodies of water as anglers wait for safe ice. Cold weather, though, is predicted for Wednesday through Friday this week -- a good sign. All persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet long, regardless of age, must wear a personal flotation device 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 or 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 continues to be 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

Ice was reported in most bays on the lake at midweek, but it was still only about 2-2½ inches. May see some safe ice by this weekend. Stay tuned.

CAYUGA LAKE

No activity to report.

SENECA LAKE

Yellow perch fishing has been good in the Watkins Glen area, in 25 to 30 feet of water, with spikes and fathead minnows. Anglers fishing farther north, around Severne, in 10 feet of water are getting more perch, but they are running smaller. Fishing from the pier has been good for smallmouth bass, perch and some very large bluegills. Trolling from the surface down to about 45 feet and over 70 feet of water has been producing a mixed bag of Atlantic salmon, brown trout and lake trout. Streamer flies and small spoons have been working well.

OWASCO LAKE

No activity to report.

OTISCO LAKE

No activity to report.

SKANEATELES LAKE

No activity to report.

SODUS BAY

No activity to report.

SANDY POND

No activity to report.

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

Anglers have been ice fishing here for northern pike and perch. Hot spots include Eel Bay and Lake of the Isles, with about five to eight inches of ice.

WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR

Some anglers continue to catch fish on the spillway, particularly walleyes and perch, using fathead minnows on a bobber, or 16th-ounce jigs and a fathead. The Almost Annual Crappie Derby, which was set for Jan. 28, has been canceled.

Bait stores (list and map).

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog