Syracuse.com - Jan. 27-28: Ice holding in many places, anglers getting out

[HuntingNY-News]

Though with the warm, rainy weather coming up the next couple of days, things may get unsafe in places. Be careful out there.

CNY FISHING FORECAST

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.

SALMON RIVER

Water was a little high at midweek and will probably remain that way through the weekend. The browns and steelhead have transitioned into their winter holes (deeper water). Good baits continue to be trout beads (10mm), egg sacs (blue, pink and chartreuse mesh), streamers, stonefly nymphs and egg-imitating flies. On cold days, the slush has been a factor in the lower river. The Upper Fly Fishing Area closed Nov. 30 and will reopen April 1.

OSWEGO RIVER

Not a lot fishing action lately. On the days when the fish are hitting, anglers are catching mostly browns and rainbows using bucktail jigs and minnows, with some casting Little Cleo lures

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ONEIDA LAKE

Ice fishermen are getting walleye and perch off the north shore. At midweek, ice was pretty safe at the west end. East end looked a little thin. Hopefully, it’ll firm up by the weekend. Regardless, take precautions and wear safety equipment.

CAYUGA LAKE

No safe ice to report at midweek. However, anglers fishing from shore near the power station in Lansing are catching rainbow trout on medium-sized shiners, along with perch, using fathead minnows.

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 perch and some large bluegills. Trolling from the surface down to about 45 feet, over 70 feet of water, has been producing a mix of Atlantic salmon, brown trout and lake trout. Streamer flies and small spoons have been working well.

OWASCO LAKE

No safe ice to report at midweek.

OTISCO LAKE

Some anglers were out earlier this week at the northern end, mostly catching perch. There were reports of a few big muskies caught through the ice.

SKANEATELES LAKE

No ice fishing activity to report at midweek. Shore fishing with marshmallow-and-worm rigs is usually the ticket this time of year for rainbow trout.

SODUS BAY

Anglers were just starting to head out on ice at midweek. There were reports of about 3 ½ inches of ice.

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, Chippewa Bay, Lake of the Isles and Goose Bay, all with five or more inches. The Alexandria Bay Fishing Derby is set for Saturday on the river. For further information, see www.tibait.com.

WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR

There were reports of about six inches of ice on the reservoir at midweek. Lot of nice-sized perch, small crappies and rock bass were being caught, along with smallmouth bass, which must be released.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog