Syracuse.com - April 6-8: Time to fish for trout, perch and crappie

[HuntingNY-News]

Anglers on Oneida Lake continue to cash in on perch and bullhead, along with other panfish, particularly around the marinas. The crappie action on Otisco Lake has also been impressive recently.

CNY FISHING FORECAST

A reminder that walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger muskie season closed on March 15. Also, all persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet, regardless of age, must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) until May 1.

Bait stores (list and map).

INLAND TROUT STREAMS

Streams across the area are low and clear.

LAKE ONTARIO

Before the cold and wind over the weekend, brown trout were being taken along the lake shore flat-lining (trolling lure behind the boat without any weight) with stickbaits. If you can find some off- colored water, fish around it. Good starting depths have been the 8- to 10- foot range.

SALMON RIVER

The river is down to 285 cubic feet per second. Anglers continue to catch steelhead. Try the deeper pools.

OSWEGO RIVER

All areas along the river are fishable. Fishing near the dam has been good for steelhead and some brown trout. Steelhead and brown trout are hitting egg sacs, trout beads, jigs and stickbaits.

ONEIDA LAKE

Anglers continue to cash in on perch and bullhead, along with other panfish, particularly around the marinas. Anglers are also getting out on the Oneida River, catching bullhead and panfish.

CAYUGA LAKE

Lake is still low. Reports of some good perch fishing on the northern end if you can get on. Anglers trolling are getting lake trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon. Lake trout are coming on spoons or flasher and fly rigs fished 100 to 115 feet down over 130 to 150 feet of water. Also, jigging in 135 to 145 feet of water has been good for lake trout with a variety of plastics working. Fishing stickbaits on the surface over 15 to 25 feet of water is working for the brown trout and salmon.

SENECA LAKE

Lake trout are being taken on flies and flashers fished 110 feet down over 150 feet of water. Atlantic salmon and brown trout are hitting spoons fished 10 to 20 feet down over 80 to 100 feet of water. Yellow perch fishing from the pier has been good with fish hitting minnows, spikes and oak leaf grubs.

OWASCO LAKE

The perch and bullhead bite continues to be on lately, particularly at the southern end. Use fathead minnows for the perch; worms and crayfish for the bullheads. Trout anglers are targeting the Inlet for brown trout, using egg sacs and worms. Reports of some nice trout being taken in the Inlet.

OTISCO LAKE

Anglers fishing from boats are catching crappies, perch and bluegills. Use fathead minnows or Cubby jigs.

SKANEATELES LAKE

The DEC launch is open. Anglers in recent weeks have been reporting great perch fishing, it slowed, but it’s picking up again. Use fathead minnows, or small plastic jigs. Trout anglers can target Grout Brook at the lake’s southern end for spawning rainbows. It’s low, though.

SODUS BAY

Anglers trolling the lake shore have been catching a lot of brown trout in about 12 feet of water. Anglers in boats are also doing well with perch, using fathead minnows. Anglers from shore are doing well with crappies and bullheads.

SANDY POND

Crappies are hitting around docks. No word on the perch bite.

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

The perch and bullhead bite has slowed recently with the cool weather, but things have started to pick lately. Reports of some good perch catches around Goose Bay. Try fathead minnows.

WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR

Lots of crappies are being caught by anglers using fathead minnows and bobbers. Bullhead are being caught after dark on the north end of the reservoir, and also off Keibel Road. The spillway area is closed until opening day of walleye season.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog