Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Jan. 4, 2023 from Destination Niagara USA
It’s hard to believe we are into a new year already. Unfortunately for Western New York fishermen, many of the local waters are still feeling the effects of the Blizzard of 2022. Waves more than 30 feet high were reported on Lake Erie during that historic storm, creating a very turbid situation. Winds continue to be a bit of a problem, but this week there’s more than an inch of rain being added to the system in addition to any remaining snow melt.
Things were finally starting to slowly clear according to Lisa Drabczyk with Creek Road Bait and Tackle in Lewiston. As we’ve mentioned previously, the shore casters in the Niagara Gorge will be the first to find slightly clearer water in tight. The water clarity is still very limited, especially when you figure in the rain that started Tuesday. More rain is expected late Wednesday into Thursday. It’s still difficult to catch fish, but not impossible. Some steelhead are hitting on spinners and eggs or egg imitations from shore. Boaters have picked up some steelhead in Devil’s Hole and Artpark, as well as lake trout and brown trout along Fort Niagara and out on the Bar. Beads, live Emerald shiners, Kwikfish, and MagLips are catching fish, but you do have to work for them. Plan on losing some hardware when fishing from shore. Things should improve by the weekend.
The rain will help the smaller tributaries off Lake Ontario. Most have been low and clear, with little to no impact from recent snows. There should be some trout at Burt Dam and Fisherman’s Park, but pressure has been light. To the east, there have been some boats heading out into the lake when the winds cooperate. Fish the shoreline in 15 to 25 feet of water with Stinger spoons or stickbaits in bright colors like orange, chartreuse, or firetiger. Look for a distinct mud line coming out of the creeks and troll the fringe areas of the breaks. Normally it’s browns, but lake trout and steelhead have also been reported.
If you like to fish the big Southtowns Walleye Derby in early June, on Jan. 6 there will be a Derby Launch Party at the Association’s clubhouse located at 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg from 6 to 10 p.m. New derby details will be revealed. For more info call Kim at 864-2938.
The new Walleye School is half-full as of this week, one of the many educational sessions that are available in the 8th Annual Greater Niagara Fishing Expo at the Niagara Falls Convention Center Feb. 16-19. The Salmon School is sold out, something that has happened every year that they have held it. Sign up today for the Walleye event at www.niagarafishingexpo.com.
Creek Road Bait and Tackle 