Monday, March 28, 2011

Niagara River Steelhead

Ever hook onto the back of small car with your flyrod? That's about equal to steelhead from the mighty Niagara. Big minnow/smelt imitations and egg patterns work well off the shore, as well as oddly enough, Caddis nymphs. A 7 weight is rod is a little arrogant, while an 8 to 9 is more adept at casting big weighted flys and heavy split shot. You have to get down to the fish and weighting your flies or your line or both is a must. A 15 foot leader with shot about 16 inches from the fly is a good start, while the new skagit heads and sinking leaders are even better in some cases. I use an 8-10 foot lead core section/ skagit head to get the floating line down and then a couple shot as well. It's heavy, but the 10' 8wt will get it out there. You don't have to cast far since the ledge drops off out about 5-8 feet to 12-15 feet deep. The fish hang right against the rocks down about 8 feet so depth is your biggest concern. Fish the eddies and inlets along the shoreline for controlled drifts. Roll casting is the norm, with little room behind for a back cast and either dead drifting with the current, or adding some strips for action gets the fish's attention. It's BIG water, so utmost care is needed when walking the very slippery rocks. Do NOT wade in the Niagara River. You are just asking for trouble. The Power Authority releases water every day in the early morning that can raise the water 6-8 feet very quickly. I have been caught out on the rocks at Devil's Hole and had to wet wade back to shore, fighting a heavy current. I thought that was it...no kidding. Anyway, you don't usually get a second chance to screw up on safety down there, so be careful. The best access points are Artpark in Lewiston, NY and the Devil's Hole and Whirlool Park access points in Niagara Falls, NY. It's rugged, but worth the walk. Big, Strong, Nasty fish that head for Canada when you hook them.

Getting ready for Spring Trout

The weather is starting to break around the WNY area, and the opener is just around the corner. I don't typically go out that day, because I tend to avoid crowds. Isn't that the real reason behind our sport in the first place...solitude? Don't get me wrong,,,I love hanging out with one or two fishing buddies, but not the whole population of a small town. Anyhow, the water will be cold and most likely, the fish will be feeding under the surface. Small GR Hares ears, Pheasant Tails, Early Black Stones, and small Olive Wooly Buggers will be our primary flies of choice. Can't Wait!!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Plans to hit Artpark

Well, I figured on going to Artpark for Steelhead today, only to wake up to 11 degree temps. Bummer. No fun slipping around down there and risking your life in the Niagara River, or icing up the guides. We will have to look at it as someone saying "you have more flies to tie". Maybe next week.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

This coming Saturday 3/19/2011

This Saturday at Orvis in the Eastern Hills Mall, I will be tying and speaking on some good patterns for fishing riffles and runs in the Genny. I will tie a variety of sculpins, muddlers, and really good nymph I call the Genny Screamer. It starts at 11am and runs through 12 or a little later. All are welcome and it's always a good time seeing the regulars as well.