NIAGARA FALLS USA WEEKLY FISHING REPORT FOR JUNE 14, 2023
The regular bass season opens tomorrow (June 15) across New York State and local anglers are looking forward to that because live bait can once again be used to target smallmouth bass in the Niagara River. During the catch-and-release season, only artificial baits can be used.
Bass fishing improved last week according to Capt. Frank Campbell of Lewiston. He filmed with Tim Andrus of Rush Outdoors and they did well on spinnerbaits. Fish up to five pounds were caught from Devil’s Hole all the way to the mouth of the Niagara. Other baits that produced bass were Ned Ocho’s, drop shotting Half Shells, and Mag Lips. Moss is starting to create more issues and will most likely get heavier from here.
Chris Trzaska of Buffalo reports continued success at the Beaver Island State Park Marina using Chuck Booker No. 3 red and white spinners. He caught smallmouth bass, northern pike, and white bass. He also caught some bass on Rat-L-Traps.
Out in Lake Ontario, fishing is good right now for a mixed bag of fish like salmon and trout according to Capt. Joe Oakes with Salmon Boy Charters (Images below) out of Wilson. Fish are anywhere from 100 to 400 feet of water. Spoons, flashers/flies, and meat are all taking fish in the top 100 feet of water according to Oakes.
The next big contest in the lake is the Summer Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby from July 1 to 30. Click here for details.
There are two kids fishing contests this coming weekend. On Saturday, the Wilson Conservation Club will be holding its 38th Annual Kids Fishing Derby from 8 a.m. to noon. Kids ages 3 to 14 may fish in any Niagara County waters. Organizers are asking that no trout, salmon, or bowfin be entered for this contest, which is based on length of the fish. You must be in line by noon at the Wilson Conservation Club, 2934 Wilson Cambria Road, Wilson. You do not need to pre-register. Call Gary at 585-767-5328 for more information.
On Sunday the Lock-City Moose Lodge No. 617 will be holding a Catch and Release Kids Fishing Derby for kids 15 years and under at Widewaters Marina in Lockport from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. It’s a great way to start your Father’s Day activities.
Remember that next weekend, June 24 and 25, is a Free Fishing Weekend in New York State. There are two kids contests that weekend, too. On June 24, there will be the Town of Newfane’s “Hooks for Harry” contest for kids 4 to 15 years of age. This is a memorial event remembering the late Harrison Hazlett of Olcott who passed away last year. It will be held at the Town of Newfane Marina and 18 Mile Creek up to Burt Dam from 8 a.m. to noon.
On June 25, the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs and the Niagara River Anglers Association will be teaming up for a kids contest at the NRAA’s Wilderness Preserve on Balmer Road in Youngstown from 9 a.m. to noon. The contest is open for the first 40 kids and you can register by calling Paul Jackson at 998-8910.
