May 9 to May 23, 2025
May 1 – Statewide Season Opener for Walleye, Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Musky
The statewide season opener for most of the coolwater sportfish species in New York kicked off on May 1! This includes walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel, and tiger muskellunge. Before venturing out, be familiar with the statewide season limits and any special fishing regulations that may apply on waters you plan to fish.
Lake Erie Tributaries
The nighttime walleye fishing over Lake Erie’s nearshore reefs and shoals has been off to a slower start since last week’s opener. Walleye activity on the shoals typically picks up when water temperatures reach 50 degrees, so the best is likely yet to come. Anglers typically target walleye on the reefs by trolling stickbaits at around 1.5 mph in 6-15 feet of water. Anglers have also been picking up some walleye on deeper reef edges by casting during the day. See the Walleye Fishing on Lake Erie page for more information. Anglers continue to report good yellow perch catches between Cattaraugus Creek and Sturgeon Point in 50-60 feet of water. Live minnows fished on the bottom work well.
After about a week or running at high and muddy levels, all Lake Erie tributaries except Cattaraugus Creek had dropped back to fishable level between Thursday and Friday. Prior to the blowout, good numbers of smallmouth bass were scattered in the creeks. Jigs with plastics fished under a float is a top tactic for drift anglers. Wooly buggers and streamers are productive for fly anglers. There are a few steelhead still hanging around the creeks.
Niagara River
Upper river smallmouth bass action has just been fair so far, with better days ahead. Controlled drifting with drop-shot rigs and flatworms, or casting swimbaits, ned rigs and crankbaits are typical tactics for boaters. Smallmouth bass are available at shore sites around the river too. Walleye are showing well along Unity Island. Casting swimbaits and bladebaits, or fishing bottom rigs with shiners have been productive for shore anglers, with best catches from dusk to dawn.
Smallmouth bass numbers are building in the lower river and action is steadily improving. Boaters can employ the same tactics as described for the upper river. A mix of steelhead, lake trout and brown trout are still available, but the bite is slowing. Controlled drifting with a three-way rig and live shiners or flatfish-style lures works well. Anglers have recently reported solid action for lake trout and brown trout on the Niagara Bar. For fishing access maps and lower river fishing information, see Fishing the Lower Niagara River.
Lake Ontario, Tributaries, Harbors and Piers
Trout and salmon fishing has been a bit tougher this past week in marginal weather conditions. Depths around 100 feet is a good starting point for anglers seeking king salmon, lake trout and coho salmon, but some searching is likely required. Large spoons run in the bottom half of the water column is a good bet. See the Pacific Salmon Fishing In Lake Ontario Tributaries page for more information. Target brown trout in the nearshore zone by trolling medium-sized spoons and stickbaits inside 40 feet of water.
Lake Ontario Harbors and low ends of tributaries are good spots for a variety warmwater species. Smallmouth bass, northern pike, bowfin, yellow perch, rock bass bullhead and more are available. The occasional trout or coho salmon are possible catches from the piers.
Chautauqua Lake
The nearshore shallows in 3-10 feet of water are usually a good bet at night for walleye during the early season. Boaters typically do well by trolling or casting stickbaits, while shore anglers connect by casting stickbaits. The crappie bite in the canals has tapered off, while there are still quality catches in the open lake. Target crappie in weedy areas in depths under 8 feet. Small jigs tipped with a small minnow, one-inch tube or other small plastics are good crappie offerings. Visit the Chautauqua Lake page for more information.
Harwood Lake
From March 31 through September, there will be access limitations at Harwood Lake to allow for dam rehabilitation work. The project will also require lowering of the lake level by 3.5 feet, limiting fishing and other water-based recreation. DEC will not stock Harwood Lake with trout this spring, but stocking numbers will be increased at the nearby Allen and Case Lakes, to offset the loss. View more information on limited access at Harwood Lake.
Inland Trout Streams
Frequent rains have all inland trout streams running high and stained at report time. Spring-fed wild trout streams, smaller streams and upper reaches of larger streams are you best bet for the weekend. With the general lack of fly hatches so far, sub-surface nymphs and bugger patterns have worked well for fly anglers. Productive offerings for spinning anglers include worms, salted minnows and small in-line spinners. See Fishing For Stream Trout page for how-to information. See Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide page for interactive map showing fishing access and stream categories.
Spring Trout Stocking
Spring stocking of western New York’s trout stocking waters has been completed. For County lists of stocked waters and the anticipated number of trout to be stocked, see the Spring Trout Stocking page.
The fishing hotline can also be heard at 716-855-3474. If you need more fishing information or would like to contribute to the fishing report, please call or e-mail Mike Todd (716-851-7010; [email protected]). Good Luck Fishing!
