Pictured here is Ben Criss from Scranton P.A. with a 31.9 pound Chinook Salmon that he caught from Lake Ontario on August 16, 2013. Ben was on vacation fishing with his father Dave Criss along with Raymond Martin and his lovely wife Barbara Martin on one of Lake Ontario's Premier Sportfishing Operations aboard the charter boat BUC-A-ROO with Captain Ron Penna & Captain Chas Townsend.

They had an amazing day on the water catching Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Rainbow Trout. The bait of choice was cut bait run behind a flasher 120 feet down in 150 feet of water. A few fish were taken on the 72 Monty fly and the Tranny Spoon. Dipseys were set out 240 feet back with cut bait. They were fishing in the Orleans County Derby when this big brute decided to be the first fish of the day at the time it would have weighed in around third place in the salmon division but after being blown off the two previous days they decided not to waste any fishing time running in to get him weighed in. It was a good decision because they had a spectacular day going 9 for 10 what a way to end up a week of well deserved vacation time.

   Fishing state wide is excellent all month. Fresh and saltwater fishing is at its peak. One would be hard pressed to pick a favorite spot in August. Just get out and enjoy the rest of the summer. In New York's coastal waters anglers will be targeting Striped Bass, Bluefish, Shark, Marlin, and Tuna. Fishing for these species is in full swing now, and is a certain possibility for a great outing.

   Trolling for trout and salmon in Lake Ontario is still the best bet. Later this month the fall LOC Derby will start and run through the Labor Day weekend. This is the biggest weekend for the lake and the last outing of the summer for many. If you would like to book a charter for the fall derby book early as most captains will be booked solid for the week. Prizes are awarded for each catagory Salmon, Lake trout, Steelhead, and Brown Trout. There are two seperate divisions one for adult and one for youngsters. Daily prizes are also awarded.

  Sometime in mid August the salmon start to move in and stage off shore preparing for the fall spawning run which depending on the weather can start in the first week of September. These are some of the largest fish of the season, because they have been feeding ravenously all summer. In the lake they will still hit a wide variety of plugs and spoons how ever once they enter the streams they seem to become more interested in getting upstream and taking care of business.

   Migrating salmon will still hit a fly or lure if it is presented properly and it triggers an instinctive strike, but they are no longer actively feeding. As the water cools the brown trout and steelhead will follow the salmon upstream as well. This is the time most shore anglers eagerly await. All fisherman are on equal footing now. A good pair of waders and a nice spinning or fly rod is all you need. This fantastic stream fishing will last until late november for browns, steelhead and salmon.

   The following links break down the best fishing options according to the month of the year. Certain times of the year present excellent fishing opportunities for differnt species and can help make the best of your limited free time.