December Fishing In NY State

   Weather is now the main factor which controls the fishing options open to New York anglers. If snow hasn't covered most of the stream banks too deeply there are still lots of fish in the tributaries. This time of year the lake effects snow squalls can dump tremendous amounts of snow in a short period. If you are going to be traveling at this time of year keep lots of warm clothes in your car a blanket, and some bottled water in case you get stranded for a time. It would be a good idea to have a cell phone, credit card, some extra cash and a full tank of gas as well. You can never be over prepared in case of an emergency.

   Ice fishing will not be taking place for a few weeks yet because the ice is just forming. Sometimes the ice is not safe till the middle of January. Shore and pier fishing are still viable options for those die hard souls who love the out doors. Tributary fishing in the Finger Lakes region is open till the end of the month if you catch a warm day and care to try. Please check the special regulations by county as you will find unique opportunites provided by each county for extended seasons on bass muskie and trout.

   Walleye fishing in the Chemung, Susquehana, and Delaware Rivers is fantastic through the month of December. These fish can be taken on jigs, spinners and minnows fished in the deeper pools. One might even catch some Northern Pike or Tiger Muskies as well. Where ever you fish practice catch and release if possible. Cut the leader off on fish which have swallowed the bait to deep to remove. They can digest hooks believe it or not. Use barbless hooks if possible. And most importantly limit your kill don't kill your limit.

   The Niagara River and Niagara Bar offer some fantastic fall and winter fishing for late season trout and salmon. Fishing the Niagara River and bar can be dangerous so if you have never done it before you should hire a guide for the first time. There are many guides who would be happy to give you the trip of a lifetime. Click here for a list of guides that you can check out.

  Captain Joey Bud Russo, Ritchie Beiber, and Steven Siegfried were out for a wonderful day of fishing aboard the party boat Capt Mike with Capt. Mike Cannon. They had a fabulous day limiting out on blackfish up to 7 pounds with a few large sea bass mixed in as well. They were fishing with green crabs in 60 feet of water off of Sandy Hook.

  Blackfish can be found from Nova Scotia, Canada to South Carolina. They live along the coast in rocky areas and may be found near pilings, jetties and wrecks. Blackfish are commonly taken at fishing reefs in the Atlantic Ocean just south of Long Island. Usually anglers catch fish from 1.5 to 3 pounds. Blackfish will feed on crabs, clams and worms as bait.

  Blackfish are also know as Tautog. The state record Blackfish weighed an incredible 19 pounds and 12 ounces. This awesome fish was caught by Jim Burgon from Riverhead, NY on 08/22/92 Fishing season on Blackfish is from October 1 through May 31. Up to 10 fish per day may be taken. The size limit is 14 inches.

  Saltwater Regulations can change quickly so keep up to date and check the Saltwater Fishing Regulations before every outing so as to be aware of any sudden changes.

  Drift Boat fishing on the Salmon River can be a very exciting and productive way to spend a day. Having always wanting to give it a go Raymond Martin of Elmira, NY and Jim Cleary from Big Flats NY took a Decenmber drift boat trip down the Salmon River with Shane Thomas of Gottum Guide Service.

  There is more to drift boat fishing than one would imagine. The flow of the water the water temperature and coloration are all factors that must be considered. Shane worked very hard to make their trip a success. He would stop ahead of each spot and pick the appropriate type and size of lure for the water conditions. He would test each lure in the water and tune it if necessary. Each lure would receive a hook sharpening to make sure they were razor sharp. Flatfish, Hot Shots, and Kwikfish of various sizes and colors were the main plugs used.

  Once all the lures were tuned and sharpened we would let the lures out and place the rods in the holders. Then we would inch down the river with all 5 rods out over the front of the boat presenting our offerings to the fish. The beauty of a driftboat is you can row back up stream and present the offerings to the fish several times. Sometimes a strike would be savage from a fish defending its territory other strikes would be subtle from a fish looking for a quick meal. Either way you will know it when that rod bends over and the fish takes to the air in an attempt to throw the hook.

  Certain sections of the river that are not fishable with plugs but still have fish holding in them would require them to stop and fish with flies or egg sacs. When the fish are not moving much and seem lethargic flies and egg sacs will often tempt fish that would not hit a plug. When wading the river be sure to use corkers these are metal cleats that attach to your boots. The rocks on the bottom of the river at flat and very slippery.

  Fishing the Salmon River is a experience of a lifetime. The river holds the NY state record for Chinook Salmon. This fish was caught by Kurtis L. Killian on a orange fly from the Salmon River September 07, 1991 this awesome fish weighed an amazing 47 lb. and 13oz. The river is also known to produce steelhead over 20 pounds each year.

   On December 11, 2005 Christian Klock caught this beautiful Steelhead from Maxwell Creek near Sodus NY. This fantastic steelhead was caught using a black crappie jig with a red collar. The crappie jig was suspended below a small bobber and slowly drifted down the lower part of the creek near the lake. You can retrieve the float slowly or just twitch the rod to add action to the presentaion. This is a very popular method of catching brown trout and steelhead from the lower stretch of Maxwell Creek and as you see it can be very effective.

   Maxwell Creek is located a couple miles west of Sodus Point NY. It is a small stream and not nearly as famous as the other tributaries of Lake Ontario. However the fish which swim in its water are just as big and fun to catch. Maxwell Creek has just under 2 miles of fishable waters and is divided into two sections the upper and lower.

  The upper section is more of a stream bed cut in the shale with deep pools and some quick riffles. A severe storm in 2003 broke down many of the trees which line its banks and there are still lots of timber in the stream which can hold fish, but makes the fishing more difficult.

   The lower section is a estuary environment with a slight current. The bottom is mostly mud and muck with lots of sticks and some stones. Wading here is a risky proposition you will sink in very quickly. Fishing here is mainly from shore with most fisherman fishing egg sacs or live bait under a small bobber. Some fisherman also fish streamers, flies, or jigs under a small float with great success. During low water periods many fisherman will wade in the lake where the stream enters and cast spoons for the steelhead, browns and salmon that are awaiting the fall rains.