The date was August 13, 2008, when Kirk Christie of Fort Erie, Ontario caught this monster muskellunge from the upper Niagara River. He was fishing from shore and was using a stickbait as his lure of choice. Kirk is known as the Musky Man and can be found on the river in his spare time looking for the elusive muskellunge.

Two separate strains of muskellunge can be found in New York States waters. The St. Lawrence strain is found in the St. Lawrence River and it's tributaries. They may also be found in Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. The Ohio strain occurs in Chautauqua Lake and the Allegheny River. The New York State record was of the St. Lawrence strain and it weighed in at an incredible 69 pound 15 ounces. This fantastic specimen was caught from the St. Lawrence River by Arthur Lawton in 1957.

  The Niagara River gets it start as the waters of Lake Erie begin to collect up and start a journey of over 30 miles draining into Lake Ontario. On the way the river is divided into the Upper and Lower stretches by the wonderful gift of nature known as Niagara Falls. The river provides a natural border between the USA and Canada. It's waters are used to generate hydro electricity and to provide water for the Erie Canal.

  The upper section is a fantastic fishery for perch, bass, walleye and muskellunge. Fisherman can troll with lures or drift fish with live bait. Fish will congregate where ever the current has a break in it. Any dock or pier will give up some nice bass and the occasional muskie. The upper section of river isn't as treacherous as the lower section, but its waters should still be given plenty of respect as the current is still very strong.

  The lower section supports a fantastic fishery for steelhead, brown trout, lake trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon, bass, walleye, muskellunge, and perch. Most of the fish in the lower section of the river are from Lake Ontario, but find the waters of the Niagara River to be excellent habitat. These fish are able to go upstream as far as the falls. The Niagara River gorge is very steep and most fishing in this section of the river is by boat.

   There are many guides who charter trips here all year long and target Trout, Salmon, Bass, Walleyes, and Muskies. If you are intrested in a guided trip on the mighty Niagara River try one of the guides from Niagara River Guides List

   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.