October Fishing In NY State

  The lake fishing has slowed down considerably, and the often unpredictable fall weather keeps most fisherman off of Lake Ontario. Fishing for bass, walleyes, pike, and panfish remain excellent in the bays of Lake Ontario. However many fisherman are still in pursuit of trout and salmon in the larger Finger Lakes. They will be trolling for these fish along the mouths of streams which enter the lakes. This is a productive method, because these fish will be collecting up in these locations waiting on the stream levels to rise enough to enter. The streams entering the finger lakes are a lot smaller than those of Lake Ontario so the window of opportunity for these fish to make a stream run is smaller. It is more or less regulated by the rainfall which is generaly not sufficient for spawning runs till late October or early November.

  Most fishing will now be taking place in the tributaries of Lake Ontario. The streams are now full of Salmon, browns, and Steelhead. This can be be elbow to elbow combat fishing .There are sportsmen, purist, and poachers alike fishing the same waters and tempers can flare. Some folks will use 40 # test some 4# test line. Often the same anglers will fish the same spots so don't be surprised to see the same people fishing a spot when you go back there. Most fisherman who enjoy this fabulous fall fishing are easy going and very sociable. They will often give advice, suggest alternative fishing spots or loan you an extra hook or sinker. Lots of friendships have been created on these stream banks. Often when the fishing is slow good conversation can save the day.

   The best bass and walleye fishing one can ever experience can now be found in the Susquehana and Chemung Rivers. These fish put on a fall feeding spree that is beyond a descrpition. Imagine a limit of 4 and 5 pound smallmouth bass in less than a hour and a limit of nice walleyes too. This time of year it can be done. These fish are all moving to the key wintering grounds. Knowing where these spots are is the key to success at this time of year. They are deep pools at the ends of rifts or deep pools in the bends of the river. Often they have large boulders and or fallen trees to provide cover and break the current. Please use caution when fishing these key locations they often have steep banks and loose rocks which have been piled up with high water.

  These fish will hit a variety of baits and lures. Maribu Jigs in the 1/16 and 1/32 ounce size work well. Rapalas and Spinners also will catch fish, but the best bait at this time of year is a nice fat bass minnow fished on the bottom with as little weight as possible . Just cast him out let him sink and something will pick it up, guranteed. You can also retrieve the minnow slowly until a hit is detected give him some slack, then whack him.

  If you would like to learn more about salmon fishing in New York please read our article Chinook Salmon Fishing In NY. If you would like to learn more about fishing on the Salmon River please read our article Fishing The Salmon River. If you would like to hire a guide for your trip to the Salmon River visit our listing for Salmon River Guides.

  The date was October 7, 2003 Jim Cleary and his party of 5 from Elmira, NY took a fall trip to Montauk and it was fabulous. They were fishing for Striped Bass and Bluefish aboard the Charter Boat Windy with Captain Jack Passie. Mike the mate aboard the Windy is pictured with Jim Cleary holding a 30 pound Striper caught just off the point on Montauk. This is one of many caught and released this day. The bass were very cooperative as were the bluefish. Later that day they saw a 100 pound Bluefin Tuna brought in by another boat. The party boats did very well with the Porgies and Sea Bass. The weather was great and fishing was fantastic not a bad way to say good bye to summer.