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Oak Orchard Creek is a tailwater fishery that remains ice free throughout most of early the winter. A hydroelectric dam at Waterport in Orleans County regulates the creek's flow into Lake Ontario. From the dam to the lake the stream provides anglers with 2.5 miles of quality fishing.
As the river grows closer to the lake it provides safe harbor for over 300 private boat moorings. Several large marinas are located at the mouth of the river. At the mouth of the lake the Oak Orchard is channeled between two piers running North and South into approximately 6 feet of water, and the channel is approximately 160 feet wide. The west pier is 844 feet long, and is accessible to fisherman. The east pier is 734 feet long and is also accessible to fishermen.
Some handicapped access may be found at the base of the East pier. There is no lighthouse here and it can be hard to find after dark. The lower portion of this stream has great perch, bass, northern pike, rockbass and walleye fishing. The upper stretch is prime habitat for steelhead, brown trout, and salmon as they look to answer natures call and begin the spawning process.
Steelhead trout spawn in the spring but will often start to migrate up the streams in late fall and early winter. Arriving after the salmon they will feed on the left over salmon eggs. This creates a fantastic fishing opportunity for NY anglers. A 10 pound steelhead hooked on a noodle rod with 2,4 or 6 pound test can really give an angler a test of his fishing skills. Strong hard runs and acrobatic leaps are what keeps this fish at the top of the anglers list.
Steelhead trout will feed on a variety of items. In streams they will feed on nymphs, worms, snails, crayfish and other small fish species. They will feed on a variety of insects including mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies when they are available. In the larger lakes they feed mostly on smelt and alewives. This is why they grow to such large sizes in the lakes.
In the Streams and rivers steelhead may be enticed to hit a variety of baits. Egg sacs or plastic imitation eggs are among the most common used. Sponge in various colors can also be very productive. Artificial flies and streamers will also entice fish to strike. Major Lake Ontario tributaries having steelhead runs include the Salmon River, Oswego River, Genesee River, Black River, Niagara River, Oak Orchard Creek and Eighteen Mile Creek.
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