 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rainbow trout or steelhead as they are referred to in the Great Lakes are not a native species to NY waters. They were introduced to NY waters from the Pacific Coast sometime around 1870. Rainbow trout like the brown trout are able to tolerate warmer water than native trout and quickly became popular through out the state. The Steelhead in Lake Ontario are raised at the Salmon River Hatchery, located in the Village of Altmar in Oswego County. It is here that the DEC will collect the eggs of the spawning steelhead trout. The Salmon River Hatchery produces about four million trout and salmon each year. It was hoped that the steelhead would start reproducing in sufficient numbers to sustain the population. Although some natural reproduction does occur it is not enough to maintain a stable fishery so they are still stocked by the state of NY. Rainbow trout are able to survive in ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. In streams and rivers they seldom get much bigger than 5 pounds. Larger lakes and reservoirs can produce fish up to 20 pounds. The NY state record rainbow trout was broken by Rob Wilson of Tallmadge, Ohio on August 14, 2004. Rob was fishing out of Olcott, NY when he caught the fine specimen that weighed an amazing 31 lb, 3 oz and was 39 inches long. The girth of the fish was 26 inches. The fish is now the new state record, beating out the previous mark set by Gerald Szmania from Lake Ontario on May 22, 1985. Lake Ontario produces steelhead trout over 20 pounds every year and it is only a matter of time till the record is broken again. Rainbow 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. Rainbow 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. |
| The date was March 30, 2004 when Gerry L. from Lockport NY was fishing Four Mile Creek and caught this fantastic 26 inch steelhead. He was using 4 lb test line with a # 6 eagleclaw hook and a live minnow. That was the ticket to entice this wonderful steelhead that was shimmering with its spring spawning colors. After a quick photo it was released. For more information about the Four Mile Creek area please check out this link Four Mile State Park |
|
|
Pictured here is Mike Gee with a very nice Steelhead that he caught from Maxwell Creek in January of 2004. He was fishing a white crappie jig under a small bobber. This is a very productive method in the lower section of the creek where it enters the bay and the water current is not very prevalent. After a quick photo this spectacular steelie was released to possibly be caught another day. Catch and release is becoming more common among anglers who want to preserve our fantastic fishery. |
| Sometime in late September of 2003 Adam Tufillaro was fishing below the dam on the Oswego River. That's where he caught this wonderful rainbow trout. This feisty trout hit a chartreuse estaz fly that was being drifted weightless through the slack water. After an amazing display of strength and acrobatics this fish was quickly landed. After a few photos of the fish were taken it was promptly released. |
|
|
Late November of 1999 while fishing for Brown Trout in Oak Orchard Creek. Raymond Martin caught and released this nice fall run Steelhead. He took the same green and gold fly that was taking the Brown Trout only with more gusto. Man, I mean he whacked it and became a silver torpedo heading downstream. But I was able to turn him back upstream for a very memorable battle. This fish was awesome in its splendor, and it was a perfect day the kind money can't buy only nature can provide! |
| Dudley Hallstead from Pittsford caught this 12 pound steelhead fishing an egg sack off the Summerville Pier in Rochester on September 23rd 2000. The fish cleared the water 3 times and fought for 20 minutes before it got to the net. This fish was returned to Lake Ontario to fight again! In the fall steelhead often follow the migrating salmon on the spawning run looking to feed on the loose and drifting eggs. They provide a quick and easy meal when no hooks are involved. |
|
 |
 |
|
Pictured here is In-Fisherman Magazine Contributor Brett Richardson with some very nice Niagara River Steelhead. The Niagara River is one of the premier fishing destinations for anglers looking to catch a trophy Steelhead. The Niagara River will hold Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Coho Salmon, and King Salmon all winter. In some years the trout are still here in the month of May before heading back to Lake Ontario. During the summer the Niagara River and Niagara Bar also have some fantastic Bass, Walleye, and Muskie fishing. 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|