It is the first week of December and the big storm earlier this week could infuse some much-needed water into the tributaries and inland waters. The main Lake Ontario tributaries west of Rochester will be getting another shot of Erie Canal water this week, too. Lake trout season is now open in the lower Niagara and Lake Ontario.
Lake Erie and tributaries
The lake tributaries are getting a much-needed flushing according to guide Nicholas Sagnibene of Ellicottville, who operates out of Adventure Bound on the Fly. All streams are up and dirty as of Monday, and with the snow, he expects most creeks to stay dirty for the week. The steelhead waters have been low this fall, so this should get everything on track for higher levels, closer to average for this time of year. As with inland waters, they are getting chilly. Some shore ice accumulated this past weekend, so temperatures are above 32 degrees, but not by much. There are still fresh runs of fish coming in from the warmer lake allowing them to be feisty for early December, says Sagnibene. Work your runs and pools thoroughly, the fresh fish tend to hang out of the quicker water versus the pools. Nymphs in all variations have been working, including large stoneflies with rubber legs, and typical egg flies. Do not be afraid to throw a bugger or streamer under a bobber for a dead drift, then swing it out once the drift is over. No reports from the lake due to the weather. One popular in-shore area is the Dunkirk Fishing Platform in Dunkirk Harbor. Due to weather-related damage, the platform has been closed to repair the site. The Dunkirk City Fishing Pier remains open.
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