Niagara River

Walleye and bass are still cooperating throughout the system, with bass at the top of the list. Some 5-pound class bronzebacks have been caught. Mike Dulmes of Wisconsin was fishing with Capt. Jake Joseph on Sunday and his biggest was a 5 pounder caught on a shiner. This is the time of year when some fat walleyes show up for the Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey Derby, which runs August 19-27. Worm harnesses or a Yellow Sally fly, spinner and a worm rig are both effective. Joseph noted that the walleye bite picked back up in the past week. A few salmon have been sighted already in the lower river, but it’s still a month off before the regular run should be starting up. In the upper Niagara River, some feisty bass have been reeled in on crabs and shiners. Tubes will also work. Strawberry Island is always a good bet, as is the head of the river. Some big largemouth are also available in the right spots. The Erie Canal is still producing some nice pike and bass as well.