Jay Peck's Blog

Over the past week we have had a considerable swing in the weather. At one point there was proximately 1 an 1/2 feet of snow on the ground. Then add about 2 inches of rain, what we got is a lot of flooding. This is Just what we needed to jump start the winter fishing. The high water was contained mostly in Western New York. As of now most of our rivers and creeks are just about ready to fish. The creeks are high, but you can get on them. Concentrate your fishing efforts in the lower portion of the creeks. Fish the bigger pools, where fishing in the high water will be more effective. Be advised that even though the creeks have recently exploring a high water event, ice can still be a concern. As always keep in mind this time of year water conditions can change daily. As for the Oak Orchard River the reason round of high water has had its effect on the Oak. As of now water flows are still very high and water color is still on the muddy side. I suspect that within a few days, water levels and water clarity will improve enough that we can effectively fish. Once conditions become favorable, try fishing from the dam on down River. I suspect we will find a fresh run of steelhead with a mix of Brown trout throughout the fishable portions of the River. For productive flies, in the faster water stay with your favorite egg flies size 8 in to 12. In the slower water, try working white streamer patterns. The Browns in this part of the River have and feeding on gizzard Shad, keep the flies about 2 1/2 inches long.

The Salmon River: the recent round of wet weather did not have as big of an influence on the Salmon River watershed. Water flows were temporarily spiked to 3500 CFS for two days and then the water flows were ramped back down. As of now the water flow is at 500 CFS a very comfortable water flow for winter steelhead fishing. There is as of now good numbers of fish in the upper River. Most of the fish are concentrated in and around the lower fly zone. This is also where most of the fishing pressure is also located.

As for the mid and lower river, I have not received too many reliable reports. I would expect there is a few fish scattered down through the river. You will need to cover water to find fish. For productive flies, stay with your favorite egg patterns in sizes ranging from 8 to 12 and your favorite winter steelhead nymphs especially anything that looks like a stone fly. These patterns will be most effective in the upper River. If you are interested in trying your hand at swinging flies, keep your patterns about two and half to 3 1/2 inches long. As for the presentation think low and slow.

Not:

I am now running my winter special.  We are on the water by 9:00 am and fish until 3:00 pm. The winter special rates are 300$ for two people and 200$ for one person. That is a hundred dollar saving a day. This still includes flies, leaders, and equipment that might be needed.