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:
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