Big news of the spring is that, our dear friend and guide
Rick Smith and his wife Britney. On April seventh, they welcome their new son
Dale Alexander Smith to the family. Both mother and son are doing well, and
surprisingly enough even Rick is so far surviving the experience of being a new
dad. Rick is now back on the water. If you see him napping under a tree, you’ll
know why.
As for the fishing, starting with Western New York, Oak
Orchard River and surrounding creeks. Water flows are still extremely high. However
the recent rainfall was over 2 inches and everything is extremely high at this
time, it will take a few days for water flows to come back down to normal. At
this point we are now covering a lot of Creek for a steelhead or two. There is
a growing population of large small mouth bass showing up in some of these are
big.
Oak orchard River water flows are and will remain extremely
high. This has a lot to do with Lake levels. Water is backing up almost to the
turban channel. Keep in mind at this point the steelhead fishing is for all
practical purposes over. If the water does clear up there could be some very
good smallmouth bass fishing to be had. For Western New York the big shift is
now going to be to the trout streams. Water flows are still on the high side. But mayfly hatches
are now starting. Look for hatches in the afternoon, these will be a size 14.
The Salmon River and the surrounding rivers and creeks;
water flows have been very high over the past weeks. To give you an idea what
type water flows we have been dealing with. For over three days, the Pineville
gauge was reporting flows over 6000 CFS. water flows like that will move some
river bottom around. However at this point water flows have receipted to1650
CFS and have been going at this rate for some time. Probably some of the most
consistent water flows I have seen in quite a while for spring steelhead
fishing. More important then the consistent water flows is that water
temperatures are now in the mid 40° range in the upper river and some days
almost in the 50° range in the lower river, prime spawning temperatures. We’ve
had these temperatures now for almost a week and we have fish spawning all
through the upper river. Also the hatchery is full of steelhead just hanging
around, trying to decide if they want to leave yet. Judging by how things are
looking, I am anticipating at least another three weeks of decent steelhead
fishing. Also I’m anticipating the may drop back fishing to be right on par.
Note;
We still have prime fishing dates are available, for the
Salmon River this is April, 28,29,30. As many of you have already heard we’ve
had a prolonged period of high water the Salmon River. As a result I suspect
we’re going to have some great May drop back fishing. This will be some of the best steelhead
fishing with the spey rods of the year. We still have prime May date available.
If you’re interested please feel free to call and we can discuss your options
cell 585-233-0436