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

Conditions are changing quickly for Western New York. All the snow including a good round of rain is now flowing through the creeks and rivers. Water flows are at this time very high for Western New York. Over the weekend water flows were at flood levels. If we do not get too much rain this coming week, We be back to fishing in a few days.  As for the watercolor, we are and will be dealing with some very muddy conditions. Keep in mind the muddy water bothers us more than it does the fish. Water temperatures are now also improving, water temperatures are now in the lower 40° range range. We are now in that ideal water temperature corresponding activity to start.

Productive flies, we are dealing with spawning behavior was steelhead as a result it’s time to break out all the fun flies. The normal lineup of woolly buggers egg-sucking leeches and small intruders are getting the job done. When the fish get fussy egg patterns always work.

 The Salmon River and surrounding rivers and creeks. Water flows at all the rivers and creeks have come down over the past week. At this time the Salmon River is flowing at 500 CFS, low for this time of the year. I do not anticipate this flow level to stay for much longer. There’s still plenty of snowmelt yet to come. However this reprieve in high water has created a excellent fishing opportunity. The Salmon River has fished well over the past week. There is fish spread out all through the river system. There is also fish spread out through the smaller creeks and rivers that surround the Salmon River. Successful flight patterns, Upper River a mix of stonefly nymphs and egg patterns. For the lower river stonefly nymphs are still very effective. However small intruders finished on the swing, also been producing consistently. Keep in mind fish numbers are always smaller than the lower end of the river and you need to cover water to be consistently successful.

Note;

We still have prime fishing dates are available, for both Western New York Oak Orchard River area and the Salmon River. If you’re interested please feel free to call and we can discuss your options cell 585-233-0436