Niagara River – New York

May 2009 back to My Fishing Journal

A business trip to Niagara Falls provided an opportunity for several trips down to the shores of the mighty river in search of Great Lakes steelhead.

Water

What a wondrous river to fish. It was high, it was low. It was clear and murky over a matter of several hours. At times, visibility was low when clouds obscured the depths, while at other times the brilliant flash of steelhead hens could be seen from far out in the water as they readied their redds. The power and volume of the river can be imagined, considering the nearby falls. Awe-inspiring.

Fishing

How do you describe your first steelhead? It was magnificent. I was fishing a Cabela’s Stowaway, 5 piece, 6 weight rod. Admittedly a bit light for the job, but the only travel rod I have. After several hits and opportunities to watch others land steelhead, this 12-13 lb buck nailed the minnow pattern broadside. After a 15 minute battle through which I was sure he was going to break off at any point, I managed to land him and get a couple photographs. After that, everything else through the week was just gravy.