Lake
Ontario
remains the world class fishery it has always been. It’s the
Great Lake
with the largest fish! The 2008 fishing season was no different.
Last summer reminded me of why I moved my business a few years
ago to fish out of
Rochester year round. All of the
ingredients are here to enjoy some of the best spring, summer,
and fall fishing anywhere on
Lake
Ontario.
Highlights of 2008
Consistent Brown Trout
activity immediately following ice out the first week of April
Almost a month of fantastic top water Steelhead action from
mid-May to early June
Predictable weather patterns kept us on the go but action was
steady by noon on most days
Second place finish at the Wayne County Pro-Am
Fall Salmon fishery took us deep into October
There are a
few necessary ingredients that make fishing out of
Rochester in the spring very consistent.
Browns, Cohos, Rainbows and Kings all share one thing in common;
they like to eat. A good supply of bait is never far. There is
no place on the south shore of
Lake
Ontario that has better
water color, structure, and current. All provided by the
Genesee River
and other nearby creeks and ponds that flow within a couple
miles of port. Fishing in April and May is rarely outside the
sight of port. Planner boards searching for subtle temperature
breaks find a good supply of top water action all spring.
Whether I run them on the beach in six feet of water or a couple
miles out over a hundred feet of water, acrobatic fish do their
best to avoid being caught.
Summer
fishing usually takes place in three areas all within a short
ride. Depending on which way the wind blows, the Sure Strike can
be found fishing the big drop off to the east, the stable water
directly out in front of port, or the strong currents and
structure that make Braddock’s Point worth the ride. Mid-summer
fishing brings a variety of techniques on any given day.
Downriggers, dipseys, planner boards, lead core, and copper all
do the same thing. They keep our bait in the preferred
temperature zone where bait and fish can be found nearby. This
is the time big salmon are feeding the most. Arm stretching runs
and long tiresome battles can last over 20 minutes. This is the
time of year to catch the fish of a lifetime.
As Labor
Day approaches the King Salmon that we chased all summer come to
our front door, the
Genesee
River. In fishing few
things are guaranteed but a good run of 25- to 30-pound salmon
will return to the place they were stocked every year. Predawn
anticipation can only to be fulfilled by the scream of the reel
as a big salmon strips line as the sun rises. It doesn’t get any
more exciting. From dusk until dawn there are plenty of chances.
If you’re looking for a little variety, just outside the Salmon
are Rainbows and Steelhead. Only this time of year they’re
bigger.
Capt.
Randy Calus
Sure Strike Charters