Rain Brings in Fresh Tributary Fish
Thursday’s rain pushed a little more water into our local tributaries. Sometimes, just a little raise in the water level and a slight change of color will help move in fresh fish from Lake Ontario. I left work early Friday afternoon to scout a small residential creek, West of Rochester. The water was higher and darker, good signs for fresh fish. After walking nearly half a mile of creek, I saw only three browns. I also noticed plenty of stream bank stabilization work, completed recently. Let’s hope the retaining boulders and bulldozer work helps this fishery. Of greater concern, is the lack of water and diminishing returns of fish I’ve observed over the past two years.
A friend called and told me about his stream side fishing for steelhead, East of the City. I couldn’t resist his enthusiasm, nor argue with his results. So, I drove 25 minutes East to check out a smaller creek, before joining him. Walking the bank, I quickly spotted a pair of steelhead, tight against a log. It’s uncanny how often lake run fish return to their roots and hang out in brush. On the second cast, the larger fish intercepted my egghead/wooly bugger and the small stream antics began. After a quick photo, I decided to visit my third stream of the day.
My friends fishing report was accurate and helpful. This was my best location, as I landed a nice 7-8 lb brown, three steelhead, several smolt and two chubs. I was working against fading light and only fished 3 holes. Greater depth and structure (drop offs/boulders/log jams/troughs) all worked as barometers to help find these fish. Hot pink and chartreuse were the popular egg colors for my egg sucking wooly buggers. As the water continues to drop, these fish will move back to the Lake. I’m looking forward to more rain. Happy Thanksgiving and tight lines!
