Niagara Whirlpool Migration

[myspacedave]

Hey guys, hope you're all staying warm this past week. Big question for you folk who visit Niagara river/whirlpool. I started fishing this hole in 2013 when a friend of mine suggested fishing the Niagara river, I found this hole, and have been a believer ever since. Still haven't got any salmon/trout out of here yet, but I will one day.

My question(s) for you is this: What are the migration patterns of fish who enter this river? (Edit: I should mention that I am referring to the whirlpool section of the Niagara river, as that's the only area I know how to enter it)

Do Lake O or Lake E salmon/trout enter, or both?

Do they spawn?

What about the whirlpool itself. Do the fish use it to swim in or have food directed to them? Why is this such a hot spot over the other areas of the Niagara river?

I usually chuck spoons, but until now I didn't know the proper technique for it (ya, there's a bit of a technique to it), or float roe or worms along the bank. I'm pretty sure both techniques I was doing wrong, but at least after a pretty good salmon run, I think I can handle spoons, but any tips on floating at the whirlpool would be appreciated.

I think that's it. Thanks for any/all responses and tight lines everyone!

 

[Paul1913]

I've only fished there once but if you're going to float, use a bigger float, 11-16gr.

Look for seams in the current, behind and in front of boulders.

You can also look at some trout beads.

I did well with spoons on my day and floating roe..

I remember someone mentioning water clarity, do some searching on the forums I'm sure it's there.

As for spawning ... Don't know much about the area.

Hope that little bit helps

 

[AaronKrick]

The lower gets lake O fish, they spawn, not sure of success rate, if any. I use 8 and 11g floats. Experiment with shot patterns, judging by flow and clarity. River is a tough fish until you know it, expect lots of skunks to start.

 

[jkw]

Hi dave. The Lower Niagara is the mecca of migrations. it hosts salmon, steelhead, browns, and lakers. All are Lake Ontario fish. It also has incredible resident populations of fish like muskie, sturgeon, and walleye. The whirlpool is particularly special as it is the end of the line (as far as an upstream migration goes). But in safer times of year you can walk down the glen and fish along the river. Access is challenging you must be very able bodied.

All these species successfully spawn each year, which is evident in the various year classes and large populations of fish that keep returning.. it is their natal "stream". As guys said above, you have to gear up to fish it properly.. heavier floats, larger weights.. you should also experiment with changing you float depths. start in the 5ft range close to shore along seams, then lengthen your lead and cast farther out into a deeper seam. (I use a slip float with a bobber stopper to get 10ft+ deep when drifting it).

hope that helps.

JKW

 

[wlatyn]

To me, the whirlpool is the most "unorthodox" steelheading spot around. The water level fluctuates drastically, the currents spin back and forth, ice chunks swirl around, and the banks in the winter are treacherous. Also, some of the ducks in there will chase and bite your baits. Makes for challenging fishing on the best of days.
As mentioned above, fish the slow seams (they often shift) and keep your bait near bottom. You may have to adjust your float depth and the shot arrangement frequently. Don't be afraid to switch up your baits.

 

[myspacedave]

OMG! Guys thanks so much. I've been there quite a bit, Got some nice smallies there last summer, but nothing to write here about. Just takes some practice and reading a bit, I suppose.

 

[ChromeAddict]

I've been to the Glen a couple times. I had one hit on a white jig but that's it. I would recommend checking out 'The Angler Files' on Youtube. He has some good videos on fishing the river. What did you get your smallies on?

 

[myspacedave]

Smalls I got floating worms close to bank. I had to keep one cuz he swallowed the fuck out of the hook. Was pretty good eatin'.

I never use jigs really, especially not for trout. I would like to diversify my methods a little better. Until recently (last couple of years) that meant just having different gear in my bag. I now realize after conferring with people like you that that's not the case. If you care to elaborate, or direct me to some good reading, that is always appreciated!

 

[myspacedave]

I HATE YOUR AUTO EDIT OFF!

 

[chinooky]

I think its a "hot spot" because its the easiest to access. Theres lots of skunks in the water though, especially when the water is on the dirty side - with all that room the probability of a fish seeing your presentation goes down.

 

[Brian]

As much as I understand your thirst for knowledge here, posting specific spots on a public forum just destroys it. It is stated in the forum rules.

Some of your questions have already been answered.
Fish do spawn there, but the conditions are not the most ideal for it.
High oxygen levels help contribute to the healthy fishery, and also the fish cant go up much further (there's an obstruction a little way up).

 

[HomeGrownChrome]

As much as I understand your thirst for knowledge here, posting specific spots on a public forum just destroys it. It is stated in the forum rules.

Some of your questions have already been answered.
Fish do spawn there, but the conditions are not the most ideal for it.
High oxygen levels help contribute to the healthy fishery, and also the fish cant go up much further (there's an obstruction a little way up).

I dont think that river is much of a secret, ive seen that parking lot full at 7 am on tuesday.

As far as migration they make it up to the base of the falls.

https://youtu.be/d1ESReOeeOU

 

[Slickrick]

Respect the water levels. They fluctuate wildly now that hydro is relying on wind/solar power. Gone is the usual winter low level. A rock you were fishing one day could be 5 feet underwater the next.

 

[myspacedave]

Respect the water levels. They fluctuate wildly now that hydro is relying on wind/solar power. Gone is the usual winter low level. A rock you were fishing one day could be 5 feet underwater the next.

Or like, within a few hours. The rock I was sitting on, I was fishing later on in the day. Prob not the best strat

 

[Brian]

I dont think that river is much of a secret, ive seen that parking lot full at 7 am on tuesday.

As far as migration they make it up to the base of the falls.

https://youtu.be/d1ESReOeeOU

I agree it is no secret.
There was a time when we would get nice quiet days down there. Not anymore. The last couple years have been ridiculous there.
And its getting worse because of things like this.

 

[myspacedave]

You know it's on shows with Dave Mercer and Italo right? The problem is people being uninformed. Having websites like this one help give people the right ideas of how to do their hobby well, and safely.

 

[AaronKrick]

The internet was screwed fishing down there. Ask any of the oldtimers and they'll tell you what it used to be like. The problem is people being informed, as there are probably 1000 people viewing this right now.

 

[myspacedave]

Do you hear how you sound right now? You're complaining about how the internet has ruined fishing, on a fishing website located on the internet. You know I love you right? But cmon guys.

 

[Brian]

lol
Its nothing personal dave. Like I said, I can understand your thirst for knowledge; we were all there sometime, well I was anyway.
There are other ways to word your post and titles without giving out the specific spot. We will know what you mean, and we would not mind helping you out.
Its just a little advice for next time, and it really is in the forum rules.
Hope you have a good day out next time you're down there.

 

[tossing iron]

The trip down the stairs pleasant.
The trip up.
Never again. Lol
Stay home