Buffalo NY Fishing Report – Observations from 05/12/2025 – 05/18/2025
Here’s our latest Buffalo NY fishing report: This week was a rollercoaster on the water, with spring’s unpredictable winds and weather keeping us on our toes. From glassy Lake Erie days to howling southwest gales, we chased fish and good times across Lake Erie, the Upper and Lower Niagara, and even the Lake Ontario bar. Longtime clients and new anglers alike put in work, landing giants and battling tough conditions. Here’s how the week unfolded in the Buffalo Niagara Region.
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Days on the water: 7
Who we fished with: friends/clients
Where we fished: Lake Ontario, Lower Niagara, Upper Niagara, Lake Erie
What we caught: smallmouth bass, walleye
Tactics: 3-way rigs with minnows; casting swim baits, dropshots, tubes, and bucktails
Detailed Reporting/Daily Observations
5/12/2025 – The Hunt for Bigs
On Day 2 with Paul and Doug, we hit Lake Erie chasing big smallmouth bass. We hooked a few solid ones, but it was a grind. Zero wind—Erie was like a mirror—so we spent most of the day pulling baits around. Not my favorite way to target smallmouth, but with no breeze to drift us, it was the only play.
5/13/2025 – Bouncing Around
Fished Lake Erie and a little bit of the Upper Niagara with long time clients Larry, Jim, and Jim’s grandson, Luke. This was Luke’s first angling endeavor in the Buffalo Niagara Region – he crushed while his grandfather and Larry looked on. It was a slowish day, but we had a good time. 
5/14/2025 – If we Can’t Catch ‘Em, they Can’t be Caught
Fished Lake Erie with Shelley and Diane—longtime clients and always one of my favorite trips of the year. If you’ve read my reports before, you know this duo; they’ve landed some absolute giants over the years.
The night before, I called Diane to talk plans. I told her Erie’s been producing big fish lately, but the numbers have been inconsistent. Worried we’d have a slow session, I tried nudging her toward the river instead. She said something like, “If we can’t catch ‘em, they can’t be caught.” I love her confidence – in me and herself. So, we stuck with Erie.
The first couple of hours were tough—a real grind. Then, boom, the bite turned on. Diane was on fire, landing multiple fish over 5 pounds, including one that was a little over 6.5. What a day!
05/15/2025 – Wedding Anniversary
It was our 19th wedding anniversary. My wife worked a lunch shift, so I did a short recon trip with my buddy Mike Trifiletti. It was successful.
5/16/2025 – Zero to Hero
Day 1 with Eric, Rich, and Nate, up from Maryland. These guys joined me last fall for a few days and had a blast, so I urged them to come back in spring for a fresh pattern. Glad they took the advice.
It started slow. We hit a few spots and managed a giant or two in each, but the action was spotty. Then, a strong south wind kicked up. Not ready to call it quits, I made a run to a waypoint I figured would fire with that wind—and it delivered. The bite exploded, with MANY smallmouth over 5 pounds and a couple pushing past 6. What a way to end the day!
05/17/2025 – Battling a BIG SW
On day 2 of the Eric, Rich, and Nate trip, we fished the Lower Niagara and the Lake Ontario bar. I can’t sugar coat it – the action was ridiculously slow. I thought for sure that big wind would make some of the sections of the lower fish very well, but alas, it did not. So, I changed things up and made the move to the Upper.
That SW wind was even worse up there, but I know a few places where we could tuck out of the wind and make some connections. They produced. 
05/18/2025 – Tapping Out
Day 3 of the Eric, Rich, and Nate trip was a bust. The west winds from the day prior howled all night and through the morning. We tried to fish the harbor, but all those waves pushed a lot of muddy water in there and all but one drift was unfishable. We decided to call it a day vs. grinding it out through torturous conditions.
Seasonal Assessment/General Observations
Fishing on my anniversary pushed my streak to 28 days straight—nonstop, and I’m still feeling great. A good night’s rest is key, folks. I’ve got plenty more days in me yet, and I’m fired up for what’s ahead.
Saw a few bass making beds a couple days back—not widespread, just a small group, but it was happening nonetheless. I’m not saying bed making is widespread, but it’s starting. Emerald shiners are around in good numbers, and the bass are hoovering them up with reckless abandon. I’d wager we’ve got at least two more weeks of killer bass fishing on Lake Erie, with the Upper Niagara likely delivering too.
Lake Ontario’s salmon bite? Wish I had better news. Word from other captains is the coho action’s been good, with some kings popping up here and there. We had a couple of stellar salmon days before those damn east and north winds messed things up. Fingers crossed for a steady pattern to lock in soon.
Buffalo NY Fishing Report – Forecast for 05/19/2025 – 05/25/2025
Forecast Commentary
The forecast for this upcoming week looks chilly and wet, with north and east winds driving cooler temps and a few rainy days. Every day should be fishable, and my schedule’s packed solid. With those winds, I’ll likely stick to Lake Erie or the Upper Niagara all week, but if Lake Ontario shows promise by the weekend, I might make a run out there Saturday or Sunday.
It’s been a wild spring—total chaos. We’ve had epic days and complete grinds, with winds howling from every direction, often big. The highs have been sky-high, the lows brutal, but that’s what keeps it interesting. Stay tuned for what I’m sure will be a great week.
Stay healthy my friends – mentally and physically,
Ryan