Days on the Water: 3
Who we fished with: friends, clients
Where we fished: Lower Niagara, Lake Ontario bar
What we caught: steelhead, lake trout, brown trout
Tactics: beads, artificial minnows, swimbaits

Commentary

Observations from the Water – this Past Week (1-7 Feb)

Well, despite the frigid temperatures, we had some good times on the water this past week. The Niagara River remained super clear up to this past Thursday – the tail end of a decently long stretch of clarity.  The bite was slow (mostly) as often happens toward the end of along stretch of clear water.  Still, some big fish came to hand and there was at least one window of intense action on every outing. That’s the middle of winter for ya – feast or famine. When facing conditions like these, a positive mental attitude goes a long way. After all, it’s far better than sitting inside, watching the world go by through a small screen.

I’ve mentioned this a couple times, but I want to refresh the topic as it’s pertinent to what follows – our Observations from the Water are just that – OUR OBSERVATIONS.  We aren’t attempting to be an authoritative source – just copius note takers offering up our scribblings from the wild with the hope they prove useful.  For example – although I think I have a good memory, I can’t always remember what it was like on the water a year ago. That’s where these observations come in handy – they are a tool anyone can use to aid in planning. The slowness in action as of late had me digging into the archives this past week in search of a pattern.

Since there are close to 5 years of records available on our website, I find myself referring to old observations quite often these days. I revisit old errors to ensure I don’t make them again. If it’s been a struggle finding a consistent bite, old observations offer some suggestions for breaking the cycle. This article is a classic (Dog Days of Winter – Can that Really be a Thing? Only if you let it be!), particularly relevant to the recent pattern.  In short, we hope it’s useful to you too.  If not, we’re always open to constructive criticism so send us an email and we’ll take your thoughts into consideration.

Looking Forward (8-13 Feb)

Next week’s forecast looks…dicey.  The huge wind from this past Friday and Saturday turned the Niagara River into chocolate milk.  It’ll likely stay that way until Tuesday(ish) if the forecast holds.  However, even if the water clears up by mid-week, some of the daytime highs are forecasted to be in the teens and low 20s with the lows in the single digits – too cold to be enjoyable (numb hands and feet, iced up guides, frozen lines and reels, slippery deck, potential trolling motor problems, etc.).

I’m sure I’ll find at least 2 windows to exploit this upcoming week but not much more.  It’s a perfect time to start/finish a book, inventory tackle, clean up the boat, write a little bit, and get some rest.  As I mentioned above, we’re midway through winter.  A new pattern is right around the corner and I’m looking forward to being out there to see it unfold.  I hope you are too!

Get outside – breathe some fresh, crisp air – and avoid the shack nasties.  If you want to take it another step and take part in something exciting this winter – give us a call.

Stay healthy my friends – mentally and physically,

Ryan