Lake Ontario
is the most prolific Great Lakes trophy trout and salmon producer.
Together with the Oak Orchard River, they form an unequaled year round
trout and salmon sportfishery famous for its world class fishing.
Fishing our waters is both relaxing and instantly exhilarating when
fighting a 12 pound brown trout or 30 pound Chinook salmon.
The diversity and productivity of the Orleans County fishery is unequaled
among Great Lakes trout and salmon angling destinations. Off our shores
on Lake Ontario during the spring and summer months, our charter fleet
can help you find and catch a staggering array of trophy trout and
salmon. Chinook, Coho and Atlantic Salmon as well as Steelhead, Lake
Trout and Brown Trout make the deep, cool waters of western Lake Ontario
their home. They roam the cool, deep waters, gorging themselves on
bait fish, growing large and strong as they await your offering of
a spoon, lure or fly.
For fishing conditions, call the
Orleans County Tourism Fishing Hotline:
(585) 589-3220.
Fishing
Seasons R=Oak Orchard
River & Tributaries
L=Lake Ontario
SEASON:
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
Salmon
R/L
-
L
L
Brown Trout
R
R
L
L
Steelhead
R/L
R
R/L
L
Bass
R/L
-
R/L
R/L
Pike
R
R
R/L
R/L
Small
and Largemouth Bass are also abundant, aggressive and eager to bend
your rod. They can be found in Lake Ontario, its tributaries like
the Oak Orchard River and in numerous inland waterways. The upper
Oak Orchard River between Medina and Waterport is an especially prolific
Smallmouth fishery. A combination bass fishing/canoe trip is a delightful
way to spend a hot, midsummer day.
Autumn
in Orleans County, when the hardwood leaves are ablaze with vibrant
reds and oranges and the apples are ready to be picked is when the
mighty Chinook is drawn from the depths of the lake by the spawning
instinct. It surges up the tributaries to spawn in remarkable numbers.
Rumor has it that spawning salmon aren't feeding and will not take
a lure or a fly, but rumor is proven wrong as these monstrous salmonids
instinctively strike out at any presentation that threatens or disturbs
their hallowed reproductive process. Along with the Chinook come the
giant Brown Trout that have made the Oak Orchard area of Orleans County
a "must visit" destination for trout fishermen from across
the nation.
As the Brown and Salmon runs taper off towards the end of November,
the sleek and feisty Steelhead begin their runs up the tributaries,
continuing until the first of May, rounding out an entire year of
fantastic, world class trout, salmon and pan fishing.
The following searchable list includes fishing charters & guides, derbies and tackle & bait shops in Orleans County. For information on waterways & access points, visit our Grand Waterways page and for Marinas, visit Lodging. To begin a search, click on "Search" at the top of the list which will display the search options. Or narrow your search by clicking on the sub-category. Sort our lists by clicking on any of the column headings.
Fishing Guides & Charters:
Our charter captains &
guides are fully insured and licensed by the United States Coast
Guard. They provide the rods, reels, lures and state of the art electronics
to assure a hassle-free, unforgettable day of trophy fishing.
Our charter captains and guides will also help you find the appropriate
lodging to suit your individual needs and lifestyle. Whether it's
an efficient and comfortable motel, a quaint bed and breakfast, a
cottage on the water, or a fully accommodating campground, Orleans
County has your lodging needs covered. [Click
here for Lodging & Marinas.]
Charter
Checklist
Soft, white, rubber-soled boat shoes
or sneakers
Sunglasses, sunscreen lotion and
visitors hat
Warm clothing, raingear, windbreaker
A camera with lots of film and fresh
batteries
A New York State Fishing License
A cooler to keep your catch fresh
after leaving the boat
![View Orleans County Fishing Map [322 KB]](FISHMap.jpg)
Autumn
in Orleans County, when the hardwood leaves are ablaze with vibrant
reds and oranges and the apples are ready to be picked is when the
mighty Chinook is drawn from the depths of the lake by the spawning
instinct. It surges up the tributaries to spawn in remarkable numbers.
Rumor has it that spawning salmon aren't feeding and will not take
a lure or a fly, but rumor is proven wrong as these monstrous salmonids
instinctively strike out at any presentation that threatens or disturbs
their hallowed reproductive process. Along with the Chinook come the
giant Brown Trout that have made the Oak Orchard area of Orleans County
a "must visit" destination for trout fishermen from across
the nation. 
Fishing Guides & Charters:
Our charter captains &
guides are fully insured and licensed by the United States Coast
Guard. They provide the rods, reels, lures and state of the art electronics
to assure a hassle-free, unforgettable day of trophy fishing. 
Flyfishing
the Tribs:
