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Fish Species Profiles
 CHINOOK SALMON
Also known as King Salmon, they are some of the most sought-after trophies of Lake Ontario and its tributaries. They can be found from April through September on Lake Ontario and in October and November in the tributaries of the lake in Orleans County. Although their preferred temperature range is from 42 to 55° Fahrenheit, they will go outside their range when feeding or spawning. Chinook Salmon are the largest of the Salmon family, reaching weights in the upper 40 pound range.
 COHO SALMON
Although smaller than the Chinook Salmon, the Coho Salmon is considered by many to give a more active fight than its big brother. They normally
follow the Chinook Salmon up the tributaries for their spawning run in the fall of the year. Their preferred temperature range is from 42 to 55° Fahrenheit. The World record for Coho Salmon comes from Lake Ontario.
 ATLANTIC SALMON
Once a native fish to Lake Ontario, this species disappeared from the lake in the very early 1900s. A restoration program is in progress for this great fighting fish and for that reason, the minimum size is 25 inches. Their preferred temperature range is from 45 to 55° Fahrenheit. Although the markings closely resemble a Brown Trout, the memory lasting fight will leave little doubt in your mind that you have done battle with an exceptional fish.
 LAKE TROUT
Also a fish that was once very abundant in Lake Ontario and disappeared, they are now being brought back under a federal stocking program. Because of this, all Lake Trout between the lengths of 25 to 30 inches have to be released as they are considered the best breeding sizes. Their 39 to 52° Fahrenheit preferred temperature range makes them a bottom fish
in Lake Ontario.
 BROWN TROUT
One of the most sought-after species of trout, Brown Trout in Lake Ontario sometimes exceed 30 pounds. Normally considered an April-May fish on Lake Ontario, they are available all summer long in 100 feet of water or less. They prefer a gravel bottom in water 55 to 70° Fahrenheit. In the Fall of the year, when the Brown Trout go up the tributaries for their spawning run, fishermen from all over the world converge on Orleans County to target these magnificent fish.
 STEELHEAD/RAINBOW TROUT
The acrobatics of these fish are known far and wide and are spectacular compared to the rest of the trout family. It is often said that they are out of the water more than in during a typical fight and leaves you spellbound by their ability. Steelhead/Rainbow Trout are available all year round in Lake Ontario and its tributaries. They are considered an upper level fish in the water column due to their preferred temperature of 55 to 70° Fahrenheit. A diet which includes flying insects landing on the water make them a great fish for fly fishermen to target during the winter months.
 WALLEYE
In the fishery, the Walleye is considered the new-comer to Lake Ontario. With a preferred temperature range of 55 to 70° Fahrenheit, it is considered a warm water fish. Walleye can be found along the shoreline of Lake Ontario and in its tributaries, but also in many of the smaller lakes in Orleans County.
LARGE AND SMALLMOUTH BASS
The clearing waters of Lake Ontario and its tributaries, along with the waters of many spring-fed lakes and ponds within Orleans County are the home of some great Bass fishing. The 65 to 75° Fahrenheit waters that they prefer make them a near shore fishery where weed cover is available. Please remember that opening day of Bass Season is the third Saturday of June each year.
 YELLOW PERCH
Anyone who has grown up on the Southern shore of Lake Ontario has most likely done battle with Yellow Perch at some point. It is a species of fish that is considered by many to be the best tasting fresh water fish. Because they are a schooling fish and have a preferred water temperature of 55 to 70° Fahrenheit, it is fairly easy to get your limit of 50 perch once you locate them.
 BLUEGILL/PUMPKINSEED CRAPPIE
This group of fish will help many a young person pass a sunny summer day enjoying the outdoors. With a preferred temperature of between 65 and 75°, they are a near shore fish on all the waters within Orleans County. They can be mainly found around fallen trees, docks and piers and can be caught with a wide variety of natural and artificial baits.
Other species that are available in the waters of Orleans County include Northern Pike, Channel Pickerel, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, White Perch and Carp.
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