September 2026 Reports
Orleans County open Lake and Oak waters continue to produce outstanding trolling action. Good and strong catches continue to predominate. And lately steelhead are giving a real good account of themselves too. Many trollers looking to stay on what’s been that good off shore salmon bite are most recently hooking as many or more steelhead then salmon. Catch and release of both salmon and steelhead that look strong after coming in quick are being released more and more. That sounds like a win – win for the chance at future good action on trophy sized fish for conservation minded anglers.
The heart of the Fall LOC Derby has been underway and the home stretch is this week thru the upcoming weekend holiday. Maybe you can find your derby glory or at least have a little competitive fun with a good fish on the leaderboard. There’s only one way to win or make the cut – you gotta be in it to win it! Try not to be the guy who catches a derby contending fish without a ticket!
Looks like this week forecast is calling for more of the same this summer - rain and storms. Already for the begin part of the week there’s been an 1 inch plus of precip. There is the good chance for more storms and severe weather for the mid-week period. Watch that forecast and be aware wind and waves can be stronger in and around thunderstorms. Weekend weather will be dry with sun and clouds, temps between 74 to 79 degrees.
Robert D and son Jack were fishing aboard the Rigger Mortis boat targeting staging salmon in 100 – 150 fow just east of Point Breeze. “There are definitely stagers in that water, along with all year classes of Kings and steelhead. Our derby steelhead (6th place Fall LOC) hit on a 250’ wire dipsey with a dodger and A Tom Mik fly.” The Rigger Mortis boat and anglers are usually right in on any good action!
Four friends and anglers aboard the 18 ft Lund Freetyme have been fishing together for 18 years. They recently made the westward migration to the steadier action off of the Oak. Lake Ontario action can lure anglers from afar and this group hails from Florida, Tennessee and NY. “We fished out of Oak Orchard and have done well in 120 – 140 fow with rigs down 70 – 90 ft. Cut bait and blue or chartreuse spoons have been top producers.”
Capt. Gerry S. from Rod Bender Charters says, “all the mature fish are sitting between 120 – 160 fow. White and black meat rigs and black J – plugs and Moonshine hot lips spoons are working for us.”
In the tribs look for elevated flows all around. And potentially going higher with more precip. There are reports of some browns already all the way to the Waterport dam. And a few Kings crashing around frog water areas. Its good to see the Oak water temps haven’t proved lethal yet for any early migrating fish. Still, temps are warm and hopefully the fact that most staging fish seem to still be out around 100 fow will mean that more substantial runs will occur a little later this season on more consistent cool downs.
These high flows are somewhat a new phenomenon tho over recent years so trib anglers should stay ready for more action soon! A few pier casters are already hitting it.
Don’t forget to use your eyes along with your electronics to find any fishy water!
