Fishing Report for January 19, 2023

This report courtesy of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning.

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Salmon River:

The water levels on the Salmon River have increased with all of rain we received this week.

This will lead to changes in where the steelhead will be holding. With the river temps hovering right at freezing, the increase in flow will have the steelhead moving to the edges. So, we recommend concentrating on the slow seams and inside edges.

Egg sacs have been the primary bait of choice.  White, pink, and blue, have been the most consistent colors.  Don’t be afraid to tie a purple and red this time of year; you might be pleasantly surprised by the choice.  Other good baits are pink worms, jigs and the occasional bead.  Fished under a float these baits have been producing plenty of action.

Fly anglers have been finding success running stoneflies in a variety of colors, especially copper, blue and chartreuse.  An egg sucking leech or woolly bugger, in black or olive, has been productive too.

Oswego River:

The fishing on the Oswego has been challenging as of late. The water is very dirty and on the rise.  But there has been a steady bite off the high wall.

We recommend fishing the slow edges along the shore with egg sacs and jigs.  And take your time.

As the water rises, the harbor fishing really takes off.  Bucktail jigs and swim baits on jig heads are the best presentations. White, white chartreuse, and natural color baits are typically best.  Along with swim baits, blade baits also take a good number of fish. As the water “colors up” don’t be afraid to throw some brighter baits.

Tight lines everyone!