Lake Ontario Tributary Species
Brown Trout In The Tributaries
Every fall, the tributaries of Lake Ontario attract thousands of anglers eager for the chance to catch trophy fish. While many are drawn by the allure of landing a thirty-pound king salmon, others seek out steelhead, the occasional coho, or even the elusive Atlantic salmon. These species have garnered considerable attention and admiration among fishing enthusiasts. However, one species that often flies under the radar during this prime fishing season is the brown trout.
Brown Trout Migration
Lake-dwelling brown trout populations make their way up the tributaries each fall to spawn, creating a unique opportunity for anglers. These fish have been stocked in Lake Ontario for decades, including the impressive seeforellen browns, which are known for their high growth rates and can exceed twenty pounds. Their size and fighting ability make them a thrilling target for both spin and fly fishing enthusiasts.
For those accustomed to fishing for brown trout in smaller inland streams, where catching a foot-long trout is a noteworthy achievement, hooking one of these larger fish in the tributaries of Lake Ontario can be an exhilarating experience. The sheer power and acrobatics displayed by these monsters when hooked are enough to make any angler’s heart race.
Timing and Behavior
Brown trout typically begin entering the tributaries as early as October, with their numbers steadily increasing into November—the peak spawning month. During this period, the browns engage in a behavior similar to other species, like steelhead, as they feed voraciously on salmon eggs released during spawning. This feeding frenzy creates a rich and dynamic fishing environment.
In many cases, anglers can observe brown trout stacked up by the dozen below pairs of spawning salmon, eagerly gobbling up the eggs. This behavior not only showcases the competitive nature of these fish but also provides an incredible opportunity for anglers to capitalize on this easy food source. The excitement of targeting brown trout during this time can rival that of pursuing more sought-after species, making fall an ideal season for those looking to experience the thrill of fishing for these remarkable fish.
Football Brown Spawning
As we transition into late fall, brown trout begin to establish their nests, also known as redds. During this time, they exhibit aggressive behavior, fiercely defending their nests from perceived threats. This territoriality provides anglers with a unique opportunity, as the fish will readily strike at anything that comes too close. Remarkably, many of these browns remain in the tributaries throughout part of the winter, allowing for continued fishing opportunities even in colder months. In fact, we’ve had successful brown trout fishing endeavors in some tributaries as late as March in certain years.
Typically, the average brown trout caught in these tributaries weighs around eight pounds. However, due to their fast growth rates in Lake Ontario, they can attain impressive sizes, with some reaching an astounding 40 pounds. The current state record for brown trout stands at an impressive 33 pounds, 2 ounces, a trophy caught by Tony Brown in Oswego County back in 1997. This record highlights the potential for anglers to encounter not just quality but also quantity in their pursuit of these magnificent fish.
Finding Brown Trout
Lake-run brown trout can be found in abundance throughout the tributary streams of Lake Ontario. Working from west to east, notable runs of fall browns can be found in various streams, including the Niagara River, Eighteen Mile Creek, Oak Orchard Creek, the Genesee River, Irondequoit Creek, Maxwell Brook, the Oswego River, the Salmon River, Sandy Creek, and the Black River.
Among these streams, there are essentially two distinct flow regimes that influence fishing conditions and brown trout behavior. The first is characterized by larger rivers with more substantial flow, such as the Niagara River and the Salmon River. These rivers typically experience stronger currents, which can affect where the browns position themselves and the strategies anglers should use to successfully target them.
The second flow regime includes smaller creeks and streams, like Eighteen Mile Creek and Irondequoit Creek, where the water flow tends to be gentler. In these waters, brown trout often seek out quieter pools and eddies where they can ambush prey while conserving energy.
Dammed Water Flows
Streams such as Eighteen Mile Creek, Oak Orchard Creek, the Genesee River, the Black River, the Oswego River, and the Salmon River all benefit from regulated water releases from nearby dams. These controlled flows can significantly influence fishing conditions and the overall health of the trout population.
For effective brown trout fishing, it’s essential that water conditions are optimal. This means monitoring factors such as water temperature, flow rates, and clarity. During the fall, when brown trout migrate upstream to spawn, the ideal conditions can greatly enhance the chances of success for anglers.
When water levels are stable and within the right temperature range, brown trout are more likely to be active and feeding, making them easier to target. Conversely, if conditions are too high or too low, or if the water is muddy, it can hinder their movement and feeding behavior. Therefore, understanding how dam releases affect these tributaries is vital for anglers looking to capitalize on the fall run of brown trout.
Natural Flows
The other tributaries, generally smaller in size, feature natural flows that can significantly impact brown trout fishing. In these streams, rain is essential for attracting fish; increased water levels during a rain event can draw brown trout into the streams, creating a short window of opportunity for anglers.
However, once the rain subsides, it’s crucial for water levels to drop for effective fishing. During high water conditions, visibility can be poor, making it challenging for fish to locate bait and for anglers to effectively present their offerings. Once the water begins to recede and clarity improves, the fishing conditions can become much more favorable.
Fishing in these natural-flow streams can be exhilarating, but timing becomes critical. Anglers need to stay attuned to weather patterns and stream conditions, as the best fishing typically occurs shortly after a rain event when fish are actively feeding.
Fishing Techniques
Eggs for Brown Fishing
The most effective presentation for catching brown trout—whether you’re using a fly rod or spinning gear—is to drift the appropriate bait at a depth where the fish can easily spot it. During the fall, brown trout are particularly focused on feeding on salmon eggs, making it essential to mimic this natural food source.
Using either real salmon eggs or high-quality artificial egg imitations can yield impressive results, especially when they are presented in a way that closely resembles the natural drift of eggs in the current. The key is to ensure that your bait moves naturally with the flow of the water, allowing the fish to see it without any unnatural interruptions.
Spawning Behavior
In addition to targeting brown trout with eggs, these fish can become quite aggressive during their spawning period in late fall. As they prepare to lay their eggs, browns will readily strike at streamers or larger natural baits that they perceive as threats to their nests. This behavior opens up exciting opportunities for anglers to use various tactics.
Fly anglers often find success with nymphs, particularly small, dark-bodied patterns that imitate the natural drift of aquatic insects. These nymphs should be fished in a way that mimics the movements of food drifting in the current, allowing the trout to strike instinctively. Streamers can also be effective, especially when designed to mimic the baitfish that inhabit these streams.
Many of these tributary streams are home to various species of baitfish, which the brown trout will actively fend off to protect their nests. This defensive behavior means that presenting a well-crafted streamer can trigger aggressive strikes from trout looking to defend their territory. Whether using nymphs or streamers, anglers should focus on natural presentations to take advantage of the browns’ heightened aggression during this critical time.
Fly Fishing Setup
Fly Rod and Fly Reel
I prefer fly fishing with longer rods, typically in the 10 to 12-foot range and in the 7-8 weight category. These rods are paired with a quality reel that’s loaded with double tapered fly line and ample backing. Since brown trout are not particularly leader shy, I opt for a tippet of at least 6-pound test or stronger.
Fly Patterns
Selecting flies for brown trout fishing is straightforward. I focus on egg patterns such as the Glow-bug or the Iliamna Pinkie, which is a chenille egg. Since brown trout also feed on insects, I make sure to carry dark nymphs, particularly stoneflies. Additionally, having a few streamers on hand can be beneficial for enticing these fish.
Spin Fishing Setup
Rod
Spin fishing works well also. Most spinning anglers looking to enjoy some brown trout fishing in the area prefer rods that are at least 9 feet long and up to 11 feet, rigged with 8-10 pound test line.
Reel
Good-quality spinning reels with smooth drags are a must. Spinning reels are often of saltwater quality with high-tech drag systems.
Rig
The most effective spinning rig for brown trout fishing is a pencil float and an egg hook with some weight just above the hook (check the fishing regulations). With this rig, a spin fisherman can naturally drift an egg and hits are easy to detect with the float. Spoons and spinners can produce browns when the fish are actually spawning and hit out of aggression.
Regulations
The regulations for the tributaries dictate the legal leader lengths and weights for fly and spinning fishing. Of course, regulations are subject to change, so anglers should check the NYSDEC website at www.dec.ny.gov for updates before fishing.
Fishing Tactics
Drifting Eggs
If salmon are spawning, the browns will be located below the salmon nests on gravel and will be feeding on the loose eggs. It is a simple matter of drifting an egg pattern or a real egg at a level that the fish will see. Sometimes steelhead will be mixed in with the browns. There usually will be enough browns around that it is possible to catch a couple of them. This requires a dead drift presentation with the egg or artificial floating along at the same speed as the current.
Regulating the Egg Drift
Regulating the drift is important. Too much weight and the egg won’t run at the same speed as the current. Not enough and the egg gets tugged along too fast. It pays to experiment a little with finding the right drift. Most brown trout fishing will be sight fishing, so having a good quality pair of polarized sunglasses is a must.
More Aggressive Presentations
Once the browns set up their nests, more aggressive presentations with streamers or sometimes spinners or spoons will work. Again, much of this fishing will be sight fishing. The trout will grab lures or flies if they have not been pounded on by a lot of fishing pressure.
Enjoying the Brown Trout Run
Going to the lake tributaries and encountering the brown trout run is something that an angler can have a great deal of fun with. It is a matter of learning a little about the habits of these fish and capitalizing on the right presentation. When it all comes together, you can enjoy fishing while you catch the brown trout of a lifetime!
Original Article By Rob Streeter
About The Author
Rob Streeter enjoys fly fishing for many species, especially browns and other trout species, as well as salmon in the Lake Ontario tributaries. He is the outdoor columnist for the Albany Times Union and freelances for several publications. He is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and the Outdoor Writers’ Association of America.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
