The Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers are renowned as some of the top destinations for guided muskie fishing trips, attracting anglers from around the globe. These rivers boast a rich history of producing impressive numbers of muskies, including some truly massive specimens.
However, in recent years, the muskie populations in both rivers have not been as robust as they once were. Several factors contribute to this decline, including shoreline development that disrupts spawning areas, the loss of quality nursery habitats, the impact of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), and increased angling pressure.
Despite this downturn in numbers, the Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers continue to hold their world-class status. They still yield significant catches, as demonstrated by the remarkable 60-inch muskie caught and released by Dan Polniak, highlighting the rivers’ enduring potential for trophy fishing.
Go with a Guided Muskie Fishing Trip
Dan Polniak hooked his impressive 60-inch muskie while on a guided fishing trip with Captain Rich Clarke of Sign Man Charters, based in Clayton, NY. Choosing to fish with an experienced muskie guide can significantly enhance your chances of landing a trophy fish—often increasing your odds by tenfold, if not twentyfold or more.
Guides on the Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers possess a deep understanding of muskie behavior and the best fishing practices for these elusive predators. They employ time-tested techniques in well-known hotspots, maximizing your potential for a successful catch. With their expertise and local knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the waters and increase your chances of encountering a muskie.
Even A Guided Muskie Fishing Trip Isn’t a Sure Thing
While hiring a guide significantly increases your chances of landing a muskie, it’s important to note that there are no guarantees; fish-less outings are an unfortunate reality for anyone pursuing the elusive king of freshwater fish. Nevertheless, the benefits of a guided trip extend far beyond simply catching fish. These excursions offer invaluable learning experiences that can greatly enhance your skills and strategies for future fishing adventures.
For example, when I first developed an interest in muskie fishing, two friends and I spent two days fishing with a guide on Ontario’s Rideau River. This experience was transformative, equipping me with essential techniques and boosting my confidence. After that trip, I returned to my home waters of the St. Lawrence River armed with newfound knowledge and quickly began hooking into muskies. The insights gained from working with an experienced guide not only increased my chances of success but also deepened my understanding of muskie behavior and fishing tactics.
Guides bring a wealth of expertise and local knowledge to the table, which can be invaluable when it comes to understanding the best spots, seasonal patterns, and effective lures for muskie fishing. They employ time-tested techniques in proven locations, enhancing your chances of a successful outing. Even on days when the fish aren’t biting, the lessons learned during these guided experiences are sure to benefit your future fishing endeavors.
What To Do Once You Land Your Muskie
Another significant advantage of hiring a guide is learning how to handle these formidable fish once they reach the boat. A strong catch-and-release ethic prevails in modern muskie fishing, making it essential to know the proper techniques for safely handling and releasing a musky. There’s no better way to master these skills than by observing an experienced guide in action. They demonstrate the best practices for minimizing stress on the fish, ensuring a successful release, and preserving the musky population for future anglers.
In addition to improving your chances of catching a muskie and acquiring valuable fishing techniques, a guided muskie fishing trip also provides the opportunity to land a truly BIG fish. If you follow various media outlets showcasing impressive muskie catches each year, you’ll likely spot smiling anglers posing alongside renowned guides like Larry Jones of Buffalo Harbor, Frank Campbell of the Niagara River, Myrle Bauer or Richie Clarke from Clayton, and Don Lucas of Massena. These guides have a proven track record of helping anglers hook into trophy-sized muskies, making them sought-after companions for anyone serious about pursuing these magnificent fish.
The combination of expert guidance, learning essential fishing skills, and the chance to catch a trophy musky creates an unforgettable experience.
Among the top resources for finding muskie guides along the Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers are www.nigara-usa.com, www.1000islands-clayton.com, www.alexbayfishingguides.com, and www.fishcap.net.
Fish a Known Hotspot
Northern Pike Vs Musky Fishing
In my early days of grappling with “muskie fever,” I often found myself catching more northern pike than muskies. Frustrated by my lack of success, I sought advice from Al Russell, a seasoned muskie angler. He told me, “Don’t waste your time roaming all over the river. Focus instead on the traditional musky hotspots—like the Sandbar at the mouth of the Oswegatchie River in Ogdensburg and the shoals near the Ogdensburg International Bridge.”
Taking Russell’s advice to heart made a significant difference in my fishing success. By concentrating my efforts in these well-known muskie areas, my catch rate improved dramatically. If you find yourself struggling to hook into muskies, I recommend doing the same. Focus your time and energy in the following prime locations, and you’ll likely see a boost in your musky catches as well.
Musky Fishing on Buffalo Harbor
When fishing Buffalo Harbor, focus your efforts along the numerous breakwalls that provide shelter and structure for musky. If wind conditions permit, venture out to the Lake Erie shoals situated in front of the harbor and at the Dumping Ground, as these areas can yield impressive catches.
In the Upper Niagara River, pay close attention to the waters surrounding and between Beaver Island and Strawberry Island. Additionally, the channels connecting the two islands to the Fort Erie, Ontario shoreline can be fruitful. Keep an eye out for weed edges, as these areas often prove to be particularly productive for musky fishing, providing the perfect ambush spots for these elusive predators.
Lower Niagara River
St. Lawrence River
Traditional trolling hotspots along the St. Lawrence River include several renowned areas that anglers frequent. These locations feature Hinckley Flats Shoal, Featherbed Shoal, and Carleton Island, which can be accessed from Cape Vincent. Other productive areas are Round Island to Reed Point, Black Ant Shoals, and Forty Acre Shoals, all of which are accessible from Clayton. Additionally, American Island out of Morristown, the Sandbar at the mouth of the Oswegatchie River, and International Bridge Shoals near Ogdensburg are excellent spots, as well as Hawkins Point and Robinson Bay out of Massena.
Because these prime muskie locations are generally known among local anglers, a quick visit or phone call to any nearby bait shop can provide valuable insights on where to fish. Keep in mind that, similar to the Niagara River, an Ontario fishing license is required when targeting musky in the Canadian portions of the St. Lawrence River.
Be Persistent
Original Article By Mike Seymour
About The Author
Captain Mike Seymour is a licensed Coast Guard Captain and NYS guide who has guided extensively on the St. Lawrence River, Black Lake, and western Alaska. He is a member and former president of the New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association and is an active writer for several publications. In addition to fishing the St. Lawrence River, he is actively fishing Lake Ontario, the Adirondacks, and the other waters of the state. Contact him at fishmike@twcny.rr.com.
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.
