The Great Lakes Provide A Great Opportunity for Winter Fishing
The Great Lakes region, with its sprawling waterways and dynamic ecosystems, offers unparalleled winter fishing opportunities, especially on the iconic Niagara River. As the water from Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie descends 200 feet over the spectacular cataracts of Niagara Falls, it flows into the lower Niagara River, creating a unique 15-mile stretch of rich habitat that runs to Lake Ontario. This section of the river offers exceptional conditions for winter fishing, particularly for open-water trout. For anglers, winter fishing on the Niagara River is as good as it gets—offering both thrilling catches and tranquil scenery.
A Tailored Ecosystem: DEC Stocking Programs
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the fishing quality on the Niagara River through extensive fish stocking efforts. These programs are designed to sustain healthy fish populations, bolster native species, and support angling year-round, particularly in the colder months. The numbers are impressive: in 2009 alone, the DEC stocked over 144,000 brown trout, 47,000 steelhead, and an impressive 54,000 brook trout in the river. The river also received nearly 200,000 Chinook salmon, 25,000 Coho salmon, and 25,000 walleye, creating one of the most diverse fishing environments available in winter.
These stocking programs are essential not only for creating vibrant winter fisheries but also for stabilizing populations when conditions in other waters become less hospitable. Each year, some fish make their way to the Niagara River as a “bonus” when waters upstream get too warm in spring, adding a mix of migratory fish to local stocks. These stocked and migratory fish contribute to the river’s robust reputation among winter anglers.
Unique Winter Fishing Environment on the Niagara River
Winter fishing on the Niagara River is distinct from many other Great Lakes environments. The combination of strong currents, ample dissolved oxygen, and relatively moderate water temperatures provides an ideal setting for species that remain active in the colder months. This lower section of the river is often warmer than surrounding lakes, creating an open-water oasis for fish seeking a steady food supply and oxygen-rich habitat throughout the winter.
Unlike ice fishing, which dominates many northern waters during winter, the Niagara River allows for open-water fishing, enabling anglers to use a variety of techniques that would otherwise be impossible in frozen conditions. This extends the range of methods available to anglers, from drift fishing and bottom bouncing to traditional float fishing and even trolling. These diverse techniques allow for dynamic interactions with various species, making every outing a unique experience.
Trout and Salmon: Prime Targets for Niagara’s Winter Anglers
With ample trout and salmon populations, the Niagara River is a hot spot for catching several types of these prized game fish. Brown trout, steelhead, and brook trout are particularly active during the winter months.
Brown Trout
Brown trout are known for their adaptability and resilience, thriving in the river’s well-oxygenated waters. These fish are not only abundant due to DEC stocking but are also relatively accessible, often congregating near submerged structures, deeper pools, and drop-offs where they seek shelter from the current. Using brightly colored spoons, spinners, and live bait can be particularly effective for targeting brown trout, which are aggressive feeders even in cold water.
Steelhead
Winter steelhead fishing in the Niagara is legendary. These fish, known for their acrobatic fights and endurance, are highly prized by anglers. Steelhead prefer areas with strong current flow, so fishing close to the bottom is key. Techniques such as drift fishing with egg sacs, bead rigs, or soft plastics are popular for enticing steelhead. Steelhead are also known to respond well to natural bait presentations, which mimic the eggs and larvae they feed on as they prepare for spring spawning.
Brook Trout
Brook trout, though often associated with smaller, colder streams, have adapted well to the lower Niagara River’s winter conditions thanks to stocking efforts. They are particularly visible during the colder months, and anglers looking for them may focus on shallower, rocky areas with minimal current, where brook trout feed on nymphs, small fish, and crustaceans. Fly-fishing with streamers or nymph patterns can be an exciting way to catch brook trout, especially on calm, sunny winter days.
Salmon and Walleye: Supplementing the Winter Action
In addition to trout, the Niagara River also holds healthy populations of Chinook and Coho salmon, which migrate through the river, providing excellent sport for anglers. Salmon are less common in winter than trout, but patient anglers still stand a chance of landing one, especially near areas with a current break or structure where they hold between runs. Walleye, another popular winter catch, are often found along the river’s bottom, where they seek cover and scavenge for food. Fishing for walleye typically involves slow trolling or jigging with live bait or minnow imitations near the riverbed, taking advantage of their less aggressive winter feeding patterns.
Essential Techniques for Winter Success on the Niagara River
Winter fishing in the Niagara River requires adapting to cold temperatures and strong currents. Below are some strategies to maximize your chances of success:
- Drift Fishing: Drift fishing involves casting upstream and allowing bait to drift naturally along the bottom. This technique is effective for trout and steelhead, as it mimics the natural movement of food in the current. Anglers often use egg sacs, beads, or jigs while drifting, adjusting weight as needed to keep the bait close to the riverbed without getting snagged.
- Bottom Bouncing: For targeting species close to the bottom, like walleye and brown trout, bottom bouncing is a go-to method. Using a heavy weight, anglers bounce their bait along the bottom in a controlled drift. This technique works well in deep pools and areas with significant current.
- Float Fishing: Using a float or bobber is effective for presenting bait at a controlled depth. This technique is often employed for steelhead, as it allows anglers to keep their bait in the strike zone without it getting swept away by the current. Float fishing works well with small jigs, flies, and soft plastics, especially in slower sections of the river.
- Trolling: Trolling with crankbaits, plugs, or spoons along the edges of channels or drop-offs can be effective for larger trout and walleye. In winter, slower trolling speeds are often best, as fish are less likely to pursue fast-moving lures.
Additional Tips for Winter Anglers on the Niagara River
- Dress Appropriately: Winter fishing demands layered clothing, insulated waterproof gear, and hand warmers to ensure safety and comfort.
- Check Local Regulations: The Niagara River borders both the U.S. and Canada, so anglers must be mindful of licensing requirements, seasonal limits, and specific regulations for each side of the river.
- Mind the Current: The Niagara River’s strong current can make fishing challenging, so fish close to shore or use weights and rigs designed for heavy flow conditions.
- Use Electronics: A fish finder or sonar can be invaluable in identifying underwater structures and locating fish during winter. Electronics help anglers understand water depth, temperature variations, and fish activity levels.
Sustainability and Catch-and-Release
The Niagara River’s ecosystem is supported by meticulous management efforts, and anglers play a role in maintaining its health. Practicing catch-and-release for larger fish, particularly during peak spawning seasons, is essential for preserving fish populations. Anglers are encouraged to handle fish gently, use barbless hooks, and release any fish they do not intend to keep as quickly as possible.

“One of the best things about this river is the fact you never know what you are going to catch,” says Capt. Frank Campbell of Niagara Falls. As the proprietor of Niagara Region Charters, he should know spending more than 200 days on the water every year. “It’s not unusual to catch steelhead, brown trout, lake trout, walleye and muskellunge all on the same day while winter fishing on the Niagara River.”
The Niagara River offers some of the best winter fishing in the country, with the continuous flow of the river ensuring that the gorge area remains unfrozen, even in the harshest winters. This allows anglers to fish year-round, accessing prime spots via boat launches at Fort Niagara State Park and the Village of Youngstown. However, the most reliable access point for winter boaters is the Lewiston boat ramp. The Village of Lewiston keeps the ramp clear and well-maintained throughout the winter months, an essential service for anglers navigating ice floes and freezing temperatures.
A Fish Magnet: Baitfish and High Oxygenation Levels
The lower Niagara River draws large predator fish due to its abundance of baitfish and high oxygenation levels. Species like smelt, alewives, gizzard shad, and emerald shiners attract trout and salmon to this stretch. Many of these trout are naturally imprinted to the waters flowing from Lake Erie, returning to the Niagara River for spawning or feeding. This combination of available prey and oxygen-rich water provides anglers with excellent opportunities for winter fishing—sometimes making it feel as easy as “catching fish in a barrel.”
Choosing the Right Gear
To handle Niagara’s winter fishing conditions, being well-equipped is crucial. Layered clothing is essential for insulation, as temperatures can drop significantly on the water, especially during January and February. While layers keep warmth in, flexibility is also key; anglers may need to adjust their clothing depending on the weather.
Safety First: Personal Flotation Devices and Survival Suits
In New York, from November 1 to May 1, all boaters are legally required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) due to the high risk of hypothermia. This law excludes charter vessels, but PFDs are still recommended for all anglers. Charter captains like Campbell often provide survival suits to ensure both safety and warmth for clients, adding an extra layer of comfort and security in the unpredictable winter weather.
Essential Equipment for Niagara River Winter Fishing
Winter fishing on the Niagara River demands high-quality gear designed for these specific conditions. Campbell, a seasoned guide, uses a well-thought-out setup that optimizes his chances of catching fish in winter’s challenging conditions.
The Rod: Medium Action with a Soft Tip
For his rod, Campbell favors a Quantum Tour Edition 7.5-foot medium-action rod with a soft tip. This rod allows for a more subtle presentation, keeping the fish engaged longer before they feel resistance. A stiffer rod risks startling the fish, causing it to release the bait prematurely. His rod also features slightly larger guides, which are less prone to freezing in the cold, making it easier to fish for extended periods.
The Reel: Quantum Energy Baitcasting Reel with Fluorocarbon Line
For a reel, Campbell uses a Quantum Energy baitcasting reel loaded with an 8-pound test Cajun fluorocarbon line. The fluorocarbon line has low visibility in clear water, a crucial factor when fish are wary due to water clarity. Additionally, fluorocarbon’s reduced stretch enhances hook-setting power, allowing Campbell to quickly respond to subtle bites. When conditions demand it, he switches to a 6-pound test leader to maintain a stealthier presentation, extending the leader length for more subtle bait movement.
The Three-Way Rig
Campbell’s go-to rig is the three-way swivel setup, a proven technique for Niagara winter fishing. He ties a 5- to 7-foot leader off one eye of the swivel, attaching his bait to this trailing leader. Off the bottom eye, he attaches a 1-foot leader with a pencil lead weight. The weight can be adjusted depending on the depth and current, and for clear conditions, he may reduce the weight to keep the bait farther from the boat.
Downsizing for Clear Water Conditions
As water clarity increases in winter, Campbell often downsizes his hooks to as small as No. 12, switching from his standard No. 6 or No. 8. He’s found success using single salmon eggs cured with a natural tinting agent like Pautzke’s, which adds an orange hue to the egg. Placing a single egg in a sack can make a noticeable difference when fish are skittish.
The Best Bait Options for Niagara Winter Fishing
Understanding the preferences of trout and other winter fish is key, and Campbell keeps a variety of baits on board to adapt to changing conditions. From minnows and egg sacks to yarn balls and Kwikfish, he ensures he has a range of options, allowing him to find the most effective presentation on any given day. Campbell’s knack for matching bait to conditions is aided by his daily experience on the river, enabling him to quickly adjust to subtle shifts in fish behavior.
Tips for Successful Winter Fishing on the Niagara River
- Prepare for the Elements: Proper layering and reliable cold-weather gear are essential. Waterproof gloves, boots, and a wind-resistant outer layer will help keep you comfortable throughout the day.
- Check Regulations: Be aware of New York and Canadian fishing regulations for the Niagara River, including licensing requirements, catch limits, and gear restrictions.
- Use Appropriate Weight: Adjust your weight to control bait movement, particularly in the Niagara River’s strong currents. Heavier weights work well in deeper areas, while lighter weights are useful in clearer, shallower sections.
- Keep Safety First: Wear a PFD at all times, and consider going out with a charter service if you’re unfamiliar with the river’s winter challenges. Even experienced anglers benefit from the added knowledge and safety provided by local guides.
- Adapt to Water Clarity: As the river clears in winter, downsize both hook and bait to avoid spooking fish. Lighter line, smaller hooks, and subtle bait colors will improve your chances in clear water conditions.

Achieving Consistency in Winter Fishing on the Niagara River
A critical factor in achieving consistent success in winter fishing is presenting the right lures in a way that appeals to the fish based on the day’s specific conditions. Anglers must consider water clarity, wind direction, and boat positioning to attract their target fish effectively.
Wind and Boat Control for Effective Lure Presentation
Wind direction plays a significant role in optimizing the presentation of winter fishing lures. A popular choice on the Niagara River is the Kwikfish, a banana-shaped lure known for its enticing wobbling motion that triggers strikes from trout species like steelhead, brown, and lake trout. Campbell notes that winds from the south or southwest tend to give Kwikfish the perfect drift motion, making them highly effective.
If conditions involve a northern wind, anglers can rely on bow-mounted trolling motors to control speed and maintain the optimal presentation for any winter fishing lure. Campbell uses a 21-foot deep V aluminum Lund boat, an ideal choice for navigating Niagara’s currents, equipped with a trolling motor that allows him to adjust for different wind conditions to achieve the correct lure motion.
Selecting the Best Winter Fishing Lures
For winter fishing on the Niagara, the Kwikfish in sizes K-8 and K-9 are top choices, especially in color patterns like silver, silver-blue, silver-green, silver-pink, silver-chartreuse, and gold. When fishing for catch-and-release, guides commonly remove the treble hooks on the lure’s belly to minimize fish injury. The Kwikfish is best used with a three-way rig setup, where maintaining bottom contact is essential. This setup keeps the lure in the prime strike zone, where trout are most likely to be active.
Managing Line Angle
In calm conditions, the trolling motor allows anglers to position the boat sideways and maintain line control. Egg presentations are often most effective when fished at a speed equal to or slightly faster than the current, which allows the bait to drift naturally. Keeping the line at a perpendicular angle to the bottom enhances the lure’s effectiveness, ensuring that it stays within the fish’s reach.
Forge Your Own Path: Finding Active Fish
One of Campbell’s top tips for winter fishing on the Niagara is to avoid the crowded areas where other boats gather. By locating an isolated spot with active fish, you can focus on fishing without competition and adjust based on fish behavior throughout the day. The river offers diverse fishing spots, from Lewiston down to the mouth at the Niagara Bar, giving anglers the chance to explore and find productive areas.
With the Niagara River bordering Ontario, having a Canadian fishing license can open additional fishing spots on the Canadian side. However, a New York fishing license provides more than enough access to quality fishing spots on the U.S. side, so anglers can succeed without needing an additional license.
For anglers eager to experience winter fishing on the Niagara River, there are plenty of resources to help you get started:
- Contact Frank Campbell: A local expert and chairman of the Niagara County Fisheries Advisory Board, Frank Campbell offers guided trips and invaluable advice. Reach him at 716-523-0013 or visit NiagaraCharter.com.
- Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation: The Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation provides information on fishing hotspots and tourist accommodations. Visit niagara-usa.com or call 877-FALLS US. They also offer a Greater Niagara Fishing Map free of charge, which highlights access points and prime fishing spots along the river.
- Outdoors Niagara: A reliable weekly fishing hotline is available at 877-FALLS US or at outdoorsniagara.com, giving updates on fishing conditions, hotspots, and seasonal tips.
- New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC): The DEC’s website, dec.ny.gov, offers additional details on regulations, fishing seasons, and stocking programs for the Niagara River.
Shore Fishing Spots
The gorge area provides excellent shore fishing access with scenic views, particularly along:
- Artpark State Park
- Devil’s Hole State Park
- The Whirlpool State Park
Each spot is easily accessible and rich in trout populations during winter, adding to the river’s appeal as a year-round fishing destination. The river has a diverse habitat with steep, scenic cliffs and powerful waters, making it one of the world’s most beautiful and rewarding places to fish.
The Niagara River truly lives up to its Native American name, meaning “thundering waters”—and for anglers, it also stands for “great fishing.” Even if winter fishing isn’t for you, trout remain in the river until early June, offering plenty of opportunities to experience its exceptional waters.
About The Author
Bill Hilts, Jr. is Niagara County Sportfishing Promotion Chair and Outdoor Sports Specialist for Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp. He is currently president of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers and a past president of NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association. He currently serves as president of Lake Ontario Sportfishing Council and is an active member of OWAA, POMA, and NRA.