Walleye Fishing on the St. Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River at Ogdensburg is a prime destination for walleye fishing, particularly when the season opens on the first Saturday in May. During this time, the river comes alive with a high concentration of walleyes, making it one of the best spots along the entire river for early-season fishing.
The abundance of fish is attributed to the Oswegatchie River, which serves as a major spawning ground for walleyes. After spawning, the fish stay close to the area, taking advantage of the abundant food sources and the perfect combination of fish-holding structures and current edges. These ideal conditions make walleye fishing relatively easy, even though walleyes typically migrate throughout the year in response to changing seasonal patterns.
For anglers, the public docks along the waterfront offer convenient shore-based fishing opportunities. Additionally, two free boat launches give anglers quick access to the deeper waters where walleyes are plentiful, ensuring a rewarding fishing experience right from the start of the season.
Three Proven Walleye Fishing Techniques on the St. Lawrence River
Walleye fishing along the Ogdensburg waterfront is an experience that draws anglers from near and far each season. Over the years, there have been several standout techniques and specific locations that have consistently produced impressive catches. Here’s a detailed look at three of the most effective walleye fishing methods, each offering its own unique approach to ensuring success on the water.
1. Casting Jigs – A Versatile Approach for Any Water Depth
One of the most reliable and popular walleye techniques used on the St. Lawrence River, especially during the early season, is casting jigs. This method offers versatility, allowing anglers to fish in both deep and shallow waters with equal effectiveness. The primary tools for this technique are bucktail-hair jigs or lead-head jigs, which are often tipped with a plastic grub, leech, or even a live crawler to enhance the presentation and attract strikes.
The beauty of jig fishing lies in its adaptability. Depending on conditions, anglers can adjust the weight of the jig to ensure it reaches the bottom where walleye are most likely to be feeding. Commonly, jigs ranging from 3/8 ounce to one ounce are used, with heavier jigs favored in areas with strong currents or windy conditions. The key to success is maintaining the right balance to ensure the jig stays near the riverbed while executing the traditional lift-and-drop action.
When it comes to colors, dark and natural shades tend to yield the best results. Popular local combinations include black and purple, which mimic the prey that walleye tend to target. Additionally, using a crawler piece or a stinger hook on the jig increases the chances of drawing in more strikes, as it adds an extra layer of attraction to the presentation. This technique remains a favorite because of its simplicity, effectiveness, and the fun challenge it provides to anglers of all skill levels.
2. Trolling Plugs – Covering More Ground with Effective Depth Control
Another highly productive walleye technique used by anglers on the St. Lawrence River is trolling with plugs. While down-rigging can be an option, many anglers prefer flat-lining, especially when the water depths are less than 22 feet. Trolling allows anglers to cover a larger area, increasing the chances of finding active fish, and is especially useful in varying wind conditions, as it enables anglers to adjust the depth and speed of the lure.
To achieve the ideal trolling depth, anglers use a combination of in-line weights, the size of the lure’s lip, and the length of the line let out. By adjusting these variables, anglers can keep the lure near the bottom where walleye are feeding, which is crucial for successful trolling. In terms of lure selection, longer, slender plugs are preferred, as they tend to outperform shorter, stubby lures when trolling in deeper waters.
When it comes to colors, natural shades such as black and silver or black and gold are local favorites, as they closely resemble the typical forage of walleye. Trolling against the current can often be the most productive method, as the movement of the boat will help push the lure into the path of feeding walleye. This technique works well for anglers who are looking to cover a lot of water and search for fish that are actively feeding throughout the river’s currents.
3. Drifting Crawler Harnesses – The Ultimate Summer Technique
As the summer months roll in, drifting crawler harnesses becomes the go-to technique for walleye anglers in the St. Lawrence River. This method is especially effective in deep water and is an excellent option for anglers seeking to cover large stretches of water in search of fish. The key to successful drifting is maintaining the right boat speed, using natural elements like the current and wind to guide the rig while ensuring proper presentation.
When drifting crawler harnesses, it’s essential to adjust the boat speed to keep the blades of the rig spinning at the right pace. If the drift speed is too slow, the rig will sink to the bottom, losing its effectiveness. If the drift is too fast, the rig will float too high off the bottom, reducing the chances of enticing walleye strikes. The ideal speed allows the crawler harness to stay just above the riverbed, attracting fish with its subtle movement and vibration.
To get the rig to the desired depth, many anglers use bottom bouncers or weights attached to three-way swivels, which help control the depth of the rig while maintaining proper presentation. Gold-colored blades are a popular choice for the St. Lawrence River, especially during low-light periods such as dawn, dusk, or overcast days, as they provide excellent visibility in murky water. This technique is particularly productive in areas with slower currents and deep water, where walleye tend to congregate and feed.
Best Places for Waterfront Fishing
When it comes to walleye fishing on the St. Lawrence River, Ogdensburg offers a wealth of prime spots that are perfect for both shore and boat anglers alike. From shallow waters rich with fish to deeper drop-offs and current breaks, there are plenty of locations where anglers can expect to reel in walleye. Two standout areas for walleye fishing in this region are found above and below the Pedestrian Bridge.
Fishing Above the Pedestrian Bridge
To ensure the protection of spawning walleyes, the waters of the Oswegatchie River above the Pedestrian Bridge, extending to the Vehicular Bridge, are closed to fishing until the first Saturday in May. However, once the season opens, this stretch of shallow water, ranging from 6 to 10 feet deep, becomes a hot spot for walleye fishing. The murky waters here provide excellent conditions for walleye, with fish biting throughout the day. That being said, the early morning, evening, and after-dark hours tend to yield the best results as walleye are more actively feeding during these times.
Anglers can enjoy good shore-fishing opportunities, thanks to public property on the east side and a marina on the west side. This location allows for a variety of fishing techniques, but for those fishing from a boat, trolling shallow-diving minnow plugs is one of the most effective methods. These plugs mimic the movements of baitfish and can be trolled along the shoreline to tempt walleye lurking in the shallows. Whether you’re casting from the bank or trolling from a boat, this area offers consistent opportunities to land walleye.
Fishing Below the Pedestrian Bridge
The stretch of the Oswegatchie River from the Pedestrian Bridge down to the shipping channel of the St. Lawrence River is another prime location for walleye fishing. With water depths ranging from 15 to 25 feet, this section offers a diverse range of fishing conditions. Walleye are particularly drawn to the shoreline drop-offs, deeper holes just below the Pedestrian Bridge, and the current breaks near the piers of the Vehicular Bridge. The dredged channel leading out to the main river also provides excellent spots for walleye fishing.
Casting jigs and trolling minnow plugs are the go-to techniques for anglers fishing in this section. The current and varying depths create ideal conditions for walleye to feed, and the stretch between the two bridges is often considered the most productive area for catching fish. While walleye can be found throughout this region, the area between the Pedestrian and Vehicular Bridges tends to offer the best action, with fish congregating in the current breaks and deeper holes.
Outer Edge of the Sandbar
Over the years, a sizable sandbar has formed in front of the city of Ogdensburg, creating a unique and productive fishing location for walleye enthusiasts. This expansive sandbar, which sits at a depth of approximately six feet, has a steep drop-off along its outer edge that plunges into depths ranging from 30 to 50 feet. This dramatic shift in depth provides a perfect habitat for walleye, as the deeper waters are often home to abundant forage species, which in turn attract these predatory fish. The outer edge of the Sandbar is a top fishing spot, offering multiple techniques for catching walleye.
Anglers can successfully target walleye in this area using a variety of techniques. Casting jigs along the drop-off can be highly effective, as the jigs mimic the movements of smaller baitfish. Drifting crawler harnesses is another popular method, as the rig can move naturally with the current, enticing walleye as it drifts along the deeper contours of the Sandbar. Additionally, trolling minnow plugs is a productive strategy, especially when targeting the deeper pockets that walleye often frequent. By trolling across the entire length of the drop-off, anglers can cover more ground and increase their chances of hooking a walleye.
While pockets of walleye can be found along the entire drop-off, the west end of the Sandbar—closer to the upriver portion—is known to hold larger numbers of walleye. The combination of deep water and the surrounding structure creates a prime environment for walleye to congregate, making this area particularly worthwhile for anglers looking to land big catches.
Waterfront Docks
The Ogdensburg waterfront is another key fishing area for walleye, thanks to a network of both public and private docks that line the shoreline. The waterfront is home to a 22-foot dredged boating channel, which extends to the inner edge of the Sandbar. This dredged area provides excellent opportunities for shore anglers to cast for walleye, especially from the fishing pier, which is easily accessible for all anglers, regardless of skill level.
Boaters can also enjoy success in this area, with various fishing techniques available. Casting jigs remains a go-to method, as it allows anglers to target walleye near the bottom, where they are often feeding. Drifting crawler harnesses is another effective approach, especially when the current is strong and the fish are holding deeper. However, trolling minnow plugs tends to be the most popular technique in this area, as it covers more ground and reaches walleye that may be holding at various depths. Just like the other prime fishing spots on the St. Lawrence River, the best fishing tends to occur in the western portion of the waterfront, between the inactive marina and the mouth of the Oswegatchie River. Here, walleye congregate in the deeper water and along drop-offs, making it a consistent hot spot for anglers.
Port Authority Dock
The Port Authority Dock, while not open for fishing directly from the dock itself, provides an excellent starting point for anglers looking to target walleye. The dock extends outward from the lower end of the Sandbar, providing easy access to the adjacent waters, which are some of the most productive areas for walleye in Ogdensburg. The water here, especially in the 22-foot dredged area, offers numerous opportunities to fish for walleye. Anglers should focus on several key spots, including the dredged area near the dock, the inside edge of the Sandbar, and the large eddy at the lower end of the dock, where walleye tend to gather in search of food.
Another prime location is the area around the red buoy, where the current creates an ideal feeding ground for walleye. The deeper waters (ranging from 25 to 40 feet) found just downriver of the buoy also hold walleye, providing excellent opportunities for boaters to fish. All three primary walleye fishing techniques—drifting crawler harnesses, trolling minnow plugs, and casting jigs—can be used here, with each offering unique advantages. Drifting crawler harnesses is particularly effective for covering larger stretches of water, while trolling minnow plugs allows anglers to reach deeper depths. Casting jigs, on the other hand, is perfect for pinpointing specific areas along the drop-off.
The red buoy area, with its deep, open water, is also a great place to try downrigging, a technique where weights are used to pull lures to deeper depths. This technique is especially effective in the deeper, more open waters below the buoy, where walleye are often found holding in the colder, deeper sections of the river.
Try Your Luck at Catching Walleye
While walleye are plentiful around the Ogdensburg waterfront during the early spring, anglers will find that walleye numbers decrease as summer progresses. The prime fishing period for walleye is during the early spring, when post-spawn fish are concentrated and actively feeding in the warmer waters. However, while the numbers of walleye may drop off during the summer months, late fall is once again a prime time for walleye fishing on the St. Lawrence River. As temperatures cool and the fish begin preparing for winter, they once again become more active and eager to feed, providing anglers with one last opportunity for a productive fishing season before the colder months set in.
The combination of diverse fishing techniques, prime locations, and the natural abundance of walleye in the area makes Ogdensburg a top-tier destination for anglers seeking to land a prized walleye. Whether fishing from shore, trolling along the drop-offs, or casting from a boat, Ogdensburg’s rich fishing environment provides year-round opportunities for walleye enthusiasts.
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 NYS 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 other waters of the state.
