Fly Fishing

Steelhead Atlantic

Fishing the Niagara River, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

An angler’s paradise, the Niagara River is considered one of North America’s premier fishing destinations with particular emphasis placed on fishing the lower river for Steelhead in the fall and winter. In fact if you “Google it”, you will find countless articles written by numerous world renowned fisherpersons on the subject.

 

The upside to Steelhead fishing in the fall/winter is that when you catch one you get to spend 40 minutes in the cold and damp weather fighting a 30 pound trout that doesn’t want to get into your boat. This also may be considered as downside, along with the expense of either operating your own boat or going with a charter. Don’t get me wrong, every couple of years I get a hankerin’ for some real fishin’ and spring for the $100 charter. I truly do enjoy the experience however for me, more often then not, fishing the Niagara River means spending a relaxing summer day fishing for Bass from shore.

 

As often as I can, I pack a sandwich, a little something refreshing to drink, light tackle and my Mepps Spinners and head for Queenston.

 

Queenston is a small village on the lower Niagara River about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Horseshoe Falls. In Queenston there is a public boat launch where you can park your car and trek upstream along the river bank about 50 meters or so to a section where the river bends a little to the east creating a fairly calm bay on an otherwise turbulent river. This is where I go fishin’. The Smallmouth are abundant and with a little patience, you will hook and land the feisty little fighters’ even midday when you would least expect it.

 

If you decide fishing the lower river may be a good way to spend a lazy summer day, bring sunscreen and lots of drinking water and if you bring the kids make sure they are wearing life jackets. The Niagara River can be dangerous, it is very turbulent and the water level can change abruptly due to routine adjustments at the hydro electric dam.

 

Following is a list of all the game fish species abundant in the Niagara River.  

Zone 19. The Upper Niagara River is designated as part of Ontario’s Zone 19 which is upstream from “the falls” to the Peace Bridge.

Zone 20. The Lower Niagara River is designated as part of Ontario’s Zone 20 which is downstream from “the falls” to Lake Ontario.

Niagara River Game Fish Species

Game Fish Species :

 

Walleye

 

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

 

Northern Pike

 

 Muskellunge

 

Yellow Perch

 

Crappie

 

Sunfish

 

Brown Trout

 

Rainbow Trout

 

Lake Trout

 

Pacific Salmon

 

Atlantic Salmon

 

Lake Whitefish

 

 

Lake Sturgeon

 

Channel Catfish

Zones & Season:

 

Zone 19, Open all year / Zone 20, Jan. 1 to Mar. 1 and 1st Sat. in May to Dec. 31

 

 

Zones 19 & 20, 4th Saturday in June to Nov. 30

 

Zone 19, Open all year / Zone 20, 1st Saturday in May to Dec. 31.

 

Zones 19 & 20, 3rd Saturday in June to Dec. 15

 

Zones 19 & 20, Open all year

 

Zones 19 & 20, Open all year

 

Zones 19 & 20, Open all year

 

Zones 19 & 20, Open all year

 

Zones 19 & 20, Open all year

 

Zones 19 & 20, Jan. 1 to Sept.30 and Dec. 1 to Dec. 31

 

Zones 19 & 20, Open all year

 

Zones 20, Open all year

 

Zones 19 & 20, Open all year

 

Zones 19 & 20, Closed all year in the river

 

Zones 19 & 20, Open all year

 

For Ontario resident and non-resident fishing license requirements or to download the 2008/2009 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, please follow this link.

 

Learn more about Niagara Falls

 

About the Author

A life long Niagara Falls resident and seasoned tourism professional I am the founder of Flagship Itinerary Co. and proprietor of the Niagara Falls Visitors Centre.

My fish man sells Atlantic Samon, steelhead trout and rarely Baby salmon. What is the difference in taste?

Salmon will impart a more "rich" flavor as it has a high fat content. But don't worry...in moderation, salmon is a very good protein source. As for trout, it has a nice mild flavor. Both fish are great. I love to take a boneless trout fillet, lightly dust it with seasoned flour, pan fry quickly and finish off with "caper/brown butter" (to make: take about 1/2 stick of butter, let it melt in a pan on med. heat, stir constantly, when the solids start to brown and turn a carmel color, remove it from the stove and stir in 1 tsp. of capers). Pour a little of it on the plate, place your panfried trout fillet on the butter and spoon a bit more over the top of the fish.

Spey Fly Atlantic Salmon Steelhead Trout Fishing