Familyfisherman

So we decided to try Lake Erie for smallmouth. Been tired of watching all the shows and guys hauling up fish after fish with seemingly little effort. I had a client in Stoney Creek (I'm from Barrie) so after meeting with them we decided to head down to Fort Erie and meet up with Terrance from OFC who lives in the area and head out from Crystal Beach launch.

We were armed with all the drop-shot/crankbaits/tubes you could ask for...Terrance brought along minnows and worms -- which I thought was cute...I mean, we were after bruising smallies, not perch...

Anyways, out we go with nothing more than a GPS map chip to show depths/topography.

We began on a cut in 15-20 fow throwing everything we had...moved every 10-15 min...saw a couple, terrance might have had one steal his 7 inch texas-rigged worm, but no fish. Kept moving...kept casting...no fish.

Finally after a couple hours of this we moved way over off the mouth of the niagara river on a hump...terrance resorts to trying minnows (what a kidder) and BAM -- fish on! Nice smallie...

Well isn't that fluky I think...humph...so we get back to casting...Terrance puts on another minnow...viola!

So my friend Steve tries a minnow...bang

Now I'm not a proud man...so I try one as well...yep

And...

And on it goes...here's Terrance with the biggest fish of the day.

And here's the final fish of the day -- ON A TUBE NO LESS

The lake was calm except for large rolls coming through at a regular rate...which unfortunately was too much for Steve, who got sick about 2 hours into our trip...Terrance and I were a bit surprised since we didn't feel much...until we were about ready to go, then Terrance grabbed the rail and let it all go! So we ended the day there figuring if all 3 of us went down that could be troublesome!

Overall we ended up with 15 or 16 fish between 2 and 5 lbs and lost quite a few more. Really a great day out there despite our lack of experience!

If you get a chance give it a try...and don't forget the minnows

Kevin

That's it! I've watched enough shows where they bring in fish after fish and we just have to give that a try! Anyone have any suggestions as far as a launch in the Niagara area that provides easy access? I'm assuming if we check our maps for some humps in the 10-30 ft range with access to deeper water we'd find some fish? Glad for any input...

Thanks!

Thanks guys -- we'll play safe and hopefully have a good time!

Kevin

I will take that advice paze and appreciate it.

Are we on the right track lure-wise with 3-ways, drop shots and tubes?

Honestly I'm not much of a bass fisherman but my client "thinks" he is

I have no experience on the river so we'll go downriver as suggested.

I'm taking a client fishing next week and thought about trying the Niagara River for bass. I had planned to launch out of Queenston. A friend had suggested going upriver to the power station on the right and fish the shoreline just north of the station...the advice was to try 3-way rigs, drop shots and tubes...just wondering if we're on the right track here, or if anyone had any suggestions to improve our results.

I'm from Barrie, client is in Stoney Creek. Is it worth the drive down to Queenston?

Appreciate your help.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin

Good advice -- I think by the sounds of it we'll stick to the lower river and try some 3 ways, tubes, and grubs, etc...yes, I was referring to the power outlets, not really "dams". Since I have no experience on the river and the fishing seems better anyways we'll play it safe Appreciate the advice, thanks all.

Hoping to take a friend/client out launching from Queenston in early August. I understand you can go upriver and fish in front of one of the Dams -- I believe on the left side? I've only fished once in the river, and never upstream. If it isn't wise we won't, but a friend was telling me they do very well there in summer for bass/trout and sometimes a surprise salmon...? I guess I'm wondering if going upstream from Queenston is safe in a 17 ft deep V with a 115hp, and, secondly, what is in the river to target at this time?

I'm from Barrie so I don't often get down Niagara way.

Appreciate any help or advice.

Hope the summer's going well for everyone.

Kevin

Got on the water at about 12:30 and headed to my favorite spot for this time of year... the wall!

Is this the dam up from the queenston launch? I was thinking of taking my kids (8 and 6) up there -- I have a 17 foot Legend deep V -- in your opinion are we fine to head up there in that current? Do you tie to the wall at the side or anchor or both?

Much appreciated!

Kevin

PM sent Meely, thanks for the offer!

I'll be at Pigeon at the same time, end of July. Plenty of good fishing right out from Elim, if you can avoid being run over by waterskiers. Take some 1/8oz jigs and grubs for the kids and some spinnerbaits, rapalas and musky killers for hunting bass and musky. If you see a kayak around, come over and say Hi.

Hey I'll be in a 17 ft Legend.

I'll remember to look for you.

Thanks for the advice everyone -- I'll try to post any results.

Heading up to Pigeon Lake to stay at Elim Lodge in late July.

Love some advice on the lake -- never fished it.

Hope to find some walleye, some bass with the kids and even a Musky for dear old dad if possible.

Thanks, tight lines,

Kevin