Expert-Guided Niagara Falls Fishing Adventure

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar) 

Description

Atlantic salmon is the only one in the salmon species that exist in the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the second-largest in the salmon species. They have a long and slim body with a forked tail and an almost square tail fin. The head is relatively small compared to the body. When adults enter freshwater to spawn, they turn bronze and the color further darkens after spawning. Returning to the sea brings back the silver body. They are closely related to the Brown Trout.

Size and Weight

Atlantic Salmon grow to an average of 28 to 30 inches and weigh about 8 to 12 pounds. 

Interesting Facts 

• The Atlantic Salmon is anadromous; they return to freshwater from seawater to spawn. 

• Unlike their Pacific cousins, this fish can breed more than one time in life. 

• Wild salmon is a well-known delicacy, fetching top dollar. A salmon fillet is orange or pink meat with a high nutritional value. 

• Smoltification occurs in juvenile Atlantic salmon. It physiologically prepares them to live in both fresh water and salt water marine habitats. During this time, they also create a homing beacon to help them return to the spawning site. 

• Atlantic salmon live 4 to 6 years. 

Habitat and Distribution

Young Atlantic Salmon are born and spawn in freshwater bodies such as streams, rivers, and lakes. They will stay there 2 to 3 years before migrating towards estuaries and finally into the Atlantic Ocean where they spend 2-3 years feeding, growing before returning to their birth water to spawn. 

In the United States, Atlantic salmon were once native to almost every river and stream north of the Hudson River. Because of habitat destruction and overfishing, most populations in New England sadly have been eradicated. Now, the only native populations of Atlantic salmon in the United States are found in Maine and great lengths are being made to save and populate them.

Spawning 

Spawning occurs from November to January, and the younglings hatch in April. The fish usually spawn at night, at pool ends or gravelly bottoms. After laying the eggs, the male fertilizes them and the eggs are covered by females. Atlantic salmon do not die after reproducing just once. They can repeat this cycle several times. 

Juvenile Atlantic salmon feed on insects and amphipods. While at sea, adult Atlantic salmon prey on herring, alewife, rainbow smelt, capelin, mummichogs, sand lances, flatfish and small Atlantic mackerel.

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch  Atlantic Salmon

Salmon fishing is the highlight of many sportfishermen and consider this to be the king of fish because of their great leaping abilities and fight once hooked. One of the oldest and still most popular technique for salmon as well as steelhead is using a technique called swing. The lure is placed in a downstream at 45 degrees and then let the fly swing in the current. 

The fly choice depends upon the condition of the water. Always use the flies with a color similar to the watercolor. In cold days use big flies and don't forget the black color flies at home. 

Atlantic Salmon are significantly below their target population levels. In the United States, Atlantic Salmon fishing both commercial and recreational  is labeled endangered and its fishing is currently prohibited. 

Lake Trout

## Lake Trout (Salvelinus Namaycush) The lake trout is the largest member of the char family. Lake trout have a grey to green coloring with a lighter belly, the fish also have yellow to cream colored markings on its body and fins as well. Lake trout are known to be slow growing, and mature late in their lives and have low reproductive potential when compared to other species of game fish. ## Lake Trout Habitat Lake trout are a cold-water species, like a cold water species, they rely on high levels of oxygenation to survive. Lake trout are a very popular game fish and are the only major native game fish to inhabit deep and cold water of oligotrophic lakes, like those of northern Canada and the Great Lakes region. Most of the time the Salvelinus Namaycush can be found in these deep and cold water lakes suspended in the middle of the basin, sometimes at deep depths.  Lake trout have a relatively narrow distribution and range when compared to other species. Lake trout are found in the northern reaches of North America including the Great Lakes region and throughout Canada and parts of Alaska and to a lesser extent the Northeastern United States. Lake trout have also been artificially stocked in Europe like the Scandanavian country of Sweden. New Zealand, South America, and even parts of Asia have stocked populations of lake trout as well. ## Lake Trout Size Lake Trout are the largest of the char species, with sizes of 15-40 pounds not uncommon, and averages lengths of 24-36 inches. The world record Lake trout were caught on rod and reel Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories of Canada and was 72 pounds and had a length of 52 inches. ## Lake Trout Facts Lake Trout are known to hybridize with Brook Trout, creating a hybrid species known as “Splake” hybrid fish such as splake are usually sterile. And Fisheries around North America raise and stock splake in bodies of water to provide more sport fishing opportunities for fishermen. Due to being a cold water species Lake Trout in the southern reaches of their distribution and range tend to live in very deep water during the summer months, where the water temperatures are more suited to their needs. ## Lake Trout Fishing The best time to fish for Lake Trout really depends on factors like weather, These fish prefer to avoid bright light, so a good time to fish them are typically in overcast or low light conditions. Not only do lake trout prefer these conditions they also generally feed more frequently during these times. Most importantly is finding bodies of water with which lake trout inhabit, as they have such particular habitats and not all lakes can support them. Seeking out the deep water areas of these lakes are a great place to start. In the spring immediately after ice out can be a great time for fishermen to pursue lake trout, with the colder water temperature the fish can be found relatively shallow. ## Lake Trout Fishing Lures Jigging is the preferred method when targeting this species due to fishing in deep water. Lures like the Rapala Jigging Rap and lure that imitate wounded baitfish work great. Other great options are lures like jig heads with soft plastic paddle tail swimbaits used in a jigging fashion, skirted jigs and bladed jigging spoons are also great options. Crankbaits are great if the Fish are higher in the water column or if you're trolling, allowing the crankbaits to reach their maximum depth. Don't count out old fashioned spoons either, they can be a great tool to catch lake trout. ## The Trout Family Trout are members of the family Salmonidae, order Salmoniformes. The native trout family is closely related to salmon. A top fly fishing family of fish that are both tremendous game fish and tasty eating fish. Found in small streams, large rivers, and any trout stream with the right water temperature, aquatic insects, and clean water. The trout species is usually restricted to freshwater, though a few types migrate to the sea between spawnings. Members of the trout species include [Rainbow Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/rainbow-trout), [Brown Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/brown-trout), [Brook Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/brook-trout), [Lake Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/lake-trout), [Steelhead Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/steelhead), [Bull Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/bull-trout), [Cutthroat Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/cutthroat-trout), [Apache Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/apache-trout) and several other smaller species.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) 

It is the most famous and biggest member of the sunfish family and is a renowned game fish. Largemouth Bass has a green or olive-green color body and dark or black horizontal markings on its body giving it the nickname black bass. It has a slightly forked tail and the soft rays on dorsal fins are separated by deep points. 

The average adult Largemouth Bass averages 12 inches to 24 inches and weighing between 1 to 4.5 pounds.

Interesting facts: 

• They are appropriately named having an exceptionally large mouth and when opened, the upper jaw goes well beyond its eyes.
• They are an angler's favorite as they give quite a fight when reeled out of water.
• Largemouth can detect their prey’s vibrations using their sixth sense called lateral lines as well as their keen sense of smell.
• Largemouth Bass are attracted to red color.

Where to Find Largemouth Bass

The Largemouth Bass mostly live in ponds, lakes, and medium-sized water bodies, but can be found near ditches and creeks. They like a warm place abundant in weeds and shallow muddy waters. The Largemouth Bass is only native to North America and is densely populated in the eastern and southernmost states.  They now have been expanded to every state of America except Hawaii and Alaska. Due to its popularity as a game fish, the species has been introduced in many countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Central America.

Spawning 

When matured, largemouth bass usually spawns from late winter to late spring. The eggs are guarded by the male. When hatched the school remains for about 3 to 4 weeks under their father’s protection before dispersing. The optimum temperature when the eggs are laid is a steady 60 ºF or higher. 

Largemouth Bass Size and Speed 

Largemouth bass size and speed are two essential factors that anglers consider when fishing for this popular game fish. The largemouth bass is one of the largest freshwater fish species found in North America, with adult fish typically ranging from 12-24 inches long and weighing anywhere from 2-10 pounds or more. However, some specimens have been known to reach lengths of up to 30 inches, and the biggest largemouth bass ever caught weighed more than 22 pounds. 

One reason why largemouth bass size is so important to anglers is that larger fish tend to be older and more experienced, making them harder to catch than their smaller counterparts. Additionally, larger fish can put up a much stronger fight when hooked, which adds an extra level of excitement and challenge for anglers. On the other hand, speed is another important factor that affects the behavior of largemouth bass.

Food 

The Largemouth Bass's food consists of other fishes such as gizzard, shad, threadfin shad, golden shiners, bluegills, catfish, crayfish, and other smaller fishes. Snakes, salamanders, mice, bats, frogs, and other creatures are also victims. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Largemouth Bass 

They are most abundantly found in places where it is easier to hide, such as sunken objects and thick weeds. Other spots include gradual shores, under bridges, open waters, and shorelines. 

• Fishing with swim-baits is a highly successful way to catch these fish. There are both hard and soft varieties made out of wood or plastic rigged with hooks.
• Dragging is mostly used to catch Largemouth. Use plastic baits and Carolina rig. Most effective to use in the hard bottom and non-vegetated areas.
• In shallow water and grass-rich areas, try wacky fishing using straight worms and a variety of hooks.

You can use the jigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, hoppers, minnows, plugs, and live bait such as worms or minnows. These fish are abundant and you should be able to snag one with any of these on your hook.

For the fly fisherman, it’s important to have the right rig. An important thing to remember is that the Largemouth Bass does not spook easily and will put up a fight. With this in mind, it never hurts to pack heavy gear.  A 6-weight will get the job done for most bass, but if you're looking for the big one, be safe with your 8-weight, it will always do the job especially when fishing big lakes and rivers.

When choosing your reel, just match it to whichever rod you’re using weight-wise.  For bigger fish, we recommend using a disk drag as it will give you a more gradual resistance in the line with a sinking leader.

Use flies, primarily streamers, that are colorful and/or shiny.  You will catch their attention with brightly colored flies in the murky water where they dwell. Using poppers is extremely effective as they are made to copy the actions of topwater food such as frogs which are a big part of their diet.

Weighted flies are especially useful in the late summer when the fish are down in deeper water where it is cooler. 

What is the Difference Between Spotted Bass and Largemouth Bass

Spotted bass and largemouth bass are two of the most popular game fish in North America. While they may look similar, there are significant differences between them that make them unique. Understanding these differences can help anglers choose the right bait and technique to catch more fish. 
Spotted bass have a smaller mouth than largemouth bass, making it easier for them to swallow smaller prey such as crustaceans or insects. They also tend to be more aggressive and will chase down their prey rather than waiting for it to come to them. Largemouth bass, on the other hand, prefer larger prey such as frogs or small fish and will often ambush their prey by hiding in cover before striking.

Another difference between spotted bass vs largemouth bass is their habitat preference. Spotted bass thrive in clearer water with rocky bottoms while largemouths prefer murky water with plenty of vegetation.

Is Largemouth Bass Good to Eat?

Are largemouth bass good to eat? The answer is yes, but with a catch. While it is safe to consume largemouth bass, it is important to consider the quality of the water where they were caught and any potential contaminants. To ensure the best taste and safety, it is recommended to only eat largemouth bass caught in clean, clear bodies of water that have been properly prepared and cooked. Overall, with the right precautions, largemouth bass can be a delicious meal for those who enjoy the sport of fishing and culinary experimentation.

Next, when it comes to cooking and eating largemouth bass, it's important to remember that the fish should be handled and prepared with care to ensure its quality and taste. To ensure that the meat remains firm and delicious, anglers should clean and store the fish properly, and cook it with the right seasonings and techniques. When done correctly, largemouth bass can make for a delicious meal, enjoyed by many fishing enthusiasts across the country.

Northern Pike

Northern Pike (Esox lucius)  Fish Description

The Northern Pike (Esox Lucius) is a popular freshwater gamefish known for its greedy carnivorous nature. They have an elongated body and a grey to greenish color that fades to a yellowish-white belly. They have distinctive uneven rows of yellowish to white specks that run across its body.

Diet

Northern Pike is an aggressive hunter and not very picky about their food, eating just about anything that comes their way. They prey on other fish, including golden shiners, yellow perch, bluegills, suckers, and even other Northern Pikes. Larger ones have also been known to snatch small waterfowls, frogs, and rodents with their large mouth lined with sharp teeth when these unknowing victims are swimming on the surface or if they get too close to the edge of the water.

Spawning

Northern Pike have a short spawning season, March-April.  Since the adults are solitary and highly territorial, they will leave their area and travel inshore or upstream to spawning areas in early spring. Spawning normally occurs during day in shallow, quiet areas with a vegatated bottom. They leave their eggs once they are laid.

Interesting Facts 

• They are solitary predators.
• They are mostly territorial.
• The oldest pike on record is 25 years old.
• They are also referred to as freshwater sharks.
• They can lie still for long periods of time.

Northern Pike Speed and Average Size

Northern Pikes are strong swimmers, but they are not actually known for their speed as they can only swim at an average of eight to ten miles per hour. It may not be as fast as other species; it has, however, the ability to sudden high-energy starts that they use for ambushing preys or for escaping life-threatening situations. 

The average Northern Pike is 2 feet long and 34 pounds.   The largest pike ever caught in the U.S. was reportedly 4 feet 10 inches.

Distribution and Habitat

As the name suggests, Northern Pikes are mostly found throughout the northern half of North America, with a higher population in the Great Lakes, northern New England, eastern New York, Minnesota, and the Ohio Valley. You can also find them in Nebraska and Missouri and as far north as Alaska and Canada.

They live in cool, shallow areas of streams, lakes, and rivers where they have good access to their food.  However,  in the summer, when waters heat up, they head to the deeper, cooler waters. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Northern Pike 

A Northern Pike catch can be very rewarding as it’s known to be a tough fighter.  You should remember to keep your distance from its mouth as its dagger-like teeth can cause significant damage to anything it can clamp down on. 

With its aggressive nature and its strong swimming ability to boot, catching Northern Pike can be a daunting challenge.  A 7-foot, medium-action rod paired with a regular spinning reel with a drag system that can stand a maximum of at least 15 pounds is more than enough to handle this fish. Equip your rod and reel with a more durable 15 to 20-pound braided line at the minimum so that the chances of the Pike’s sharp teeth breaking the line will be decreased. 

Because these fish are known to be voracious eaters, various lures such as soft plastic swim-baits, inline spinners, and spoons can easily attract the fish. Just make sure to reel in at a slow, consistent speed so that your lure would look like an injured fish. Also, Northern Pikes are known to play with their food, so when you feel a strong tug on your line, don’t reel it in too fast. Just keep reeling at a slow pace and wait patiently for the Pike to strike again.

The ideal place to cast your line out are inlets, bays, coves, and drop-offs that have shallow, marshy areas with an abundance of weeds, as these are where Northern Pikes usually hunt for food.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) 

Description

Rainbow trout is a popular game fish known for its attractive color and ability to swim upstream. It belongs to the Salmonidae family. The upper body color ranges from bluish-green to olive green. They are silver to white in color near the belly. A horizontal pink stripe is present on each side of the body. The body is covered with black spots and extend to dorsal fins, tail, and anal fins. The appearance of a rainbow trout can depend on habitat, gender, age, and maturity. 

Interesting Facts 

• Rainbow trout starts spawning at age of 3 or 4 years.
• They have a life span of 4-8 years but can live up to 11 years as well.
• As this species can only live in clean water, they are very good indicators of pollution.
• A water temperature of 55°F to 64°F is preferred by the rainbow trout, but they can also survive up to 70 °F.

Habitat, Distribution and Heat Map 

Rainbow Trout is native of the United States including the Pacific coast from Mexico to Alaska, northeastern and central United States along with the eastern coast of Asia. 

Rainbow trout can be found in freshwater bodies such as rivers and streams. They prefer a place with an abundance of natural covers such as water vegetation, weeds, and gravelly shoreline. Rainbow trout can be found in streams where the currents are strong and water flow is fast but also do well in cool and deep water. 

Rainbow Trout Spawning 

The spawning season starts in late winter or early spring and can go through early summer as well. During this time, the male Rainbow trout finds a shallow place with gravels or a clear water inlet/outlet. The female lays eggs there. Depending on the water temperature, hatching takes a few weeks to 4 months. After hatching, they keep themselves in hiding until they reach 2 to 3 years and then go into deep waters. 

Other names include steelhead, red-sides, River trout, and silver trout. Rainbow Trout are predators and mostly feed on insects, small fish, and crustaceans. They also eat eggs, other rainbow trout, and even feast on leftover carcasses. 

Rainbow Trout Size and Weight 

A Rainbow trout can vary in length from 8 inches to 24 inches. The largest Rainbow trout was fished in Canada in 2009 and weighed 48 pounds. The average weight of the species is from 2 to 8 pounds. 

Is Rainbow Trout Good to Eat?

Rainbow trout is a popular fish among anglers and food enthusiasts alike.  It has a distinct pink flesh that can be enjoyed in many different dishes. 
Cooking rainbow trout can be done using various methods such as grilling, baking, or frying. When cooked properly, it offers a delicious and healthy meal option for those who enjoy seafood. The taste of rainbow trout is often described as mild with a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Rainbow trout contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for maintaining good health. These fatty acids have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and improving brain function.

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch a Rainbow Trout

They can be found near gravelly shorelines in the river, or in a downstream flow. In summer, they go to cooler depths. It is recommended to fish rainbow trout during their feeding time, which can be at dusk or late evening. Best fishing techniques include: 

• Nymphing fly fishing
• Dry fly fishing for rising fish
• Emergers & Buggers fly fishing
• Keeping bait off the bottom
• Retrieving a bait
• Hanging lure below a bobber
• Drifting an artificial lure

Fly Fishing for Rainbow Trout

Fly fishing for rainbow trout is a thrilling and rewarding experience that many anglers dream of. Rainbow trout are one of the most popular game fish in North America, and fly fishing for them can be both challenging and exciting. Whether you are an experienced angler or new to the sport, fly fishing for rainbow trout is an activity that should be on your bucket list. 
To successfully fly fish for rainbow trout, it's important to understand their behavior and habitat. These fish prefer clear, cold water with good oxygen levels, so look for rivers or streams with these conditions. Rainbow trout also tend to feed on insects near the surface of the water, so using dry flies can prove effective. When choosing your equipment, consider using a lightweight rod between 7-9 feet in length with a weight rating of 3-5.

If you want to learn more about rainbow trout fly fishing, check the Guidesly Nymph Series of articles. Start with an introduction and progress thru techniques, tactics, flies, and trends.  

1. Introduction to Nymphing, Learn what is Nymphing, the art of fly fishing with a nymph
2. Basic Techniques of Nymphing, Learn the basic techniques involved with nymphing
3. Advanced Nymphing, Discuss the details of nymphing techniques
4. Top 10 Nymph Flies, See the top 10 nymph flies with fly-tying videos
5. Euro Nymphing, The latest trend in nymphing is European-style nymphing.
6. Trout of North America, Find your nymphing prey. Learn about the top 10 trout species in North America.

Rainbow Trout Baits and Lures 

Common baits and lures for rainbow trout are: 

• Spoons
• Spinners
• Plugs
• Worms
• Flies
• Roe
• Egg sac

What is the Difference Between Rainbow Trout & Steelhead Trout?

The key difference between rainbow trout and steelhead is where they live. They are actually the same species of trout and in many cases look very similar. A rainbow trout will stay in freshwater streams. The steelhead trout will leave freshwater and spend a portion of its life in saltwater until returning to its freshwater spawning grounds to breed. Steelhead can also be seen in great numbers in the Great Lakes and migrating, spawning in the many tributaries. 

What is Special About the Rainbow Trout?

The rainbow trout are indeed special and hold a special allure to fly fishing anglers around the globe. Rainbow trout are native to the United States and specifically west of the Mississippi River, primarily in the pacific northwest. Their distinctive pink, red and purple stripes along the sides of their silvery bodies make them easily recognizable. But what makes rainbow trout so special? There are several key factors that set them apart from other fish. 

1. Rainbow trout have an incredible ability to adapt to different environments. They can thrive in both freshwater and saltwater habitats, which is rare among fish species. This means they can be found in lakes, rivers, streams and even in the ocean. 
2. Rainbow trout have a well-deserved reputation for being strong fighters when caught on a fishing line. They are known for their acrobatic jumps and sudden bursts of energy that challenge even the most experienced anglers. 
3. They are often found in majestic rivers across the United States that are among the most beautiful places to visit. Fly fishing in the middle of nature if often therapeutic to the angler. 
4. Rainbow trout have been stocked in great numbers across the United States so almost every river and lake will have some rainbow trout. Many rivers have large populations after stocking introduction.

A Brief History of Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout has a long and fascinating history. Rainbow trout has a rich history, dating back to the late 1800s when it was first introduced to North America from Europe.  Belonging to the salmon family, it has been present on Earth for thousands of years. This species of fish is native to several regions of North America, as well as Eurasia, making it a versatile and widely found fish. Interestingly, the upper Columbia River was where scientists first described it to the scientific community in 1836.

North American Trout Family 

Trout are members of the family Salmonidae, order Salmoniformes. The native trout family is closely related to salmon. A top fly fishing family of fish that are both tremendous game fish and tasty eating fish. Found in small streams, large rivers, and any trout stream with the right water temperature, aquatic insects, and clean water. The trout species is usually restricted to freshwater, though a few types migrate to the sea between spawnings. 

The Trout Species in North America: 

1. Rainbow Trout
2. Brown Trout
3. Brook Trout
4. Lake Trout
5. Steelhead Trout
6. Bull Trout
7. Cutthroat Trout (several species of cutthroat)
8. Apache Trout