Fishing the Niagara River - Niagara Falls - Things To Do Reviews

Fishing the Niagara River, 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.

For information about different game fish species in the Niagara River and fishing regulations visit the site listed above.