Niagara Fall fishing

Fishing the Niagara River is an experience every freshwater angler must have. The River is divided into two fishing areas, the Lower and Upper rivers, by Niagara Falls. The River is between two of the best fisheries in the country, Eastern Lake Erie and Western Lake Ontario. There are a number of fish that make this river home, including Walleye and different types of Salmon and Trout. Niagara River/Falls Fishing Charters are located up and down the River and on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Where you start your fishing journey will depend on what type of fish you want to target.

If you want to target some large Salmon and Trout, then the lower part of the River, the water that falls over the falls and flows into Lake Ontario, is where you want to be. Depending on the time of year, you will find trophy Chinook (King) Salmon, Coho (Silver) Salmon, Lake Trout, Brown Trout and Steelheads (Rainbow Trout).

These fish are fun to catch, put up a fight, and are delicious. Some of the best places to drop your line are Devil’s Hole and the Famous Niagara Bar, located at the delta of the Niagara River near Fort Niagara State Park. This is where it empties into Lake Ontario and where many fish enter the River to spawn.

Your Lower Niagara River Fishing Charter knows when and where the fish will be and what time of year would be best for the type of fish you want to catch. Also in the mix are Walleye, Bass (both Bigmouth and Smallmouth), Muskies and even Sturgeon. Because the waters on the lower part of the River are swift, the water does not freeze, and there is excellent fishing year-round. Some of the best fishing is found during the winter if you can handle the cold weather.

The upper part of the River is slow-moving in most places and shallow, but that does not mean that there is not excellent fishing. It is fished less than the lower River, but the upper Niagara River is one of the best U.S. Smallmouth Bass fisheries. This area is known as the “Smallmouth Bass Capital of the World,” and with good reason, as there are significant numbers of one of the most sought-after fish for its fight and its flavor swimming in weed beds, near the ledges, and in the deep holes up and down the River.

Walleye can be found in the millions in Lake Erie, and fishing at the mouth of the River is an excellent spot for epic Walleye fishing. Walleye are also found throughout the River and are the tastiest fish in the Great Lakes region. Along with these fish, you can find Yellow Pike, Muskies, Lake Trout, and Steelheads.

The upper River divides into two channels around Grand Island, which are both great for fishing. As the River gets past Grand Island, the water moves to go over the falls. Right before Grand Island is Strawberry Island, one of the other hotspots for fishing the upper River.

The Niagara River is 36 miles long and offers anglers many beautiful opportunities to catch a variety of fish. Niagara Falls Fishing Charters offer many charters depending on the time of year, the time you want to spend on the water and the type of fish you want to target.

It would be a good idea to get in touch with one of the many professional Fishing Charters (our staff vets the ones listed on Travelfish to ensure the best captains and charters available to you ) along the River before making your journey. No matter where you decide to fish, the upper or lower portion, you will have a wonderful time full of fun and tasty fish, lasting memories and incredible scenery as you drift down the River.

NOTE* When fishing in the Niagara River, you will be fishing in both USA and Canada so you will need licenses for both countries. These are easily purchased online and are a must for fishing in the River.