Lake Erie - Buffalo Advice Needed

[AndyW]

I'm planning a weekend fishing trip in May to Buffalo to fish Lake Erie (wind permitting) and possibly the upper Niagara for smallies.  Can someone tell me the best places to launch a boat to fish if I'm fishing Erie or if I'm going to fish the upper Niagara?  I'm experienced in the western and central basins of Lake Eire, but have never fished the eastern end.  I'm also looking for a motel to spend the night that is boat friendly where I would be able to charge my boat batteries.  Thanks.

 

Andy

[Hurricane]

The small boat harbor on Route 5 for Erie and the foot of Sheridan street in Tonawanda for the Niagara river...

[J Francho]

Yeah, there's the main marina and there's another smaller private marina if you want to go a little less busy. It's the same launch fee.

[Hurricane]

Also if you're going to fish the river you might want to look into a Canadian license for however long you are going to be here.. Just in case.. The river is awesome for smallmouth

[J Francho]

Chris, do you know the number for when you declare your fishing in Canada waters? It's simple, you just call them and check in.

[Hurricane]

Chris, do you know the number for when you declare your fishing in Canada waters? It's simple, you just call them and check in.

Didn't know that.. I was just told that. I never have had to.. But I should look up the number.

[J Francho]

Basically if you have a Nexxus card, you can just call in. Pretty simple.

[Hurricane]

Basically if you have a Nexxus card, you can just call in. Pretty simple.

Got ya.. You fish the river too?

[J Francho]

Not in years and years. 

[AndyW]

Thanks guys.  The main goal is to fish Lake Erie.  The river is just a back-up plan in case the wind does not cooperate.  I really don't won't to deal with the border issue.  How is the smallie fishing on the east side of Grand island?

[Hurricane]

The main thing with Erie is they haven't taken the ice boom out yet.. Most of the lake is still covered in ice..

[Hurricane]

Was out today and fished till the storm came in... Caught a bunch of nice Smallies on the Shadow Rap deep jerkbait. . Awesome lure. .

[BuffaloBass716]

I fish from shore on the eastern side of Grand Island from the foot of sheridan up to the canal.  I usually catch a nice amount of smallies especially this time of year. I also caught a decent musky from shore near Isle View Park on a dropshot.  

 

Hey GGLL4LIFE, what depths were you catching them at yesterday? Also, what is the water temp in the river lately? I dont have a boat so I cant tell where the bass are or what they are doing without electronics? 

[Hurricane]

I fish from shore on the eastern side of Grand Island from the foot of sheridan up to the canal. I usually catch a nice amount of smallies especially this time of year. I also caught a decent musky from shore near Isle View Park on a dropshot.

Hey GGLL4LIFE, what depths were you catching them at yesterday? Also, what is the water temp in the river lately? I dont have a boat so I cant tell where the bass are or what they are doing without electronics?

To tell you the truth I didn't pay attention lol.. my brother in law has a Lund and I just go with him.. most of the fish caught were in 8ft or less.. we fished just the break walls and didn't go into the lake.. I even caught a nice Largemouth too.. we tried the river a couple of weeks ago and the water temp was 48.. I believe Erie was 60 this past weekend. .

[bradc36]

Some fish still holding on to beds as of these last couple of days in the river. All of the good fishing will start making its way to the lake shortly.