Fall Fishing Program. More Water. More Fish.
The New York State Canal Corporation releases water from the Erie Canal into Lake Ontario Tributaries in Western New York for an extended period each fall to create a longer season and even better angling conditions.
A calendar of releases is posted below. Releases may change due to weather and other conditions.
Check back for updates.
- Between mid-Sep and mid-Dec
- Increased flow releases on Eighteenmile Creek (Niagara County), Oak Orchard Creek (Orleans County), and Sandy Creek (Monroe and Orleans counties).
- This entices more steelhead, salmon and brown trout to enter and remain in these waterways, improving fish spawning conditions and expanding angling opportunities.
- Additional flow releases also scheduled to further boost increased flows.
- Between Mid-Oct and Mid-Dec
- Increased flow releases on Johnson Creek to expand angling opportunities.
2023 Flow Release Schedule
EARLY SEASON | LATE SEASON | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Waterway | County | Increased Flow Releases | Additional Increased Flow Releases | Flow Releases* |
Eighteenmile Creek | Niagara | ------> | 09/21 - 10/12 | 10/13 - 12/15 |
Oak Orchard Creek | Orleans | 09/15 - 10/12 | 10/12 - 10/26 | 10/27 - 12/15 |
Sandy Creek | Monroe & Orleans | 09/15 - 10/12 | 10/12 - 10/26 | 10/27 - 12/15 |
Johnson Creek | Niagara & Orleans | ------> | 10/12 - 10/26 | 10/27 - 12/15 |
* From about Nov 1-30, during Late Season, higher releases to these Lake Ontario tributaries are anticipated to extend fishing opportunities even as winter approaches. Water levels are kept elevated in the Erie Canal, so increased releases similar to Early Season can be repeated. From about Dec 1-15, releases continue as water levels are lowered in the canal for draining and then gradually end for the year.
2024 Calendar
Holidays |
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Mon Oct 14, 2024 – Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day |
Mon Nov 11, 2024 – Veterans Day |
Thu Nov 28, 2024 – Thanksgiving Day |
Mon Dec 25, 2024 – Christmas Day |
Free Fishing Days - No License Required |
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Sat Feb 17 & Sun Feb 18, 2024 – Presidents Day Weekend |
Sat Jun 29 & Sun Jun 30, 2024 |
Sat Sep 28, 2024 - National Hunting and Fishing Day |
Mon Nov 11, 2024 – Veterans Day |
Current Conditions - LIVE from U.S. Geological Survey
USGS gage data (click on Waterway name to access USGS site):
Waterway | County | Flow (CFS) | Last Reading |
---|---|---|---|
Eighteenmile Creek | Niagara | ||
Oak Orchard Creek | Orleans | ||
Sandy Creek | Monroe & Orleans | ||
Johnson Creek | Niagara & Orleans |
Public Fishing Locations
Eighteenmile Creek (Niagara County)
Oak Orchard Creek (Orleans County)
Sandy Creek (Orleans & Monroe counties)
Johnson Creek (Niagara and Orleans County)
Learn About the Fall Fishing Program
The Erie Canal in Western New York is an entirely man-made channel while in other regions the Canal generally follows a natural river course. Lake Ontario Tributaries serve as an outlet for the Canal’s water management gates which can be opened or closed to maintain Canal water levels, provide supplemental tributary flows, and to drain the Canal following navigation season.
Historically, at the end of the navigation season the Canal is emptied over the course of a week, raising water levels on these tributaries. The Canal Corporation schedules water releases, when available and appropriate, in the fall during navigation season and during the Canal draining process providing a longer season for anglers and improved wildlife habitat.
The Canal and tributary waters are monitored for quantity and quality to help ensure the program maintains the health of the fishery.
As part of New York State’s Reimagine the Canals initiative, NYPA and the Canal Corporation are expanding fishing opportunities to promote outdoor recreation and local businesses.
News
- Award Winning Fall Fishing Program Returns for Fourth Year
- New York State Canal Corporation Announces Fall Fishing initiative in Western New York
- Governor Hochul Announces Extended Fishing Season and Improved Angling Experience Returns to Western New York
- Governor Hochul Announces New Pilot Program to Improve Public Access along Western New York's Lake Ontario Tributaries Receiving Water from the Erie Canal
Fall Fishing Photo Gallery
Access Conservation Easement (ACE) Program
Important News for WNY Property Owners on Lake Ontario Tributaries!
- ACE Program Public Info Session
- Letter to Property Owners
- Information about One-Time Payments for ACE Program
Public Info Session Recording
Fishing Program - Helpful Resources
Notices & Alerts
Notice to Mariners
Office of Canals
(518) 449-6000
Mon-Fri - 8am-4pm
For Emergencies
833-538-1042
or 911