Activity

Fall Fishing Program

Each fall, the Canal Corporation makes releases from the Erie Canal as it is drained for the winter into Lake Ontario tributaries. In addition to kicking off fall fishing season, this release strengthens the population of local species and provides a longer, more bountiful angling experience.

Flow Releases Benefits

To create better angling opportunities, water release flows are periodically increased between September and December along specific waterways, resulting in improved spawning conditions for brown trout, steelhead and salmon. Refer to the table below before browsing fishing areas.

2026 Flow Release Schedule

New Schedule Announced Each September

Waterway	County	Increased Flow Releases	Additional Increased Flow Releases	Including Draining Flow Releases
Eighteenmile Creek	Niagara	9/24 - 10/14, 10/29 - 12/2	10/15 - 10/28	12/3 - 12/15
Johnson Creek	Niagara & Orleans	9/17 - 10/21, 11/5-11/11	10/22 - 11/4, 11/12 - 11/25	11/26 - 12/15
Oak Orchard Creek	Orleans	09/17 - 10/7, 10/22 - 11/4	10/8 - 10/21, 11/5 - 11/18	11/19 - 12/15
Sandy Creek	Monroe & Orleans	09/17 - 10/28, 11/12 - 11/18	10/29 - 11/11, 11/19 - 12/2	12/3 - 12/15

* 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.