Spring Fishing Fun Around Niagara Falls

Spring has sprung! Yet unlike most years, where we seek to enjoy as much sunshine as possible, this April will be defined by an event where the sun is completely blocked — well, at least for a few moments.

That’s right: The 2024 total solar eclipse (the country’s first total solar eclipse in 7 years) will be visible from several American cities on April 8. One of them is Buffalo, New York, and much of the surrounding Niagara Falls region — known for its intersection of profound natural beauty and historical charm, too.

But even if you’re not in town for the eclipse, Niagara Falls is still worth the trip later this spring or summer — because it’s chock-full of fun boating and fishing opportunities you can enjoy on your Blackfin Boat! Just read on as we explore a few of our favorite aquatic destinations to explore in and around the Niagara Falls region — plus, a closer look at what’s biting at this time of year.

Erie Canal

A whopping two centuries ago, the Erie Canal was constructed to provide passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes — and America, then a very young country, was never the same. It might seem like an overstatement for a mere body of water. But think about the implications of the canal!

Nicknamed the “Nation’s First Superhighway,” the Erie Canal facilitated trade and travel for the expanding country. Fortunately, that cultural significance still flows through the waterway today — providing an especially fun cruising experience for boaters who are part-time history buffs, too.

As you make your way along the canal, you’ll be treated to a delightful blend of old-fashioned facades and still, idyllic nature — earning the Erie Canal its reputation as a true hidden gem! But of course, if you’re riding on a Blackfin Boat, your attention will most likely be turned to the fish hanging out beneath the surface. Fortunately, they abound up and down the canal.

Bluegill, carp, crappie, and northern pike are just a few of the species you can look forward to finding on your angling adventure. As a tip, don’t overlook the smaller creeks that feed into the Erie Canal — as they can be especially productive sources of hungry fish at this time of year.

Niagara River

Another beautiful spot to fish is the Niagara River, which flows between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and straddles the U.S.-Canadian border. It’s also the home of Niagara Falls itself — and while there’s no boating or fishing around the waterfall (you’ll want to leave that to the professional boat tours... and bring a poncho!), angling abounds on the lower portion of the river. And that’s great news for boaters seeking a spring catch or two!

So, what can you expect to fish? During the spring months, many anglers flock to the variety of trout that calls the river “home,” including lake, brown, and steelhead trout. As we look ahead toward late spring and early summer, you can add even more options to your to-fish list, including smelt, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation notes that the flow in certain sections of the river may be impacted by local hydropower facilities — so be sure to check the logistics of your angling itinerary and choose a safe, smooth spot to enjoy your day.

Lake Ontario

Because the Niagara River flows between two Great Lakes, you’ll naturally want to explore a bit of them both! Lake Ontario, in particular, is known for brown trout fishing at this time of year — and you don’t need to travel too far from shore to reel one in. Other popular species include chinook salmon (start at the west end of the lake for successful spring fishing) as well as coho salmon, lake trout, and rainbow trout, aka steelhead.

One interesting feature about Lake Ontario is that from select vantage points in New York, you can actually see across the lake to the Toronto skyline in the distance! It’s not every day that you can observe an entirely different country while on a fishing outing — but from just the right overlook in New York, it is certainly possible.

Lake Erie

Last but not least, we have Lake Erie itself! This small but mighty body of water has quite a few superlatives when it comes to its fellow Great Lakes — it’s the shallowest of the bunch and the smallest by volume, yes, but that just means it’s quicker to warm in the spring when boaters are itching to return to the water, like right now!

Lake Erie’s other claim to fame is that it’s the most biodiverse of the Great Lakes — i.e., it has the most variety of fish species within its waters. Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has a great explanation for this: Basically, because the lake is so shallow, it plays host to lakefront vegetation that serves as a life force — think shelter, structure, and feeding ground — for many different types of fish. Not too bad for local and visiting anglers alike, who want to try their hand at a variety of different species while they’re in town! On that note, a few fish you might be able to spot include brown trout, bullhead, crappie, lake trout, rock bass, and many more.

Niagara Falls may be one of the world’s most famous waterfalls — but as today’s guide proves, it’s not the only stunning water feature in the area! Here’s to splashing spring fun (and hopefully a great fish haul) during your next trip out.