Buffalo Fishing Charters & Guides

Buffalo, NY

The second-largest city in the Empire State looks a lot different than the bright lights of New York City. In fact, Buffalo is about as different from New York City as you can get. It’s located on the west side of the state and is a waterfront community at the intersection of the Niagara River and Lake Erie. There’s more greenery here and a love for the outdoors, fishing, and of course, Buffalo wings. Yep, your favorite bar snack was discovered right here in Buffalo, New York, hence the name of the beloved buffalo (or chicken) wings. The story goes that Teressa Bellissimo created this snack in 1964 at their family-owned restaurant, Anchor Bar. By the mid-1980s the delicious appetizer was a hit across the nation. While in town, your group can visit the original location and enjoy your own plate of Buffalo wings! Buffalo is also a place for really good fishing. Its location on the eastern shores of Lake Erie gives anglers access to a variety of freshwater fishing. There’s also the Niagara River that keeps anglers busy with bending rods and good fighting action. Anglers can also drive about 35 miles north to Lake Ontario or 70 miles south to reach Chautauqua Lake, both fantastic fishing spots in their own right. Time your visit just right, and you could have a very busy weekend fishing in Buffalo.

Fishing Near Buffalo

The numerous waters near Buffalo will reward anglers with a variety of freshwater species. These include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, musky, walleye, salmon, steelhead, trout, and pike. From the nearby Great Lakes to area tributaries, any number of species are waiting for you. Lake Erie is known as the “Smallmouth Bass Capital of the World,” and Buffalo is in a prime location as a launch point to this fishery. Lake Erie is the southernmost Great Lake and can boast the best fishing of the group. While it’s only the fourth-largest Great Lake, it’s shallow waters help to create a habitat favorable for year-round fishing. The eastern basin, specifically, has arguably the best smallmouth bass fishing in the country. Known as “smallies” in the area, smallmouth bass typically range from three to five pounds. While technically anglers can fish for smallies twelve months of the year, the best time is during the Spring. As the water temperatures warm from spring to summer months, the smallies will move from tributaries to harbors and out to the reefs. Plan your trip according to the season and you’ll be sure to find the schools of fish. Spinnerbaits, stickbaits, and crankbaits that imitate minnows or shiners are the most commonly used artificials. Walleye is a second favorite species targeted in the area. The Spring season is also spawning season for this popular species. Anglers will find walleye weighing about two to four pounds in the area, although larger catches are not uncommon by any means. Lake Erie is a great place to plan your walleye fishing trip or try the mouth of the Niagara River at Lake Ontario. Chautauqua Lake to the south is another very productive area for walleye fishing trips. For those looking to trek out a bit farther, head to Lake Ontario for some salmon fishing. Here anglers will find king salmon in good numbers, along with steelhead and trout. The most common technique for catching salmon and trout here is trolling, a method where captains will drive the vessel around an area holding fish while rods are out and bait or lures are deployed. It’s an easy technique to implement, but a difficult technique to master. Keeping baits at the right depth and the boat at the right speed is part of the art. Hire a local guide who will have the years of experience required for a successful salmon trip.

Buffalo Fishing Trips

Most trips will launch from the Buffalo Harbor or the nearby marina. There are few known fishing spots that local anglers will check first, depending on the season. These include Woodlawn Bar (located just off the coast near Woodlawn Beach State Park), Seneca Shoal, and Myers Reef. The Niagara River also offers great fishing opportunities, especially at either end as it flows from Lake Erie and into Lake Ontario. On the Lake Erie side, the water temperatures are warmer and are home to smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, musky, and pike. At the mouth of the river on Lake Ontario is an excellent walleye fishery. Of course, watch out for those famous waterfalls in the middle. Believe it or not, fishing is a year-round opportunity here in Buffalo. For those who are interested in ice fishing once the water ices over will not be disappointed. Beaver Island State Park Marina and Big Six Mile Creek State Park are two options to find yellow perch, northern pike, and largemouth bass.

Book a Buffalo Fishing Guide

If you are one of many anglers who are traveling from far away to fish the amazing waters of Lake Erie, Niagara River, or other nearby Buffalo water systems, you’re in luck! There’s a group of professional and experienced charter captains in the area who are ready to accommodate your group. They’ll have all the gear needed for a great day of fishing and can take you right to where the fish are to find your next trophy. Find a local Buffalo fishing charter today with FishAnywhere.com and start your adventure - it’s just a click away!