How good is the fishing in Buffalo Niagara? The region has some of the best smallmouth bass, musky, king salmon, steelhead, walleye and lake trout fishing in the world. In fact, fantastic fishing can be found only minutes from downtown Buffalo’s many hotels. Within a short drive from Buffalo anglers can fish Lakes Erie and Ontario, the mighty Niagara River, Chautauqua Lake and numerous trout streams.

Lake Erie has been called the smallmouth bass capital of the world and Buffalo Harbor is one of the best kept secrets in the world of musky fishing. Trophy fish are routinely taken in the waters hereabouts.

The Niagara River is divided into two distinct fishing areas by Niagara Falls. The upper section as it flows out of Lake Erie is a great warm water fishery. It’s home to smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskies and northern pike. The lower Niagara River – which empties into Lake Ontario – is home to salmon, steelhead, lake trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass and walleye. The state record lake trout comes from the lower Niagara – a 39 pound monster caught in 1994.

Lake Ontario is one of the finest fisheries in the Great Lakes. It has a tremendous salmon population, with many weighing in at over 40 pounds. Steelhead roam the open waters, along with brown and lake trout.

Get hooked on Buffalo Niagara with an adventurous day of fishing with one of the area’s many charter captains. Take advantage of their local knowledge and expertise and come home with a trophy fish!

For a copy of the Greater Niagara Hot Spot Fishing Map call 1-866-345-FISH or visit www.erie.gov to view an interactive version of the map.