Niagara County, NY · Great Lakes
Niagara River (Lower)
The lower Niagara gorge below the falls — a world-class winter steelhead and trout fishery in powerful green water, plus trophy smallmouth bass, lake trout, and salmon staging from Lake Ontario. Drift-boated and bank-fished from the gorge.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Steelhead & Smallmouth Bass — tied at the top (12/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Niagara River (Lower).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Niagara River (Lower)
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Steelhead Skip the Steelhead trip today. In season 12/100
What's helping
- In the current report — steelhead is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — Lake- or sea-run rainbow trout — chrome-bright fighters that ascend tributaries from fall through spring. The Great Lakes tributary steelhead run (Lake Erie’s “steelhead alley,” Lake Ontario, Michigan rivers) is a destination fishery; bite keys on flow and water clarity.
Prefers. Water 40–55°F (ideal 48°F) · either tide · depth 2–60 ft.
- Min size
- 21"
- Daily creel
- 3
Lake Ontario and its tributaries: 3 trout & salmon per day in combination (brown/rainbow-steelhead/coho/chinook/lake trout), with no more than 1 lake trout. Tributary and seasonal rules vary — confirm the water.
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Skip the Smallmouth Bass trip today. In season 12/100
What's helping
- In the current report — smallmouth bass is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
Lake Ontario: 5 black bass/day, 12" minimum (third Saturday in June through Nov 30; catch-and-release at other times).
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Great Lakes
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
New York
Coordinates
Notes
NY: Lake Ontario / Niagara — 3 trout & salmon/day in combination; smallmouth 12" minimum. Powerful, dangerous current in the gorge.
Local reports & rules for Niagara River (Lower): New York DEC fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Niagara River (Lower)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Niagara River (Lower) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Niagara River (Lower)?
Niagara River (Lower) is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Niagara River (Lower)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Niagara River (Lower) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Niagara River (Lower) have?
Niagara River (Lower) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. NY: Lake Ontario / Niagara — 3 trout & salmon/day in combination; smallmouth 12" minimum. Powerful, dangerous current in the gorge.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Niagara River (Lower)?
state agency regulations apply at Niagara River (Lower). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Niagara River (Lower) tidal water?
No. Niagara River (Lower) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.