chief huntum

There are areas especially around Pittsford and Rochester where the water is way too low to support fish. I believe these fish move with the direction the current is draining. In the spring, you will often see many dead fish pack up against the locks. Whether these fish die of natural causes or are victims of the draw down I don't know. As far as walleyes, I believe they migrate into the canal from Lake Erie. Walleye are roamers and keep on going. I could tell you places where walleye are right now that have wintered over in the canal. Where Garandaga Creek flows into the canal in Palmyra can be good as can Canandaigua Outlet wherer it dumps in Lyons. I know friends that target them and do well, but I wouldn't call it a walleye factory.

Last June while visiting my sister-in-law in Saratoga for four days I got up early in the mornings and fished under the bridge at the outlet. I caught some really nice walleyes until around 7:30am. Then if I had a break during the day I hammered large crappies right at the state boat launch even with heavy boat traffic. I was really surprised by that. I wished I had taken my boat, but I knew enough to stay out of trouble.

Here is my take. Right after ice out I crappie fish in the dewatered sections of the canal. Obviously these fish were in shallow water all winter long. Even when its dewatered, there is current and rarely is the ice very thick. In addition to the crappies, I catch alot of smallmouth bass, bluegills, largemouth and pike (not on purpose, but they hit my crappie jigs. This time of year there are bullhead fisherman doing real well in the drained areas. This is in the Macedon / Fairport areas so I don't know about areas west of Fairport. The locks seem to hold more water. I would think any areas along the canal that have depressions where water may be sliightly deeper holds fish. Beginning in Palmyra to Newark, the canal does not get dewatered so I'm sure there are alot of fish that end up there once the canal is lowered, then disperse when the canal is filled.

Guys: Please email me at [email protected] and I will forward pics. Unfortunately my work schedule is preventing me from learning how to post a pic here (work computer only) but I can send them on my easy share program right away.

Just in time for fall fishing! Original owner of a 1984 16' Blue Finn with a 50hp evinrude on a shorelander trailer. This was a very popular "working class" Salmon/trout boat for Lake Ontario. I've since mounted a newer model 45lb thrust Minn Kota trolling motor on the bow. The engine runs good and was recently serviced by Pugsleys Marine for a new electric coil. Engine has run good every year since its been owned and always properly winterized. 1/2 the skeg is broken off thanks to my brother in 1998 but it never effected the performance or caused lower unit damage. Never water in the engine's lower unit. I replaced the fuel pump and water pump in the mid 1990s and 2008 for maintenance only. Brand new bildge and livewell pumps too. Floor was replaced with marine grade plywood in the early 1990's and is very solid. No leaking rivets or water entry. All lights and switches work. Hummingbird Piranna fishfinder was sent to the factory to fix a moisture problem and will be available soon. Internally the boat is clean, but outside the paint is scratched but afterall it is 24 years old. This would make a great fishing boat for someone. Pics are available or come to Marion, NY and take it on a test ride. I'll miss the old boy, but its time for an upgrade. Asking $2,500.00 or B/O.