wayne Wayne County Fishing Report for January 16, 2018

[Wayne County]

Bays - The recent thaw hasn’t really affected ice thickness, however with last week’s rain the run-off from streams into the bays is creating unsafe ice in certain locations. Beware where the streams pour into bays and stay away from those areas.

 

The ice is 12 inches on sections of Sodus and Port Bays. Anglers are fishing for perch off the points of Port Bay and near the north end of the bay.

 

Sodus Bay has action near the south end, over by Arney’s Marina, and near the old Malt House area. Again…not all ice is uniform after last week’s two inches of rain and 57-degree temps.

 

The perch fishing has been excellent. Once you find the schools of larger fish, stay put and entice the bites with jigs, small paddle tail rubber bait tipped with spikes.

 

Remember, as ice anglers you are visiting the bays, so don’t trespass on land where you don’t have permission to park. And don’t leave stuff on the ice, like propane tanks. The word is that there have been parking issues and litter left behind near the loop at Sodus Point. Make sure you respect where you are because the hospitality given to ice anglers can end quickly.

 

Wayne County has an ice fishing guide which gives you the basics of fishing on our bays. Contact the tourism office if you would like the brochure.

 

Check out the rest of the Wayne County Tourism web page for the locations and hours of local bait and tackle shops. www.waynecountytourism.com.

 

Erie Canal - There is plenty of ice on the canal and if you are tired of catching all the perch from the bays, try for bluegills at Widewaters.

 

This report was written on January 16, 2018 by Chris Kenyon of Wolcott, NY, a regular columnist with the Finger Lakes Times, Sun and Record, Lake Ontario Outdoors and freelance writer with other publications, as well as Recreational Promotional Coordinator for Wayne County Tourism. Chris assists with the Wayne County Youth Derby and other outdoor events. He also takes time to work with the Montezuma Audobon Center on programs involving kids, including their Youth Pheasant Hunt. He is a constant presence at sportsmen's events, shows, and anything involving the outdoors. Kenyon is a tireless advocate for enjoying the outdoors, preserving the environment, and sharing knowledge and skills.