River Report - 1/14/2026
As we pass by a few warmer days ( 40’s ) and some great fishing conditions… Winter is back and we are now in a winter storm warning.
Currently, most to all of our lake run tributaries are fishing great. We have a mix of new and old fish throughout and levels are well rounded for all angling styles. The only system that has not come around, which should be no surprise, is the Cattaraugus. The Lower Niagara is relatively ice free and if your willing to brave the cold temps, it should fish well!
As for our Inland fisheries… things are looking great… for now….
Water levels have been high and off color for a few days, but with the colder overnights, clarity has really come around we noticed it today as we toured around southern Erie Co and Cattaraugus Co.
We ended up on one of our favorite systems in Cattaraugus county, and she provided a few good fish for the firsts of 2026.
We have attached an “on the water update” to get a look at today’s conditions
A beautiful 23.5” female brown who looks to have successfully spawned and has been able to fill back up a little bit.
After releasing this fish and heading back downstream, I got to thinking how I landed one in that pool last February, and it was very similar to that fish.
Upon comparing photos from February 25, 2025, and today, it was evident I had caught the same fish. This was the first time I have ever caught the same larger fish more than once, let alone in the same pool. This system I fish is known for its transient fish, rarely do you find them in the same section, let alone the same pool. There are multiple high quality tributaries that this fish could have sat in, or went lower on the system. By looking at its tail today, it tried to spawn and was hopefully successful this fall.
January 14th, 2026
February 25th, 2025
You can tell from the two pictures, that the dots around the eyes and gill plates match up. Not always can you look to those for a definitive answer, but since she wasnt growing multiple inches over the year, those patterns should relatively stay the same.
As we progress into the next few weeks, snowy and cold are the common denominators. We will be on the water with some clients this coming week and a few days for ourselves, as long as the temps and ice allow!
We will be in the shop Saturday till 2pm, come stop in, get some gear and talk fishing!
The Hairy Trout
3891 Seneca street, West Seneca, NY 14224
Keep a look out for an exciting event coming in March…. A multi day event at a local premier resort. Bourbon paired dinner, beach fires, cigars, Steelhead and more.
Nick Sagnibene
716 Fly Fishing
Nick@716flyfishing.com
