Buffalo NY Fishing Report – Observations from 06/16/2025 – 06/22/2025
Here’s our latest Buffalo NY fishing report: It’s officially summer folks – and damn, the heat has been brutal! This past week was a mix of fishing adventures on Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara, filled with memorable moments and some challenging conditions. From a belated Father’s Day trip packed with friendly competition to grinding it out for smallmouth bass during a tough post-spawn bite, our anglers showed skill and fortitude. We negotiated rapidly changing conditions and scattered walleyes, navigated massive waves in a fun local tournament, and even faced a slow day that kept us humble. The week wrapped up with a family staycation trip that ended on a high note with a great catch for the dinner table. Despite a weather day cutting one trip short, the energy, laughs, and fish made this week one for the books!
Days on the water: 6
Who we fished with: friends/clients
Where we fished: Upper Niagara, Lake Erie
What we caught: walleye, smallmouth bass, freshwater drum
Tactics: bottom bouncing worm harnesses, trolling divers with harnesses and spoons; casting finesse baits and stick baits
Detailed Reporting/Daily Observations
06/16/2025 – Belated Father’s Day Session
Celebrated a belated Father’s Day fishing Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara with local clients Isaiah, Joshua, and their dad, Michael. We hit the water for a half-day afternoon trip, covering plenty of ground. The friendly competition between them kept the energy high, and we had an absolute blast. Ended the day with some great memories and a solid catch rate!
06/17/2025 – Spawn/Post Spawn Blues
Fished the Upper Niagara for smallmouth bass with Andrew and Maks in town from VA. These guys were excellent anglers – but the river wasn’t performing it’s best. We got into fish, but we had to work for them. Many beds were empty, the algae was thick, and finding active fish was a grind in many areas. Still, their skills made it a solid day on the water!
06/18/2025 – Back on ‘Eyes
Fished for walleyes out of Hanover, NY with Ryan, Clayton, and Doug. We had our windows of excitement, but it took a lot of work to get it done. The surface temperatures were very warm but got super cold more than 30’ down. That kept the fish up high and scattered. Good times and lots of laughs nonetheless. 
06/19/2025 – Weather Day
Huge SW winds and some rain forced me to reschedule the trip.
06/20/2025 – Big Waves = Big Action
Fished Lake Erie out of Buffalo, NY with Jason, Adam, and Nick. I was one of 14 boats that competed in a fun little tourney put on by Capt Joe Fonzi of Thumbs Up Guide Service. Lake Erie was HUGE – consistent waves over 5’ – even too big for me (well, not really but it’s almost a fools errand to fish it when it’s that big). So, we stayed in the harbor for most of the day. Thankfully, all that wind pushed a lot of nice walleyes into the harbor. We did very well. However, I neglected to take pics. Sorry.
06/21/2025 – The “Bear” Ate Me
Fished out of Hanover, NY with Dave and Elizabeth. It was a painfully slow day – and I don’t have a good excuse. Sure, it was calm, but that shouldn’t have mattered. Fish were still cruising around the top 20’ of the water column – just couldn’t get many to commit.
06/22/2025 – Family Staycation Trip
Fished a half day trip for walleyes out of Buffalo, NY with Matt, Hayley, and Henry – who were wrapping up they’re “staycation” with a fishing trip. They went on a fun family trip with a Class A around Corning and Letchworth – camping along the way. They hoped they’d be able to conclude their journey by catching some fish they could take home to eat. Mission accomplished – super fun session! Big W winds had the lake rolling so we stayed close to the harbor and made it happen. 
Seasonal Assessment/General Observations
It’s that time of year where I won’t be on Lake Ontario for a couple of months. My focus will be primarily on Lake Erie for the next month or so, with a dabble here and there on the Upper and Lower Niagara to check in on the algae flows and where the bass and walleyes are hanging out.
This past week is a prime example of this transition. Since I spent some time targeting both species, here’s what I noticed with both:
Smallmouth Bass
Some are still spawning but most are post-spawn. In the river, they’re moving into deeper water – but the algae is getting to be prohibitive. If you don’t mind fishing through “grinch hair,” there’s plenty of fish to get caught in deeper water.
I didn’t get to spend any time on Lake Erie targeting them – it’s just the way the weather and the bookings worked out. However, I bet there’s a general trend of leaving the shallows for deeper water. Shoals and rock piles will start seeing more and more fish in the upcoming weeks.
Now? They’re between their spawning areas and those summer feeding grounds. Some are still on sand, some are on rocks. Oh yeah, the drum are in town too. So, you’ll likely end up crossing many of them in your pursuit.
Walleyes
Although I’ve had a couple emotional walleye sessions lately, the action has been otherwise excellent. I’m confident this upcoming week is going to be insane for them. All that warm water that got blown out of here about a week ago is surging back into our basin. Stay tuned for that.
Buffalo NY Fishing Report – Forecast for 06/23/2025 – 06/29/2025
Forecast Commentary
Other than a couple days of extreme heat, maybe a drizzle or two, and only one day where wind will be a small issue, the forecast looks great. Every day will be fishable – just stay hydrated folks! Walleyes will continue to be the main target, but I’ll spend at least one day poking around for smallmouth bass out on Lake Erie.
Due to some unfortunate circumstances, my clients for Monday and Tuesday had to cancel last minute. I was able to backfill Monday, but Tuesday remains open. If you want to get out and can make a last-minute trip work, give me a call. Stay tuned for what should be another great week.
Stay healthy my friends – mentally and physically,
Ryan