Buffalo NY Fishing Report – Observations from 06/17/2025 – 06/29/2025
Here’s our latest Buffalo NY fishing report: What a week on Lake Erie out of Buffalo, NY! From last-minute trips with longtime friends like Rick, who found solace in a multi-species adventure, to curing young Jack’s FOMO with a walleye-filled day alongside his dad, Ryan, the lake delivered unforgettable moments. We checked off bucket lists with the Whisperer, Captain America, and the Silent Assassin, while Stella outshined her dad, Jason, in a multi-species showdown. Despite a challenging big-wave day with new clients Troy and Mike, and navigating a chaotic, crowded boat launch with Jason, Jon, and Wes, the walleye bite remained hot, complemented by smallmouth and drum action.
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 and planer boards with harnesses and spoons; casting finesse baits
Detailed Reporting/Daily Observations
06/23/2025 – R&R with Rick
Did a multi-species trip on Lake Erie out of Buffalo, NY with long-time friend and client, Rick. As I mentioned in last week’s report, I had a last-minute cancellation for 06/23 and 06/24. Thankfully, Rick jumped on the opportunity to get out. He’s been putting a lot of time in at work lately – and his mother recently passed away. In short – he needed some on-the-water therapy to clear his mind.
We had a blast – the walleye bite was excellent, and we managed to get into some chunky smallmouth. Super fun day. Thank you, Rick, for getting out there at the last minute.
06/24/2025 – Gold Fever FOMO
Fished Lake Erie for walleyes out of Buffalo, NY, with Ryan and Jack. A huge shout-out to Ryan for seizing a last-minute cancellation to join me again! He fished for walleyes the previous week with buddies out of Hanover, NY. When his son, Jack—a hardcore angler by every measure—saw pics of his dad reeling in Lake Erie gold, he caught a serious case of FOMO.
Well, after this outing, the FOMO is cured. Now young Jack has the sickness – a powerful lust for gold. Thankfully, these guys are on the docket a couple more times during the season. 
06/25/2025 – “Bucket” List – Check
Fished Lake Erie for walleyes out of Buffalo, NY with the Whisperer, Captain America, and the Silent Assassin. See below. We did what we always do when it comes to Lake Erie gold. BTW – I train all winter carrying 70lb kettlebells around the gym to get ready for this time of year. Double-hand carries and single-hand/briefcase carries for hours lol. And apparently, I’m a redneck.
06/26/2025 – Daughter Beats Dad
Did a multispecies trip on Lake Erie out of Buffalo, NY with Jason and his daughter, Stella – up from PA. Jason has fished with me bunch of times in previous years – with a friend or by himself. He’s an incredible angler and always a blast to fish with. He took a couple years off but decided to come up here for a few days to visit the falls with his family and do some fishing with his daughter, Stella.
Stella wanted to chalk up as many species as possible – so that’s what we did. We got a limit of walleyes, pivoted to big smallmouth and drum, then pivoted to a short river session where her father could show off his skills. It was an awesome session. Clearly, Jason taught his daughter well. 
06/27/2025 – Day Off
Had a last minute cancellation (there’s been a rash of those lately – not happy about that). Took the day off – gym, laundry, relaxation.
06/28/2025 – Another Big Wave Day
Fished Lake Erie out of Buffalo, NY with new clients Troy and Mike. The lake was rolling so boat control was a little challenging – but action was excellent. We followed up a limit with a little bass fishing…that mainly produced drum. 
06/26/2025 – Madness…just Madness
Fished Lake Erie out of Buffalo, NE with new clients Jason, Jon, and Wes. It was by far and away the most crowded I’ve seen the boat launch. No wonder – it was a sunny, windless day. The word is out that the walleye bite is good. It was also a Sunday. Wow – it was a zoo. We caught the hell out of fish though. 
Seasonal Assessment/General Observations
The fishing scene in Western New York is on fire! From the explosive walleye bite across Lake Erie to the reliable smallmouth bass action, anglers are in for a treat. Here’s the latest on what’s biting, where, and how to make the most of this hot streak before the conditions shift.
Walleyes
Thankfully, the prediction I made about the walleye bite REALLY firing up this week came to pass. The walleye bite in NY is incredible now – and it’s just the beginning. From Buffalo, NY to Barcelona Harbor, NY the walleyes are numerous, the parking lots for the boat ramps are full, and the lines at the cleaning stations are long. It’s a zoo out there but the bite has been so good it’s worthwhile dealing with the frustrations. Want bottom bounce? – You’ll get limits. Want pull stick baits? – You’ll get limits. Want to run boards or divers for suspending fish? – You’ll get limits.
Although the short commute is nice, I don’t know how long the good times will last out of Buffalo, NY. I think most of the fish hanging around that area are keyed in on emerald shiners migrating from the river to the colder, deeper water of the lake. The top 20’ of the water column is loaded with these little gems. However, it’s getting hot out there – surface temperatures are pushing 70 degrees – far too warm for emeralds to hang around. When that bait’s gone – the walleyes will move on to deeper/colder pastures that hold more food – and so will I.
Bass
One nice thing about fishing out of Buffalo, NY is that if you get a limit of walleyes and want to continue fishing, you can always target smallmouth bass. However, that limits bassing time to a couple of hours per session so I can’t provide a thorough assessment of what those fish are up to. I’ll say this much, I found fish mostly on sand this past week – but structure held some fish too.
The Niagara is still fishing well – but that game will come to a close soon. The river is warming up fast, and the emeralds are on their way out. Plus, the algae is thick as is the boat traffic so it’s almost not worth fishing. If you’ve just gotta keep fishing the same water you’ve been fishing for the past couple of months, you can avoid most of the “grinch hair” by fishing small profile, suspending baits.
Buffalo NY Fishing Report – Forecast for 06/30/2025 – 07/06/2025
Forecast Commentary
Every day looks fishable this upcoming week. I’ll be out there every day. Enjoy the 4th Folks. Stay tuned for what I’m sure will be yet another wild walleye week.
Stay healthy my friends – mentally and physically,
Ryan