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Are you planning a vacation or a visit to Central New
York state? If so, make sure you stop by West Canada
Creek, which is easily accessible from, and located along
Route 28. Averaging 80 feet across, West Canada Creek
offers year-round trout fishing with excellent quality
hatches and diverse water. Only the Trophy Section is
open all year (Exceptions
to General Angling Regulations.) Primarily a brown
trout river, it's been known to offer fish 16 to 18+
inches on a regular basis, although the average Browns
found here are 12 to 14 inches.
The Trophy Section of West Canada Creek is probably
the best place to start. It begins at Trenton Falls
and flows for approximately two and a half miles to
where Cincinnati Creek flows in. Consisting of large
deep quiet pools, swift stretches of riffles, and pocket
water, this section is a delight for the well-rounded
fly rodder. A large selection of flies, ranging from
size 20 dries to size 6 streamers, will help increase
your odds here. Aside from its good Mayfly, Caddis,
and Stonefly content, the river also supports a large
number of baitfish. |
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CLICK FOR MAP
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When wading on West Canada Creek, caution is required.
Be sure to look for rising water that results from the
dam at Trenton Falls; it's turned on to generate power,
with no set schedule. Water flows of 400-700 cfs (cubic
feet per second) are ideal, although fishing can still
be good in higher water, even above 1000 cfs. If you're
there when power is being generated and the water is
high, try changing over to a streamer, or fish nymphs
in some of the softer seams along the bank. During the
times the dam is shut down and water recedes, the river
takes on definition. Feeding lanes will form, and it's
a great time to look for trout to set up where food is
funneled through a tight lane. This also is known as
a "scum line" or "feeding lane". |
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Access is readily available along Route 28, and you'll
find many spots to pull over and try your luck. Keep
in mind that only the Trophy Section is open during the
winter. Winter fishing is best when using nymphs in and
around soft seams, where trout can relax in the cold
water temperatures and gently intercept incoming food.
If you're planning to strip streamers, fish slow and
remember that trout are more lethargic in the cold water
temperatures.
As spring approaches, water temperatures rise and
high water is present, so streamers such as Matukas, Wooly
Buggers, and Black
Ghosts work well. It's also a good idea to try
large Stonefly Nymphs in the hard pockets and riffles.
By the end of April, dries start to hit the water.
During early spring, Hendricksons and Little
Black Stones are your best bet. As spring wears
on, dry fly fishing gets even better. Check the Mayfly
Hatch Cart for the appearance of future bugs. The next
time you're in Central New York, be sure to get a map
of West Canada Creek, so you can enjoy the fly fishing
it offers. |
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