Fishing and Outdoors in WNY: Just how good is fishing in Niagara County? See for yourself

Story and Photos by Capt. Frank Campbell

Destination Niagara USA Director of Outdoor Promotions

I often tell people that we have the best freshwater fishing the country has to offer. When I make this statement, I believe it 100%.

After 30-plus years of guiding in the area, I have been able to send many a visiting angler home believing exactly that. This same notation is expressed by many of the media members that sample what the Niagara Region’s lakes and rivers have to offer in terms of fishing opportunities.

In the last month, I have been able to host over 20 media members and, to a person, they all praised the fishing they experienced in local waterways. I am a firm believer in the importance of letting the outdoor communicators tell the story of their success, thus putting a stamp of approval on our fishery.

I would like to share a few of the catches from the recent media visits that will be the basis numerous articles, podcasts, social media posts, and video for television.

Mark Davis, host of “BigWater Adventures,” shows off a giant, 34-inch walleye he caught while filming an episode of his show for 2025.

James Hall, editor of Bassmaster Magazine, holds up one of many upper Niagara River smallmouth he boated during a recent media visit.

In-Fisherman Field Editor Steve Quinn hoists a beautiful lower Niagara River smallmouth bass.

Curt Hill of Power Pole shows the camera a Devil's Hole lake trout he battled for the TV show “Mid-West Outdoors.”

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I hope to see you enjoying the local outdoors. Every week, I produce a fishing report (Niagara County Fishing Hotline). You can access it online at www.niagarafallsusa.com, or by simply calling 716-282-8992, ext. 4, to hear what’s up in the world of fishing. It is updated every Wednesday.