Fishing and Outdoors in WNY: Celebrate all that the fall has to offer

By Capt. Frank Campbell

Director, Outdoor Promotions

Destination Niagara USA

As I have stated before, we live for our summers here in Western New York.

But in reality, we should live for every day.

This year, in particular, I saw too many people who were too young, too healthy, or too good of a person pass away. It really hits home sometimes how we take life for granted. Every day truly is a good day and a gift.

Fall here in the Niagara Region offers so many great opportunities to find reasons to believe it’s a good day. Yes, I know the days are getting shorter and the weather is starting to cool off, but I will say that the cooler nights make for great sleeping – and there is still plenty of daylight to enjoy some outside time.

The shorter days also trigger a few things in the fishing world, including the king salmon starting to navigate their way home to native tributaries to spawn and once again begin the cycle of life for this salmon species. The shorter days and less warm temperatures help to chill down the water to give the fish a chance to survive long enough to spawn in the rivers and streams. If the water remains too warm, the fish will defer their spawning run or will enter the tribs into warmer-than-ideal conditions, and oftentimes will succumb to the lethally warm temperatures.

The return of the salmon also marks an increase in angler activities no matter where these runs occur. The kings are the largest salmon species we have in the Great Lakes and, because of this fact, draw the most attention. The best part about local salmon fishing is that the fish are just as accessible to the shoreline angler as a person with a boat. So, if you ever wanted a chance at catching potentially the biggest fish of your life, head down to the Niagara River or Eighteen-mile Creek and join in on the fun.

Speaking of the Niagara River: A hike into the gorge in the fall when the leaves are turning is second to none in terms of sheer beauty of the landscape and absolutely spectacular coloring of the canopy. Artpark, Devil’s Hole, and Whirlpool all offer great access points onto trails and stairs that will definitely leave you feeling like you’re in the wilderness.

Be prepared if you do take the stairs into the gorge area, stay on the trails, and remember that all the stairs that are traveled down are a little tougher to conquer on the trip back up. Make sure to dress properly, bring plenty of fluids, and take in all the nature that the gorge area has to offer.

You can expect to see plenty of different birds, plants, and even some animal life such as deer or minks along the water’s edge. One of the best things about a fall hike is the lack of other hikers that the summer tourist season brings.

If the Niagara River gorge is too much of a challenge, maybe a walk around Goat Island or another New York State Park such as Joseph Davis or Wilson Tuscarora is more your speed? The state parks in the area offer many trails that are fairly level with few inclines. These parks offer numerous opportunities to take in the wildlife, changing leaves, and in some instances an awesome view of the waterways.

As I said, every day is a good day, and fall is a great time to take advantage of all the beauty we are blessed with here in Western New York.