Oak Orchard - Dec 9th

[Miguel CuUnjieng]

Hi Everyone,

Been a while since I've posted here, but always appreciate the amazing insight from those on this forum.

Im heading up with some friends to fish Oak Orchard near Albion, NY, hoping to get into some steelhead, browns, and maybe a zombie or two haha!  Ive had mixed luck at the Salmon River the past 2 years, and am looking for a change of scenery, and to get away from the full-on salmon crowds and hopefully fewer snaggers.  

Any tips anyone could provide on the following items would be greatly appreciated:

1) locations and tactics - I have seen many videos of people bottom bouncing and indicator nymphing.  Any comments on preferred tactics, and tips on weight/setup would be great too.  SO far I have been unable to find if people are going down to 4x to get into fish here, or keeping things at 2-3x and hopefully keeping a few more on the line.

2) flies - I have been tying egg patterns in sizes 10-14, mayflies and caddis in size 14, and black and brown stoneflies in size 12.  Any advice on specific patterns, colors, or comments on whether I am tying the right bugs would be great!  (I am the one tying flies for the three of us...I'm feeling the pressure and hope these flies work for us!)

3) lodging - we are looking for a place to stay (on the cheaper side) that is fisherman friendly.  Doing some research as well, however all pointers are helpful :)

Thanks again guys and sending tight lines all around!

- Miguel 

[Yambag Nelson]

Its been several years since I fished the Oak, but I used to fish it quite a bit.  The vast majority of people fly fishing will be using an indicator rig with egg patterns.  The normal stuff will work (estaz eggs, blood dots, sucker spawn ect).  There are a couple of local patterns but egg patterns in general.  Throw a split shot on about a foot about the fly and you are good to go. 

if you are into swinging, there are a couple of swingable spots but for the most part, it is a dead drift deal.  It isn't particularly deep so you don't need very heavy tips if you do decide to try and swing. 

FWIW, in case you aren't aware, there is really only about a mile of fishable water (some of which you need a pfd) so it is pretty much impossible to get away from the crowds.  You will be going post salmon season so it may not be that horrible though.  Should be browns (some of which will be in rough shape).

[Miguel CuUnjieng]

Thank you so much for your insight - Im happy to hear people generally fish indicator rigs, I am so sick of seeing people "lift" salmon and steelhead while chuck and ducking on the Salmon River.  I will plan to throw those egg flies for sure (size 10-12 still work or should I get down to 14?) and will keep track of the Erie canal draining schedule/flows situation to determine weight and depth.  

Very aware of the short stretch of water to explore, and excited to make the most of it.  Have noticed a few more popular spots within this stretch and will try to scope them out.  I understand we are also allowed to wade in and fish the smaller far side waterfall at the dam - would you recommend fishing up in this area as well, or is this generally a salmon spot with fewer fish holding here in the winter months? 

As you mention - fingers crossed we miss the salmon crowds and we get into some browns including the ones in decent shape as well.  Thanks again!

[Yambag Nelson]

Oh, there is plenty of lifting going on at the Oak.  I was just talking about the people actually trying to get them to eat a fly.   I have never felt a need to go anywhere near as small as 14 when fishing the great lakes tribs.  8 and 10 will be fine.  They used to drain the canal in mid to late November, not sure if that is still the case.  My guess is that it has already been done and flows will be rainfall dependent.  Fortunately they have been getting some rain lately. 

I have never bothered to fish the area on the far side.  There is only decent flow in there when there has been tons of rain.  More than likely, any fish in there will be stranded and not an appropriate target for anything other than the scummiest of snaggers.  If anything, probably zombie salmon or gross browns. 

Typically you should start seeing more steelhead this time of year, but it is my understanding that steelhead runs have been really poor this year on the Ontario tribs.