Winter waterways a 'roller coaster of alternating warm & cold periods'

Greater Niagara Fishing Expo to help support Catching Dreams Charters, ‘Fishing Fights Pediatric Cancer’

By Frank Campbell

Director, Outdoor Promotions

Destination Niagara USA

The other day, I was asked about the lack of visiting anglers this winter. I had to assure the person it had nothing to do with lack of promotion or any issues with the number of fish waiting to be caught, but it was just due to the clarity (or lack thereof) of the water itself.

The lower Niagara River is truly unique, providing anglers with the opportunity to pursue multiple fish species throughout the winter months. Its strong, fast-moving currents prevent much of the river from freezing, maintaining open-water conditions and allowing for productive fishing even during the coldest part of the year.

Once Lake Erie develops a solid ice cover, the effects of wind are greatly reduced, and fishing conditions in the river often become exceptional. With limited boat traffic and reduced angler pressure over an extended period, the fish remain relatively undisturbed. During this time of year, the primary targeted species include steelhead, brown trout, lake trout, and, to a lesser extent, walleye.

Fishing challenges

However, this winter has been a roller coaster of alternating warm and cold periods, which has had a negative impact on overall river conditions. During certain parts of the winter, the Niagara River can become dirty and stained due to heavy wave action on Lake Erie. Thawing cycles and runoff further affect water clarity, sometimes causing conditions to change rapidly.

Over the past 45 days, the water has remained consistently dirty or stained, resulting in very little angling activity in the lower Niagara River. When water clarity is poor, fishing becomes significantly more challenging, as reduced visibility makes it difficult for fish to see baits, often leading to slower bites and increased frustration for anglers.

The difference between dirty water events in the cold months versus the warm months is drastic, as the colder water is denser and therefore the dirt particles stay suspended longer – as opposed to warm water, which allows the particles to fall back down to the bottom more quickly.

Good news is on the horizon as Lake Erie is now nearly completely frozen, so soon we will welcome the anglers back to the lower Niagara River.

Check out Greater Niagara Fishing Expo

On the horizon is the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, which allows anglers and anyone who has cabin fever the opportunity to engage themselves in the Great Lakes finest educational opportunities – with over 250 seminar hours and all the latest and greatest fish catching tools for the 2026 season. The dates are Feb. 19-22, and it will once again be hosted at the Niagara Falls Convention Center on Old Falls Street in downtown Niagara Falls. The event truly is a great show that has something for every angler.

This year, this expo, also known as the “Teaching Fishing Show,” will partner with Catching Dreams Charters, a nonprofit organization, to help raise funds for its campaign: “Fishing Fights Pediatric Cancer.” This enables young people who are battling cancer to enjoy a cost-free day on the water for both themselves, and their family. Capt. Ned Librock has been the mover behind Catching Dreams Charters, which has grown from just three trips several years ago to a potential of 175 trips in 2026.

 A lot of the patients that this program serves are unable to enjoy “just being a kid” and, in my experience as a captain for a few of these outings, that is exactly what it offers. I can see why it is a recognized therapy as it puts smiles on the youngster’s face while letting them forget their daily fight and instead focus on fighting a fish.

Funding for Catching Dreams will be raised through raffles, both in educational classes, and on the show floor. All funds raised will go directly to getting these kids out on the local waterways. For additional information on Catching Dreams Charters, visit www.catchingdreamscharters.org.

For more information on the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, visit niagarafishingexpo.com.