The Genesee River, Braddock's and Irondequoit Bays, as well as other local small tributaries flowing into Lake Ontario begin to warm up and color the shallow waters, providing Rochester fisherman with the earliest and most productive Spring season on the lake. The spring is a great time to book a trip and cure your "cabin fever."

During June the lake begins to stratify causing the warm water to move further offshore. This warm water migration is influenced by the prevailing wind and air temperature conditions. As a result, the fish will begin to scatter over a wider geographic area. The stratification of the lake creates a thermo-bar, where the cold and warm water meet. It's at the thermo-bar where some of the best steelhead fishing of the year can be found. Salmon and "hog" lake trout feeding in deep water (100-200 ft.) can also be caught

The lake is now completely stratified, the thermocline is established, and the fish are located in their preferred temperature environments. The large, hard-fighting salmon and brown trout are caught at this time. In addition, trophy lake trout are still available in large numbers. Pack a lunch and make sure your arms are in shape, so that you ready for the "Big Hit!" Smallmouth bass season is also in full swing during the summer months. It's not uncommon to catch at least half your body weight of the hard-fighting bronze-backs.

The fish are starting to leave their preferred water temperatures and begin heading back towards shore to their prospective spawning sites. In late August/ early September, the conditions are still ideal for fishing schools of brown trout and salmon, still maintaining their summer-type patterns. The end of September and early October mark the beginning of salmon staging and entering the Genesee River. During this time, the most productive fishing can be found in front of and in the Genesee River. Rochester is fortunate in that it is one of the few ports on the lake where the salmon can be pursued by boat right in the river! Fishing the shallow waters gives you the opportunity to land a monster salmon (3 to 4 year old class) heading up river. The hits associated with these fish are hard and be prepared to have more than a few yards of line scream out of your reel. Your captain is an expert on the bottom structure at the mouth of and inside the river, knowing exactly where these fish like to congregate.