Catfish

Rochester offers some surprisingly good catfish opportunities, largely thanks to the Genesee River and its connection to Lake Ontario. The best time to target whiskered giants here is late spring into early summer, as the water warms and catfish become more active, following spawning patterns. Focus on deeper holes and areas with structure like fallen trees or rock piles. Night fishing can be particularly productive. For bait, think natural: cut bait like alewife or gizzard shad, readily available in the lake, are catfish magnets. A practical tip: access to the lower Genesee can be tricky, but the pier at Charlotte offers good shore fishing, and several boat launches upstream provide access to prime catfishing spots. Keep an eye on water levels, as heavy rains can muddy the river and impact fishing. Rochester catfish can be hefty; be prepared for a fight!