Rainbow Trout

If you're chasing rainbow trout in upstate New York, the Clyde area offers some surprisingly good opportunities, especially along the Erie Canal and its tributaries. While not a classic trout stream, the canal system supports a population of rainbows that migrate in from Lake Ontario. Prime time is typically spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when water temperatures are cooler and the trout are actively feeding. Access is relatively easy, with numerous bridge crossings and canal-side paths providing access for bank fishing. Wading can be tricky in some areas due to depth and currents, so exercise caution. A local tip: try fishing near culverts and feeder streams where trout may congregate. The rainbows here tend to be opportunistic feeders, so a variety of lures and baits can be effective, from small spinners and spoons to worms and egg sacs. Be prepared for some surprisingly large fish; the canal can hold some real bruisers.