Write a commentThe Oswego River is Lake Ontario's second largest tributary. Fishermen can find two distinct fishing areas along its length. The first is above Varrick Dam in Oswego, which is natural and sees minimal human intervention. The second area is below the dam. This part of the river offers a variety of fish that come and go with the seasons.
Public access to the river is excellent for fishermen. There is a beautiful tree-lined walkway along one side and an old rail line along the other. There is ample parking, restroom facilities, easy access to food, drink and cleaning stations.
Above the Varrick Dam, south of the city of Oswego, you can find catfish in the summer months, walleyes in the spring and fall, smallmouth bass in early summer and sheepshead, suckers, carp and panfish from mid-April to November.
Below the dam to the mouth of Lake Ontario you can find steelhead in the winter and northerns, bronzebacks and bass in the river. In the harbor you'll find perch, bullheads and rock bass. Come fall the coho and king salmon, along with large brown trout are met by eager fisherman that line the banks of the river.
