Oatka creek leroy

[FarginIcehole]

can anyone tell me about the fishing in this warm water section of the creek? say from leroy upstream to warsaw? i would imagine trout live in the headwaters as they do from mumford to the genny,but what about in between? i have heard crappies inhabit some of the waters upstream from leroy. any info would be appreciated.  Fargin

[MXFisher]

Well, I can tell you a little about this creek. I've lived in LeRoy most of my life, and grew up fishing the warm water section of the oatka. In the village, there are two dams, the one right at the main street bridge, the other is on the southwest side town, known as "red bridge". Fishing right below both falls is popular, you can walk out on the dam at red bridge and fish off it. Below red bridge you can slam pannies (not very big) and bass for hours on end.  Above red bridge there are bass, pannies, pike, bullheads and carp. Between the two dams there are  the same fish, though more carp and bass. Also I've never got a pike below red bridge, though the have to be there. Below the main street dam the water gets very shallow, though there are plenty of pools that hold fish. Right below the falls does produce some good fishing, for carp and bass (LMB and SMB). Last year a very good friend of mines nephew caught a 35+ inch northern above red bridge, but I will say that it was a fluke. I saw the picture, it did happen, but there aren't a lot in there like that, more of your "hammer handle" type fish. Way up above red bridge, the water gets shallow again and we used to go there and net minnows back when it was legal . I haven't fished much further south than cole rd. but I've heard there is good pike fishing further south in pavilion and beyond. I don't know were it goes back to being a "cold water creek", but it does, the oatka holds trout in Warsaw so it has to happen some where.

When you think about it the Oakta is a very unique creek. It starts out south of Warsaw a cold water creek holding trout, turns in to a warm water creek, holding many types of sport fish, and then north of LeRoy, around Buttermilk falls turns back in to a cold water trout stream. I don't know of any other creek that does that.

Fargin, if your coming to town to fish, let me know. I'll hook you up with access points, and maybe even come wet a line with ya!

[FarginIcehole]

hey mx thanks for that detailed info.i fish mumford to scottsville below spring creek and its all trout.just above spring creek it is slow flowing through some pastureland and holds pike bass and carp. but i have always been interested in your area,i will be taking a hike soon to check out your areas.   p.s.   i am a caledonia kid so i am not even sure we should be talking  lol!!!

[MXFisher]

hey mx thanks for that detailed info.i fish mumford to scottsville below spring creek and its all trout.just above spring creek it is slow flowing through some pastureland and holds pike bass and carp. but i have always been interested in your area,i will be taking a hike soon to check out your areas.   p.s.   i am a caledonia kid so i am not even sure we should be talking  lol!!!

Thats funny!

Actaully you know there is good trout fishing upstream from spring creek. They stock a lot in that area, and I fish it quite a bit. There is plenty of access off oakta trail. If your from "Cal city" I'm sure you know where that is.

[bb243]

I agree.  I love fishing that section of Oatka for trout.  I went tonight and landed 8, but lost at least that many if not more.  I always get many 2 yr olds which are a blast to catch and release.  It is a great stream and is mostly fishable year round from many of the bridges and parking spots.

[FarginIcehole]

just got back from the oatka. i was fishing upstream from sabin metal.fished a 1 mile stretch and caught all my fish in a 100 yard stretch. you know what they say, 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water!! caught a 14 inch humpback,very strange deformity,it almost looked like one of those pink salmon they catch in alaska. i netted 8 fish in 2 hours all on a #1 mepps aglia spinner.

[gofish]

i cant believe my eyes...... a guy from caledonia talking to someone from leroy?  not to mention sharing tips.  as a fellow cal city, caledonia or donia person I am shocked to say the least!

[troutspinner]

Fished Oatka early on in the spots mentioned.  One day after the stock it was so hot you could have caught them on anything.  We had a bet to try it on a cigarette butt, however no one wanted to take their lures off to try it.  Keep them lines tight.  It is a fun place to fish!

[gigpig]

Being a lifelong resident of Cal-Mum I get a good laugh out of you guys talking! We are more than willing to trade fishing tips but in no way will we trade FOOTBALL tips! Had a blast with the cal-mum leroy rivalry but had more fun partying with the boys after the games! MX - are you originally from Leroy or are you a transplant? Got the boat out yet?

[GAR]

just got back from the oatka. i was fishing upstream from sabin metal.fished a 1 mile stretch and caught all my fish in a 100 yard stretch. you know what they say, 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water!! caught a 14 inch humpback,very strange deformity,it almost looked like one of those pink salmon they catch in alaska. i netted 8 fish in 2 hours all on a #1 mepps aglia spinner.

That section is probably the best brown trout fishery within 200 miles of Rochester. I have caught 3 lb browns there, but loads of 14-17 inchers. Wading upstream with an ultralight, 4lbs magnathin (skinnier than regular 4 lb test) and a 204BRTR 1/24 oz Brown trout colored Rooster Tail. Also small rapala deep diving crayfish crankbaits will drag 'em up when they are finniky. Fish the deeper pools and near fallen trees 4pm till almost dark. I have landed over 20 in an outing.

Also, going upstream from the fast section on the oatka Trail, I have picked up crappies in the slower water. What's the deal with the dried up section above buttermilk falls. Where's the water go?

[gofish]

i have no problems sharing tips with a guy from leroy either.  actually come to think of it, i took my barber who is a leroy guy fishing and he was suppose to take me to lake leroy and never did.  i'll have to talk to him about that. 

[FarginIcehole]

didnt they sell lake leroy on ebay???

[MXFisher]

That section is probably the best brown trout fishery within 200 miles of Rochester. I have caught 3 lb browns there, but loads of 14-17 inchers. Wading upstream with an ultralight, 4lbs magnathin (skinnier than regular 4 lb test) and a 204BRTR 1/24 oz Brown trout colored Rooster Tail. Also small rapala deep diving crayfish crankbaits will drag 'em up when they are finniky. Fish the deeper pools and near fallen trees 4pm till almost dark. I have landed over 20 in an outing.

Also, going upstream from the fast section on the oatka Trail, I have picked up crappies in the slower water. What's the deal with the dried up section above buttermilk falls. Where's the water go?

Underground. It comes out at Buttermilk falls.

Being a lifelong resident of Cal-Mum I get a good laugh out of you guys talking! We are more than willing to trade fishing tips but in no way will we trade FOOTBALL tips! Had a blast with the cal-mum leroy rivalry but had more fun partying with the boys after the games! MX - are you originally from Leroy or are you a transplant? Got the boat out yet?

Almost ready, just getting her ready for the opener this weekend. What about you? Are you ready to defend your title?

didnt they sell lake leroy on ebay???

No the lake is still for sale for the mere price of 1 million. Word around town has it that they will take 750,000. Then you just need to figure out how to pay the taxes!

Good news is they are going to reopen it for the residents to fish by permit only as in years past. They did close it early last year because they thought it was close to being sold.