WEATHER STATION
Half the time, these webcams are not working
You'd think in 2026 they'd fix that issue.
OLCOTT HARBORCAM     LAKE ONTARIO SURFACE TEMPS
Youngstown Niagara Webcam      

Olcott Windcast Niagara Falls Webcam       Minute Cast       Niagara Falls/Wilson Webcams       Local Weather       Olcott Buoy       Seneca Casino Rooftop Cam    
Lake Ontario Surface Temps       Marine Offshore       Marine Nearshore             Intellicast       Olcott Weather       7 Day Forecast Great Lakes Cams
Regional Radar       Accuweather Radar             Surface Currents       NOAA Coastwatch       USCG Navigation Center       Severe Weather Map
Satellite           Lake Ontario Bathymetry     Great Lakes Surface Temps NOAA       Hurricane Center     NWS Olcott Marine Forecast
     


GREAT LINKS
Tournaments, Charters, Lodging, Reports, Info







The DEC has a fishing license hotline number available Mon-Friday from 8:30 to 4:30. You can call this number and get an instant fishing license confirmation number with a credit card.

Their app is also available to purchase and view your licenses.
1-866-933-2257
DEC FISHING REGULATIONS



FISHING HOTLINES

Orleans County (585) 589-3220
Lake Erie - Dunkirk (716) 679-ERIE DEC
Lake Erie - Buffalo (716) 855-FISH DEC
Niagara County (877)FALLS US

EMAIL BILL HILTS


Thank you to the sponsors below
who earned free ads on this site
for selling Hooks 4 Harry tickets!
We were able to purchase
8 Lifetime fishing licenses for kids
Thanks to their support!

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

Welcome to our all in one site for all your fishing, boating, weather and event needs for Western Lake Ontario and the surrounding areas.

 


AUGUST 2026


 

Saturday, August 8, 2026
We have some August style fishing happening right now. There is a lot of action out here on the west end. Big kings, steelhead and browns are in play quite well. Since we had over 6 inches of rain the other day, things are moving around a lot. There has been a lot of rain and humidity lately and the fish seem to like it. Most everyone we have seen has caught their limits and are having a great time fishing. Most are doing best fishing with meat. Spoons and flies are also in play, but meat is the mainstay here currently. Some are starting to kick in with plugs, so that is also a good choice. Chartreuse, bright colors and greens are the hottest colors right now. You can’t really start telling people there is one special thing that works. What worked on their boat, might not be the one you need on yours. But, if you are the internet stalker type and need to use the same thing as that other guy, you go for it. There are several depths right now. Most seem to be doing the 300’s, but 250 and far beyond is also giving good numbers.

Browns are scattered in closer water mostly 60 to 200 and they are biting meat and spoons. Depth is variable from 50 down to 150 depending on where you are so I'm not going to go into detail as it changes constantly.

Fishing is good right now. Finding places to stay as early as possible is a good idea. We heard from a few guys that had to cancel their trips due to nowhere to stay. Remember – Lockport and Niagara Falls are 25 to 30 mins away. It’s a short drive for some big fish!

Be extra cautious with all the weird water warnings everywhere. While the Danube is drying up, we have an excess here. Some homes and farms were flooded out last week so harbor and Burt Dam fishing is mucky. Eighteen Mile looks like a tar pit; the water is so dark. It will need a week or two to clear up. Have a great day whatever you are doing!




TIP: If you are planning on visiting the area this year, BOOK EARLY! There is a new AI plant being built in Somerset and the workers need housing. Shop around and you will find something.

MY LODGING PICKS FOR THIS MONTH

LIGHTHOUSE MOTEL
John and Vicky have an excellent reputation with anglers. They are right next to the marina and piers. In my 30 years here, we have heard all good about the Lighthouse. 1564 Van Buren St, Olcott, NY 14126,
Phone: 716-778 7270

MAXWELL STATION
Located in the heart of Olcott; people love their Monday night wing specials and the closeness of their rooms and suites to everything.


OLCOTT RENTALS
Great people with several great places to stay! Perfect for anyone and right next to the marina.




Bill Hilts Fishfinder




Tournament Calendar



Located on the corner of West Lake and Jackson Streets.
It's the big blue barn next to the water tower.
You can't miss it!

716-778-8592

TD CONNECT NOW AVAILABLE AT THE BOAT DOCTORS
Western Lake Ontario is known for its world-class Salmon & Trout fishing



 
Note: We are not Pro staff for any products. Thanks to all who contribute information to our website.





Thank you for visiting our site.
Website maintained and sponsored by The Boat Doctors & Starboard Graphics
Lake & Jackson Sts, Olcott, NY 14126




       

BOAT LAUNCHES/DOCKS

LEWISTON
Fort Niagara State Park
716-745-7273

Lewiston Sand Docks Boat Launch


OLCOTT

Hedley Boat Co.
(716)778-7771

McDonough Marine
(716) 946-3979

Town of Newfane Marina
(716) 778-5462

SOMERSET
Golden Hill State Park
716-795-3885

WILSON
Bootleggers Cove Marina
716-751-6466

Wilson Boatyard Marina
716 751 9202

Wilson-Tuscarora Boat Launch
716-751-6361



MORE NIAGARA COUNTY LAUNCHES
THANK YOU TO THE
BUSINESSES BELOW THAT SOLD
TICKETS 4 HOOKS FOR HARRY!
We were able to purchase
8 Lifetime fishing licenses for kids
Thanks to their support!