Daily fishing verdict · 2026-07-16

Fog this morning, smoke forecast — fish the afternoon window.

Published: 2026-07-16 Written from: the dock at 1511 Oak Orchard River Rd, Waterport, NY

Water dropped a notable 4.3°F overnight to 74.5°F, which is encouraging for smallmouth, though still a touch above their sweet spot. Oxygen peaked at 5.7 mg/L over the last 24 hours, so there should be a workable stretch as the day builds — just don't expect fireworks. Flow is steady and the river's clearing nicely, so conditions could come together reasonably well, but I'd temper expectations.

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