Learn to Fish for Steelhead! (Niagara County)

Join DEC for a free learn to fish clinic at Fisherman's Park at Burt Dam on Friday, March 20, 2026 to learn the basics of float fishing for steelhead during the spring steelhead run in Eighteenmile Creek!

• Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
• Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: Fisherman's Park at Burt Dam, 2066 Lockport Olcott Road, Burt, NY 14028
• What you'll learn: proper equipment, common rigs and baits/lures, and the mechanics of float fishing for steelhead
• Prerequisite: Intermediate fishing level and familiarity with use of spinning rods/reel combo
• Required gear: Fishing waders are preferred; muck-style waterproof boots are OK. Dress for the weather. Steelhead rods and rigs will be provided for use during the clinic
• Access/meeting point: Town of Newfane charges a nominal parking fee per vehicle. Group will meet in the parking lot at the black DEC truck. Walking trip from the lot to the fishing site on stream will require a half-mile walk down a gravel road and then back after the event
• Registration: Required and limited to 12 participants. To register, contact the DEC Region 9 Fisheries Office at 716-533-4070 or email [email protected]
• Youth: Adult accompaniment is required for all youth participants
• License: No freshwater fishing license is required to participate in this free clinic

Rain date: In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held on Monday, March 23.

More information and other upcoming clinics: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/learn-to-fish/free-clinics