Bill Hilts, Jr.

Bill Hilts, Jr. has been Niagara County’s Sportfishing Promotion Person and Outdoor Sports Specialist for Niagara County Tourism and Convention Corporation. He has also been the president of the Lake Ontario Sportfishing Council.

Articles written by Bill Hilts, Jr.

Women Who Fish

Women Who Fish: Beyond the Job—A Passion for the Catch

The Love of Fishing: From Childhood Passion to Profession For Captain Laura Burnett of Barre, Orleans County, fishing isn’t just a job—it’s a lifelong passion. As a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed charter boat captain, Burnett has found a way to turn her love of fishing into a career, offering guided trips from Point Breeze on Lake […]

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Hilts jr – Yablonsky bar laker in a small fishing boat

Captain Matt Yablonsky’s Spring Trolling Techniques

Size Can Matter for Spring Trolling Techniques When spring arrives and the waters begin to warm, bass fishing heats up, and that’s when size matters—at least when it comes to boats. Smaller boats can be a game-changer during the early spring bass season, offering a variety of benefits that make fishing not only more effective […]

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These three anglers show they know how ot catch a big fish by following expert fishing tips.

How To Catch A Big Fish on Lake Ontario

Fishing Tips for Beginners From Experienced Anglers Fishing in a competition like the Lake Ontario Counties Trout and Salmon Derby often sees absolute novices snagging big prizes—usually with a bit of luck. However, these beginners often benefit from having a knowledgeable charter captain or an experienced angler guiding them. These seasoned fishermen can share valuable […]

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Niagara County Fishing: Wilson is a Hidden Jewel

How to Find the Port of Wilson For The Best Niagara County Fishing Twelve miles to the east of the mighty Niagara River and the famous Niagara Bar fishing hole is the hidden port of Wilson – one of the hidden gems in the Niagara County fishing crown. Sitting six miles west of Olcott in […]

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Sunset Best Fishing Website in NY

A Great Trip to Fish Erie PA

A Perfect Destination to Fish Erie PA Sometimes the best experiences come unexpectedly, and timing truly is everything. What started as a casual suggestion from my then-girlfriend Sandy—a day-trip to Presque Isle along the shores of Lake Erie—led to an unforgettable adventure, one that opened my eyes to a hidden outdoor Mecca. Erie, Pennsylvania, with […]

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Man admiring his smallmouth bass while Great Lakes walleye and bass fishing near the mouth of the Niagara River.

Great Lakes Walleye and Bass Fishing Spots

Great Lakes Walleye and Bass  Great Lakes walleye and bass combine for a very effective one-two punch for fishing in Western New York. For this section of the state, that includes the Eastern Basin of Lake Erie and the Western Basin of Lake Ontario – and connected by 40 miles of Niagara River, a strait […]

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An angler poses with a large brown trout while winter fishing on the Niagara

Tips to Winter Fish on the Niagara

The Great Lakes Provide A Great Opportunity for Winter Fishing The Great Lakes region, with its sprawling waterways and dynamic ecosystems, offers unparalleled winter fishing opportunities, especially on the iconic Niagara River. As the water from Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie descends 200 feet over the spectacular cataracts of Niagara Falls, it flows into […]

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Man on a boat with his brown trout, caught while chinook salmon fishing.

Landlocked Chinook Salmon Fishing

Landlocked Chinook Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario Lake Ontario, one of the largest and most revered freshwater lakes in North America, is home to a prized fish: the landlocked Chinook salmon. Often called the “king” of the lake, these salmon cruise the deep, cold waters, growing into massive specimens that represent a challenge and reward […]

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Finding The Bait Fish of Lake Ontario

  Locating the Bait Fish of Lake Ontario In fishing, as in real estate, it all comes down to location, location, location. Finding the right spot is essential for anglers hoping to reel in early-season salmon or lake trout on Lake Ontario. “Early spring is about finding the forage,” says Capt. Vince Pierleoni of Newfane, […]

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A man kneeling with a large lake trout caught on the niagara bar while fishing for lake trout.

Fishing for Lake Trout on the Niagara River

Lake Trout are an Underrated Gamefish on Lake Ontario If lake trout could talk, they might channel the comedic lament of Rodney Dangerfield, forever pleading, “I don’t get no respect!” Despite their abundance and unique appeal, lake trout often sit at the bottom of the angler preference hierarchy on Lake Ontario, overshadowed by the flashier […]

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Other Authors

Dr. Nina Schoch has been a leading conservationist in the Adirondacks since the 1990s and created the Adirondack Loon Program in 2001. Her work involves research, organizing volunteer efforts, and publicity to create public awareness...

Joe Hackett is a licensed guide and owner/operator of Tahawus Ltd, a year-round Adirondack guide service. He regularly writes columns in several Adirondack newspapers and freelances for many outdoor publications.

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Sue Kiesel is a professional photographer who loves all seasons and all aspects of the Adirondacks. She has won numerous awards for her photos and has had them in many exhibits and publications. She has...