Genesee River
ExcellentAbout Genesee River
Genesee River is a Lake Ontario tributary in New York, draining a 2,480-square-mile watershed. The river is part of the Lake Ontario steelhead and salmon fishery — distinct from Steelhead Alley but sharing the same species mix. Stocking and regulations are managed by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NY DEC).
The optimal fishing flow on Genesee River is 1,500–4,000 CFS — flows above this range are typically too high and stained, flows below run low and clear. The river's long-term median flow is approximately 8,025 CFS, computed from the last several years of USGS gauge readings. Steelhead enter the river from late September through early May, with peak runs typically in October–November and February–April.
Current conditions (live, updated every 15 minutes): flow 1,530 CFS, water 65.1°F, clarity clear. Steelhead Addiction's Guide's Report rates the river EXCELLENT as of this reading.
Last updated: 14 minutes ago (6:00 AM EDT)
| Gauge | Flow (CFS) | Height (ft) | Water Temp | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesee River at Ford St Bridge, Rochester (primary) | 1,530 | 12.75 | 65.1°F | 14 minutes ago 6:00 AM EDT |
| Genesee River at Ballantyne Bridge, Mortimer | 1,210 | 11.85 | - | 14 minutes ago 6:00 AM EDT |
| Genesee River at Avon | 992 | - | - | 14 minutes ago 6:00 AM EDT |
| Genesee River near Mount Morris | 744 | 3.48 | - | 14 minutes ago 6:00 AM EDT |
| Honeoye Creek at Honeoye Falls | 70 | 3.03 | - | 14 minutes ago 6:00 AM EDT |
| Oatka Creek at Garbutt | 154 | 2.86 | - | 14 minutes ago 6:00 AM EDT |
| Black Creek at Churchville | 96 | 2.03 | - | 14 minutes ago 6:00 AM EDT |
Guide's Report
Based on current conditions as of Wed, Jun 3 at 6:00 AM EDT (14 minutes ago)
Report generated 6:15:07 AM EDT
Flow rising at 1,530 CFS, water is clear, 65°F — active warmwater feeding. Everything is lining up. Don't overthink it — just go. Rising water can trigger aggressive takes — be ready. Waiting on the Blowout Like It's Santa.
Flow is in the fishable range (1,530 CFS) — matches the historical sweet spot for this river.
Clear water — ideal for visual hunters like smallmouth. Long leaders, natural colors, and finesse presentations like drop-shots will produce.
Water at 65°F — post-spawn and early summer active zone. Bass are feeding aggressively in the shallows.
How to Fish It
This is tube and drop-shot weather. Drag tubes or drop-shots over rocky structures, reefs, and current seams. Active retrieve will trigger strikes.
Clear water demands finesse. 6-8lb fluoro, natural colored tubes (watermelon, green pumpkin), 3-inch drop-shot worms, or small swimbaits.
Focus on current breaks, behind large boulders, and slack water eddies along the banks.
Dawn and dusk windows are prime. Get out early before the sun is high, or fish the last 90 minutes of light.
Summer Species on Genesee River
Beyond steelhead — species actively targeted in Great Lakes tributaries right now.
Water temp 65.1°F — warm enough for active warmwater species.
Email me when Genesee River drops into shape
Get a one-line note the day flow + clarity dial in. No spam, just fishable conditions.
Free. One-click unsubscribe in every email.
You're on the list.
We'll email you the moment Genesee River hits fishable flow + clarity. Tight lines.
7-Day Flow & Temperature
Flow distribution
1095-day history · n=2,021 · 84% confidence
Points on the dashed line mean the river's flow distribution is log-normal. Bows at the tails suggest multiple flow regimes (snowmelt vs rain events) or sensor artifacts. The math for this river uses log-space statistics, so a poor fit here is a reason to squint at the optimal zone.
Recent Angler Reports
Join to PostBeen on the Genesee River? Share your report.
Log catches, track your season, and help other anglers dial in current conditions. Your public angler profile lives at steelheadaddiction.com/u/you.
- Always free
- All 31 Alley rivers
- 30 seconds to join
No angler reports yet for Genesee River.
Near Genesee River
Ontario Fly Outfitters
Rochester, NY · 1 mi
NYS Licensed Guide covering the widest geographic range — Salmon River to Steelhead Alley. Lake Erie and Lake Ontario tributaries.
Genesee Waterways Center
Rochester, NY · 1 mi
Walk-up kayak and canoe rentals May-October on the Genesee River in Rochester.
High Falls & Genesee Brew House
Rochester, NY · 1 mi
96-ft urban waterfall in downtown Rochester. Rooftop pint at one of America's oldest breweries.
Colemans Fly Shop
Spencerport, NY · 9 mi
40+ years in business. Full fly shop with guiding, schools, custom fly tying, and stream reports for Oak Orchard and Genesee.
Jay Peck Guides
Spencerport, NY · 10 mi
30+ years as licensed NYS guide. Catch-and-release fly fishing on Oak Orchard, Genesee, and Lake Ontario tribs.
Plan your trip to Rochester
Booking.com hotels & rental cars — affiliate links support the site at no extra cost.
Sponsored · Booking.com
Hotels & rentals near Rochester
Compare availability and prices on the same inventory you'd see going direct.
Sponsored · Booking.com
Flying in? Compare rental cars
Booking.com aggregates the major brands at nearby airports.
No results found nearby.
Places data powered by Google Maps. Results cached for 7 days.
30-Day Statistics
7-Day Fishing Outlook
Multiple days of heavy rain ahead — expect significant flow increases and muddy water. Plan trips for windows between rain events or 1-2 days after.
Best day to fish: Friday — Light rain will bump flows slightly and give overcast skies — steelhead feed aggressively in these conditions.
Friday is the day before rain moves in — barometric pressure drop often triggers aggressive feeding. Don't miss it.
Daily Fishing Forecast
Weather-based daily ratings — independent of current river flow. A "good" forecast day can still mean a blown-out river. Cross-reference with the Guide's Report above for a complete picture.
Overnight — Angler's Report
fair fishing- Dry conditions — flows should remain stable. Good day to target tailouts and runs.
NWS Forecast Detail
Wednesday — Angler's Report
fair fishing- Dry conditions — flows should remain stable. Good day to target tailouts and runs.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Thursday — Angler's Report
fair fishing- Dry conditions — flows should remain stable. Good day to target tailouts and runs.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Friday — Angler's Report
good fishing- Light rain will bump flows slightly and give overcast skies — steelhead feed aggressively in these conditions.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Saturday — Angler's Report
fair fishing- Moderate rain will push flows up. Water may get stained to muddy — switch to bright flies and heavier weight.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Sunday — Angler's Report
fair fishing- Moderate rain will push flows up. Water may get stained to muddy — switch to bright flies and heavier weight.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Monday — Angler's Report
fair fishing- Dry conditions — flows should remain stable. Good day to target tailouts and runs.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Tuesday — Angler's Report
fair fishing- Dry conditions — flows should remain stable. Good day to target tailouts and runs.
- Warm for steelhead season — focus on early morning when water is coolest.
NWS Forecast Detail
Forecast via NWS, updated 1 hour ago (5:04 AM EDT). Fishing ratings are estimates based on weather — always check current river conditions.
Clear water + rising flow + warmer temps — finesse tippet and natural patterns first.
Tungsten Bead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jig Fly - Euro Nymph - Hanak Hooks
$19.99
SF Clear Fluorocarbon Tippet Line Fly Fishing Tippets Leaders Trout 75M 100M 0X 1X 2X 3X 4X 5X 6X 7X
$16.99
RIO Products Fluoroflex Strong Tippet, 100% Fluorocarbon Fly Fishing Tippet for Trout, Abrasion Resistant, Strong, & Knot Friendly, 100yd Guide Spool
$44.99
Rio Products Fly Fishing Tippet, Fluoroflex Strong Leader, 100% Fluorocarbon for Trout, 30YD Spool
$17.99
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
