Orwell Creek is a River located in Oswego County, NY. Starting in Lacona, NY the Orwell Creek flows 12 miles through Richland, NY before ending in Altmar, NY. The Orwell Creek rises to an elevation of 502 feet. Find maps, fishing guides, weather and recreation information at Guidesly.

About Orwell Creek, NY

Orwell Creek is a stream located in Oswego County, NY. It is situated near Pulaski and Pineville. Orwell Creek is known to be a tributary of the famous Salmon River. Other Salmon River tributaries near Orwell Creek are Trout Brook, Beaverdam Brook, and Pekin Brook.

The town of Orwell is an interior town that does not usually get the attention of tourists. However, fish from the Salmon River is swept into Orwell Creek, making Orwell a popular fishing destination. Orwell Creek, as well as the bodies of water in its proximity, served as excellent drainage due to its steady water flow. In fact, they were previously used as locations of sawmills and other manufacturing establishments. 

All About Fishing in Orwell Creek, NY

As a freshwater stream, water in Orwell Creek is clear and shallow with enough current to sweep fish in. Unlike Salmon River that has extreme rapids, Orwell Creek is much calmer and shallow. Since Orwell Creek is a tributary of Salmon River, expect this stream to be packed will all sorts of salmon species. A popular catch among anglers in Orwell Creek is the chinook salmon. They could bite aggressively to the bait and are challenging to reel in, but they are satisfying to catch given their massive sizes, making it a popular gamefish in the area. Anglers also commonly catch coho salmon, brown trout, and steelhead trout, depending on the year. 

Fly fishing is a technique commonly used by anglers in Orwell Creek, especially when hunting for salmon. They tend to be territorial or highly attracted to eggs. Using bait like artificial worms, eggs, or insects typically works the best. Unlike other fishing locations, using boats and kayaks is not advised in Orwell Creek. Mainly because the water is shallow, and the current could be dangerously strong. Fishing in Orwell Creek is an activity that does not need much expertise. However, anglers must never forget that the occasional strong current, brushy edges, and rocky bed of Orwell Creek could be dangerous, especially when not wearing the proper boots or waders. 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) purchased Public Fishing Rights (PFR’s) from willing landowners to give anglers the right to fish and walk around any part and either side of Orwell Creek. In return, NYSDEC expects anglers to treat the waters with respect to ensure the health of the existing habitat and to continue enjoying the privilege of fishing there. However, regulations change from time to time, so it is essential to check with the local government the current rules in place. 

Fishing Seasonality

Aside from being a catch basin of salmon from the Salmon River, Orwell Creek also functions as a spawning ground for salmon during fall and steelhead in spring. Around September to October each year, salmon begins to move around Orwell Creek. During the spawning season, salmon species could be aggressive when anglers move near their spawning grounds. In the fall, it is typically the best time to fish for steelheads. Salmon usually lays eggs during fall, and steelheads, on the other hand, love to feed on them, making it the perfect time for steelhead fishing. From mid-September to mid-November, anglers are also able to catch brown trout. 

Fishing Seasonality

Aside from being a catch basin of salmon from the Salmon River, Orwell Creek also functions as a spawning ground for salmon during fall and steelhead in spring. Around September to October each year, salmon begins to move around Orwell Creek. During the spawning season, salmon species could be aggressive when anglers move near their spawning grounds. In the fall, it is typically the best time to fish for steelheads. Salmon usually lays eggs during fall, and steelheads, on the other hand, love to feed on them, making it the perfect time for steelhead fishing. From mid-September to mid-November, anglers are also able to catch brown trout. 

All About Fishing in Orwell Creek, NY

As a freshwater stream, water in Orwell Creek is clear and shallow with enough current to sweep fish in. Unlike Salmon River that has extreme rapids, Orwell Creek is much calmer and shallow. Since Orwell Creek is a tributary of Salmon River, expect this stream to be packed will all sorts of salmon species. A popular catch among anglers in Orwell Creek is the chinook salmon. They could bite aggressively to the bait and are challenging to reel in, but they are satisfying to catch given their massive sizes, making it a popular gamefish in the area. Anglers also commonly catch coho salmon, brown trout, and steelhead trout, depending on the year. 

Fly fishing is a technique commonly used by anglers in Orwell Creek, especially when hunting for salmon. They tend to be territorial or highly attracted to eggs. Using bait like artificial worms, eggs, or insects typically works the best. Unlike other fishing locations, using boats and kayaks is not advised in Orwell Creek. Mainly because the water is shallow, and the current could be dangerously strong. Fishing in Orwell Creek is an activity that does not need much expertise. However, anglers must never forget that the occasional strong current, brushy edges, and rocky bed of Orwell Creek could be dangerous, especially when not wearing the proper boots or waders. 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) purchased Public Fishing Rights (PFR’s) from willing landowners to give anglers the right to fish and walk around any part and either side of Orwell Creek. In return, NYSDEC expects anglers to treat the waters with respect to ensure the health of the existing habitat and to continue enjoying the privilege of fishing there. However, regulations change from time to time, so it is essential to check with the local government the current rules in place.