When compared with other great American rivers – the Mississipi, the Missouri, the Ohio, the Tennessee, the Columbia – the Niagara River isn’t much. It’s only 36 miles long and flows northward from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. The famous waterfall, with which the river shares its name, typically gets all the glory.

Unless you come for the fishing, which is second to none.

The Niagara River is one of the most varied and productive fisheries in North America. It harbors stunning numbers of smallmouth bass, salmon, trout, walleye, muskie and more. The surroundings are breathtaking.

I’m here for a few days under the expert guidance of Capt. Frank Campbell http://www.niagaracharter.com, who knows the river as well as anyone. Sharing a boat Monday with Capt. Frank and my friend and colleague Alan Clemons, we caught smallmouth bass and more, shared many laughs and marveled at the river’s astounding productivity.

Between river outings and enjoying the fine food at The Brickyard we’re taking our rest at the comfortable and quiet surroundings of the Lakeview Motel http://www.lakeviewmotelandcottage.com, a little more than a stone’s throw from Lake Ontario and about 10 miles north the village of Lewiston, NY.

There’s more here than the fishing, of course. The famed waterfall has been attracting visitors for eons. But there’s also reams of history, art, music, good food, wonderful scenery, biking, hiking, birding, wildlife watching, nice people and more. The Erie Canal is nearby and the canal’s “flight of five” locks (still operational) crossing the Niagara escarpment is an engineering marvel not to be missed. And save a morning or afternoon to visit historic Fort Niagara. It’s all within a short drive.

I’ll have more later. But make plans to come. Capt. Frank will take care of you. #niagarafallsusa #lewistonny