A fisheries biologist doesn't necessarily need reams of scientific data or a stack of grip-and-grin snapshots from happy license-buyers to know that his plan for a popular river or lake is coming together.

Take Dan Bishop and Oswego County's Salmon River, for example. From last November through April, Bishop didn't get nearly as many telephone calls as usual from the stream's cadre of hard-core steelhead anglers.

"I could tell that fishing for steelhead was great," said the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's Region 7 fisheries manager. "The big indication was the lack of complaints -- and the small number of comments in general."

Bishop's field crew didn't conduct a tributary creel census during the 2007-08 steelhead run. But he already had heaps of statistics compiled from interviews with thousands of anglers during several previous seasons on the Salmon River, Oswego River and other spawning streams.

They will serve as a base for comparisons when future steelhead studies are carried out.

Meanwhile, anglers sturdy enough to don thermal underwear, extra socks and insulated waders can look forward to fine winter steelhead fishing from now through next April. Major tributaries of both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario figure to be in top shape and able to produce many big, powerful rainbows through the coming winter and spring.

Finger Lakes rainbows -- kissing cousins of the Great Lakes steelies -- are also thriving and should provide additional opportunities for trophy trout hunters during the month of December.

The Salmon River may be the most famous of them all and receives a lot of deserved ink. But New York has several other great streams worthy of serious attention from anglers during the next few weeks.

Here's a review of several hotspots, beginning with a scenic fishing hole. On its way to Lake Erie, it's shared by Erie, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties as well as the Seneca Indian Reservation. (Continued)

CATTARAUGUS CREEK
When it's right, "the Cat" is arguably the best steelhead stream in New York, with about 50 miles of accessible pools and riffles between its mouth at Sunset Bay up to an impassable dam at Springville. About half of that mileage flows through the Seneca Indian Nation Reservation. Non-native anglers must obtain a tribal license to fish. Seneca Mart convenience stores have the necessary permits. Rates vary from year to year.

As you negotiate the slick bedrock bottoms of the creek's deep pools, wear felt-soled waders and carry a wading staff for support.

And if you're a flyfisherman, be sure to bring a variety of colorful streamer patterns. The Cat's medium-speed currents lend themselves to a traditional down-and-across steelhead swing, though indicator-nymphing can also be very effective.

Route 438 parallels the creek through the reservation, while side roads off Route 39 offer easy access in and below Springville.

To reach Cattaraugus Creek from the Buffalo area, take U.S. Route 20 along the Erie shore to Sunset Bay. Or take Route 219 south to Springville.

The Cattaraugus County Tourism office is a good source of information on motels, restaurants and other amenities. Call (716) 938-9111.

NIAGARA RIVER
Below its famous waterfalls, the mighty Niagara and its strong currents are best tackled from a comfortable seat in a seaworthy boat.

I'd strongly recommend hiring an experienced river guide when you make your first visit.

Niagara County's tourism office can supply a list of licensed charter outfits specializing in down-river outings. Call 1-800-338-7890.

Whether you fish in a guide's boat or from shore, you'll need gear that's drastically different from those items you'd use on other New York steelhead waters. Figure on using magnum-sized egg sacks about the size of a golf ball. Get them down in the deep churning runs with the help of pencil-lead sinkers weighing 1.5 or even 2 full ounces.