Warm weather and clear skies spells walleye fishing for many boaters.
Many of the successful anglers during last weekend's two-day AMARA-CAN walleye tournament were willing to share their tactics and honey holes with other anglers.
Right out front in 90 feet of water is a good place to start with presentations on down riggers, dipsey divers and leadcore able to produce fish. Another hot spot has been the 65- to 75-foot depths off Van Buren with the fish tending to ride higher so less lead core line or weight will be required. Heading due north to the Canadian border will also put you on walleye, provided you are equipped with a Canadian fishing license. If you set forth from the Cattaraugus Creek area, head west to 82 feet of water. Barcelona Harbor also continues to produce great numbers of fish, including walleye and salmonids. Stick Baits like rebels and renoskys as well as worm harnesses are the ticket
Yellow perch continue to be a draw for the small craft fisherman. During the weigh-in at the AMARA-CAN, one angler commented if you want perch, head to Sturgeon Point. According to his comments, head out to 62 feet of water and you will find all you want if you have live bait.
Locally, Rick Miller in Irving reported anglers still find perch in the 60-plus mark but several anglers reported doing good numbers of big perch in 35 feet of water. Jim Markham at the Department of Environmental Conservation Fisheries station backed up that report with a similar report from the creel census personnel. The night or evening bite might be the right bite locally as a report from Tuesday evening showed that a trio of anglers tried their luck in 45 feet of water right out front of the Dunkirk Harbor with a hand full of fish for their efforts and 30 perch coming into the boat in the last 15 minutes of daylight.
Calendar:
National Wild Turkey Federation local chapter of the Lake Shore Long beards will host its annual Youth JAKES Day on July 21 at the Westfield Fish & Game Club.To sign -up or for more information call Bob & Judi Turk at 934-4538
The Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club will host a Two-day Hunter Safety Training Course on July 20 from 5:30-10 p.m., returning July 21 from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. This is a mandatory two-day class for certification. You must also pre-register at Cassadaga Shurfine from July 9-18. Class size is limited.
The Southtowns Walleye Association of WNY will host its Catch & Release Kids Fishing Derby on July 21 at the Tift Nature Preserve, Fuhrman Boulevard, in Buffalo, for children aged 15 years and younger. Signups are at 7:30 a.m., with the last weigh-in at 11. Free hot dogs and goodies from 11 a.m. until noon will be available, and coffee juice, milk and donuts from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Awards will be presented at noon and all participants are asked to bring their own fishing gear. Call 861-5687 for details or call 649- 8202.
The Lake Erie Chapter of the Federation of Fly Fishers will be having a Kids Fly Fishing course Sunday, July 22, starting at 9 a.m., at the Commissioner Cabin at Chestnut Ridge, in Orchard Park. The event is for ages 8-15, who are accompanied by an adult. The event will include fly tying, casting, entomology, inspecting the lake for insect life and testing casting skills, as well as fly fishing on the lake during the day. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife will also host a seminar. The event charge is $10 for the parent and child participant. Each additional child is $5. To sign up, call 675-4766 or 549-1977. Picnic cuisine and soda will be provided.
There will be a yellow perch fishing tournament at the North East Marina on Saturday, July 28. For details, go to www.nechamber.org or call (814) 725-4262.
Gene Pauszek is an OBSERVER outdoors columnist. Send comments to sports@observertoday.com.
OBSERVER Photos by Gene Pauszek
