OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek Curtis Loveless and Rob Oram did well during the Moose Club Walleye derby last weekend winning in all three categories including second place for total weight, second heaviest walleye and longest walleye.

While fishing on Lake Erie on Tuesday, there was a conversation that was going on the radio and one person commented, “This is the best fishery in the world!”

A lot of people would tend to agree, especially with the phenomenal walleye fishery we are experiencing lately. Anglers continue to limit out with six walleye per angler, and those same people are off the lake in a matter of hours. Judging by the reports from last weekend’s Moose Club Walleye derby, walleye are available out of Dunkirk, Barcelona, and Silver Creek. Heading deep to at least 75 feet seems to be the ticket, and putting your presentations at 45 to 65 feet will get the job done.

Color is a matter of preference, but a lot of anglers have been reporting using stick baits in shades of purple, with pink accents or chartreuse markings. As the sun gets up higher, consider changing up to brighter colors , like watermelon, silver and black or light green. I know many anglers who never use worm harnesses, and others who rely solely on using “meat.” Small spoons presented on down rigged presentations or dipsey divers will also take fish. It’s a great time to own a boat on Lake Erie, and September, weather permitting, can be one of the best months to go walleye fishing . Make sure you have a current fishing license as there have been reports of law enforcement being very active offshore lately.

Skip Bianco at Hogan’s Hut reports that yellow perch action has increased lately on Chautauqua Lake, but the walleye bite has slowed down. Muskies have become tight lipped lately until a storm front appears. Then they become very active. The south end of the lake has reports of increased algae bloom. Most of the walleye activity has been in the 15 to 20 foot range along the weedline edges at the north end.

Yellow Perch on Lake Erie is slowly starting to pick up with a few anglers reporting finding fish out of Dunkirk in the 50 foot plus range. The fish are moving, and it is a coin toss to pick up anchor and try to stay with them, or just wait them out as they circle back. Keep an eye on the weather.

Calendar: There will be a free NY Bowhunter safety course at the “Con Club” on Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

There will also be a free trapping course on Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club. For information call Gary Dudek at 366-3397.

FREE Monday night fly tying instruction will resume on Monday September 10 /2018 at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club. located at Mullet Street in Dunkirk. Classes are for all levels of fly tying, but especially for beginners. No equipment is necessary. All participants get to keep their productions. Classes are from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The classes are open to the public. Sometimes they even have home made cookies!

The Children of the Stream Youth Fly Fishing Program will be starting its 18th year of providing weekly free fly tying and fly fishing classes to both youths and adults in our area. Note that classes will switch from Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. to Tuesday evenings at the Costello Community Room (P84) in the new addition to the Rockefeller Arts Center at SUNY Fredonia. You do not need any prior experience to attend these classes, and the course is geared towards ages 10 and older. For more information contact Alberto Rey at 410-7003 or alberto@albertorey.com.

There will be a gun show at the Astabula County Fairgrounds located at the County Expo Center Building, 127 North Elm Street, Jefferson, OH, 44047. Show is on Oct. 27-28, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Next show is on Nov. 17 and 18 at the Hickory Post VFW located at 5550 East state Street. Us Route 62 East of PA. — West of Mercer on 62, Hermitage, PA, 16148. Same show times.

On Dec. 8 and 9, a gun show at Harbor Creek Fire Dept. Social Hall, located at 7275 Buffalo Road, US RT. 20 (located between North East, PA and Harbor Creek, PA. For details or information, contact Larry Spicer at 716-792-9972 or go to LRgunshows@gmail.com.

If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.

Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.