OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek. Out of town bass anglers have found limited access to the Dunkirk Harbor, but decent fishing, weather permitting.

The walleye bite continues to improve along with the weather. Jason Robinson, the Unit Leader Biologist at the Lake Erie Department of Environmental Conservation fisheries Station, in Dunkirk informed us that two Walleye jaw tags have already been turned in at the station of Wednesday. The angler commented that he had limited out recently and the other anglers fishing the Shorewood/Van Buren area were doing pretty good.

Just keep in mind that the Lake Erie water temperature is still pretty cold, especially after the sun goes down. Robinson also sent a reminder that the DEC fisheries will present another State of Lake Erie message on May 22 at Woodlawn State Park from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Speaking of tagged fish, Robinson stated that on a recent televised event from the Northeast area, several anglers had a field day targeting lake trout. They also caught one laker with an acoustic tag with a $100 value.

Skip Bianco at Hogan’s Hut/Stow continues his praise for the walleye fishing on Chautauqua Lake. Fishermen are reporting limit catches of walleye, especially after dark. Troll along the shore line with hot spots along the Mayville, Long Point and DeWittville area. Jointed stick baits like rapalas and rebels in the J7 and J9 sizes are good starting points. Anglers tossing stick baits wading along the shore line are also having success. Yellow perch are biting lake wide and the calico bite is best at evening. Bullheads are on “fire.” Rick Miller in Irving reports that the yellow perch bite continues to improve, but most of the action is east of the Cat. Sturgeon Point is still closed. Perch anglers are also reporting picking up walleye in the same area, target the 50 to 60 foot range.

Calendar: Monday night was the last fly tying instruction class of the season held at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, in Dunkirk. The tyers will be back in action on Saturday, June 1 for the Take-A-Kid Fishing day event.

Walleye season opened statewide on the first Saturday of May. NYS fishing regulations used to have a lunker bass season that opened up also on the first Saturday in May. That regulation has now changed and opens on Lake Erie and it’s tributaries on December 1 until the third Saturday in June and allows anglers to harvest one 20-inch minimum bass per day. (See page 46 of Rules and Regulations.)

There will be a Safe Boating Course offered by the NYS Sheriff Department held on Saturday, May 18 at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Attendees are advised to bring a lunch.

On May 11, Bison City Tackle Swap-flea Market from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact Willie Sieber at 626-0660 for details.

The Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association will be meeting on Friday, May 17, at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club at 7 p.m. Agenda will include drug testing requirements, conservation issues, NYS non-resident Great Lakes charter boat decals, set-up standard first aid and CPR classes for those in need. VIP Day and WNY Heroes Day June 28.

May 18 is The Southtowns Walleye Association Perch Tournament from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Must be a member. Call 649-8202 for details.

May 19 is the Crappie Team OPEN at Chautauqua Lake. Contact Mike Russo at 640-6915 for info.