Craig Kawski, Gregg Marzec and Drew Matteson the G-Man crew made the winners circle in the three day total weight division of the Con Club 2019 derby finishing with over 55 pounds. Marzec is getting married on his boat in Dunkirk off the pier this weekend.

There have been some unusual weather patterns lately, especially during the night.

During the VIP fishing day portion held on Lake Erie on Wednesday, the Captains had to find the fish. As the noon deadline approached, the guys found active walleye in 80 to 90 feet of water straight out of Dunkirk, with stick baits and worms all taking fish. While in fish seeking mode, one captain reported finding suspected clouds of yellow perch in 40 feet of water straight off the First Ward Beach, due north of Hyde Creek, also known as the First Ward Falls. If you cannot find perch in your usual haunts check it out.

During the three day weekend Con Club walleye event, anglers were commenting on the numerous lake trout hook-ups while in deeper water (90 to 110 feet). A lot of double digit sized fish. Fishing too slow or too shallow will also result in hooking up with sheep head.

Skip Bianco at Hogan’s Hut/Stow reports the walleye fishing on Chautauqua Lake continues to be fantastic. Target the 10 to 20 foot range trolling with worm harnesses, or jointed rapalas. Tipping the back hook with a piece of worm also helps. Jigging rapalas are also a hot item. Perch catches have improved lately but dock fishing has slacked off. Muskies are everywhere. This is shaping up to be the year of the walleye almost wherever you fish. Enjoy.

Calendar: Aug. 23 and 24 are the dates for the one of the last walleye tournaments locally. This event is Innovative Outdoors Walleye Challenge run by Jim and Diane Steel. The deadline to enter this year’s event is Saturday at midnight. Entry fee is $500 for the main event on Saturday and an additional $100 for the Big Fish Friday event. For more information contact Steel at 481-5348 or go to www.innovative-outdoors.com

The 43 annual Greater Niagara Fall Classic Fish Odessy Derby, a multi species fishing event is Aug. 17-25. Kids fish free with $14,000 in prizes. Go to www.fishodyssey.net.

The Erie County Fair is going on from Aug. 7 until 18. Make sure you stop by the Conservation Building and say hi.

The Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Fall fishing derby is Aug. 16-Sept. 2. Go to www.loc.org.

August 16 is a one day, Ladies Only tournament out of Olcott harbor called Reeling for a Cure. Call Stephanie at 716-481-6388 for details.

Lakeshore Longbeards our local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will conduct JAKES Day Youth event on Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Westfield Fish & Game Club. Registration will start at 9 a.m. Fee is $10 per youth. Numerous hands-on learning stations and lunch will be provided for all. Open to the public. For more information contact Bob Turk at 673-6703. The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club Walleye Tournament is Aug. 2-4. Contact person is Zen Olow at 640-2776. Daily coverage in the OBSERVER.

The Sportsmans Rendezvous at the Cattaraugus County County Fair Grounds in Little Valley will be from Aug. 8-10. Call 716-474-7251 or 244-2781 for details.

Aug. 11 is the Chautauqua Bassmasters Tournament No. 3 on Chautauqua Lake/Long Point State Park. Contact Mike Russo at 640-6915. Innovative Outdoors Walleye Challenge out of Dunkirk is August 23-24. Contact Jim Steel at 481-5348 or go to www.innovative-outdoors.com.

There will be a Hunter Safety Training Course at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club on Aug. 21 and 22 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Two day attendance is mandatory. There will be a bow course at the Con Club on Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The trapping course will be on Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

The Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club will host: Bow Course on Aug. 14 and 15, from 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The Hunter Education Course will be on Aug. 28 and 29, from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

There will be a bow Course at the Westfield Fish & Game Club on Sept. 11 and 12, from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. There will be a Trapping Course at the Falconer Rod & Gun Club on Sept. 25 and 27, from 5:30 p.m. until 10. For more information Call Gary at 366-3397.

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.