OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek Tim Schrantz landed a nice rainbow trout Tuesday afternoon off the Dunkirk PIer.

Western New York weather conditions are certainly living up to their reputation. The old saying states, ‘If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.’ Although how can you complain about warm weather at the end of November? Tuesday weather was pleasant towards the end of the day and several anglers decided to try their luck off the City of Dunkirk pier. One angler was putting a nice rainbow trout on the ground, when his buddy caught a fish at almost the same time. This time it was a nice walleye that bent the fishing rod almost in two. Before the net could be applied though, it was gone. Both anglers were using a jig and minnow presentation below bobbers, set at least 4 feet deep.

I learned a long time ago, that even though it is deer season, it’s a good idea to carry along a fishing rod in the truck or car. Rick Miller in Irving reports that the trout fishing has been steady for anglers fishing out of Cattaraugus Creek lately, especially since the precipitation has been on hold. With strong winds and rain/snow in the mid week forecast, that will probably change. Anglers and late season waterfowl hunters should be advised that the docks have been pulled at the City of Dunkirk boat launch, but you can still find a launch site at Bart’s Cove in the western corner of the harbor. A small launch fee is required.

Skip Bianco at Hogan’s Hut/Stow reports that the fishing has been decent at Chautauqua Lake lately also. Smaller sized walleye have moved into the deeper holes, while the larger fish patrol the edges of the same areas. Trolling with three colors of lead core line towing Hot-N-Tots at the southern end of the lake has also been productive. The yellow perch bite near shore continues to be steady. Earlier in the week some skim ice was forming in the channels but the warmer temperature has removed that situation. It might pay to check these areas for a return of the crappie. In the event of a few calm days returning, it might be worth your while to try fishing or trolling the shallows by Van Buren.

Last week, the DEC reported setting nets for white fish and netted significant numbers of mature lake trout as well as walleye and rainbow trout in that area. If you do go, check the weather and leave word of your whereabouts and expected return time in case something happens. Happy Thanksgiving!

Calendar:

The Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association will be having a meeting at 7 p.m. at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club on Friday December 06.

Open to the public. The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will once again be hosting a Hunters helping the Hungry Program. Members of the “Con Club” are asked to bring non-perishable food items to the club on Tuesdays during the hunting season. All food and monetary donations will then be turned over to our local charities for distribution to the needy prior to Christmas. Help make someone’s holiday a little happier.

The Western New York Safari Club Will host their 25th annual game dinner on Friday, Dec. 13 at Michael’s Banquet Facility located at 4885 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg. The doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. There is a $45 donation. For information call Terry at 472-2380.

Duck Season in our area (Western Zone) is a split season, re-opening Nov. 30 until Jan. 5. Canada Goose season for our area, which is considered the South, is from Oct. 26 to Jan. 13, with a daily bag limit of five geese per day.

Upcoming gun shows include: Dec. 14-15 at the Harbor Creek Fire Dept Social Hall located at 7275 Buffalo Road – US Route 20 (located between North East, PA and Harborcreek, PA. Shows are from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Adults are $5 and children under the age of 12 are free. For more information contact Larry Spicer at (716) 792-9972 or go to LRgunshows@gmail.com or visit the website LRsportingevents.com.

Children of the Stream present weekly free fly-tying classes every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Costello Room in the Rockefeller Art Center at the State University of New York Fredonia. Children ages 12 and up, including adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. All tools and material will be provided for free.

On Jan. 4, 2020, the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club will be sponsoring free fly tying classes for youths and adults. Theses courses will be absolutely FREE. All materials and equipment will be provided. These FREE classes will continue for the next three Saturdays at the Lakewood Club from 9 a.m. until noon. Free pizzas and beverages will also be provided. Instruction will be provided by the mentors from Kids On the Fly. You are invited.

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.