Wind and rainfall have shut down offshore fishing for the most part so far, but that should speed up the elimination of foliage. Stalking wild game on damp leaves is a lot easier than walking on “corn flakes.” At least that’s what it sounds like when the leaves are dry.

Mother Nature did allow a window of opportunity for offshore anglers to get out for yellow perch on Tuesday. Captain Larry Jones reported that at least two parties headed out west of the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek to 52 feet of water and both groups reported taking a legal limit of 50 perch per person. Most of the fish were in the 10-to-12-inch range. Rick Miller in Irving reported that there were around 35 boats that launched out of the “Cat” on Thursday with no report on the action.

If you do head out, and can’t find fish in the 50-foot range, try moving deeper. No word on walleye action, although most anglers tend to focus on perch this time of year. Captain Jones, who operates Mostly Muskies Charters, commented that at least two muskies were caught recently in the Buffalo Small Boat Harbor that were over 40 inches in length. Jones also commented that the salmon run is just about done on the Lower Niagara River, with steelhead, brown trout and lakers taking their place. Egg sacks and green beads seem to be the ticket. Locally, the only location showing any trout action seems to be Cattaraugus Creek, although Thursday’s rainfall started to increase the water level in all the local creeks. No report on action as of Thursday at Canadaway or Chautauqua Creek. Action in Chautauqua Lake has slowed down, too, with the recent strong winds causing the water to turn over. Temperatures in the north end of the lake were reportedly in the 50s. It may take a while for the action to return.

Captain Jones saved the best for last. Dave Barrus, an outdoor communicator for Chautauqua County, Andrew Nixon, the director of tourism for our county and Jones who is the president of the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Association, recently met with Johnny Candle the director of one of the largest National Walleye tournament circuits. Plans are in the works for a major event to take place for seven days, Oct.15-21, 2021 on Chautauqua Lake. The event will reportedly be televised. There will be 28 competitors competing in this event. More information will be coming.

It’s that time of year when the deer are on the move . Remind your friends that low light is the most active time for deer activity, and where there is one deer , there are usually more nearby. Drive carefully. CALENDAR

≤ Bow hunting opened up on Oct. 1. Cross bow season will open up on Nov. 7 and run until Nov. 20. Regular firearm season opens up on Nov. 21 and runs through Dec. 13.

≤ Pheasant season opened up on Saturday Oct. 17. Limit two per day. Turkey season also opens up today and runs until Oct. 30. Limit one bird . Duck season opens today and runs until Nov. 8 with a split season reopening Nov. 28 until Jan. 3.

≤ Following are the already-open seasons: Ruffled Grouse, (four per day); woodcock (three per day), season ends Nov. 14 and you need a HIP number to hunt them and any other migratory bird; Cotton tail rabbits (six per day); squirrel (six per day); coyote ( no limit); and raccoon, fox, opossum, weasels and skunk opens Sunday and runs until Feb. 15 with no limit.

≤ If you have a story or a photo you would like to share, call 366-1772, 785-3659 or 366-3000 ext. 3 after 6 p.m. Leave a name and number and a time you can be reached.