Photo by Forrest Fisher Ken Johnston is with a nighttime Lake Erie walleye caught near Barcelona in the early May season a few years ago when the only shadow was cast from the stern light of the boat.

A fisherman with only basic experience learns that the best times of day to fish are in the early morning and again at sunset, which are the two periods of the day when the light transition changes for the day happen. Some say that the baitfish glisten with additional reflection due to the angle of the rising or setting sun. Others say that the period of waning or approaching darkness allows the pupils of certain fish species, such as walleye, to experience absolutely keen eyesight to easily distinguish nearby forage species. All of us have heard the term, “The Shadow Knows.” The phrase came from a 1930s radio show that featured the ominous voice of the narrator who was referred to as “The Shadow.”

On Monday, all of us in Western New York will learn just a little bit more about total darkness during the day. All the fish and wildlife in WNY when our geographic area will experience one of the most astonishing sights in nature: a total solar eclipse. I wonder if some fish might become disoriented due to the sudden change in light levels, while some wildlife species might alter their behavior thinking it is nighttime. Will the birds stop singing as if it is night time? All of us in the shadow of the sun caused by the moon in its path will learn more about such questions. Nocturnal animals such as deer, skunks, opossums and others, might become more active. Of course, all of the effects are only temporary and the fish and wildlife will likely adjust quickly.

The start of the total solar eclipse in WNY begins with slight shade at 2:04 p.m. in the afternoon. The totality portion of the eclipse will last only four minutes, starting at 3:18 p.m. and ending at 3:22 p.m. with the departure of the moon’s shadow. This means we could be casting from a dock at Chautauqua Lake during four prime-time fishing periods on the same day.

How fast does the shadow move? Not only the shadow knows the answer to that one. According to www.AmericanEclipse.com, the speed of the moon’s shadow will accelerate from about 2,210 miles per hour to 2,735 miles per hour as the shadow passes. Remember, DON’T’ LOOK without eclipse glasses that are ISO 12312-2 certified. These are made in the USA. Details on sunglasses can be found here: https://www.iloveny.com/events/eclipse-2024/#glasses. Watch the weather reports and hope for no clouds, but clouds or not, it’ll be an eerie time of momentary darkness in our history. The iridescence and corona of the sun are said to be indescribable, all thanks to the shadow of the moon. The last total solar eclipse in NYS was in 1925, the next one will not be until 2079.

The moments coming up on Monday afternoon will make history, and they will be spooky and cool. We will all find out exactly “What the Shadow Knows!” Especially if you’re fishing, enjoy the moment!

Outdoors Calendar:

April 8: The Full Solar Eclipse occurs in WNY, 3:18-3:22 p.m.

April 13-14: Little Valley Volunteer Fire Dept. Spring Sportsman’s Show, Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, Little Valley, New York, call 716-609-0500 for info.

April 20: One-day Lake Erie yellow perch derby, Southtowns Walleye Association, 716-796-5372 for information.

NOTE: Submit calendar items to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.