The southern basin of Chautauqua Lake can be highly productive at this time of year, as late May is usually when the peak of the crappie spawn occurs. The dark-bottom waters of the shallow south basin warm up quickly, attracting crappies, other species too. Minnows under a bobber are always productive, but micro jigs in the 1/64 to 1/124 oz size with a chartreuse or pink tail can be particularly effective in clear water.

The color that’s hot can change by the hour on some days. Add a slow retrieve and gentle jigging motion that can entice crappie bites, and you never know how lucky one angler can be from the next.

The contest allowed two adults and one minor per boat, running from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For some, the fishing was hit or miss; for others, it was a big day for catching. After the weigh-in, congratulations and high-fives go to the winning team of Matt Fish and Mike Graham.

The Lake Erie night time walleye fishing has been fun for everyone in the know, and it won’t be long before the hot fishing switches to daytime. It’s a good thing too, as the WNY Walleye Classic is set to run, it’s the first of several major Lake Erie Walleye competition events coming up from the shores of Chautauqua County.

Photo by Captain Jason Kenyon A nice 18-fish limit of walleyes (in 3 hours) aboard FishAholic Sport Fishing last weekend, the nighttime walleye fishing with artificial lures from Barcelona Harbor has been very productive for knowledgeable anglers on calm nights.

This premier event is annually held in Western New York, this year, as last year, from the Central Avenue Pier at Dunkirk Harbor. It will take place the first weekend in June, June 7-8, kicking off the walleye competition events for 2025.

The tournament features an early bird Big Fish Friday competition with a 100 percent payout, split 50/30/20 among the top three winners by weight. The main event is the next day, Saturday, June 7, with an entry fee of $600, allowing teams of two to five anglers. The tournament offers multiple Calcutta options, including a new Big Foot Calcutta with a $10,000 payout. The WNY Walleye Classic has partnered with the Clarion Hotel Marina and Conference Center to provide discounted rooms for registered participants. Primitive Patriot Outdoors organizes the event and is part of the

Dunkirk Walleye Festival. Vendors with food, crafts, fishing gear, and more will be available. Live music will be featured with the “Scott Celani Band” on Friday (7-10 p.m.), and “The Committed” and “West of the Mark” on Saturday (1-10 p.m.). Saturday (1-10 p.m.). Then on Sunday, June 8, it’s KIDS FISHING DAY starting at 8 a.m. A kids’ fun fishing tournament is planned to be conducted from the pier. The event promises a weekend full of fun, excitement, and the thrill of competition. Visit www.primitivepatriotoutdoors.com or contact Josh Larsen at 716-490-4226 to register. The registration deadline is June 6, 2025. Do it now.

If you are confused about finding the hottest Lake Erie walleye lures for each week of the season, or if you’re just looking to expand your fishing knowledge, consider a visit to Bill’s Hooks Tackle Shop, 5139 West Lake Rd. (Route 5), just south of Dunkirk. This local, family-owned shop is a treasure trove of fishing wisdom and the best place to narrow down the vast array of stickbaits, soft baits, and spinner/worm favorites. Call 716-366-0268 or email customerservice@billshooks.com to inquire about their selection. Folks tell me they never stop learning when they visit. I like supporting the smaller mom-and-pop fishing shops where the best fishing secrets can be explored.

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoor Calendar

June 1: NYS opening day inland musky season.

June 3: Niagara Musky Assoc., monthly meeting, Eldridge Club, 17 Board St., Tonawanda, NY, 7 p.m.

June 6-8: WNY Walleye Classic / Dunkirk Walleye Festival 2025, $600 entry, Josh Larsen, 716-490-4226; https://www.primitivepatriotoutdoors.com/wny-walleye-classic.

June 7: Take-A-Kid-Fishing Day, Northern Chautauqua Con Club, 9 a.m.-12 noon, kids thru 16 yrs, must be accompanied by an adult, activities at Dunkirk Yacht Club, Memorial Park, life jacket required, limited loaners on site. Sign up at the Con Club. The contest is open to the Public