Anglers need to reach their spots, especially on Lake Erie, when Mother Nature is in control. Remember to check the Great Lakes Observing System Seagull Great Lakes Data Buoy at https://seagull.glos.org, anchored 6 miles west of Dunkirk Harbor. This data is a crucial tool for every angler, providing information on wind direction and velocity, water temperature every 2 meters to the bottom in 80 feet (identify the thermocline), and other data. It’s the key to being well-informed and prepared for your fishing expedition.

Today and Saturday, the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will accommodate the 20th annual “Con Club” Walleye Derby. The event with the weigh station, grill-cooked food goodies, ice cold beverages, and a special exhibitor tent to be staffed by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, will be hosted at the clubhouse property located at the foot of Mullet Street on Dunkirk Harbor.

“Our Team — WHOS Fishing has been catching coolers of fish, but no giants,” said Julio DeLeon Jr., local fishing expert. “We’ve been using Dipsy Divers with no ring and fishing back about 100 feet right now, using Viper spoons that trail a spinner/worm. We’re all here signing up tonight, but we wish good luck to all the teams. My dad (Julio Sr.) is our captain, he is 73 years old this year. My friend, Greg Beard, will join us for the fourth year of fishing this derby together. This is a fun event.”

At the captains’ meeting Thursday night, Chairman Chris Surma addressed the 97 registered fishing teams in the meeting room at the club. He provided each captain with a rulebook that included details for when and where fishing is allowed, weigh station times, the supporting sponsors, and a list of other team captains and former tournament-winning champions. Following the formalities of the captains’ meeting, Surma turned over the floor to Perry “Rag Arm” Sprague, the derby grand marshall and one of the early founders of this event.

Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher The inside word according to Gerald Brydalski is that the best color to fool walleyes right now is a watermelon color spinner/worm rig with seeds (black dots).

Everyone thinks that the timing for this derby is just right.

“The 2025 season will be remembered for years to come as one of the most exceptional walleye catch rates,” said Pole Dancer Sport Fishing Captain Tom Miranda, who fished the area outside of Sunset Bay.

Across social websites and at the dock, anglers share all the necessary information to help anyone get started. Most anglers say that the fish are from 55 feet in depth and out. Running stickbaits on six and 10-color lead core with 50-foot leaders, and worm harnesses on Dipsey divers will provide a limit catch in short order — many anglers attest. Rainbow trout color sticks are red hot, and pink/purple (watermelon) colors on the harnesses are too.

“This derby preparation started six months ago,” Surma said in a heartfelt letter to all the teams and attendees. “Countless volunteer office hours and legwork have made this event possible. I would be remiss without at least mentioning a few of these people, including Bonnie Zent (co-chair), Chuck Corell, Dale “DJ” Lombardo, Jack Forbes, Russ Tenamore, Jim Heenan, Dwayne Bobik (Club President) and Al Zurowski. Please be kind and generous to all of our staff. This is a community effort, and team volunteer participation makes it all the more special.”

Following the new format of the two-day Con Club walleye tournament this weekend, the Eastern Lake Erie Charterboat Association is hosting its annual VIP Lake Erie Experience on Aug. 4-5 at the Clarion Hotel in Dunkirk. Two days later, on Aug. 7-8, the Cabela’s National Walleye Tour Qualifier event comes to Dunkirk Harbor. The anticipation is high, and the excitement is palpable as we gear up for these additional thrilling events. The National Walleye Tour weigh-in events are open to the public. Visit www.outdoorteamworks.com. It’s a special walleye sort of week.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Aug. 1-2: 20th annual Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club Walleye Derby — Dunkirk Harbor; three-fish bag/per day, two days; Contact Chris Surma: csurma@yahoo.com.

Aug. 4-5: VIP Lake Erie Experience, Meet/Greet Aug. 4 evening — by invitation only, https://comefishlakeerie.com. Info: ELECBA President: Capt. Jim Steel at 716-481-5348.

Aug. 7-8: Cabela’s National Walleye Tour Qualifier event, Dunkirk Harbor. Professional angler TV event. Weigh-in events are open to the public. Visit www.outdoorteamworks.com.

Aug 15-16: Innovative Outdoors Walleye Challenge (Dunkirk), $500 entry, Jim Steel, 716-481-5348; https://innovative-outdoors.com/.