Launching from the Bemus Point State Boat Launch on Chautauqua Lake, I fished with Captain Frank Shoenacker a few years back. The Bemus Point Boat Launch will be closed Sept. 2 through Nov 1. Photo by Forrest Fisher

During dam reconstruction, the NYS-DEC issued temporary waterfowl hunting restrictions on Harwood Lake and Multiple-Use-Area, located off State Route 98 in Farmersville, in Cattaraugus County. This closure is in effect to help protect public safety during the early Canada goose hunting season that runs through Sept. 25.

The extensive rehabilitation project involves installation of wave wash protection, reconstruction of the dam embankment, installation of a new spillway, clearing and armoring of the auxiliary overflow spillway, and wetland restoration. The construction process will also impact areas below the dam. All waterfowl hunting on the main impoundment and dam is prohibited until the project is completed. The lake, main parking lot, and car top launch areas will remain accessible to the public.

The project also requires a lowering of the lake level by approximately 3.5 feet, which will also limit fishing and other water-based recreation access. Waterfowl hunting in Harwood Lake and Multiple-Use-Area is scheduled to resume for all other upcoming 2025 waterfowl seasons. 

In addition, the DEC announced the temporary closure of the Bemus Point State Boat Launch and Fishing Access Site on Chautauqua Lake, Chautauqua County. The closure is due to significant site improvements and launch ramp replacement that are planned.

Improvements to the site include replacement of the concrete boat launch, new boat docks, and an anchored, floating kayak launch. Additionally, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant features will be added to the site, including accessible parking spaces near the boat launch, improved sidewalks, and motion-sensor, solar-powered lights in the launch area and on the sidewalks. The concrete seawall will also be removed and replaced with stone rip-rap and a vegetated shoreline.

DEC advised boaters to seek alternative launch sites at Long Point State Park off Route 430, which offers a similar range of facilities, or the DEC Prendergast Point Boat Launch off Route 394 to Prendergast Blvd, which is also fully equipped for boating access. For questions about the closures, contact Region 9 Fisheries at 716-372-0645.

Outdoors Calendar

Sept. 10: 3D Archery, Evans Rod/Gun, 864 Cain Rd., Angola; 4 p.m.-dark, 15 target course, Kitchen open, Jerome Gorski, 716-398-3008. Ends Sept. 24.

Sept. 11: 3D Archery, West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls, 4 p.m. start, 15 target hillside course. Kitchen open. Indoor/outdoor ranges. Mike Cummings, 716-652-4650. Ends Sept. 25.

Sept. 13: WNY Walleye Association; 1st Responders/Veterans Day of Fishing, Lake Erie; Reserve your spot. Rick Malik: 716-548-8219 or Steve Haak: 716-225-0229.

Sept. 13-21: NYS special early antlerless deer season in designated WMUs. For DMP and DMAP tags only. See syllabus.

Sept. 14: 3D Archery, Bear Lake Rod & Gun, 30 targets, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., OPEN HOUSE – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Rd., Stockton, Info: Rudy Abersold, 716-397-9717.