Photo by Steve Hawkins Even when big bass and plentiful walleye are on the menu for local anglers, kids often discover that it is the bountiful panfish that provide the most repeatable fun. Cast and catch. Don’t forget the free kid’s derby at Asheville Bay Marina on Saturday (May 16).

If there has ever been a perfect time to grab a fishing rod and head outside, this is it. Despite the crazy weather swings across Western New York, the spring fishing season is delivering the kind of action anglers wait all winter to share. From the rocky shorelines of Lake Erie to the calm coves of Chautauqua Lake and Cassadaga Lake, fishermen and women of all ages are discovering something special right now — steady action, beautiful scenery, and the kind of memories that keep people coming back to the water year after year.

The smallmouth bass bite has been especially exciting for anyone looking to catch their first 5-pound bronzeback. Dunkirk Harbor is producing some of the most plentiful catches of trophy-sized smallmouth bass anywhere in the region, whether fishing from shore, boat, or kayak. Chautauqua Lake is also turning heads with both largemouth and smallmouth bass catches coming daily.

What’s working? Plenty. Tube jigs (1/4 – ½ oz.) bounced along rocky bottoms continue to be a favorite for smallmouth. Wacky-rigged plastic worms have been incredibly effective when bass slow down during our sudden weather swings. Swim baits that imitate minnows are producing aggressive strikes, while Ned rigs and Texas rigs are helping anglers tempt fish holding tight to structure. Spinnerbaits are also drawing reaction bites, especially during windy afternoons. Amidst all the bass fun, there are also panfish (sunfish and rock bass) waiting to ambush some of those same lures in the smaller sizes, especially in Dunkirk harbor.

And for kayakers, quiet mornings on the inland lakes offer peaceful paddling and excellent fishing opportunities. The changing spring weather adds a little challenge — chilly mornings, sudden temperature swings, even frost earlier this week (we had that short freeze yesterday, brrr) — but as anglers gain experience, we learn that fish still bite when conditions change. Sometimes all it takes is slowing down the retrieve and letting the lure do the work.

Meanwhile, Lake Erie’s walleye fishing is beginning to light up the scoreboard. Limits are becoming more common as post-spawn walleye activity increases. Most fish currently range from two to four pounds, making for excellent table fare and plenty of excitement. Anglers trolling stickbaits, spinner-and-worm harnesses, and weight-forward spinner rigs report success whenever weather conditions allow boats onto the lake.

As Lake Erie temperatures climb past 50 degrees, the action is will become more consistent and even better. Post-spawn male walleye will aggressively feed during low-light periods, especially around dusk — prime time for anglers hoping to hook into fast action.

And as if bass and walleye weren’t enough, Chautauqua Lake’s crappie fishing is gaining momentum every day. Both black crappie and white crappie are abundant right now, especially along emerging weedbeds in the southern basin. Young anglers especially enjoy crappie fishing because the action can be steady and exciting. A simple bobber paired with a lightweight jig tipped with a soft plastic tail often does the trick. Lip-hooked emerald shiners also produce excellent catches.

More than anything, this season is reminding people why fishing matters. Fishing slows life down. It teaches patience, curiosity, and appreciation for the outdoors. Whether it’s a youngster catching their very first crappie from shore or longtime anglers chasing trophy bass from shore or from a boat, the experience connects generations in a way few activities can.

For the latest fishing conditions and reports, check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation fishing hotline and weekly updates at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/erie-western-new-york-hotline. The fish are biting. The water is calling. Western New York is ready. Now is the time to go fishing.

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoors Calendar

May 16: Asheville Bay Marina kids shore fishing derby, on site, 9AM-1PM; two age groups: 10 and under, 11-16. Free entry. Register at Chautauqua Reel Bait/Tackle, 2500 NY-394, Ashville, 716-763-2947.

May 16: Hawkeye Bowmen Archery, NY Bowhunter 3D Shoot, 7AM-12 noon, course closes 2PM, 30 targets, $20, under 12 free; 13300 Clinton St., Alden, NY.

May 16: Southtowns Walleye Annual Perch Tournament, Lake Erie, $40/person, best 5-fish total, Info: Paul Sanchez, 716-228-6520.

May 16: NYS Outdoorsman Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Theodore’s Restaurant (Canastota, NY), 4PM. $35/person. Info: Scott Faulkner, 315-225-0192.

Submit calendar items to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com at least 10 days in advance.