September is sneaking up on us
Photo by the Late Hans Mann Huge lake trout like this 40-inch fish was caught by Ohio outdoor writer Jeff Frischkorn, who was fishing a few miles out from Barcelona Harbor.
Photo by Forrest Fisher Limit catches of walleye are common, with most fish running 3-4 pounds and, every now and then, a big fish like this one comes to the net. Caught by Collin Voss, most folks today practice conservation, releasing these big walleye egg layers.
Photo by the Late Hans Mann Huge lake trout like this 40-inch fish was caught by Ohio outdoor writer Jeff Frischkorn, who was fishing a few miles out from Barcelona Harbor.
Photo by Forrest Fisher Limit catches of walleye are common, with most fish running 3-4 pounds and, every now and then, a big fish like this one comes to the net. Caught by Collin Voss, most folks today practice conservation, releasing these big walleye egg layers.
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There's a certain twinge of color beginning to show on a few maple leaves around Chautauqua County. It's subtle, but those of us who spend too much time thinking about fishing know exactly what it means.
Autumn is coming.
Just don't put the fishing gear away just yet. In fact, this may be the time to keep a little extra room in the tackle box. By mid-August, Lake Erie steelhead begin staging in deeper water off the mouths of our major tributaries. From the Dunkirk and Barcelona areas, walleye trollers can encounter these silver rockets in 70 to 90 feet of water, often near the thermocline. Spoons are a favorite, with trolling speeds around 2 to 2.5 mph worth trying.
That's where things can get entertaining. You're out there pulling the usual walleye offerings --
worm harnesses, stickbaits, crankbaits, maybe a spoon or two -- and suddenly one of the rods bends like it owes somebody money.
It's a steelhead.
A five-pound steelhead may not sound enormous until it decides that the boat is an excellent place to begin its audition for Cirque du Soleil. Then come the jumps, the runs, the head shakes and the sudden realization that the angler's wrist, elbow and shoulder were not included in the warranty.
For walleye trollers, it's the ultimate bonus fish. The bonus menu doesn't stop there. Lake Erie lake trout can also turn up in these waters, and Western New York produces some serious lakers. DEC reports that fish over 10 pounds are common and 20-pound-plus fish are caught every year. New York's record lake trout weighs 41 pounds, 8 ounces, caught in Lake Erie in Chautauqua County by Jesse Wykstra.
If bass are more your style, Lake Erie smallmouth remain a terrific option. During summer, many move offshore into roughly 20 to 40 feet, especially around rocky structure, drop-offs, humps and ledges. Tubes, drop-shot rigs, swimbaits, Ned rigs, blade baits and jigging spoons can all produce. A green-pumpkin or smoke-colored tube on a ¼- to ½-ounce jig head is tough to beat when you’re working rocky bottom.
The drop-shot with a small soft plastic tail a foot or two above bottom is so effective right now. The bass will tell you whether your presentation needs more action -- or less. Usually, less wins. Six or eight pound braid with 10 pound fluoro leader is one way to go.
Don't sit on one rock pile for three hours waiting for a smallmouth to develop an appetite. The bass are not obligated to cooperate, and on some days, they haven't read that part of your fishing license that says they should. That's what makes this time of year to much fun.
That's the beauty of fishing Dunkirk and Barcelona. You can leave the dock looking for walleye and come home talking about steelhead, lake trout or smallmouth bass.
Meanwhile, the maple trees are quietly reminding us that hunting season is coming, too. The days are getting shorter, the leaves tell us this in "age old idiom."
So check the tackle box. Check the boat. While you’re at it, make a plan to dig out the tree stand and hunting gear. Autumn may be knocking on the door. Fortunately, Lake Erie is still answering with fish.
Gotta love the Chautauqua outdoors.
CALENDAR
Aug. 12-23: Erie County Fair, visit the Conservation Building, Erie County Fairgrounds, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Hamburg. Info: (716) 649-3900.
Aug. 13-16: Hawkeye Bowmen Archery, 33rd annual Traditional Shoot, events, camping, more; 13300 Clinton St., Alden; Nadine Fulle, 716-427-9076. Info: https://www.ecfsc.org/ecfscevent/hawkeye-bowmen-annual-traditional-shoot-the-big-one/.
Aug. 14-15: Innovative Outdoors Walleye Challenge, Dunkirk Harbor, Jim and Diane Steel, 716-481-5348.
Aug. 14-16: Sportsmen's Rendezvous Outdoor Show; hunting, fishing, seminars, supplies/gear, more – Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, 501 Erie Street, Little Valley, Info: 716-474-7251.
Aug. 16: Sunday 50s Trap Shoot, Celoron Rod/Gun Club, 210 Livingston Ave., Celoron, registration 9-10 a.m.; Info: Jerry Martin: 814-688-9209.
Aug. 16: Bart's Trolling Invitational 1-Day Trolling Only Walleye Tournament, $500 entry, 6-fish bag, NYS only, See Dan Hanley: 716-480-9862.
Aug. 16: Ellington Rod and Gun, "Don't Know Partner Trap League," 1045 Hagerdon Hill Road, Ellington; Info: 716-287-3987.