The weather is hot, but the perch fishing is not.
At least over last weekend with the rise of the full moon and a strong west-bound current, the yellow perch fishing has been on a down swing. This usually happens this time of year, at least out of Dunkirk. Last year the perch seemed to disappear after Independence Day. This year, the bite lasted a little longer, possibly because of the late spring, but finding a limit (50) of perch has been a struggle.
Walleye fishing has been a bit tricky too, with several anglers reporting plenty of hook-ups, but many of the fish are falling off before reaching the boat. Savvy anglers tend to hone their hooks "super sharp" before and after each lure setup and when all else fails, resort to adding "stinger" hooks to tag the light biters. Worm harnesses seem to be the lure of choice with successful anglers targeting walleye west in 80-foot plus depths past Van Buren. Out of Barcelona, head west towards the "Red Roof". Out of the Cattaraugus Creek, head out to depths 70 feet plus. Rick Miller, in Irving, reports that perch fishing out of the "Cat" has also been spotty. Last year, several charter boat captains reported targeting perch out of Dunkirk in the 70 foot range, so keep that option in mind.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek
City of Dunkirk’s Youth Camp “Summer days are better than others” at Cassadaga Camp Gross received 16 fishing rods and some fishing tackle for the visiting youths to use, compliments of the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club. Pictured from left to right are: Tim Pauszek, Patton Ahlstrom, Kaleb Nixon, Charles Carlson, Riley Heeden, Kathleen Benedict, Larisa Aldrich, Maddison Ellman, Andreanna Dolce, Kaleb Slate and Alicia Palmatier.
The weather man is reporting some strong wind over the next day or so, which might turn the lake over, disrupting current fishing patterns. If you are looking for some "big fish" action, the lake trout have turned west over deeper water in the 100 foot depths. Trout have also been showing up in angler walleye setups.
If the lake is too rough to take the family out for fun, consider a visit to a local pond for some bass and blue gill action. You are never too old to lose the anticipation of a twitching bobber to finally go under.
Don't forget that the Lakeshore Longbeards "JAKES" Kids Day event is this Saturday at the Westfield Fish & Game Club.
Calendar:
The Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club will host an Archery Safety Course on Aug. 6 from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Pre-register at Cassadaga Shurfine.
There will be some safe boating courses at Chautauqua Marina. A two-day course Saturday, Aug. 6, starting at 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., returning on Sunday, Aug. 7 from 9 until 11 a.m. Note the Safe Boating Courses meet all the requirements for the New York Safe Boating Program for ages 10-years-old to adult. All aforementioned courses will be held at Chautauqua Marina. For information or to register for courses, call Deb Clementi, NTS Certified Instructor at 753-0409 or e-mail safeboatclass@aol.com. For information on courses or events at Chautauqua Marina, call 753-3913 or go to www.ChautauquaMarina.com.
The Lakeshore Longbeards will present its annual Juniors Acquiring Knowledge and Ethics (JAKES) day event Saturday July 23, at the Westfield Fish & Game Club located on Ogden Road in Westfield. For information and to sign up, contact Bob and Judi Turk at 934-4538.
The Cattaraugus County Sportsman's Rendezvous at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in Little Valley will be held Aug. 12-14. For more information, call 492-0432.
If your club is hosting an event which pertains to the outdoors and you would like to pass along the information, or your favorite hunter/fisherperson has a good story to share, contact the OBSERVER at 366-3000, ext. 5 after 5 p.m.
Gene Pauszek is an OBSERVER outdoors columnist. Send comments to sports@observertoday.com.
