Photo courtesy of James Monteleone The deer herds are regrouping after this tough winter, but spring in on the way as we watch this young buck who is beginning new antler growth for the year ahead.

The gentle silence of the season when snow is on the ground is somehow extraordinary; the chirping of wintering birds is so clear and distinct. They speak to us in sync with the creaking garage as it opens, beckoning to us as we reach for the snow shovel. The sounds of winter ending include the shrilling honk of migrating geese heading back home to Western New York and north, turkey gobbles, croaking frogs and the repeated caw-caw-caw of area crows as they seem to converse with each other among the high treetops of wherever you are. The spring melt is near. The sound of awakening crickets you cannot find will begin, too. They keep us looking for their hiding places.

Among the welcome changes are fresh, crispy air and open windows to ventilate the winter whisper of dryness from heating our homes to stay warm during the cold months. The gurgle of spring streams, too, is a welcome sound to steelhead fishermen, who can now fish the Lake Erie tributaries for incoming steelhead and brown trout. There is no closed season for these powerful fish that fill our local waterways at this time of year. Buffalo Creek, Cayuga Creek, Cazenovia Creek, 18-Mile Creek, Cattaraugus Creek, Canadaway Creek, Silver Creek, Chautauqua Creek and others are among the focus streams for spring anglers wearing insulated waders and merino wool socks. Spring water is chilly. These are some of the sounds of special seasonal moments of truth that spring is near.

Ice Fishing is still going strong, but it’s time to be aware of changing weather. The DEC says inland waters have thick ice coverings but remember that ice thickness can vary greatly on the same body of water. Safety is essential throughout the ice season and anglers should make sure ice is thick enough before venturing out. Drilling holes or tapping with a spud bar to check ice thickness is recommended on your way out or when moving around. Safety ice picks, boot cleats, throw rope and flotation devices are recommended safety supplies. Use good judgement and fish with a friend if possible. Avoid any areas near open water, dock bubblers, stream inlets and outlets.

Chautauqua Lake has 14-15 inches of ice with some snow. Yellow perch, sunfish and crappies are being caught 6-12 feet of depth, along with an uptick in crappie catches at the same depths. DEC reports that better catch numbers and sizes come from areas around standing weeds. Jigs tipped with a small minnow work well for perch and crappies. Walleye fishing has been a grind for most anglers, with occasional walleye in the north basin in 30-40 feet. Optimal time to target walleye is around dawn and dusk. Jigging with jigging Rapalas and vertical spoons tipped with a minnow is a common tactic. White perch are in the deep holes of the north basin at depths over 30 feet.

In the Buffalo Boat Harbor, the inner harbor has around 12 inches of ice, with anglers reporting a decent bite for a mix of yellow perch, sunfish and crappie. Tip-ups with large shiners produce occasional northern pike. Smelt will hit micro jigs tipped with a spike grub.

At the Hamburg Fairgrounds, this weekend, March 7-9, the WNY Sport and Travel Expo returns, featuring two buildings packed full of exhibits and outdoor attractions. Among the special seminar features is “Successful Bowhunting” with local outdoor adventure bowhunter Tom Miranda. Miranda is also a local Lake Erie charter captain who works out of Sunset Bay. Admission is $10 at the door and $9 online, kids 10 and under are free, a $2 discount for all first responders and military veterans with proper identification, and a special Half-Off admission for all NYS correction officers with appropriate ID. Expo hours are noon-7 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

¯ March 6: WNY Walleye Association, monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Curly’s Grill, 647 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, guest speaker, Capt. Dave Adrian.

¯ March 9: WNY 3-D Archery, league shoot, open to the public, this week at Collins Conservation, 2636 Conger Road, Collins, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., $15, children 12 and under are free. Info: 716-863-7342.

¯ March 10-14: Special People Fishing Day, Southtowns Walleye Assoc., 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, reservations required, indoor pond fishing, call Elain Weigland, 716-783-2903.

¯ March 22: NWTF Chautauqua Lake Chapter, annual banquet, American Legion Post 556, 9 Meadow Lane, Frewsburg, 5 p.m. start, Info: 716-499-2726, tickets: https://events.nwtf.org/320070-2025/tickets.

NOTE: Send calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.