With Dunkirk Harbor ice free, NYSDEC Commissioner Basil Seggos officially announced the reopening of the reconstructed Dunkirk Harbor Fishing Platform. Submitted photo

NCAA March Madness and Mother Nature keep us guessing what’s in store for tomorrow; a nearby new adventure awaits all local anglers. Last week, local anglers were pleasantly surprised to learn that the NYSDEC has completed repairing and reconstructing the Dunkirk Harbor fishing platform in Chadwick Harbor. The new fishing platform features slip-resistant decking, two benches, solar-powered lighting, and parking for eight cars. The popular fishing site for anglers from near and far was damaged during a nasty Lake Erie storm surge in 2020.

Located on the west side of Dunkirk Harbor, the fishing platform offers anglers access to various Lake Erie sportfish all year long. Anglers can look forward to catching smallmouth bass, steelhead, walleye, channel catfish, bullhead, white bass, yellow perch and brown trout at various times of the year. DEC reports that the most significant numbers of species are available during the spring months just ahead.

The project cost was $156,201, and it was funded by NY Works and through the efforts of NYSDEC Region 9 Bureau of Fisheries and Division of Operations, the Lake Erie Fisheries Unit, and the Bureau of Design and Construction.

NYSDEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the reopening last week: “DEC is making strategic investments to bolster ongoing efforts to expand access to safe, healthy, and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities in Western New York and across the state. The newly reconstructed fishing platform on Dunkirk Harbor will help connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors and provide anglers access to the world-class fishing opportunities on Lake Erie.”

I hope they have plans to improve the efficiency of the Dunkirk Harbor Boat Launch in the future.Visit weekly fishing hotline updates on Lake Erie and Chautauqua Lake fishing at the NYSDEC WNY and Lake Erie Fishing Hotline at this link: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/erie-western-new-york-hotline.

CALENDAR

March 26: Children-In-The-Stream-Youth 4H Fly Fishing Program, free, SUNY Fredonia Rockefeller Art Center — Costello Room, 7-8:30 p.m., Info: Alberto Rey: 716-410-7003.

March 31: Last day for NYS Coyote hunting season. Season will open again on Oct. 1, 2024.

April 1: Opening day for the NYS Inland Trout Fishing season.

NOTE: Submit Calendar items to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.