A few bass anglers have been reeling in some impressive catches near Bemus Bay and Arnolds Bay, with largemouth bass outnumbering smallmouth. The Chautauqua Bassmasters are gearing up for their Father’s Day Bass Open Tournament on June 15. The event promises an exciting day of fishing, running from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Prendergast Boat Launch. With the chance to win the Big Bass payout, it’s an event not to be missed. For more information, contact the tournament director at 716-708-0330.

As we move into the New York State musky season that started on June 1, we’re all eagerly anticipating the change in fishing conditions.

“Musky started off slow with the cold water temperatures,” Sperry said. “Some nice fish came right to the boat while casting, but they were still not aggressive. This will change as the water warms. We should get into a good stretch of musky fishing in a few days.” For those of you interested in walleye, Sperry has some reassuring news.

“Walleye continues to be a night bite. We’re getting a few jigging in the morning in weed pockets, but it has been slow. However, the below-normal water temperatures have delayed weed growth in much of the south basin. The water clarity has improved somewhat in the last couple of days, but it is not crystal clear, which is normal for this time of year. The water temp was 59 degrees on Tuesday.”

Torrie Cutshall traveled from nearby Ohio to fish Chautauqua Lake, launching at Lakewood Community Park. Using 8-pound test line and a 1/8 oz jig, she landed this nice 15-inch crappie and other fish from 10 feet of water near Greenhurst Point. Submitted photo

On nearby Lake Erie in Westfield, from Barcelona Harbor, nighttime walleye action has been good to very good for trollers and casters. Daily early-nighttime limits are a common theme for those who can get out when the weather permits and for those who know where to fish and what to use. Hiring a guide for the first time or two is a wise decision. Most anglers trolling with Rapala stickbaits use lighted mini planer boards, while most nighttime casters throw weighted-head plastic tail swim baits that resemble the local forage. Of course, daytime anglers using live bait and slip bobbers with minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers also catch fish not far from the midpoint between Barcelona Harbor and Van Buren Point. No matter how you catch them, it’s fun, and walleye are tasty.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

June 6-8: WNY Walleye Classic / Dunkirk Walleye Festival 2025, $600 entry, Josh Larsen, 716-490-4226; https://www.primitivepatriotoutdoors.com/wny-walleye-classic.

June 7: Take-A-Kid-Fishing Day, Northern Chautauqua Con Club, 9 a.m. to noon, children through 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult, activities at Dunkirk Yacht Club, Memorial Park, life jacket required, limited loaners on site. Sign up at the club.

June 7: Clay Shoot, 50 bird trap and skeet event, side-by-side shotguns only, $50 entry, cash for top three scores, raffle for CZ Bobwhite 20 gauge side-by-side, Evans Rod/Gun, 864 Cain Road, Angola; Info: Fred Lima, 716-479-4833.

June 7-15: WALLEYE. 41st annual Nine-Day Southtowns Walleye Tournament, $100 entry, $100k prizes; Jim Skoczylas, 716-796-5372; https://www.southtownswalleye.com/.

June 8: Kids Fishing Clinic, FREE, Dunkirk City pier, part of the WNY Walleye Classic/Dunkirk Festival event. 8 a.m. start.