One young lady hunter, 13-year-old Lucie Katta, achieved what many seasoned outdoorsmen and women only dream of — a perfect 102-yard shot that brought down a majestic 12-point buck in Chautauqua County. Photo courtesy of Darin Katta

The calendar pages have thinned quickly, and for the new year, baby, it’s cold out there! Outdoor-minded Western New Yorkers find themselves doing what comes naturally this time of year: reflecting on seasons past and dreaming about the ones ahead. From Lake Erie’s open-water walleye fishing to scouting the hardwood ridges, from ice-covered harbor walls to snow-covered trails, 2025 will be remembered as a banner year for outdoor recreation throughout Western New York.

Few stories shine brighter than Lake Erie walleye fishing. By almost any measure, 2025 delivered one of the best walleye years in recent memory. Tournament anglers enjoyed a packed schedule with more than 10 competitive events drawing regional and national attention, impressive weights, and strong participation. Just as meaningful, however, was the success enjoyed by everyday anglers — families, retirees, and first-time visitors — who simply enjoyed feeling the thump of a strike and bringing home a fresh meal. Healthy forage, strong recruitment, and sound management combined to make Lake Erie a true destination fishery once again, reinforcing WNY’s reputation as a world-class angling region. Even more can be said for the smallmouth bass and yellow perch fishery.

On land, the fall woods told a similar story of abundance. Deer hunters across WNY reported strong success during the 2025 season, with plentiful deer sightings and healthy harvests of both bucks and does.

From seasoned hunters to many newcomers filling a tag for the first time, freezers across the region were stocked with heart-healthy venison. Beyond the harvest numbers, the season delivered something equally important: time spent outdoors with family and friends, quiet mornings on stand, and a continued appreciation for wildlife conservation practices that ensure healthy herds for future generations.

Looking ahead to 2026, optimism is especially strong along the Lake Erie shoreline in Dunkirk. The Northern Chautauqua County Conservation Club continues to move forward with plans to establish a steelhead fish pen in Dunkirk Harbor, pending approval from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. If approved, the project would provide a significant boost to steelhead survival rates during stocking, improving returns to local tributaries and enhancing a fishery that already brings substantial economic and recreational benefits to the locale. It represents the kind of grassroots conservation effort that has long defined outdoor stewardship in WNY.

“The project is looking for chain link fence 2 feet by 20 feet or 4 feet by 10 feet to help finish the building of the fish pen,” said Paul Soper Jr., project chairman.

Contact Soper at 716-366-8836 and leave a message.

Trail users also have much to celebrate as they plan for the year ahead. Hikers, mountain bikers and snowmobilers saw meaningful trail expansions and improvements in 2025. Volunteer-driven efforts and cooperative partnerships with landowners and municipalities helped connect routes, improve signage, and enhance access. These expanded trail systems not only support recreation but also encourage tourism, healthy lifestyles, and four-season enjoyment of the outdoors. With winter sports poised to benefit from improved snowmobile corridors and warmer months offering new biking and hiking options, 2026 promises fresh adventure for trail enthusiasts of all kinds.

Across Western New York, conservation-oriented groups are entering the new year with renewed momentum. Sportsmen’s clubs, environmental organizations, and community volunteers continue to balance recreation with responsibility: protecting habitat, educating the next generation, and advocating for science-based management of fish and wildlife resources. Their collective efforts form the backbone of WNY’s outdoor success and ensure that access and opportunity remain available to all.

One issue that remains front and center as 2026 approaches is the ongoing challenge of weed and algae growth in Chautauqua Lake. While progress has been made, many lake users agree that more must be done. Aquatic vegetation management is critical not only for boating and fishing access, but also for water quality, ecosystem balance, and the local economies that are dependent on tourism. As discussions continue, there is growing hope that additional state and federal funding can be secured to support long-term solutions. Collaboration among lake associations, municipalities, scientists, and regulatory agencies will be essential to develop strategies that are both effective and environmentally responsible. Learn more about grassroots efforts (no pun intended) from the stewards of the lake, visit the Chautauqua Lake Association at https://www.chautauqualakeassociation.org. If you like looking ahead to fun on the lake, the 8th annual Chautauqua Lake Dragon Boat Festival is set for Aug. 8. Circle the calendar.

The broader picture is one of gratitude and anticipation. 2025 reminded us how valuable our natural resources are and how much joy they bring when conditions align and stewardship succeeds. It also reinforced the importance of planning, advocacy, and community involvement as we look to the future. Whether it’s a walleye tugging at your line on Lake Erie, a whitetail deer stepping into a forest opening, the splash of a steelhead along creekside waters or Dunkirk harbor, or the crunch of snow under boots on a newly opened trail, these experiences define life outdoors in Chautauqua County, looking forward.

As we start the new year, it’s a good time to be grateful for what 2025 brought, stay dedicated to conservation, and look forward to 2026 with excitement. The outdoors in Chautauqua County and Western New York are more than just places — they’re traditions, important for the economy, and a source of inspiration for everyone. If we keep working together and caring for these places, the next year could be even better. Let’s start the year with fresh energy. With how cold December was, maybe it’s time to plan a trip south and enjoy nature there, too.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Jan. 1: Last day of the Holiday Deer Hunt for southern zone, muzzleloaders/archery only.

Jan. 1: First Day Hikes all around New York state. Visit https://dec.ny.gov.

Jan. 3: Clays for Cash, 100-sporting clay shoot, Hanover Fish & Game, 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville.

Jan. 3-4: Hamburg Gun Show, Hamburg Fairgrounds, $10 admission, opens 9 a.m. each day. Info: 716-542-9929

Jan. 6: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12 years old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).