Charter Captain Tom Miranda, center, and his Pole Dancer Sportfishing team prepare for a great fishing season in 2026. Submitted photo

As spring fishing fever ramps up across Western New York, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is once again opening the door for anglers to get the inside scoop on one of the most exciting freshwater fisheries in the country.

On Thursday, April 23, the DEC will host its annual Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River angler outreach meeting at Woodlawn Beach State Park’s Lodge in Blasdell. Running from 6-9:30 p.m., the free event offers a rare chance to hear directly from the biologists who study, manage and help shape the future of these highly productive waters.

The evening kicks off with an informal meet-and-greet, giving attendees the chance to connect one-on-one with fisheries staff before formal presentations begin at 6:30 p.m. From there, it’s a deep dive into what’s happening beneath the surface — covering everything from the 2026 fishing outlook and 2025 survey results to consumption advisories, lake sturgeon restoration efforts, and potential regulatory changes. Beyond the data, this event is likely to fuel the passion that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River continue to rank among New York’s premier fishing destinations, drawing more than 900,000 angler days annually and contributing over $17 million to the regional economy. While walleye, smallmouth bass and steelhead often headline the conversation, those in the know understand there’s another story worth telling — yellow perch.

In recent seasons, perch fishing has surged into the spotlight, especially right now, with strong year classes and consistent action turning heads and filling buckets. It’s the kind of fishery that blends fast-paced simple fishing fun with excellent table fare, making it a favorite for families and seasoned anglers alike. Yet despite its growing popularity, perch don’t always get top billing in official discussions — something attendees will undoubtedly be eager to hear more about.

That’s part of what makes this meeting so valuable. It’s not just a presentation — it’s a conversation. Anglers can ask questions, share observations, and gain a better understanding of how science and management decisions translate into real days on the water.

Whether you’re a diehard Lake Erie regular or someone curious about exploring new fishing opportunities, this annual meeting tradition with DEC offers both insight and inspiration. And if you can’t make it in person, a recording will be made available on the DEC website afterward.

So mark your calendar, grab a seat, bring your questions, and get ready to learn why Lake Erie continues to be one of the hottest fisheries in the east — maybe even hotter than advertised.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

April 16: Southtowns Walleye Association, monthly meeting, 7 p.m., 5895 Southwestern Blvd, Hamburg.

April 16: WNY Spring PRISM Partner Meeting, 9:30 a.m. to noon, SUNY Fredonia Science Center, Kelly Family Auditorium (Room 105). Optional — Tour of Royal Fern Nursery. Register: https://www.wnyprism.org/spring-2026-partner-meeting/.

April 17-19: NYS Conservation Council Meeting, Register at https://www.nyscc.com/spring-mtg-2026. Cost: $35.

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Submit calendar items to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com at least 10 days in advance.