Even under the glow of the Strawberry Moon on Monday, Lake Erie anglers continue to find willing fish scattered down 25 to 50 feet in water depths ranging from 60 to 80 feet. The schools are spread out, the forage is abundant, and the walleyes remain remarkably cooperative.

Spinner-and-worm harnesses continue to account for plenty of fish, but stickbaits are also producing when trolled behind two- to six-color lead-core setups. Traditional anglers are enjoying success the old-fashioned way as well, pulling stickbaits on three-way rigs with 1- to 4-ounce sinkers. Trolling speeds between 1.5 and 2.5 mph remain the sweet spot.

In other words, while the moon may influence the fish, Lake Erie walleyes still seem interested in making one final trip — to a cooler packed with ice.

That doesn’t mean the full moon lacks influence elsewhere. On many inland lakes of Western New York, bass anglers often notice that full moon periods can resemble the effects of a passing cold front. Fish may feed during the night, become less aggressive during daylight hours and challenge anglers to work a little harder. Perhaps that is part of fishing’s charm. If every cast produced a trophy, we’d call it grocery shopping (though, that’s pretty much the scene on Lake Erie).

Old-fashioned cast-and-drop spinner/worm lures like this one catch wily walleye on Lake Erie when schools are spotted using sonar. Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher

Chautauqua Lake anglers have long appreciated the magic of fishing at sunset during a full-moon period. Short lines, quiet electric motors, and shallow-diving crankbaits often produce excellent action. Small Berkley-style lures measuring 2 1-2 to 3 inches (Flicker Minnows), especially those featuring red or orange colors, can be particularly effective as daylight fades.

There is something special about those evenings. The sun slips below the trees, the first stars appear, and conversations drift as easily as the boat. Grandparents teach grandchildren. Friends tell the same stories they’ve told for years. Somebody catches a fish, somebody misses one, and somebody always claims the one that got away was at least twice as large. And the moon becomes part of the experience.

Whether the fish cooperate or not, anglers are reminded that fishing has never been only about the catch. It is about shared time, fresh air, laughter and memories made between bites.

Still, on Lake Erie this week, anglers may enjoy both the memories and the fish. The Strawberry Moon may slow some species on inland waters, but Erie walleyes continue to behave as though they have no interest in astronomy. They simply remain hungry, and anglers from Buffalo to Barcelona are more than willing to help satisfy that appetite.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

July 5: Ellington Rod & Gun Club, “Don’t Know Partner Trap League,” 1045 Hagerdon Hill Road, Ellington; Info: 716-287-3987.

July 7: East Aurora Fish & Game, monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m., 1018 Luther Road, East Aurora. Info: 716-652-5354.

July 7: Niagara Musky Association, monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Eldredge Club, 17 Broad St., Tonawanda.

July 10: 21st annual Con Club Walleye Tournament in-person registration day, 4-7 p.m., 1 N. Mullet St., Dunkirk. For more info: email Chris at ncccwalleyederby@protonmail.com.

July 11: NRA High Power Rifle Match, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., East Aurora Fish & Game, 1018 Luther Road, East Aurora. Info: 716-652-5354.

July 11: Firecracker Shoot, Hanover Fish & Game, 125 sporting and 50 five-stand, register on “SCORECHASER;” 9 a.m. start time for shooting; chicken barbecue on site; Info: Matt Holtz, 716-912-2624.