Local Sports

Big walleye, young anglers, tourney celebrations

Eastern Lake Erie anglers are enjoying a walleye season that has been nothing short of remarkable. Catch rates for impressive numbers of fish have been exceptional -- and, by many local accounts, even better than the banner year of 2025.

For generations, Western New York walleye anglers have relied on proven techniques to put fish in the boat. Three-way rigs, lead-core line, diving planes and traditional trolling presentations remain staples on the eastern basin. But a new tool has increasingly found its way into the hands of local anglers: forward-facing sonar. Over the past two seasons, anglers have begun using the technology to locate and target individual fish, adding a distinctly modern dimension to a fishery steeped in tradition.

That combination of old and new was on display September 26 when the Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York (STWA) held its annual one-day Walleye Tournament on Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River. More than 25 anglers from across Western New York competed for top honors, with adult and youth divisions decided by the heaviest three-walleye limit, along with a prize for the tournament's biggest individual walleye.

The weigh-in at the STWA clubhouse in Hamburg showcased both the quality of the eastern Lake Erie autumn walleye fishery and the dedication of the anglers pursuing it.

2026 Adult Division:

1st - Chris Perry, 19.02 lbs.

2nd - Jason Wieczorek, 18.20 lbs.

3rd - Thomas Czecitowicz, 16.08 lbs.

4th - Gary Wolf, 13.92 lbs.

5th - Gino Cafiri, 13.16 lbs.

6th - Phil Hawen, 11.80 lbs.

7th - Don Ogren, 10.04 lbs.

8th - Sam Eytra, 9.68 lbs.

9th - Laura Wright, 5.24 lbs.

Jason Wieczorek also claimed the 2026 Big Walleye title with a hefty 10.26-pound fish, while young Hunter Nati captured the Youth Division with an impressive 13.52-pound three-fish total.

While the tournament celebrates individual achievement, the larger story behind STWA is measured in decades rather than pounds.

For more than 40 years now, the Southtowns Walleye Association has worked to strengthen fishing opportunities and promote the future of Western New York's outdoors. The club's commitment extends well beyond tournaments, with conservation, youth education, community involvement and philanthropy at the heart of its mission.

That emphasis on youth is particularly important as Lake Erie's walleye fishery continues to attract a new generation of anglers. Young fishermen and women are learning the fundamentals of boat safety, fish handling, conservation and traditional angling techniques while also becoming familiar with modern electronics and effective fish-catching presentations.

The fish themselves remain the ultimate reward. Whether an angler is dragging a classic three-way rig, working lead core and a diving plane, or watching an individual walleye appear on forward-facing sonar, Western New York continues to offer remarkable opportunities for those willing to put in the time.

The Southtowns Walleye Association is helping ensure that those opportunities remain available--not just for today's anglers, but for the generations waiting to take their turn on Lake Erie. Youth oriented efforts include education. Annually STWA awards $2,000 in college scholarships for students studying; marine science/biology, conservation or conservation law enforcement. STWA member Brian Plecas said, "We also send four kids to the N.Y.S. DEC Conservation Camp for a week each summer. We hope our youth, once introduced to outdoor activities, make it a lifelong pursuit. To support this, we annually award several local resident children a N.Y.S. lifetime fishing license enabling them to fish free for life."

The Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving fishing opportunities throughout the region. Their clubhouse is located at 5895 Southwestern Boulevard in Hamburg. For information, call 716-649-8202 or visit www.southtownswalleye.com. Monthly meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. and are open to the public. Congrats to the winners!

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoor Calendar

Oct. 6: Children in the Stream Youth Fly Fishing /4H Program, Fly tying/fly fishing classes, 7-8:30 p.m., free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center at SUNY Fredonia, For info: email Alberto@albertorey.com.

Oct. 6: Niagara Musky Association, monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Eldredge Club, 17 Board St., Tonawanda.

Oct. 7: Fly Tying Class, 6-8 p.m., free, Falconer Rod & Gun Club, 329 Falconer St., Jamestown; info: 716-467-0782.

Oct. 7 & 9: NYS Hunter Education Course, Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m., free. Must attend both nights, homework must be completed prior to class. Call Gary Dudek: 716-366-3397 for details.