The unprecedented walleye catch on Lake Erie has generated excitement among anglers of all skill levels. Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendell Jr. emphasized the significant contribution our fishing operations make to the local economy. He thanked the Erie and Chautauqua County Fisheries Advisory Councils and the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association for sponsoring VIP Fishing Day and reiterated their commitment to preserving and expanding access to Lake Erie’s resources. Wendell also outlined the proactive initiatives around Lake Erie planned for next year that will further boost the local economy.

A week later, NYSDEC interim commissioner Sean Mahar highlighted the record-breaking fishing season in a press release from Albany, saying, “Angler reports and DEC data indicate that catches of walleye in Lake Erie and Chinook salmon in Lake Ontario have been excellent since the start of the season. In fact, we may be in for another record-breaking fishing year, so I encourage all anglers to get out on the water and experience the excellent fishing these lakes have to offer.”

In recent years, Lake Erie’s remarkable walleye catch has been driven by an unprecedented streak of spawning success over the past decade. That trend continued through 2024, with the June walleye catch setting a new record based on the DEC’s 37-year Lake Erie Angler Survey.

In addition to the record-breaking walleye catch, anglers are also having success catching smallmouth bass, perch and steelhead trout this year. New York stocks nearly 200,000 steelhead trout into Lake Erie tributaries each year; the perch and smallmouth bass fishery is entirely supported by natural reproduction.

Fishing on Lake Erie with a USCG certified charter captain is safe, fun, exciting and can fill your freezer with a boatload of fish fillets, saving you on the grocery budget. Photo by Forrest Fisher

Charter Captain Jim Skoczylas, vice president of the Southtowns Walleye Association in western New York State, said, “Currently Lake Erie has some of the best opportunities for novice and experienced anglers to catch walleye. Due to our strong fishing, we have caught tremendous numbers of fish throughout the lake over the past few weeks. Fish from multiple year groups are being caught to date and the bite is very consistent. Whether you are bottom fishing in Buffalo, pulling boards or Dipsey divers, or running riggers in the open water, there are plenty of walleye to be caught. If you are considering catching walleye, now is a great time to spend quality time on the water.”

Captain Jim Steel, President of the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, said, “Fishing on Lake Erie is truly an incredible experience. The fish population is thriving and getting bigger every year. Our captains are out on the water almost every day and have fishing experiences that we will be talking about for years to come. Now is the time to enjoy a fun day of fishing.”

Steel is also the outdoor TV star in the numerous outdoor video shows presented by the Steel Outdoors Group on streaming and cable television platforms to promote the region.

The world-class fishing opportunities on the Great Lakes also align with the Governor’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, which promotes physical and mental health by encouraging New York children and families to take a break from their digital devices and enjoy outdoor recreation and social gatherings. The record-breaking fishing season on Lake Erie is a perfect example of the type of outdoor activities this initiative seeks to encourage, and it’s an experience everyone should enjoy.

Budding anglers interested in fishing Lake Erie are encouraged to venture out and bring friends. To find a USCG certified Lake Erie charter captain, visit https://comefishlakerie.com. Hiring a Lake Erie charter captain is a cost-effective way to have the best fishing experience and enjoy the fun of this incredible fishing year that is happening right now. To find a licensed fishing guide for steelhead fishing in our Lake Erie tributaries in Chautauqua County, visit https://www.nysoga.org. The best fishing in our local tributaries begins when Lake Erie water temperatures drop below 50 degrees, usually in September. This continues all winter long!

You just have to love nature.

Outdoor calendar:

August 24: NYS Hunter Safety Course, Springville Field & Stream, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 8900 Chaise Rd., Springville. Register online: https://dec.ny.gov.

August 29: NYS Hunter Safety Course, Ripley Rod & Gun, 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., plus an additional half day, 9820 Rod and Gun Club Rd., Ripley. Register online: https://dec.ny.gov. Attendance required for both days.

August 31: Labor Day skeet shooting, NSCA-registered event of choice, Hanover Fish & Game, 780 Overhiser Rd., Forestville. Registration begins at 8 a.m., shooting begins at 9 a.m. Info: https://hanovercalys.com.

September 1: Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club family picnic, members only. 1 N. Mullet St., Dunkirk.

September 1: Hunting season for gray, black and fox squirrels begins in WNY.

September 6-7: WNY Walleye Association Lake Erie Walleye Tournament, contact: Ron Kucinski: 716-545-5925 or email: [email protected].

September 9-22: 2024 early antlerless deer hunting season in New York State. Check with your local Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) for details.

September 15: Deadline for waterfowl hunting applications on the Oak Orchard/Tonawanda WMAs. Visit NYSDEC online.