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With all the competition for our recreational time in the fall, with all the available seasons, fall sports, and school activities for our children, there is precious little time left for fall fishing. This is especially true here at the “J Ranch” in McGraw New York with fall turkey season, archery and firearm seasons for whitetails, and upland game. Personally, I love to fish, and should I ever engage the same in reckless abandon as I chase gobblers, I would not be able to hold down a full-time job simultaneously. 

As I continue, this is a fantastic companion to spring and summer fishing the great resources of Chautauqua County. I write of fantastic outings here in past spring/summer camps and as you plan your fishing vacations and book charters, guide services, it is under strong recommendation you start right here in Chautauqua County

I was fortunate to attend the Chautauqua County Media Fall Fish Camp the first week in October this past fall. This media fish camp is one of several held in the spring, summer, and fall, sponsored by the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, and hosted by Dave Barus.  The initial plan was for a few of us to spend time fishing “Steelhead Alley” for the annual spawning run, bass, perch, walleye, and muskies on Chautauqua Lake, We would also spend time on Lake Erie for walleye.  Like any well-laid-out itinerary involving the outdoors, the weather would be impactful, and we would adapt to the less ideal conditions.

Before I indulge your fishing interest further, I nearly titled this article “It’s all about people.” It is not enough to just say this as the camaraderie, the dynamics of personalities, and the chemistry between our group and our host struck us all as a big takeaway for each of us. I will intertwine this theme as I continue.

The abundant natural resources of Chautauqua County, world-class fishing, and over-the-top hospitality of our host do much to embed a fantastic time at fish camp.  As you read further, it is evident that the area itself, and easily accessed resources create a “Must Do” destination that I would urge you to explore with a strong recommendation.

Back to fishing…

As we arrived at our cottage along the eastern shore of Chautauqua Lake, we learned the unseasonably warm and dry weather would impact our fishing choices and strategies. The fish would be found deeper than expected, and the streams would be at unseasonably low levels that the steelhead fishing would not come into play until well past our time there. With the smooth planning and capabilities of Dave Barus, our host, a quick regroup and arraigning of trip schedules was easily agreed upon.

Pro angler and guide Don Staszczyk would take fellow outdoor writer Megan Plete Postol and myself out on Chautauqua Lake for a morning of walleye fishing. We would be snap jigging for them with Rapala Jigging Raps and Snap Raps. Despite loads of fish easily found, they were not in a feeding mood. We would boat a few walleyes for the cooler, and experience more than a few bumps and hits on the lures from fish that were just not feeling the need to feed. It was a fantastic outing, full of great conversation, and bright sunny weather. We were treated to Megan’s high speed boat handling skills on the way back to the dock, a first for her at the helm of a very capable bass boat.

On Lake Erie that same morning, outdoor writers Dave Figura and Jerrod Vila were trolling for walleye with Tom Yetzer of Reel Time Charters. The fish were a bit more hungry out on the great lake and they would land more walleye to help make a grand dinner that evening.

With plenty of fish to clean, we got to put the Smith knives from our camp sponsors to good use! Vila, along with outdoor writer John Childs started the prep work as our master chefs. The culinary result was a delicious dinner of crab-filled walleyes, wrapped and baked, and topped with a creamy, lemon sauce. As fresh as a shore lunch, the walleye were rod to the plate in just a few hours and it is as good as it gets. It is a meal that you can recall in an instant where you close your eyes, and can taste and smell vividly, possible only when it is that fresh, and prepared brilliantly. Making me a bit hungry as I type this…

John Childs, an outdoor writer from Texas, spent the morning on the southern section of  Chautauqua lake with Captain Frank Shoenacker (Infinity Charters,) caught perch and silver bass, and experienced the same conditions with walleye without an appetite. Having fished with Frank in recent years, I can attest to the great fishing experience and comradery you can expect.

The following day, Megan, John, and I would head out to Lake Erie with Tom Yetzer. I can assure you, you’ll have fun on his boat. A great story teller and is quick to dial in the right lures to make it happen. We would be heading into some rain, and with Tom’s mastery of how to best navigate to calmer waters. we would go from sluggish hits while trolling with bottom-bouncing spinners tipped with worms to plenty of “fish on” declarations. We would enjoy a great morning of fishing, and lots of storytelling across many topics. We would catch nice sized yellow perch, white fish and of course walleyes!

I would head out before the last morning due to work obligations and I knew just how much I was missing out on. That is the problem with responsible adulting sometimes. The evening before the last day we all came to similar opinions as to how great the conversations were, the bonding as friends, and as fellow writers the importance of our roles to communicate how grand the outdoors experience in Chautauqua County truly is!

The combination of natural resources, the natural beauty of the area, and a region complete with fantastic eateries, historic sites, breweries and wineries has something very special to offer dedicated fishermen, and families alike. I might suggest that you will find yourself to enjoy your time here as we have. As you plan your next fishing trip this spring, over the summer, and the fall seasons, it is well worth your attention and a great destination to bring your spouse and entire family!

© 2024 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media

#Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau,  #Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association,