Chautauqua Lake has long been known as one of NY’s premiere inland fisheries, and many flock to this 22-mile long glacier-made lake located in Chautauqua County’s southeast corner each winter for hours of hardwater fishing action. Yet, when we think of Chautauqua and ice fishing, walleye always tops the list with many seasoned ice anglers. Start speaking of yellow perch and Chautauqua’s reputation with ringbacks becomes evident – runts, dinks, a struggle to get any decent fish for the frying pan. By Rich Davenport.  Read More

It is just before dawn on a wintry, wind-kissed morning. Small waves lap at your decoys, while snow covers your blind, and the lakeshore sports a thin film of ice extending several feet from your position. As daybreak comes, you notice a line of low, fast-flying bufflehead streaming towards the decoy string. Let the games begin! By Rich Davenport.  Read More

DUNKIRK: The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club’s (NCCC) Fifth Annual Walleye Derby kicked off at 6:00 AM sharp July 31, 2009. A full 100-boat field of eager and enthusiastic anglers plied the waters of Lake Erie in search of the heaviest walleye and heaviest creel weights for this annual 3-day event. Unlike years past, where big schools of migrating western basin walleye set up in NY waters, this season has showed slow catch-rates and lower than average water temperatures, keeping the large schools well west of their traditional mid-summer NY haunts. By Rich Davenport.  Read More

New York Governor David A. Paterson reversed his December 2008 decision to close the Reynold’s Game Farm on January 16, 2009, marking a dramatic and improbable victory for the many thousands of sportsmen and women across NYS. Although news of this reversal was indeed a surprise, the Governor demonstrated to all sportsmen and women that when he understands the facts, he indeed acts in the best interest of NYers. By Rich Davenport.  Read More