As spring fishing fever ramps up across Western New York, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is once again opening the door for anglers to get the inside scoop on one of the most exciting freshwater fisheries in the country.
The Eastern Wild Turkey population of WNY might be better than ever. This weekend marks the 2-day NYS Youth Turkey Hunting special weekend, and the regular NYS spring turkey hunting season will open on May 1.
On Thursday, April 23, the DEC will host its annual Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River Angler Outreach Meeting at Woodlawn Beach State Park’s Lodge in Blasdell. Running from 6 to 9:30 p.m., the free event offers a rare chance to hear directly from the fisheries biologists who study, manage and help shape the future of these highly productive waters.
The evening kicks off with an informal meet-and-greet at 6 p.m., giving attendees the chance to connect one-on-one with fisheries staff before formal presentations begin at 6:30 p.m. From there, it’s a deep dive into what’s happening beneath the surface – covering everything from the 2026 fishing outlook and 2025 survey results to consumption advisories, lake sturgeon restoration efforts and potential regulatory changes. Beyond the data, this event is likely to once again fuel the passion that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Nobody who fishes gets old with our fishery here, it’s that exciting.
Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River continue to rank among New York’s premier fishing destinations, drawing more than 900,000 angler days annually and contributing over $17 million (estimated) to the regional economy. While walleye, smallmouth bass and steelhead often headline the conversation, those in the know understand there’s another story worth telling – yellow perch.
In recent seasons, perch fishing has surged into the spotlight, especially right now, with strong year classes and consistent action turning heads and filling buckets in record time. There is a 50 fish per person bag limit with no minimum size limit, but most fish run 10 to 15 inches in length. So no worries about minimum size on Lake Erie. Sturgeon Point is the hottest perch fishery access point right now, but Dunkirk and Sunset Bay are hot too. It’s the kind of fishery that blends fast-paced simple fishing fun with excellent table fare, making it a favorite for families and seasoned anglers alike. Yet despite its growing popularity, perch don’t always get top billing in official discussions—something that meeting attendees will undoubtedly be eager to hear more about.
Carlos Adorno found the “spring grand slam” while fishing near the Buffalo Small Boat harbor last weekend. Carlos said, “I was fishing with live bait on a drop-shot rig using a #2 hook and caught all five species on the same setup.
That’s part of what makes this meeting so valuable. It’s not just a presentation – it’s a conversation. Anglers can ask questions, share observations, and gain a better understanding of how science and management decisions translate into real days on the water.
Whether you’re a die-hard Lake Erie regular or someone curious about exploring new fishing opportunities, this annual meeting tradition with DEC offers both insight and inspiration. And if you can’t make it in person, a recording will be made available on the DEC website afterward. So get ready to grab a seat, bring your questions and get ready to learn why Lake Erie continues to be one of the hottest fisheries in the East – maybe even hotter than ever advertised.
This weekend: NYS Youth Early Turkey Hunting – 2 Days. The annual Youth Wild Turkey Hunt this weekend, April 25-26, offers more than just a chance to harvest a bird—it serves as a vital introduction to the traditions, responsibilities and safety practices that define ethical hunting. Open to young hunters 12 to 15 years old, the special 2-day season is carefully structured to provide a controlled, educational environment where certified hunter beginners can learn directly from experienced certified adults while building confidence in the field.
At its core, the youth hunt emphasizes firearm safety above all else. Every participant must be properly licensed (complete a hunter-safety training course and purchase a hunting license) and permitted (NYS turkey stamp), and each youth hunter is required by law to be accompanied by a qualified adult. For younger participants, ages 12 and 13, that means a parent, legal guardian or an adult over 21 with written permission. Those 14 and 15 may hunt with an adult 18 or older, again with parental consent. These guidelines ensure that no young hunter is ever alone, reinforcing constant supervision and real-time instruction. Importantly, the accompanying adult plays the role of mentor – not fellow hunter. While they may assist by calling turkeys or offering guidance, they are not permitted to carry a firearm or attempt to harvest a bird during the youth hunt. This keeps the focus squarely on the young hunter’s experience, decision-making and safe handling of equipment. It’s a deliberate design that fosters independence while maintaining strong focus on safety.
This youth hunt itself takes place many days leading up to the regular spring turkey season (May 1), giving youth hunters a quieter, less competitive environment. With shooting hours from a half-hour before sunrise until noon, participants learn to operate within clearly defined legal and ethical boundaries. The bag limit – one bearded bird – also reinforces restraint and respect for wildlife, with that harvest counting toward the regular season limit of two birds.
Beyond the mechanics of hunting, the program highlights the importance of mentorship. Time spent in the field becomes an opportunity for seasoned hunters to pass down skills, values, patience, situational awareness and respect for nature. These shared experiences leave lasting impressions, strengthening family bonds and complimenting the broader hunting community.
Equally critical, though sometimes overlooked, is the emphasis on health and environmental awareness, particularly protection against ticks and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Spring turkey season coincides with peak tick activity in Western New York, making preventive measures essential. Participants are strongly encouraged to treat clothing with Permethrin for exterior clothes and boots, and use Picaridin-based repellents on exposed skin. These precautions, along with routine tick checks after time outdoors, are simple but effective ways to ensure that a positive hunting experience isn’t overshadowed by preventable health risks.
In many ways, the youth wild turkey hunt represents the future of hunting itself. By prioritizing safety, education and mentorship, it helps cultivate a new generation of responsible outdoorsmen and women. The stories and photographs that emerge each year are more than keepsakes—they are evidence of a tradition being thoughtfully passed on, one young hunter at a time.
Note that for those that need to complete the NYS Hunter Education Course, there are two local conservation clubs offering the course at no charge:
– At West Falls Conservation Society at 55 Bridge St. in West Falls, Sandy Kirkham is offering the certified class this Sunday, April 26, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
– At Evans Rod & Gun Club at 864 Cain Road in Angola, Jerome Gorski will present the course, also this Sunday, April 26, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For either location, students can register online at https://decals.events.east.licensing.app/em/programs. Note that students must complete homework prior to class.
Gotta love the outdoors.
Outdoors Calendar
April 23 – State of Lake Erie, DEC public meeting, 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Woodlawn Beach State Park, Blasdell.
April 23 – Erie County Federation of Sportsmen, monthly meeting, West Falls Conservation Club, 55 Bridge St., West Falls, 7 p.m. start. Free. Open to the public.
April 24-26 – Hawkeye Bowmen Archery, Spring Thaw Primitive Shoot, 7 a.m.-12 p.m., course closes 2 p.m., 13300 Clinton St., Alden.
April 25-26 – NYS Youth Turkey hunting Weekend, for youth hunters 12-15 years of age with licensed mentor adult; hunting hours are ½ hour before sunrise through 12 p.m. Visit dec.ny.gov.
April 26 – NYS Hunter Education Course, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 55 West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls. Students register online: https://decals.events. Students must complete homework prior to class.
April 26 – NYS Hunter Education Course, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Evans Rod and Gun Club, 864 Cain Road, Angola. Students register online: https://decals.events. Students must complete homework prior to class.
April 27 – Adult Learn-to-Shoot-Archery, 6 p.m. start, West Falls Conservation Society, 55 Bridge St., West Falls. Equipment provided (bows, arrows, targets). Register with Mike Cummins, 716-655-5030.
April 28 – Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12 years old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).
Submit calendar items to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com at least 10 days in advance.
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