May 3, 2012

St. Lawrence River Perch have been attracting plenty of attention, but the focus will likely shift with the opening of the walleye and pike season May 5. The bullhead bite has been solid in the early morning and late evening. Black Lake Richard at Chapman’s Sports (315-324-5265) reports that fishing for bluegills and crappie has

Some welcome rain arrived late last month as water levels remained a concern heading into the heart of the trout season. Caddis continue to be a major hatch. There were also a few March Browns, small BWOs, Blue Quills and spinners. Some Hendricksons can still be found on many of the Catskill rivers. Catskill Flies

Reports are coming in of anglers catching stripers in all sections of the Hudson River. With the warm weather, some of the smaller male stripers started to move up the river early this year. The larger females were also starting to be caught. River herring have also been spotted in all sections of the river. Anglers

The fishing continued to improve with the excellent weather. The above-average water temperature has advanced the saltwater season about three weeks ahead of where it traditionally is at this time of year. The freshwater fishing is in full swing with the lakes and ponds producing plenty of largemouth bass, panfish, pickerel and trout. Scott Jeffery

Lake Champlain Lake trout and landlocked salmon action remained, at times, very good throughout the big lake. Shore anglers were having success in their traditional spots. Walleye will be the target now in some sections of the lake (South Bay) since the season opens May 5. On the stream front, a late April rain –