On November 27, 2011 Bob Morey and his wife had decided to take adavantage of the very mild weather we have had and were doing some fishing on the Chemung River. They were drifting using live minnows for bait, with only a few hits they were preparing to call it a day.

  While returning to the area where they had a few hits earlier that day Bob decided to try his luck trolling a 4 inch blue and silver jointed rebel. As luck would have it, he thought he was snagged the bottom. BUT WAIT!!! the snag started moving. To his surprise and amazement a monster walleye was soon netted. This incredible Chemung River Walleye measured in at 27 inches and weighed in just shy of 6 pounds. After a few photos the big walleye was released it to fight another day. What a way to end the fishing season.

   At one time the Chemung River once held the claim to the states record walleye of 15-pound, 3 ounces. This awesome walleye was caught in the early 1950s and held the state record for more than 40 years. Stories of larger walleyes are told and in time it may well produce another record breaking fish.

  Walleyes are a native species to NY waters and are widely scattered across the state most walleye populations are self sustaining but the state does have a large walleye stocking program as well. Some of the best walleye fishing hot spots in NY are Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Oneida Lake, Black Lake, Niagara River, Susquehanna River, Delaware River, Oswego River, Seneca River, Black River, Genesee River, Erie Canal, and the Chemung River.

   A wide variety of methods can be used to catch walleyes. Including using live bait such as minnows , night crawlers, leeches. and crawfish. Using jigs with maribu feathers or plastic grubs such as Mr. Twisters. Spoons and spinners also work well under the right conditions. Trolling sickbaits and crankbaits in deeper water can often be a deadly method as well. Casting stickbaits from shore at night is one of the most widely used methods for those looking to land a lunker walleye since they are often more active at night.

   The following links break down the best fishing options according to the month of the year. Certain times of the year present excellent fishing opportunities for differnt species and can help make the best of your limited free time.