These few highlights hardly scratch the surface of the landmark study that has changed bass fishing in New York. But they do indicate the sort of solid scientific facts that will permit fishermen to enjoy a lot more bass action this spring without jeopardizing this wonderful resource.

The cautious approach has identified two areas of special interest, however, that are not included in the new regulations. The Hudson River downstream from the Troy dam doesn’t have good bass spawning and rearing areas. And a few North Country counties with similar spawning conditions and shorter growing seasons are restricted to the traditional open-season dates.

Check the county sections in the regulations booklet for details. Stang feels that these waters could eventually be opened to extended-season fishing as the DEC gains experience with the liberalized regulations -- but not in the foreseeable future.

With bass fishing heating up right now, the only problem with so many choices is deciding which lake or stream to hit this weekend. Lakes Erie and Ontario, for example, offer more exciting bass-fishing opportunities than any angler can explore in a year. But, this article features some superior bass waters in each region, helping fishermen across the state start their seasons with a bang.

WESTERN REGION
Chautauqua Lake
In the westernmost corner of the state, Chautauqua Lake has a split personality, offering fishermen the widest possible range of conditions.

The northern basin’s depths drop to more than 60 feet in several areas, featuring steep shoreline slopes, clear water and extensive weed lines -- typical smallmouth water. The southern basin is shallow, with maximum depths of less than 20 feet, a silt bottom and large areas of aquatic vegetation -- typical largemouth water.

It looks that way to fishermen, but the bass are not quite so discriminating. Generous populations of both species are found throughout the lake.

Hitting the weedlines is the popular technique here, using crankbaits, spinners, plastic worms and jigs.

Chautauqua Lake is in Jamestown. Take Route 394 from Interstate Route 90 (Exit 60), which runs along the west side. Route 430 provides access to the east side. A public launch off Route 394 at Prendergast Point gives access to the north basin, and the Chautauqua State Park launch off Route 430 accommodates fishermen on the other side.

A DEC launch at Bemus Point, at the narrows, provides easy access to the Southern Basin.

NIAGARA RIVER
The upper Niagara, above the famous falls, offers smooth sailing for bass fishermen, although as the river leaves Lake Erie, unending rocky structure pokes up to within a few feet of the surface.

The break walls in this vicinity are at the center of the fabulous pre-season trophy bass fishing mentioned above. The current picks up steam, however, as it reaches the large area of reefs and shoals, where two popular smallmouth hotspots may be found. Fish Market Shoal and Horseshoe Reef are a short run from the Front Park boat ramp.

The river widens and slows around Grand Island. Conditions are frequently perfect for drifting and casting to bass, plus the occasional muskellunge, in weed clumps on the generally flat bottom. An Ontario license is required when fishing the west channel around the island.