Along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, there are numerous launch ramps -- about 40 of them along the 190-mile stretch between the Niagara River and Stony Point near Henderson.

Anglers who venture upstream at tributaries should remember that on those waters, regulations are often more restrictive. Before heading out, be sure to check the 2008 fishing regulations for the Great Lakes and their tributaries.

"We have developed a pretty well-known fall fishery in western Lake Ontario around Point Breeze, Johnson Creek and Oak Orchard Creek," Eckert said. "A lot of guys use fly tackle. The browns here average 6 pounds or more."

Access for Oak Orchard Creek is off Route 98. Access for Johnson Creek is off Route 18. Access to Point Breeze is off Lake Shore Road. See page 70 of DeLorme's New York Atlas and Gazetteer, for details on all three access points.

The Braddocks Bay area offers several good areas for shore fishing, as well as plentiful launch sites. Braddocks Bay, Cranberry Pond, Long Pond and Buck Pond access can be had from the Lake Ontario State Parkway. For details, see DeLorme's NYAG, page 71.

Little Sodus Bay is another good possibility for launching an expedition for browns or fishing from shore. Fair Haven Beach State Park offers fishing access and a great base camp.

For details on the bay and the park, check DeLorme's NYAG, page 74.

The shores of Lake Ontario are dotted with state parks that offer access for boating and shoreline fishing as well as a variety of lodging options from tent sites to full-service lodges.

For a complete list of state parks along Lake Ontario, you can log on to http://nysparks.state.ny.us/sitemap.

For more fishing information, you can call the New York DEC, Bureau of Fisheries at (518) 402-8920, or visit www.dec.state.ny.us.

For travel information, call 1-800-225-5697, or visit www.iloveny.com.