With the first hint of spring in March, New York anglers’ thoughts turn to walleyes. New York has some of the best walleye fishing in the country. A few places are well known; a few have yet to attract attention.

Even though walleye season is weeks away, now is the time to start planning. Reservations must be made for accommodations at motels or campgrounds near the more popular walleye hotspots. If you plan to fish with a guide, book early. The best dates with the top guides are often booked a year in advance.

EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO

Perhaps the best place to start the walleye season in New York, especially if you want really big walleyes, is the eastern end of Lake Ontario. Walleyes weighing more than 10 pounds are common here, and some go a few pounds more.

Fishing typically gets started in Black River Bay. Some early action takes place in the shallow water at the head of the bay. Later, the better fishing moves down the bay with the spawning schools.

Walleyes in Black River Bay are accessible in smaller boats. Trolling and jigging or bait-fishing over small points and other structure that project from the shoreline are popular fishing tactics. Early fishing might also be good in Chaumont Bay or Guffin Bay, particularly around Cherry Island.

The better fishing tends to be farther into Lake Ontario, but out here boats are subject to rougher waves. This is no place for smaller craft or inexperienced Aboaters. Check Everleigh Point and Pillar Point between Black River Bay and Chaumont Bay when fishing gets slow in the bays. Also, try the outside point of Grenadier Island, just outside Mud Bay.

Several public boat launches are scattered along this area. Guide services are available.

Traveling from Syracuse and other points south, take Interstate Route 81 north to exits 41 through 48 to access various points along this section of eastern Lake Ontario.

Information about places to stay and other local services is available through the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, 43373 Collins Landing, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607; call (800) 8-ISLAND, or visit the agency’s Web site at http://visit1000islands.com.

CHAUTAUQUA LAKE

Chautauqua Lake rivals any walleye fishery in the East. This 13,300-acre natural lake gets more fishing pressure than any other lake in the state, yet it produces good walleyes year after year.

Some of the best springtime walleye fishing takes place over and along the edges of the numerous rocky points and bars. Troll or jig deeper water around the bars and points during the day. At night, walleyes move into shallow water where they can be caught by casting stick baits.

Trolling in the shallower southern basin, south of the Interstate Route 86 bridge, can be effective. Maximum depth in this part of the lake is about 20 feet, but most of it is shallower. The northern basin is deeper, more than 30 feet in places, with several deeper holes. Stick to water in the 15- to 25-foot depth range early during the season.

Chautauqua Lake is in the southwestern tip of the state. From Buffalo, take Interstate Route 90 west to Route 394 at Westfield, and then southeast to the lake. The Prendergast Boat Launch is off this route.

Get information about local services from the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1441, Chautauqua Institution Welcome Center, Route 394, Chautauqua, NY 14722; or call (800) 242-4569.

For the latest fishing information, call (716) 763-9471; or visit the Web site at www.tourchautauqua.com.

ONEIDA LAKE

Oneida Lake is often billed as the best walleye lake in New York, and it might be. In any case, it is a great walleye fishery. This 51,000-acre lake has been a mainstay of walleye fishing in the state.

Hot springtime walleye action takes place in the shallows. Some anglers make their catches by wading near the boat launches and casting stick baits. Get there in the morning before sunup, or in the evening just before sunset. Walleyes will be close to shore during periods of low light.