Deeper water can mean oxygen problems during summer, so concentrate on depths of 15 feet and shallower.

Oswego Lake is north from Syracuse, with Interstate Route 81 crossing the outlet.

Information about places to stay and other local services is available through Oswego County Department of Promotion and Tourism, County Office Building, 46 East Bridge Street, Oswego, NY 13126; or call (315) 349-8322.

HONEOYE LAKE

Honeoye Lake is the shallowest, with a maximum depth of about 30 feet, and second smallest of the Finger Lakes, with a surface area of 1,772 acres. Like most of these lakes, it is under-appreciated. Walleye fishing might not rate with the best New York fisheries, but it is worthy of mention.

One thing lacking at Honeoye Lake is classic springtime walleye structure. Look for schools of fish in the thinner outer edges of the weedbeds that surround the lake. Use weedless jigs tipped with bait or thin pork strips.

Honeoye Lake is south of Rochester. Take Interstate Route 390 South to Route 20A, then go east to the lake. The public boat launch is at the southeastern end of the lake.

Information about the area is available from Finger Lakes Tourism office, 309 Lake Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527; call (800) 548-4386, or e-mail them at info@fingerlakes.org.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER

The Susquehanna is another hotspot that has yet to be recognized widely for its superb walleye fishing. Look for the best spring action around Binghamton and downstream to the Pennsylvania border near Sayre. The river is wide and deep here and is suitable for small boats.

Information about local services is available from the Broome County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 49 Court St., Metro Ctr., 2nd Floor, Binghamton, NY 13901; or call (800) 836-6740.

ALLEGHENY RESERVOIR

The Allegheny Reservoir produced New York’s state-record walleye, a 16-pound, 7-ounce monster. If that record is broken, it will likely be by another fish from the same body of water. This might seem contradictory because the walleye growth rate here is not that good. Often it can be difficult to find keeper-size walleyes.

The Allegheny Reservoir is shared with Pennsylvania; in fact, about two-thirds of it is in Pennsylvania. But it is well known among locals that the best walleye fishing is in New York. The only drawback with this part of the reservoir is that a fishing license from the Seneca Nation of Indians is required.

Early-season fishing success is largely dependent on the weather. Heavy rainfall will keep the reservoir high and make fishing difficult. This is a U.S. Corps of Engineers flood control reservoir, so water is held back to prevent downstream flooding. But that is usually finished by the start of walleye season, or soon thereafter.

The best walleye fishing during the first couple of weeks of the season is often toward the head of the reservoir. Trolling can be one way to find the fish. Many locals prefer to use electric motors to very slowly troll jig-and-bait combinations. Later in the season, the action moves closer to the state line.

Visiting anglers can get information about local services from the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau (see above).

LAKE ERIE

Last, but certainly not least, Lake Erie is one of the top walleye hotspots in the country. Tournament anglers and charter boats regularly hit the docks with some impressive catches.

According to a report from the NYSDEC Lake Erie Unit, walleye survival continues to be high and exploitation low. Last year, fishing pressure was the second lowest it has been in 16 years of tracking, yet the walleye harvest ranked 11th.

Walleye fishing can be good anywhere from Barcelona to Buffalo. Stick baits and spoons that look like smelt and shiners can be effective when trolled, but many walleyes are caught on night crawler harnesses.

Look for walleyes in relatively shallow water during spring. Nighttime fishing can be good in depths of less than 20 feet. During the day, look for depth breaks.

Anglers may find more information about local services from the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau (see above).

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.