Typically, long before the spring season opens, New York's die-hard anglers have their favorite walleye honeyholes mapped out. It could be a lake down the road, a river connecting to a major lake or a weekend getaway across the state.

Wherever, it's getting to be time for big walleyes to begin feeding in earnest after a long winter.

Whether the following lakes and rivers are around the corner from you or hours away, it's still well worth your time and effort to visit them.

Keep in mind, there may be special regulations in effect for each body of water. Before you head out, review the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's regulations guide for the current rules and laws on walleye fishing.

ONEIDA LAKE
For years, Oneida Lake has been a hotspot for spring walleyes. Measuring roughly 22 miles long by five miles wide and covering about 52,000 acres, Oneida gives anglers a great opportunity to limit out on these tasty fish.

Oneida Lake's walleye population is estimated at some 400,000 adults. Jigging the bottom of the lake in 35 to 45 feet of water should consistently produce strikes. Trolling stick baits in the early-morning hours or at dusk should prove to be effective.

Shore anglers have great luck casting stick baits into the shallows during low-light hours. While casting from shore, work your baits and lures into the 12- to 15-foot range and you'll have good success.

Jeff Loukmas is the Warmwater-Coolwater Unit leader for the DEC's Bureau of Fisheries. He said that last year, researchers at Cornell University conducted a population assessment on the lake, indicating a rebound since the late '90s.

This should mean a productive 2009 spring season.

Oneida Lake lies north of Syracuse via Interstate Route 81. State boat launches at Toad Harbor and Godfrey Point on the north shore and between Bridgeport and Lakeport on the south shore are among the dozens of great access points.

The DEC's Region 7 weekly fishing hotline at (607) 753-1551 usually includes an update on Oneida Lake's action. You can also get tips on local accommodations from the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce at (315) 470-1800.

HONEOYE LAKE
Just 30 miles away from downtown Rochester, Honeoye Lake has an average depth of 30 feet, giving anglers the advantage over some amazing 'eyes.

For spring walleyes, two of the best spots are midway up the lake, off the points. Schools of walleyes patrol these points while foraging for food.

Local anglers show up at dusk, long-lining minnow imitations and working the shoreline between these two areas.

Honeoye Lake's public boat launch lies at the southeast corner of the lake off East Lake Road. Parking is available for 30 cars with trailers.

Launching is also available for small trailered boats, cartops and canoes off Sandy Bottom Road at the northwest corner of the lake. Lakeside parking allows for about six cars. There's additional parking near the baseball diamond.

For more information on Honeoye Lake's walleye fishing and accurate reports, contact Dan Sharp at Honeoye Bait and Tackle at (585) 229-2266, or visit him at 4864 County Road 37, Honeoye, NY 14471.

Information about the area is available from the Finger Lakes Tourism office, 309 Lake Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527. Call 1-800-548-4386, or e-mail them at info@fingerlakes.org.

LAKE ERIE
Lake Erie is undoubtedly one of the world's most productive fisheries for both size and quantity of walleyes.

Early spring tends to draw fish in numbers, rather than the 10-pounders that most anglers are hoping for.

Even so, a limit of 20-inch fish makes for some good table fare!