1. Lake Ontario and tributaries

The Free Fishing Days for New York are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday this weekend, an opportunity to wet a line for free any place in the state. Normally, everyone 16 years of age or older is required to purchase a license, to help support our fisheries programs.

Remember, you must still follow the fishing regulations in the waters that you intend to fish. It’s important to get that next generation of fishermen out and you can start by taking the youngsters out to the Town of Newfane Marina in Olcott for their annual Kids Fishing Derby. Saturday’s event is sponsored by the Newfane/Olcott Lions Club, the Newfane Tourism Committee, AES Somerset and the Buffalo Sabres Alumni group. Fishing will take place from 8 a.m. to noon, with a hot dog roast to follow. As far as the fishing, both Wilson and Olcott harbors are holding good numbers of bass and perch, with water temperatures still in the low 60s. In addition to the harbors, you can also catch fish off the piers. They’re even picking up a few trout in addition to bass and perch.

As far as fishing competitions, don’t forget that the Lake Ontario Counties Summer Trout and Salmon Derby will continue through July 20. For more information, log on to www.loc.org or call (888) REEL-2-IN.

2. Lower Niagara River

Moss, moss and more moss. That’s been the word from anglers in the lower Niagara. Bass and walleye are available for those willing to give it a go, but it’s not easy to combat all that green stuff flowing down through.

3. Upper Niagara River

Moss is starting to show up a little more frequently in the upper river, too, but there should be areas free of the green stuff. One area to fish is the Erie Canal, holding a good mix of warm water fish species. The Canal Derby is July 8-20 this year. Some of the marinas along the upper river that allow for fishing are another good option. Some creek mouths are an option, as well. Tossing spinnerbaits, tube jigs or fishing live bait will catch you fish. Another tactic is to toss out things like Rapala jerk baits. Not only will you catch some bass (both largemouth and smallmouth), but you’ll also catch northern pike and a possible muskellunge. For pike, try between Squaw and Strawberry islands. Black Rock Canal is another hole to target bass, especially south of the Peace Bridge. You can fish from boat or shore. Try casting off the Bird Island Pier.

Next competition on the docket is the Deuce’s Bar Bass Contest, set for Saturday from sunrise to 3 p.m. Weigh in will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. at the establishment located at 3320 Royal Avenue, Niagara Falls. Entry fee is $20 per person, which includes $5 for big fish. Top four places will receive the prize money. You must register by today at midnight at the bar. For more info call 282-0220. The contest is weight for best three fish.

4. Lake Erie and tributaries

In conjunction with the state’s Free Fishing Days Weekend, there will be a free Family Fishing Day Clinic at Chestnut Ridge Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be fishing and education stations for kids age 6 to 15. Rods and reels will be available for anyone who doesn’t have any fishing gear. A free hot dog lunch will also be provided. Call 652-4180 to register for the event. Bass fishing has been good, for the most part. Travis Tuma, national sales manager for Rapala fishing lures, took some time out to fish with Dave Sheffield of Triple S and local Rapala rep Dave Jackson. They had a fun day catching three to five pound smallmouth on shiners and drop shot rigs with Capt. Frank Campbell. One secret tip that Frank passed along was that fishing was best outside of 25 foot depths where moss wasn’t as much of a problem. Inside Donnelly’s Wall has been a good spot for bass, but most of the fish have been smaller. The walleye bite is slowly making its way east from Barcelona according to trollers. Target 40 to 80 foot depths with stick baits or worm harnesses. Dunkirk is reporting increased activity in the 55 to 65 foot range. Perch are hitting off Evangola State Park and Evans Bar in 45 to 55 feet of water; off Cattaraugus Creek in 40 to 45 feet of water; off Dunkirk in 40 to 45 feet northeast of the red channel buoy.

Bill Hilts Jr. is the outdoor sports specialist with the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation. Contact him at bhiltsjr69@cs.com.