There were some massive flocks offshore when I was perch fishing 2 spots in the Rochester area last week. Bringley is right. A little cold weather and the numbers will go up.
There are still a lot of perch out in the lake. We did good on perch in the bay 2 weeks ago. Just need to work a little to find them Things have been slow everywhere compared to normal this fall.
The Coast guard does not seem to be enforcing this in the Rochester area. I watched them drive right buy 2 guys in a jon boat with no life jackets on in the Genesee River last week.
If a stand is left on "Public land" that is state land, It might not have been stolen. The DEC has been known to take down stands on state lands. Here is the law on tree stands on State lands. http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/09guidemaps.pdf
Way to go Eskimo Joe. Another successful trip under your belt. A couple more trips and you can get a phone. Oh wait, I hear your client does not pay well! Keep up the good work.