CCO Fly Fishing Fall/Winter Newsletter 2011
CCO Fly Fishing Travel
Please consider us when booking a fishing trip. Let us work for you and help you plan your next fishing adventure. Our assistance does not add any additional cost to your trip. We'll help you in any way possible to ensure your trip is well planned and enjoyable.
Whether you want to fish for bonefish in the Bahamas, permit, snook and tarpon in Mexico or Belize, bonefish & trevally in the Seychelles or South Pacific, salmon & trout in Russia or Alaska, wild trout in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Argentina or Chile, or steelhead in British Columbia, we can help you fulfill your dream and ensure that your trip is well planned and organized.
Hi Vince, my dad and I had a great trip - so many stories to tell. The whole group was great including Dan Pangaldi, who is a class act, Willies, Ruths and Franks, The Guides, The Canadians, The Marina, The Fish Fry, etc. You have to ask my dad about the tour around the island with the mayor. I liked the reef fishing especially and caught my first ladyfish. The guides were very professional and motoring in the boats worked well for my father and I. We had great weather and all together a great trip. Thanks for making it happen. Go Sabres!Mike Hanlon--PA For more information, or to book a trip, contact us anytime @ 716-479-2327 or e-mail vtobia@aol.com
2011 Hosted Trip Photos & Reports
2012 Hosted Trips
Here's our lineup of hosted saltwater trips scheduled for the winter and spring of 2012. If you're considering joining us for some saltwater action, please get in touch now to reserve your spot. We are again returning to Crooked Island in 2012. Several of our guests specifically requested a return to Crooked in 2011, and we returned and found the Crooked Island operation better than ever! Crooked offers one of the best deals in bonefishing anywhere. Great guides, wonderful food and lodging, and a diverse fishing program make Crooked Island in the southern Bahamas a must visit for all anglers.We are also hosting another week on Los Roques, Venezuela, which has quietly become known as one of the best bonefishing destinations anywhere. It is located near the equator, and less likely to be affected by winter cold fronts. It's known for #'s bones and big bonefish. Our trip last January was such a hit we had to go back. We caught many bones, big bones, bones on the surface, plus there are plenty of tarpon around.Our hosted trips are great for single anglers, and we'll pair you up with another angler so you can enjoy the double occupancy rates. Our hosts travel with all guests, and we bring extra flies and equipment, so no one will ever be lacking flies, or a good rod and reel in the event of breakage. We're also there to assist in many other ways--from rigging and knots, to fishing techniques and photographs. Our goal is for all guests to have a truly memorable adventure.*Los Roques, Venezuela (January 7-14, 2012)
*Crooked Island, Bahamas FULL (March 17-24, 2012)
*Crooked Island, Bahamas (March 24-31, 2012)
*Acklins Island, Bahamas DIY (March 17-24, 2012)
*Acklins Island, Bahamas DIY (March 24-31, 2012)
*Catskills Trout Camp (June 3-6 & 10-13)
(June 3-6 & 10-13)*Fernie, British Columbia (August, 2012)
We hope you can make it--these trips are a blast--great fishing, food and camaraderie, and some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere. We accompany all anglers on our hosted trips to help with tackle, rigging, fishing techniques--anything our guests need.
DIY Lodging on Acklins Island
This new and modern bed & breakfast is located on the water in north-central Acklins Island (Mason's Bay) and is extremely comfortable! All suites are A/C and have satellite TV. The bonefish suite is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with a full kitchen that is ideal for groups of 4 anglers. Rooms are separate from main residence which insures privacy. Pure, unlimited fresh water is supplied by their modern reverse osmosis system. Ivel's is a wonderful place to spend a week exploring all that Acklins Island has to offer. All packages at Ivels include truck rental!Ivel's is located just north of the Spring Point airport with gorgeous views looking out into the bight of Acklins. It is the perfect place to stay for those wishing to fish & explore the middle and more remote southern end of Acklins (and the northern end is only 1/2 hour by car). There are often bonefish right out in front of Ivels. There are two blue holes right in front of Ivels, and you are a short drive from a very large & beautiful blue hole which has all kinds of fish swimming in it's deep blue waters. The flats surrounding Ivels are located anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 1/2 hours away, and there are more productive areas than could be explored in a month. Tides and Bonefish
by Rod Hamilton
Understanding tides and the effect they have on bonefish behavior is critical to the success you will have catching fish and planning your trip.
There is some great reference material available on tides and bonefish behavior written by true professionals that I would encourage all of you to read. They have spent a lifetime on the subject and clearly understand the relationship between tides, the moon and bonefish behavior. I have listed some of the references below.
Tides and bonefish:
Fly Fishing For Bonefish by Chico Fernandez
Fly Fishing For Bonefish by Dick Brown
Bonefishing by Randall Kaufmann
Deneki Outdoors, Bonefish and Tides
Fly Fishing In Salt Water
Florida Fly Fishing Magazine
Fisherman's Coast
Now that you have read about tides, the moon, Spring and Neap tides from the experts, below is my "two cents" worth based on the last 20 years of fishing the flats.
As you have learned in the books and links above, Spring tides occur on the new and full moons and create the highest high and lowest low tides of the month. Neap tides occur during the quarter moons and have the least variance in tide heights in the month. This distinction is important as it can significantly impact where the fish are at any given time of the day, their travel patterns on and off the flats, how long they may be in places you can't get to (mangroves) and how long during each day optimum fishing conditions will exist. The goal of course is to use the tides to maximize the productive time you have on the flats.
The effect that tides have on fishing and the amount of "quality" time you have to fish differs from place to place. For instance in Chetumal Bay the tides seem to have less effect and the "good fishing times" extend through most of the day. Certain places on Acklins have extensive mangrove islands/flats/areas where the fish want to go. During the high Spring tides you need to intercept the fish as they move onto the flats before the high water floods the mangroves. Once in the mangroves you can fish the edges while you wait for the fish to emerge on the falling tide. The less extremes of the Neap tide mean the fish stay on the flats longer.
Here are some general rules about bonefishing and tides:
*neap tides are generally better to plan a trip around
*bonefish use incoming tides to access prime feeding areas and outgoing tides to find deeper water
*fishing should be targeted around the last 2/3 of an incoming tide and the first 1/3 of the outgoing tide
*rising tides in both the early morning and late evening are good on weak tides, bones may linger more around the edges, while on strong high tides they will move into the skinny water
*bonefish will often face or feed into a strong current
*bonefish are more aggressive and less spooky on the incoming tide as they head to and/or reach their feeding grounds
*you have to fish the tides, even if it is first thing in the morning or last light at night
As for all general rules, sometimes the rule just doesn't apply.
If the prime fishing is during the last 2/3 of the incoming tide and the first 1/3 of the outgoing tide, what do you do the rest of the time? First in many locations the tides vary considerably from North to South and from East to West. For instance in Eleuthera the difference in tides between the Atlantic and Caribbean is two hours which means you can fish the quality tide on one side then jump over to the other and get in another couple hours of good fishing. As the flats dry out, fish the edge of the flats into the deep water as fish will often cruise edges while they wait for the next incoming tide. At low tide the fish will often school up and hold together in deeper water, where you might find them mudding or you can blind cast into deeper channels or holes just off the edge of the flat. Once you find these locations the fish will often be there most days.
Barometric pressure and wind can effect tides. Low barometric pressure exerts less pressure so high tides can be higher, high barometric pressure can suppress tides so high tides may be lower than predicted. Wind can have a dramatic effect on tides with strong onshore winds forcing tides higher and offshore winds having the opposite effect.
To the best of my knowledge there is no scientific evidence that says bonefish feed particularly hard during the night of full moons. But I know guides on Exuma, Acklins and Eleuthera who believe that bonefish feed aggressively during the night around a full moon. The point is, "if" they feed during the night of the full moon they are going to be less hungry the following day.
What does all this information mean to the traveling DIY fisherman. First get a tide table for the area you plan to fish. Contact people/lodges/guides who fish and live there and ask which tides they prefer to fish. Plan your trip around the best tides for that area. You might not want to plan around a full moon if you believe the fish feed during the night of a full moon. You have to fish the tides, so plan your days before you go. There are going to be times when the good incoming tide is early in the morning or late in the evening. You might miss breakfast or dinner...... but hit the tide. Visibility might be low....... but hit the tide. Your guides hours and the best tide may not coincide so work it out in advance and.........hit the tide.
Explorers & Adventurers Wanted
Do you want to feel like a kid again when you were exploring the creeks and farm ponds of your youth? Join us on one of our hosted do-it-yourself bonefishing adventures, or embark on one yourself, with our help. Our do-it--yourself saltwater trips are the perfect tonic for the sluggish economy, and also a great way to beat the winter blues. They often cost less than half of a fully guided trip, yet include everything that a traditional lodge does, except the guides.For those of you that enjoy fishing and exploring on your own, without the assistance and expense of a guide, these trips are for you. There are few things in fly fishing more rewarding than successfully catching bonefish and other flats species on your own, while exploring a beautiful remote island in the Bahamas.Our hosted DIY trips will be on the Islands of Acklins, Bahamas, in March of 2012.Testimonial from our Acklins DIY trip this March
"Ivel’s – That’s pretty much the best experience any of us can recall as far as staff, service, food, etc. Mrs. Gibson and Mrs. Ferguson provided fantastic food. The rest of the staff was also very helpful and friendly. I recommend branching out a bit in the morning and trying the Bahamian breakfasts offered. I don’t think you can beat it for someone on a DIY. Flats –Ivel’s II held a fairly large school and had quite a few singles and doubles. Especially in the evenings.NW side of Chesters – soft but held quite a few fish – unfortunately, I found this out with about 2 hours left in the trip. Was able to see quite a few tails glistening as the sun set. Lost a few on the edge of the mangroves and couldn't’t connect with a NICE bone.
Binnacle – we did well here and beautiful flat
Snug Corner – like this flat as well and picked up quite a few fish here."
Jeff FreemanCatch Interactive Online Magazine
Check out this cool online magazine which has excellent photography."In my view, the people who fish do so because it seems like magic to them, and it is hard to find things in life that seem magical."
--Howell Raines
Cattaraugus Creek Fall 2011
The overall consensus among anglers and guides is that the steelhead runs this Fall were better than last Fall. Here are some notes from each week, starting in October and going to the end of November.1st week of October-we got a few days in on the Catt, and also on the small creeks. Weather was beautiful and the Catt was flowing in the 200's most of the week. Decent #'s of fish in the creeks for this time of year, and very light crowds. It was a great time to be out.
2nd week of October-gave us more time on the Catt, and the fishing was pretty good. Beautiful weather once again and flows in the mid to upper 100's and low 200's. Joe & Rob Rosone and Joe Antos got into some big steelies. Joe Rosone shown below with a 30" x 15" hen. These guys also landed three 29" steelhead during their 3 guided days, along with numerous smaller ones between 22-28"!
3rd week of October-was mostly spent on the smaller tribs, which had decent numbers of fish but they were spread out. No fishing on the Catt this week as it was too high. Weather was a little cooler with a mix of sun and rain.
Last week of October-was also on the small creeks, with very slow fishing, as fish were spread out, and no large runs came in during the last high water. We really had to work for the fish this week. The Catt was just a little too high, but getting closer, and the small streams were getting too low. Weather was cooler and the Catt was 450+ cfs, with limited visibility.
The first two weeks of November- we saw the Catt getting into shape, and it just improved each day in terms of clarity and fishing. It fished well right up until the evening of November 14 when we got significant rain and even a couple tornados in the southern tier. It was great while it lasted, and we had excellent fishing on our property during this time. The weather was pretty mild too for this time of year.
Seymour Knox IV with a 33" buck caught on our property on the upper Catt!
After the 14th of November the Catt never came back into shape during the month of November, so we spent time on the smaller creeks and the fishing was solid. It's December now and the fishing is very good, with low pressure and plenty of fish. This is an overlooked time for most anglers, as our streams are loaded with fish and angling pressure in light
Barry Heller with a 31" x 16" missile caught on the Catt!
My overall impressions based on what I saw on the creeks, as well as reports from my guides and friends on the water, was that the runs were a bit stronger than last Fall on the Catt and the smaller tribs to the west/south of the Catt. 18 mile creek in Hamburg, which is east/north of the Catt, was sporadic once again. If you hit it just right and got onto some pods of fish, you did fine, otherwise the fish were sparse and scattered for the most part.
This seems to make sense based on a few theories regarding the decreased number of returning fish the last two years.
I believe that many of the stocked steelhead (between 5-7" when NYS stocks them) suffered high mortality rates due to walleye predation. Lamprey's were also a problem, and I am sure they took a toll on many steelhead. Cormorants probably also got their fair share. It was the perfect storm of negative factors which decreased the numbers of returning stocked steelhead.
This is in line with my belief that we were catching more wild (stream born) steelhead on the Catt and Chautauqua creeks, both of which support good natural reproduction of steelhead. Many fish caught and released had perfect fins, exhibiting none that were clipped or deformed, which is an indication that a fish was not raised in a hatchery. I believe these wild fish are less susceptible to predation than their hatchery kin.
Furthermore, 18 mile creek does not support significant steelhead reproduction due to it's warm summertime temperatures, thus accounting for the poor returns there. Also a consideration is the fact that 18 mile is noticeably farther from Pennsylvania waters, and therefore less likely to get stray fish that were stocked in PA, whereas the Catt, Chautauqua and Canadaway would benefit from the stray PA fish more than would 18 mile. Hence, the greater returns on these creeks which are closer to the PA border, and which do support some natural reproduction.
Overall, our clients experienced excellent angling, as is evidenced by the fact that many of our guests return year after year to fish with us, and many are already booked for prime dates next Fall. It is noteworthy to mention that I had numerous days on the Catt where we fished nearly a mile of stream, and did not cross paths with another angler all day! This is the experience I strive for--excellent angling with few or no other anglers. I am optimistic that the runs will continue to improve each season, and return to the levels anglers were used to seeing.
Spey Schools
Stay tuned for more info on spey schools that we will be offering next Fall. Anglers will get spey casting instruction from our experts, and will also get to practice with their spey rods on willing participants in our local waters. Lodging will be at our streamside cabins on the Catt.We will be conducting our popular steelhead camps in the Fall of 2012. Lodging at the camps is at our streamside cabins on Cattaraugus creek, on private property. We are short 3 minute walk from Cattaraugus Creek. The camps include overnight lodging for three nights, two days of guided fishing, & lunches on the guided days. The November dates will be announced in the Spring. Groups of three or six work best, though single anglers are welcome. Each camp has six total anglers, and two guides. Note: you must be physically fit and able to hike over a mile each day over rough terrain.
Zoar Valley Escape on the Catt
We have two comfortable and modern cabins which sleep up to five anglers each. Both are located a short walk from the Catt, and no steep hikes are required to get to the stream. You can even drive to our upper property and park 50' from the creek, over looking the Magic Tailout pool. Contact us now to reserve space for the Fall season. Speaking of the Magic Tailout, we have named all of the pools that are along our property. The names of the pools are located on the aerial maps inside each cabin. You'll be fishing pools such as Half Pool, Bird House, Ed's Run, the Ledges, Magic Tail Out, Trailer Pool, Trailer Pool Tail Out, New Bend & the CliffsAvailable for winter rentals for skiers, snow-mobilers & die hard anglers
New Slide Shows
Click on the below links to see our 2011 slide shows
Catskills Trout Camp 2012
Our 6th annual hosted trout camps will be held again in the Catskills. You can read the brief report and view some photos here.We stay on the banks of the west Branch of the Delaware River, just downstream from Deposit, NY. Come and test your flyfishing skill against the wild and wily trout of the Delaware river system!Join us from June 3-6 or 10-13 in the Spring of 2012 and continue our tradition. Contact us for more info.Somerset Fly Fishing Show
We plan on attending the Somerset Fly Fishing Show January 27, 28 & 29 of 2012. Stop by the booth and say hi, or join us for a beer in the upstairs lobby of the Doubletree Inn. We hope to see you there!6th Annual Fall Party
Our 6th annual fall party in Zoar Valley with the Oak Orchard Fly Shop was a success once again. Spey casting demos, casting contests for prizes, great micro-brew & grilled food made for a fun afternoon in Zoar Valley. Click Here to see the pics.
The Oak Orchard Fly Shop in Williamsville has everything you need to be outfitted for our great steelhead fishing, including many custom tied flies that are unique to our area. In fact, all of the flies tied at the OOFS are done by local tyers.The fly shop carries Bauer, Galvan, Ross & Nautilus reels, as well as Scott, Thomas & Thomas & Echo rods, and is a great place to get your spey fishing equipment too. They are a Patagonia, Fishpond, William Joseph and Chota dealer as well. Check out the Fly Shop's interactive forum. There are fly tying tutorials on great original patterns, as well as lots of sage advice on many fly fishing topics. Click here: OOFS ForumElk River, British Columbia
We had another great two weeks this August in Fernie, British Columbia fishing the Elk river and it's tributaries. This was our 6th year going, and we still have not explored all of the streams and rivers the area has to offer. The dry fly rules here, and we explore remote and pristine streams for westslope cutthroat, bull trout and some rainbows and browns! This year's photos & slideshows Some Excellent Links
