CCO Fly Fishing Winter Newsletter
Cattaraugus Creek Fall 2009
The Fall was a tale of two rivers on the Cattaraugus. We had great September fishing on catt, with strong early runs, which included some large fish in the 28-32" range. The river of course was in great fishable shape, which is a key factor needed for successful fly fishing. In early to mid October the catt was muddy & off-color from our frequent rains. The high water only meant that the smaller and medium sized creeks had great flows, and big runs of fish. They more than took up the slack when the catt was not fishable. We did have a few good days on the catt around October 20, but then the high water returned. We were back to the smaller and medium creeks again, and they all had strong numbers of big fish. A nice surprise this fall was the presence of quite a few coho salmon on all of the tribs. These are wild fish, born on the streams, as there is almost no stocking of salmon in Lake Erie anymore.During early November the catt was high, so we fished the small and medium streams, but from November 9th to the 19th, the catt fished well, and got better each day as it dropped and cleared. The weather during this time period was unseasonably warm, with daytime temps into the 50's and 60's! Fish were being caught swinging flies and dead drifting with egg patterns and nymphs.I have heard that some anglers were complaining that the catching was a bit off compared to previous years on the Cattaraugus. As for the fishing, or catching, being a bit off, well that's part of fishing. We had a lot of water this fall so the smaller creeks received a lot of fish, I believe reducing the # of fish that ran into the catt. It's probably also a cyclical thing as well--some years more fish return than in other years. The creek is also not getting as clear as usual from the August flood, and because of this the holes & runs are much larger than when it is clearer, spreading the fish out significantly more. They can hold in more places when it is not as clear, meaning they are not concentrated in small pockets of deeper water like they are when it is clearer. Consequently you are not presenting your fly to as many fish, lowering your odds.Nevertheless, for those who know the creek, there were plenty of fish to be caught.Our guides kept busy all Fall and provided many great experiences for their guests. One of the benefits of working with several guides throughout the season is that we are constantly in contact with one another, which enables us to stay apprised of the latest fishing conditions and trends on the streams. This allows us to take our guests to the streams, or sections of streams, that are fishing the best at any given time.December provided good fishing on both the Lake Erie & Ontario tribs, as more browns began moving into the mix, and the weather stayed mild, at least the first 10 days or so into December.It was another great Fall fishing season here in WNY, and I was blessed to share good times on the streams with many old friends, and also met many new friends that I look forward to seeing next Fall.Winter/Spring Steelhead 2010
Now is the time to book your dates for our winter and spring steelhead fishing in WNY. Great fishing goes right thru the winter here in WNY, weather permitting. You'll find plenty of eager steelhead and browns, and very few anglers. Contact us to reserve dates for guided trips or for the streamside cabins.Slide Shows Online
Click on the below link to see slide shows of the trips we offer: steelhead fishing in western New York, affordable Bahamas bonefishing, British Columbia dry fly action, the Seychelles and our hosted saltwater adventures. There is a slide show of this Fall's steelhead highlights, as well as a short bonefishing video from our April trip to Eleuthera, Bahamas.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.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: Interactive ForumNew Gear
Patagonia Guidewater Waders
I have these new waders and they are comfortable and warm. They have merino wool grid-lined neoprene booties for extra warmth and comfort.
5th Annual Fall Party
Our 5th annual fall party in Zoar Valley this year with the Oak Orchard Fly Shop was held in late September. The rain mostly held off and a good time was had by all. We had great microbrew (courtesy of Flying Bison Brewery), grilled chicken, Italian sausage, hot dogs and some fine storytelling! See you next September.
Helpful Fishing Tips
Streamside Etiquette
We saw a few more anglers on our local streams this past fall. I guess word is getting out on the great fishing we have here. When you have a world class fishery, which is what we have here on the tributaries to Lake Erie, it will not remain a secret for long--not in this day and age of Internet. This is especially true when you have 15+ million people within an 8 hour drive of our area.
If everyone follows these simple, common sense rules the overall angling experience will remain positive and our area will continue to be known as a great place for true anglers and sportsmen to fish.
REGULATIONS
Once you purchase your fishing license, make sure you understand the rules.
FINDING A PLACE TO FISH
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when encountering other anglers:
When you are walking down a stream and another person is fishing ahead of you, walk on shore so as to not disturb their fishing area, or walk as far behind them as possible. Take a minute to observe their fishing actions to make sure your route is the best choice. Feel free to ask them if they are moving up or down stream, etc. . .
If on a small or medium stream, where the holes are generally small, if someone is in the hole or run you would like to fish, find another one. Don't walk up and crowd them. An alternative is to say hi, and strike up a conversation. Then you could ask if they wouldn't mind you fishing there. If they say no, respect their wishes and move on. If they don't respond, move on. Some walking will always find new water.
If you really want to fish a particular run, be the first one there, otherwise respect those who did arrive first. First come, first served.
On larger streams like the catt, there is more water to fish, and a little walking will go a long way. Of course this depends on the crowds. In fact it all depends on the crowds. If you are on a section of the catt and there are very few people around, don't even consider fishing a hole where someone is already fishing, unless you strike up a conversation and ask them. Otherwise, move on to the next run. When there is a lot of open water, there is absolutely no need for crowding. Nothing is quite as annoying as guys moving in to fish a run you are working, when upstream or down there are no other anglers in sight.
If the river is a bit busy, and other anglers are fishing a run and you are considering fishing the same run, pay attention to how they are fishing. If they are swinging streamers, they work downstream. So, don't cut in front of them on the downstream side. They were there first. Again, a friendly word and a smile will always be helpful and they may invite you to fish the run from upstream of them.
If the anglers are nymph fishing with indicators, they may work up or downstream. Say hi, and ask if they mind whether you jump in somewhere to fish, being mindful not to get too close to them.
I like to stay at least 100-150' from any other anglers on larger streams, unless of course you know them, or they have asked or said it was ok to fish close by.
If two or more guys are fishing a run, and they appear to be friends and fishing together, don't jump in between them when they are only 50-100' apart, unless of course you ask if they would mind.
Also, don't let your fly or float drift into another anglers water. By water I mean the water he is currently fishing. If he is casting 30' upstream and fishing an egg or nymph pattern 30' up and 15' down from him, respect his space. Don't let your offering drift into that zone. It's plain rude. You should not be that close to begin with.
Treat spin and bait fisherman with the same respect you would give another fly fisherman. They have just as much of a right to be on the stream as you do. Anglers using all methods are entitled to fish our streams, and no one method gives an angler priority or special privilege to fish over anyone else on the stream.
FIGHTING A FISH
Give the right of way to someone who is fighting a fish. Take your line in so it does not get tangled in theirs. Do not move into their fishing spot when they move up or downstream to fight the fish. Offer to help them net the fish and the favor might really pay off when you hook a huge lunker and need some help.
CONFRONTATION
If someone is using improper stream etiquette it is best to politely explain your views and opinions to them. This will have greater results than harshly complaining or making rude comments. Setting a proper example is probably the most effective way of getting the point across and it can be very contagious. Often times some people just don't know any better, and need to learn, or be reminded of what is acceptable behavior. If a person continues to act disrespectful it is best to just move on to another spot instead of getting angry and disrupting your fun day on the river.
HANDLING FISH
Please respect these fish. Handle them properly.
*Do not drag them up on the rocks where they can flop around, which can injure them and also removes their protective coating of slime.
*Do not use Boga grips, which can damage their jaws and internal organs. Use a tape measure and then figure out their weight later.
A rubber net is helpful of course. If you use a net, once netted keep the fish in the water. If you fish without a net bring the fish into the shallows so that it turns on it's side. Then you can unhook the fish and take a few quick photos, all the while holding the fish above the water. A glove helps to hold the tail end of the fish for pictures.
*Don’t squeeze a fish’s stomach.
*Don’t stick your fingers or any object into the fish’s gills.
*If you can’t remove a hook from a fish, cut your tippet and release the fish before the fish becomes overly stressed.
*Quickly photograph a fish and immediately return the fish to water.
*In warmer water conditions try photographing fish in a net that’s held partially in the water.
*Use barbless hooks.
REPORT VIOLATORS
If you see anglers killing fish and disposing of the carcass along the stream after they strip the eggs, call the DEC. If you see anglers snagging, call the DEC.
PRIVATE PROPERTY
Respect the property of others and obey no trespassing signs. Cutting across private land or being careless about where you enter or exit a stream is a sure way to have private property signs pop up all along your favorite stretch of river. Most places open to the public on our steelhead streams are not PFR (Public fishing Rights) areas per se. They are privately owned, but not posted. The landowners don't mind anglers fishing their property.
IN CONCLUSION
Unfortunately the DEC is short staffed, and we need to help police our waters. We truly have a world class fishery that many people are envious of, and we need to protect this fishery so that the experience for all ethical anglers remains positive.
CCO Fly Fishing Travel
We hope you 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.
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. As an added bonus, if you need a spare rod & reel to bring with you, we'll lend you ours, free of charge!
Now that the winter holidays are upon us, I know many of you are making your winter and spring fishing plans. Our hosted saltwater trips in the winter and spring of 2010 are filling up, so if you're considering joining us for some saltwater action, please get in touch now to reserve your spot. We are also returning to Fernie, British Columbia in August for some amazing remote & wild dry fly fishing in the Canadian rockies.Turneffe Flats Lodge, Belize (February 13-20, 2010)
Grey's Point Lodge, Acklins Island, Bahamas (February 13-20, 2010)
Long Island, Bahamas (March 6-13, 2010) Acklins Island, Bahamas FULL (March 13-20, 2010)
Eleuthera, Bahamas FULL (April 17-24, 2010)
Turneffe Flats Lodge, Belize (grand slam) (May 15-22, 2010)
Catskills Trout Camp (June 2010)
Fernie, British Columbia (August 2010)
We hope you can make it--these trips are a blast--great fishing, food and camaraderie, and some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere.
Turneffe Flats Lodge on Turneffe Atoll, Belize
Do-it-yourself Bonefishing trips
Our do-it--yourself saltwater trips are the perfect tonic for the sluggish economy, and a great way to beat the winter blues. They cost less than half of a fully guided trip, yet include everything that a traditional lodge does, except the guides. Rates start at $999! $1050 to $1505 on Acklins!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. We also offer hosted DIY trips where we'll hone our flats fishing skills as we rely on no one but ourselves to find and catch fish. Of course it helps that I know the islands well, and will be accompanying guests on the flats. Chester's Lodge on Acklins Island--right on a bonefish flat!
Elk River, British Columbia
We had a fantastic two weeks this past August in Fernie, British Columbia fishing the Elk river and it's tributaries, and I have reserved two more weeks for next August. We were catching 30+" bull trout on streamers and 18-20" cutthroats on dry flies out of the same run!Space is limited and I want to try and accommodate all who want to experience this wonderful wild trout destination. The dry fly rules here!Two weeks in 2010
July 31-August 7 & August 7-14
Contact me to reserve your space--deposits will not be due until next year.
Catskills Trout Camp 2010
Join us on our 4th annual hosted trout camp in the Catskills in early June, 2010. Exact dates to be determined. We stay at riverfront lodging on the West Branch of the Delaware river and get to explore the wonderful trout rivers of the Catskills. Contact us for more info.Releasing Bonefish
You probably already know good basic methods for properly releasing gray ghosts, but a recent study by several research authorities sheds additional light on the subject.
What was found to be the number one culprit contributing to bonefish angling mortality? Air exposure. Leave a gray ghost out of water for only a minute and its heart becomes starved of oxygen. Force yourself to remove the hook, grab a quick photo and release the fish without exposing it to air for more than a few seconds.
Speaking of the importance of time, work a bonefish to the boat without unduly prolonging the stress on the fish. Using tackle that’s too light for your quarry will over-tire it and lessen sufficient recovery. A dragged-out fight also ups the odds of a shark or barracuda taking advantage of the situation; if you see a predator, horse your bonefish to the boat quickly and release it after ensuring your own safety and letting it fully revive.
Since bonefish released in poor condition obviously have a higher risk of being attacked by predators, we wanted to know if releases close to cover such as a complex of mangrove prop roots would make a difference. Surprisingly, we found no benefit as bonefish tended to stay on open flats rather than darting for cover.
Another important time factor involves water temperature that exceeds 25C (77F). Bonefish tend to fare more poorly in warmer water, so take that into consideration when choosing gear and playing the fish.
Besides air exposure, handling time and water temperature, the loss of equilibrium to a bonefish after release makes it six times more likely to be attacked by a predator than one released without losing equilibrium. To reduce the affects of all those factors, just leave the fish in the water when unhooking and releasing it.
Study results don’t reveal undue physical damage to the mouth and gills upon hook-setting, which means circle hooks aren’t needed for this species. Bonefish possess hard crushing plates on the roof of their mouth and tongue, making hooking injuries less likely. Even so, barbless hooks remain a good idea because they make for easier removal.
A common question is whether there’s an advantage in using mechanical lip-gripping tools. A recent study we performed reveals that these tools can actually cause significant injury to the lower jaw of bonefish and therefore impair feeding. It’s better to wet your hands to hold a fish or ideally use a pair of pliers or a hemostat to remove the hook.
With these study results in mind, take extra care when playing and releasing this amazing species and encourage your friends to do likewise. After all, you’re the first line of defense when it comes to the conservation of bonefish populations.
For more information, contact Dr. Andy Danylchuk andy@coreangling.com releasing bonefish
Dreaming of Cuba
Cuba's southern coast is an untapped fishery: an angler's dream--bones, tarpon and permit abound, and the area is lightly fished and larger than the Florida Keys, resembling the Keys fishery 30 years ago. Americans are still forbidden by the State Department from spending money there, except for a few narrow exceptions. Hopefully one day . . . .
WNY Trout Unlimited Annual Banquet & Fundraiser
SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010 (6PM)
LUCARELLI’S BANQUET FACILITY
1830 ABBOTT RD. LACKAWANNA, NY
$30 TICKET INCLUDES: BUFFET DINNER, 10 BUCKET RAFFLE TICKETS ALSO: DOOR PRIZES, SILENT AND VERBAL AUCTIONS & SPECIAL RAFFLES
ENJOY THE MAGIC OF TED BURZYNSKI!
FOR MORE PRIZE INFO AND FOR TICKETS CONTACT: LEN BIGAJ (716) 826-4178 OR VISIT: OAK ORCHARD FLY SHOP, 5977 MAIN ST., WILLIAMSVILLE ORVIS SHOP, EASTERN HILLS MALL
This is a great baitfish pattern tied by Nick Pionessa from the Oak Orchard Fly Shop, along with a superb slideshow tutorial on how to tie it. This is an excellent pattern for our area as it closely imitates many varieties of baitfish common to our streams and lakes.
We hope you have a merry Christmas & great new year!
"Tight lines, and if they are not as tight as you wish, you will have a memorable time of it just the same." ---advice to angler
"So I have always been grateful to fishing, happy with it as a part of my life, unable to explain it's allure and unwilling, ever, to justify or apologize for it."
---Nick Lyons
