CCO Fly Fishing Spring Newsletter 2009
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. And we'll supply you with a complimentary fly box with assorted patterns that are productive at your destination.
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.
One of our saltwater trip hosts, Dan Pangaldi, will be visiting Kamchatka, Russia this summer to fish for rainbow trout and other coldwater species in Russia's far-east. A trip report will follow. For more information, or to book a trip, contact us anytime @ 716-479-2327 or e-mail [email protected]
2009 Hosted Trip Photos & Reports
2010 Hosted Trips
Our hosted saltwater trips in the winter and spring of 2010 are now filling up, so if you're considering joining us for some saltwater action, please get in touch now to reserve your spot. 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 guest to have a truly memorable adventure.*Turneffe Flats Lodge, Belize (February 13-20, 2010)
(February 13-20, 2010) *Grey's Point Lodge, Acklins, Bahamas (February 13-20, 2010)
(February 13-20, 2010)*Greenwich Creek, Long Island, Bahamas (March 6-13, 2010)
*Acklins Island Hosted DIY (March 13-20, 2010)
*Eleuthera Hosted DIY Bonefishing (April 17-24, 2010)
*Turneffe Flats Lodge-Belize (May 15-22, 2010)
(May 15-22, 2010)*Catskills Trout Camp (June, 2010)
(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. We accompany all anglers on our hosted trips to help with tackle, rigging, fishing techniques--anything our guests need.
DIY Bonefishing Reality
Many anglers have tried do-it-yourself bonefishing, which is bonefishing without the assistance of a guide. DIY bonefishing can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, or a very humbling one. I do not recommend it for novice anglers, or even first-time bonefishermen, unless your expectations are tempered.The reality is that finding and seeing bonefish on your own, without the help of a guide, is tricky. The guides know the habits of bonefish on their island, and thus they know where to find them at most any given stage of the tide. Furthermore, they can spot bonefish very well, better than most anglers that travel to the tropics to fish for a week or two or three each season. This is a huge advantage. For example, two anglers can walk the same flat together, but see vastly different numbers of bonefish. One angler spots the fish from quite far away, and can remain still and let the fish come closer to him. He'll see more fish, and have better shots as he sees the fish sooner, since he can position himself and get ready to present his fly before the fish gets too close and is spooked. The other angler cannot see as well, and while he is walking the flat, he spooks fish before he sees them, and the ones he sees are spooked because their attention was drawn to his motion and the noise he made while wading. Consequently, his shots at fish are not quality shots, but rather to fleeing fish. Improving your ability to spot bonefish and other flats species comes with practice and time spent on the water. Of course having a guide at your side helps.Bonefish will come surprisingly close to an angler if he remains motionless. Movement and sound will alert the fish to the anglers presence. If a cloud is passing overhead reducing your visibility, stay still until the cloud passes and the sun illuminates the flats again. Unnecessary movement and noise will spook the fish you can't see at the moment.Does this mean that eager bonefishermen should forgo DIY angling, and instead pay more $ and hire a guide? Absolutely not! Anglers should temper their expectations, wade quietly, and enjoy the beauty that the saltwater flats environment has to offer. And save some $ while doing it. I've had some of my best and most memorable days bonefishing on my own. And remember, there is only one way to get better--practice, practice, practice.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.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. Our hosted DIY trips will be on the islands of Acklins & Eleuthera, Bahamas, in March & April 2010. Elk River, British Columbia
We had a fantastic two weeks last August in Fernie, British Columbia fishing the Elk river and it's tributaries, and I have reserved two more weeks for this August. The dry fly rules here! Week one is full, but we still have two spots for the 2nd week, August 8-15. Contact us if you'd like to join our group. Or, if you'd like to go on your own, let us help you plan your trip to fish the Elk river and it's tributaries this summer.
To see the pictures from our trip click on this link: Elk River pictures
Helpful Travel Tips
Security in Nassau, Bahamas is now allowing reels in your carry-on bags when exiting the Bahamas thru Nassau. Previously, the Bahamian security was not allowing anglers to take their expensive fly reels home in their carry-on bags. Fortunately they have changed their policy and it is now ok to do so.Saltwater Flats Footwear
what works to keep sand out while wading the flats
I use the Patagonia Marlwalkers as they have very hard bottoms and high sides to protect your ankles, which is essential when wading areas with hard rock or coral.First put on the sand guards, then the socks, then the boots.Vintage Bonefishing Video
Check out this great vintage 10 minute video from the Florida Keys.
A Note on the Economy
Because of the sluggish economy, we are keeping our guided steelhead trip prices the same for 2009. There is still great interest in fishing trips, as we believe people need to take a step back and relax, and get away, if only for a day or two. It's a great way to recharge your batteries, find some quiet time and reflect on the positive.Canadaway Creek Conservation Project
Hosted by SAREP Youth Fly Fishing Program
The S.A.R.E.P. Youth Fly Fishing Program will be organizing the Canadaway Creek Conservation Project on Saturday, June 13 from 11:30am to 3pm at the gazebo behind the Fire Hall on Main Street in Fredonia, NY. The project will entail educational presentations, a stream clean-up and willow whip planting program to stabilize the stream’s banks. Free lunch, caps and T-shirts will be provided to all participants.S.A.R.E.P. Youth Flyfishing Program is a not-for-profit volunteer educational program that provides children with information and experiences related to aquatic resources, conservation, ethics, and flyfishing. The ethics of the program promotes "catch and release" as well as respect for fellow fisherman and the land on which one fishes. It is the goal of the program to protect the local species and the land for future generations.Contact for more info: Alberto Rey 211 Chestnut Street
Fredonia, NY 14063
716-679-7002
"Tight lines, and if they are not as tight as you wish, you will have a memorable time of it all the same."
--Advice to an angler
Cattaraugus Creek Spring 2009
This year, our Spring came early and the steelhead season was approximately one to two weeks ahead of schedule. This meant that the runs of steelhead peaked a bit earlier than normal, and the majority of fish left the streams earlier. Late April on the Catt saw some nice, hot steelhead, but they were not as numerous as normal for that time of year, with many of the fish having already retreated back to Lake Erie. Anglers had to be mobile to find good numbers of fish. A perfect example of the fishing in late April happened while I was guiding the last week of the month. One day, a single angler I was guiding hooked into 23 steelhead! Twenty two of these fish came from one pool. We worked the pools both above and below this one productive pool, and only got into one other fish. Furthermore, I had anglers fishing that same pool the day before, and not one fish was hooked there! This is typical of late spring on the catt, but it's more common in mid May. Anglers had to be versatile and move around if they were not getting into the fish.Because the water temps were a bit warmer than normal, the catt and the smaller tribs saw greater numbers of bass, as well as carp and suckers, earlier in the spring. Having the bass around is not a bad thing, as they are fun to catch and keep the action fast when it might otherwise be slow. We also saw some good walleye on the lower river, and we even had a client land a large catfish on a wooly bugger!As I write this on May 2, the small tribs are low and clear, but they still contain some steelhead, and a few are even getting late runs of fresh fish. Predicting which creeks will get these runs, and when, is another story. You'll have better odds at the casino! But it can be fun to walk the creeks looking for fresh steel, and there are always some bass around to keep it interesting.We're looking forward to another good fall season on the Catt! Spring Bass Fishing
Bass fishing is really heating up on our tributaries here in Western New York. These are big, lake run smallmouth bass that fight well, jump and attack streamers and poppers. They are great fun, and are perfectly suited to novice fly anglers, and kids. The action will remain good well into June. Call us if you'd like to experience this great fishery. You could even hook into a steelhead, a few of which are still around into June.We will be conducting our popular steelhead camps in the Fall of 2009. The camps include overnight lodging for two nights, two days of guided fishing, two breakfasts & lunches, and one dinner, cooked after a day on the water. Dates are October 20-21, 22-23; November 12-13, 17-18 & 19-20.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.
New Cabin on the Catt
It looks like we will be adding another cabin next to our existing cabin on Cattaraugus creek, in Zoar Valley. This cabin will sleep four anglers. Now, with two cabins, we can easily host groups of 6-9 anglers.The cabin, which is actually a log cabin moved to our property from another location, will be fully equipped, just like the existing cabin, and will be ready for the Fall steelhead season. Contact us now to reserve space for the Fall season. Photos to follow this summer.Slide Shows Online
Click on the below links to see slide shows of the trips we offer: Steelhead Fishing in Western New York, Affordable Bahamas Bonefishing British Columbia Dry Fly Action, and our Hosted Saltwater Adventures. There is a slide show of last Fall's Steelhead Highlights, as well as new slide shows from our recent trips to Ragged and Acklins Islands, in the southern Bahamas.New Slide Shows
Catskills Trout Camp 2009
Our 3rd annual hosted trout camp in the Catskills in early June, 2009 is full and everyone is looking forward to a fun few days in the Catskills. We stay on the banks of the Beaverkill river, and get to explore the wonderful trout rivers of the Catskills.We'll again be hosting a trip to the Catskills in the Spring of 2010. Contact us for more info.Somerset Fly Fishing Show
We had a great show in Somerset, New Jersey in January, and got to visit with old friends, and new ones. We'll be returning next January, and we plan to host another gathering of friends to consume fine microbrew and pizza, in the upstairs lobby of the Doubletree Inn.5th Annual Fall Party
Our 5th annual fall party in Zoar Valley with the Oak Orchard Fly Shop will be this September. Hopefully, we'll have better weather than last Fall, when it rained all day. Spey casting demos, casting contests for prizes, great micro-brew, grilled food . . . Maybe even a few steelhead? See you in September! Date to be announced. Kids are welcome!
Sunglasses
After visiting my optometrist, I learned a few things about glass versus polycarbonate lenses. Glass is better optically than polycarbonate, it blocks out more UV rays, and is more scratch resistant too, though not as shatter-proof as polycarbonate. Of course, polycarbonate is lighter and often costs less. I still prefer glass lenses, but have used both. I would not even think of fishing without polarized lenses, and if I don't have them, I feel I am at a huge disadvantage. I can't see the fish as well, or the holes and runs, as well as underwater structure. Furthermore, I cannot wade as safely or effectively as it's harder to see where you are walking. Don't leave home without your polarized glasses.Customer Appreciation Sale offering 15% off all Patagonia products in stock. The sale runs from May 20-27.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 and Chota dealer as well. The shop is also adding Korker's wading boots this Fall.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
William Joseph zip-no packs. These are zipper-less waist packs that use earth magnets on their compartments. I used these exclusively this winter/spring in the Bahamas, and they work great. I will never go back to zippers on waist packs again. They are easier to close, the seal is strong and also waterproof, and they will not corrode and stick when used in saltwater the way zippers do. Simply put, they are superior to zippers.
Korkers wading boots with interchangeable soles and the boa lace system. I just started using these this spring, and so far I am impressed. The soles are interchangeable, so you can use felt, studded felt, sticky rubber or studded sticky rubber. This is especially relevant with the onset of rock snot, or didymo, as many areas are banning felt soles.
The boa lace system uses steel cables which are tightened by simply turning a small knob, and to loosen them you just pull out that same knob and take your boots off. No more messing around with wet and dirty shoelaces. These boots are also extremely lightweight. So far they get an A rating.
Montana Flyfishing
If you're headed out to southwestern Montana this spring or summer, be sure to call WNY native Tom Cornell and have him float you down the Madison river, or hike and fly fish thru Yellowstone National Park. Tom has been guiding Spring, Summer and Fall in Montana for over ten years now out of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, MT and he's a great guide.Guide Profile
Meet Dave Guest, one of our steelhead guides here in Western New York. Dave resides in Silver Creek, NY, within walking distance to Silver & Walnut creeks, small tributaries to Lake Erie just south of Cattaraugus Creek, that get good runs of steelhead in the Spring and Fall. Dave is also a 5 minute drive from the Catt. He enjoys playing ice and roller hockey, and is a rabid, or should I say avid, Buffalo Sabres fan. Of course, he loves steelhead fishing. Dave finds that peach sucker spawn, beadhead pheasant tails, and wooly buggers are his most productive flies for steelhead.Catch Interactive Online Magazine
Check out this cool online magazine which has excellent photographyHelpful Fishing Video
Gary LaFontaine video on fishing pocket water on small creeks:
