Timing is everything when trying to cash in on Mother Nature's treats while avoiding her tricks.
This columnist, along with several dozen other anglers, were able to cash in on some Lake Erie yellow perch prior to the arrival of the remnants of Hurricane Sandy. A bucket full of Rick Millers shiners and a bag of salted minnows did the trick on a decent mess of perch last Thursday in 75 feet of water west of the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek.
From 9-11 a.m., it was lots of subtle action, with the only hint of a fish presence, and a little added weight. Most of the fish were runts by Lake Erie standards, but what may be a last hurrah was a pleasant day in the sun compared to the next week's weather. There have been reports of close to eight inches of rain over the last week with more in the forecast. Area creeks should be laden with fresh run steelhead after the steady rise in water levels, but for now, the creeks need to calm down.
Article Photos
OBSERVER photo by Gene Pauszek
Last week, fishing on Thursday was a treat before the remnants of Hurricane Sandy blew in.
Cooler temperatures signal the dinner bell for walleye, which traditionally return to their spring time spawning sites according to Jim Markham from the Department of Environmental Conservation Fisheries staff.The local fish tend to go on the feed before the arrival of cold weather looking for shallow water structures like reefs and rip rap.
A reminder, New York State Boaters, as of Nov. 1 are required by law to wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) while under way or anchored in a boat 21 feet or under.
There were also reports of crappie action on Chautauqua Lake with shore-bound anglers going nocturnal to lure in calicos with live bait.
Bowhunters have reported sighting an increase in deer activity with the onset of cooler weather. Bowmen recognize the next few weeks will heat up with the rut approaching full swing. Duck hunters also took advantage of the rainy windy weekend to cash in on some decent waterfowl action. Just a note that fly tyers can usually use breast feathers from wood ducks, so drop them off at the classes if you can.
Calendar:
The SAREP Youth Fly Fishing Program will begins its 14th season of FREE fly tying/fly fishing classes on Monday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Fredonia Middle School Cafeteria. Field trips will occur shortly afterwards. Classes are free and are open to children and community members. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The classes will continue to meet every Monday until early summer.
The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club also will host FREE fly tying instruction compliments of Willie Fedrick, Jeffrey Rasmus, Ken Hollander and Monte Kennedy on Monday evenings starting at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
There will be a Sportsmen's show at the Cattaraugus County Fair Grounds, Route 353, Little Valley N.Y., and is sponsored by the Little Valley Volunteer Fire Department, on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. til 4 p.m., and Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. til 3 p.m. Admission is $5. For kids under 12, admission is free. Plenty of parking. Come and buy, sell, trade, browse for hunting, fishing, trapping, archery, knives, ammunition and collectibles.
The Westfield Fish & Game Club will host a turkey shoot at its club located on Ogden Road, on Sunday, Nov. 4. The event will start at noon and last until finished. The event will be rain or shine. The public is welcome. All legal centerfire firearms are permitted. Ammunition will be provided for birdshot and deer slugs only. There will be .22 caliber shoots on the indoor range. Bring your own ammo.
If your club is holding a similar event contact the OBSERVER at 366-3000, ext. 5, after 5 p.m.
The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will resume its annual Hunters Helping the Hungry program. On Tuesdays, Con Club members are urged to bring a non-perishable food item with them. All donations will be distributed to the needy in the community through the efforts of the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Youth Organization during the Christmas season.
Fly tying classes have resumed on Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m., at the Sinclairville Free Library. Classes will continue until May. All tools and materials are provided free. For more information, call 962-3635 or 485-3919 or log on www.countrykidsonthefly.blogspot.com.
The Ellery Rod & Gun Club located on Pancake Hill Road, Bemus Point will host turkey shoots on, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11, from 9 until noon. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. until noon. These events are open to the public.
The 2012 Arts of the Angler Show will take place on Nov. 10 & 11 at the Danbury Ethan Allen Inn, exit 4 on Route I-84, in Danbury, Conn. This will be a little taste of fly fisherman's heaven, featuring the finest contemporary and collectible fly fishing, including tackle and accessories, materials, books, destinations, guiding and services for the fly fishing community. There will also be a live auction on Nov. 10. For more information call 845-439-4810 or e-mail flyfish@catskill.net. Visit the website at www.cffcm.net
Gene Pauszek is an OBSERVER outdoors columnist. Send comments to sports@observertoday.com.
