Deer hunting season (firearms) comes to an end this Sunday.
The late bow season, as well as muzzleloading deer season (of either sex), will then run from Dec. 10-18.
Those of you who have already tagged out, or lost the enthusiasm for whitetails, may wish to consider stream fishing for trout.
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OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek
Santa Claus paid a visit to the New York Walleye Association December Christmas party at the American Legion Post No. 1041 in Amherst on Tuesday. Many of the members had wished for new boats or enough water to launch them in.
The return of some cooler temperatures coupled with precipitation, have put a fresh run of rainbows in many of the local tributaries. The last downpour has put fishing in Cattararaugus Creek on hold for awhile with the "Cat" running high and muddy, but anglers were on to fish in Silver Creek and Walnut Creek as of Wednesday.
One of my sources indicated Monday was a good day with pink and purple maribou jigs taking the majority of fish. With the crazy weather we are having, it looks like we may find a fresh run of trout after every significant rainfall.
How many of you readers have noticed the nightcrawlers (worms) that have been adorning the lawns at night time during this warm spell? They're ripe for the picking and they work great in the stream when the water is murky.
The New York Walleye Association held its monthly meeting/annual Christmas party at the American Legion Post No. 1041 in Amherst on Tuesday. One of the members and frequent speaker at the club Tommy "O" Olkowski commented that his son is now a resident of Alaska and can see the North Pole from his yard. The temperature was 35 degrees below zero when he called his dad recently.
Rick Miller reports a handfull of fishermen managed to get out for perch off the "Cat" in about 62 feet of water during the last calm spell with most putting 30-40 fish in the cooler.
Calendar: When you have legislation that poses a threat to your rights for Hunting /Fishing /Trapping or Right to Bear arms, "Who you gonna call? Try the New York State Conservation Council. Made up of a group of knowledgeable men and women who donate their time and efforts to protect the sportsmens rights, the NYSCC still requires money to pay the rent, utilities and postage to alert the sportsmen, and their allies. Having said that, the organization will be holding a fundraiser/roast beef sandwich platter supper at the Southtowns Walleye Association Clubhouse located at 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg. The event will be held from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 15. For tickets or more information, call Zen Olow, (640-2776), Joe Fischer (684-5826) or Dan Tone at (655-0975). It's like giving yourself a present.
The local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Lakeshore Longbeards, will host their next meeting on Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., at Liberty Vineyards, located on Route 20, in Sheridan. Topic of discussion will include the upcoming membership banquet to be held on Feb. 9, 2013, at the Koscuisko Club, in Dunkirk.
Also on the agenda will be scholarship submissions. All local high school seniors are invited to participate. For more information, find the National Wild Turkey Federation online, and look for scholarship information.
The SAREP Youth Fly Fishing Program will continue its 14th season of free fly tying and 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. This would be a great opportunity for young boy or girl scouts to earn merit badges for learning how to tie flies and learn about fishing.
The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will conclude their annual Hunters Helping the Hungry program, on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Con Club members are asked 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. If you have forgotten until now, be generous.
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.
Gene Pauszek is an OBSERVER outdoors columnist. Send comments to sports@observertoday.com.
