This unseasonably warm weather has a lot of people wondering, what is in store for us down the road?
We can count the number of days we have had snow this fall on one hand. It seems to be raining all the time lately, yet the Lake Erie water level appears to have dwindled. Drive along the lake front in Dunkirk's First Ward, and you can't help but notice how far the beach extends into the lake. And closer to Main Street, how much slate can be seen near the shoreline.
In the December issue of the New York State Conservationist magazine beginning on page 26, is an article on the Dunkirk Harbor, commenting on the wildlife and waterfowl that flock to our area due to the relatively warmer water discharge provided by NRG.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek
John Juul, left, was presented a No. 3 weight fly rod and case donated by the Rockwell Springs Trout Club, located in Clyde, Ohio. The presentation was made at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club by Monte Kennedy, right. Juul was selected for his age and rapt attention and enthusiasm for his new found hobby.
How long this will remain unaffected is anyone's guess. The Conservationist is an excellent publication and very affordable. It would make a great stocking stuffer at Christmas. Call 1-800-678-6399 or visit online at www.TheConservationist.org.
Will there be ice fishing nearby this year? Will it remain so warm the vegetation will be in jeopardy again? We hope and pray the answer is no.
Wind and cold rain have prevented most offshore perch excursions, but the yellow perch should still be out their possibly closer to shore than before. A few days of warm weather and calm winds will tell the tale.
Fishing from shore or nearabouts on Chautauqua Lake could prove fruitful with perch usually in that area and walleye looking for bait near the deeper holes. Until last week, there were isolated reports of calicos caught from shore at the north end of the lake.
Stream fishing for trout could be the best option with roving rainbows moving up and downstream with each day of precipitation. Last Friday, I witnessed three bows in the 10-pound range caught from Silver Creek by an out-of-towner using orange sponge and egg sacks. The angler reported walking nearly five miles of creek to locate the few fish he found.
Note the fly-tying classes at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will take a break until January 2013.
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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 sportsmen's 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., in 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 (655-0975). It's like giving yourself a present.
The monthly meeting at the Southtowns Walleye Association will be on Thursday, Dec. 20, and will feature Timothy Thomas, President of NYS Ice Pro-Am Tournament Series. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.
Also on Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Soutowns Walleye Hall, there will be a flea-market-type sale of used fishing and hunting equipment, with free parking, free entry and food and drinks available. Tables are $20, with reservations due by Jan. 17, 2013. Call 649-8202 for information.
The local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Lakeshore Longbeards, will host its 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 Beagle Club will host its annual rabbit hunt on Sunday Jan. 13, 2013. The hunt is open to all area hunters. You can enter the day of the event at the club house located 8455 Fredonia Stockton Road in Fredonia from 6-8 a.m. Entry fee is $5. Awards and hot food available at the club around 3 p.m. For information call Pete Criscione at 366-8989, Liz Dorman at 595- 3993 and John Depew at 789-5522.
Gene Pauszek is an OBSERVER outdoors columnist. Send comments to sports@observertoday.com.
