Submitted Photo The butterfly that saved the day.

August 4th was the final day of the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club’s three-day walleye derby. The weather was good, and for most of the fishermen that participated, so was the fishing. Sunday is pay day for the winners, and getting up on the stage in front of the crowd is a memorable experience.

The contest was done, and I usually get some pretty good stories about what happened on the water. Here are two unforgettable true tales that took place. Gene Strianese was fishing with his son Gene Jr. and his buddy Fred Snyder. The guys were doing okay, but they needed a trophy fish over eight pounds. Fred was driving the boat and noticed a monarch butterfly coming towards them. Gene Strianese had lost his father about six years ago. His father, also named Gene, loved Monarch butterflies. So his son Gene made a habit of associating monarch butterflies with his Father’s memory asking, “Show us where the fish are Dad.” Fred Snyder shouted out, “Hey Gene, there’s your dad!”

The Monarch unfortunately landed on the water before it could make the boat. Fred marked the position of the butterfly on the boat’s GPS unit. He had to circle about a 1/2 mile before he could return to that position. They found the butterfly still laying on the water and managed to net it. Fred placed the butterfly on the GPS and was able to revive it. About 10 minutes later, it flew away. The guys returned to the spot via GPS coordinates and hooked up with a heavy nine pound walleye that won them a considerable amount of money.

Later that day, as I was circulating the crowd for information, Jim Dolly Jr. told me a similar story. Jim Dolly Sr., Jim Jr and brother John Dolly were the trio that made up walleye fishing Team 3-D Worm harnesses. They are legendary on the local walleye scene. It is with deep regret that I inform you readers that John Dolly had passed away not too long ago. John was cremated and his dad and brother decided to take his ashes out to Lake Erie and leave them at his favorite lucky spot. As the team made a return to the memorial spot, they too hit the biggest walleye of the day for their team, that also put them in the money. Neither Strianese or Dolly were aware of each others story until I suggested they talk to one another.

Yep, Aug. 4 was one memorable day! I thank both teams for sharing their stories with me so I can retell them to my readers. Take a kid fishing and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

Calendar: Just a reminder that I am always looking for a good hunting, fishing or trapping story, to share with our readers. I am usually available for photos too by calling 366-1772 or 467-2079. Good luck and enjoy your next outing.

The Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club will be holding their monthly meeting on Sunday Oct. 7. Starting at 4 p.m. the club will be holding election of officers. Members have been informed that it was necessary to raise the annual dues to $30.

Conservation Club members are reminded that beginning Oct. 1, hunting season starts. Club members are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to the club on Tuesdays during hunting season for the Hunters Helping the Hungry program. All canned food items will be donated to charity during the Christmas holidays. Thanks!

Free Monday night fly tying instruction has resumed on Monday nights at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, located at Mullet Street in Dunkirk. Classes are for all levels of fly tying, but especially for beginners. No equipment is necessary. All participants get to keep their productions. Classes are from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The classes are open to the public. Sometimes they even have homemade cookies!

The Children of the Stream Youth Fly Fishing Program will be starting its 18th year of providing weekly free fly tying and fly fishing classes to both youths and adults in our area. Note that classes will switch from Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. to Tuesday evenings at the Costello Community Room (P84) in the new addition to the Rockefeller Arts Center at SUNY Fredonia. You do not need any prior experience to attend these classes, and the course is geared towards ages 10 and older. For more information contact Alberto Rey at 410-7003 or alberto@albertorey.com.

There will be a gun show at the Astabula County Fairgrounds located at the County Expo Center Building, 127 North Elm Street, Jefferson, OH, 44047. Show is on Oct. 27-28, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Next show is on Nov. 17 and 18 at the Hickory Post VFW located at 5550 East state Street. Us Route 62 East of PA. — West of Mercer on 62, Hermitage, PA, 16148. Same show times.

On Dec. 8 and 9, a gun show at Harbor Creek Fire Dept. Social Hall, located at 7275 Buffalo Road, US Route 20 (located between North East, PA and Harbor Creek, PA. For details or information, contact Larry Spicer at 716-792-9972 or go to LRgunshows@gmail.com.

If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.

Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.