OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek Offshore fishing might be done for this year, as only a handful of boats remain in Chadwick Bay Marina.

Offshore fishing might be done for the 2018 season, but stream fishing and in-land lake fishing have been improving. Jim Markham at the Department of Environmental Conservation fisheries Station in Dunkirk reported that the DEC has been shore bound for several weeks with lousy weather conditions. They hope to resume trawling efforts on Thursday.

Markham did comment that there was an extreme log jam on Canadaway Creek earlier in the week near the railroad bridge. The water level was reportedly two thirds of the way up towards the bottom of the bridge. The problem was being addressed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Rick Miller in Irving commented that Cattaraugus Creek is still high and dirty. Just when conditions look to be improving, we get more rainfall. The smaller hard bottom creeks like Walnut and Silver Creek are fishable but tend to be clear. Chautauqua Creek has been a good spot recently.

There are only a hand full of boats left in Chadwick Bay Marina, but Wednesday evening Charles Pringle and some of the developing staff unveiled plans for a pub/concession stand on the Marina property for the upcoming year. Another commitment to improve the lake front and our area. The plans look promising.

On Chautauqua Lake Skip Bianco/Hogan’s Hut reports that during the day time walleye are found in the deeper holes, but anglers are able to find active fish cruising the shoreline during the evening. Mayville has been a hot spot for blue gills, yellow perch and some crappie action as well as muskies. Long Point and Prendergast have seen a lot of perch action also. Check out the weed lines.

Rich Lazarczyk and Gary Dudek, our area trapping instructors remind trappers that the six day “Fisher” season opens on Thursday as well as all land fur bearers.

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. Conservation 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!

The Lakeshore Longbeards our local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will be having their next meeting on Tuesday Nov. 20, at Liberty Vineyards Winery located on Route 20 in Sheridan. The agenda will include the introduction of the new Regional Director Brain Gottfried, as well as a look at what will be available for the 2019 membership drive/fundraiser. The banquet date has been set for Saturday Jan. 19. The meetings are always open to the public.

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 Ashtabula 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.

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.