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Successful Outdoor Expo held in Niagara Falls

Sportsman’s Journal

Ducks and geese have been piling in the Dunkirk Harbor when the weather gets bad. OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek.

Chautauqua Lake has froze over again, with at least two inches of ice, but as of Wednesday morning there were no reports of anyone trying their luck. Skip Bianco at Hogan’s Hut/Stow reported that another inch of ice cover was in process, but no one was fishing out there just yet. The nights have been a lot colder away from Lake Erie, so the in-land lakes may finally see some hard water action — at least for a while. There is a warm spell reported later this week and a long-range report of temperatures in the 50s for next week. Welcome to weather in Western New York.

The weather last Saturday didn’t stop a lot of people from attending the Greater Niagara Fishing & Outdoor Expo held at the Conference and Event Center in Niagara Falls. There was a seminar on fishing for salmon on Lake Ontario, with around 150 seat capacity that charged $140 per seat. The event sold out. Another big hit was the open forum seminar with numerous Department of Environmental Conservation biologists together in one room ready and able to provide information and field questions from the public. This was a first time event that will probably be offered again due to its popularity. All of the fishing classes were well received, and the only complaint was there were not a lot of equipment bargains. Maybe next year.

Rick Miller in Irving reports anglers that were able to find patches of open water on the area streams are finding some success with trout. Laona Falls was an active spot on Canadaway Creek recently, and Bianco reported that Chautauqua Creek continues to provide trout action. Cayuga Creek was another reported hot spot. Most of the trout action is coming on offerings that include eggs or egg sacks. Overall, the stream fishing has been decent, with many anglers reporting fresh runs of silver fish depending on the weather conditions and numerous fish in the 22 to 26 inch range.

Calendar: The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club is looking for people interested in learning “how to tie their own fishing flies.” Several advanced fly-tiers will be on hand to give individual attention to persons who would like to learn this hobby. All materials and equipment are provided free. The learning area is secure and a controlled environment from 6 until 8 p.m. You get to keep what you make. Refreshments are usually provided and always free. No experience necessary, no sign up required. Just show up and have fun.This would be a great opportunity for scout leaders to bring their young charges in for a great learning experience. Call 366-1772 days if you need more information or a contact number.

The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a Chili or soup Cook-Off on Sunday, Jan. 26 starting at 2 p.m.

The Con Club annual Sportsman’s Party will be on Saturday, Feb. 1, starting at 5 p.m. Anyone who was entered in the fishing or hunting contest is invited free. Bring a dish to pass. Prizes will be awarded that same evening.

The Con Club will also be having a fishermans Flea market offering used fishing items at great prices on Sunday, Feb. 9. Open to the public.

Upcoming Gun Shows: Jan. 25-26 at the Conneaut Lake Sportsmens Association, located at 11861 Sportsman Road (off Route 18) in Conneaut Lake, PA, 16316. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

March 7-8 at the Hickory Post VFW, located at 5550 East State Street (US Route 62, East of PA 18, West of Mercer on 62) Hermitage, PA, 16148. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

March 21-22, 2020 at the Harborcreek Fire Dept. Social Hall, located 7275 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek, PA, 16421 (Located US Route 20 between North East, PA and Harborcreek, PA). Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

April 18-19 at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds. The show is located at the Ashtabula County Expo Center Building at 127 North Elm Street, Jefferson, OH, 44047. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information on any of the upcoming shows listed, call Larry Spicer (716) 792-9972.

Children of the Stream will present weekly free fly-tying classes every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Costello Room in the Rockefeller Art Center at the State University of New York Fredonia, starting Aug. 27. Children ages 12 and up, including adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. All tools and material will be provided for free.

Southtowns Walleye Outfitters Fair will be on Feb. 8, 2020 at the club. To sell items, it costs $25 per table. Call 796-5372 or 864-2938. No guns or ammunition.

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.

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