A spate of heavy rain and warmer weather has invaded our area. From frigid cold and snow in recent weeks to unseasonably warm weather and rain, Mother Nature can’t seem to make up her mind as to what season we’re in. Nonetheless, local fly fishing events, fly tying, and the ubiquitous task of maintaining gear can easily fill any angler’s idle time.
For the week ahead, the following are noteworthy events and announcements for our area:
- The Fly Fishing Show concludes in Somerset, NJ on Sunday, January 29.This show won’t return to NY until next year but it will be featured again in Lancaster, PA at the Lancaster County Convention on February 18 – 19.
- The Leon Chandler TU chapter is selling raffle tickets to support its Trout in the Classroom Project. Trout in the Classroom is an environmental education program in which students in grades K-12 raise trout from eggs to fry and in so doing, learn to monitor tank water quality and engage in stream habitat study. Programs end the year by releasing their trout in a state-approved stream. Up for auction is an Orvis Zero Gravity 9 foot 4 weight 4 piece fly rod, complete with rod tube and sock, a Hardy LRH Lightweight Reel, Cortland Platinum and Sylk WF 4 weight fly line, backing, leaders, and a fly box filled with favorite local patterns tied by chapter members. This terrific fly fishing outfit, valued at over $1,000, was courtesy of donations made by Dr. Peter Mychajliw, Mike Hogue of Badger Creek, and Rich Andrews from Cortland Line. The chapter plans on selling 50 tickets priced at $20 each for the prize. Tickets are on sale at all chapter events or can be purchased by contacting Josh Filter at jjf33@cornell.edu.
- In case you haven’t had your fill of fly tying events, FlyFest 2012 is now open for registration. The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum in Livingston Manor, NY. The cost is $5.00. To register to tie in the event, go to the forum at www.catskillflies.comand sign up. All are welcomed - beginner or expert. There will be lots of other tiersto provide help and inspiration. Proceeds go to benefit the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum.
The combination of snowmelt and heavy rain has doomed local creeks and rivers for the short term. With daytime high temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees by mid week, it will be tempting to go fishing.If you’re planning to fly fish our open creeks or rivers, be sure to check the USGS gage or check in with local fly shops as most flowing waters are high and discolored right now. Remember that larger lakes and the Finger Lakes are relatively free of ice and may offer a good alternative for fishing.
Comments