Reflections 2005

October 2005:

Cattaraugus Creek Steelhead Trip Report by Jim Foley

 Before the start of the club’s Oak Orchard Creek fishing trip, Al Battistelli, Wolfgang Porte and I engaged Reel Action Fly Fishing Guides to take us someplace other than “the Oak”.  Wolfgang met them at their booth at the Somerset show in January. We were pleasantly surprised when he said that we’d be going to Cattaraugus Creek for steelhead because the “Cat” had been recommended to us as a great place to fish.

 The day was extraordinary because of the fishing, the weather, and the scenery. The “Cat” is on the Sovereign Seneca Nation Territory, which is about 30 miles southwest of Buffalo. Our guide, Steve Olufsen, met us at 5:45AM at the Batavia entrance to the NYS Thruway and we finally arrived on the creek at about 7:45AM after an hour and a half drive and after purchasing a fishing license for the reservation. Steve led us first to a spot on the creek where a large bend created a pool.  The water level was very low according to our guide, and you could see how deep the creek could get when the water was high. There were steep banks on both sides.

 We had 8 and 9 weight rods and Steve provided a 10-weight spey rod as well. The first fly of choice was a brown wooly bugger with a very full tail. It was tied to our fly line with an 8 to 9 foot leader of six-pound test with a small split shot about 3-4 feet from the fly. Our guide spread us out along the creek so we didn’t interfere with one another. Cast; strip two times and wait; repeat the pattern. Bam! Wolfgang had a small one on first. Then I landed a large one. Then it was Al’s turn. In this section we landed about 5 to 7 nice steelies and our reels were really screeching.

 We now moved downstream to a trough, which lead to fast water. The fly of choice here was an egg pattern with a float indicator about 8 feet up. The method we used here and for the remainder of the day was dead drifting. Cast; mend upstream; follow the float with your rod tip. Here, the spey rod used only a four-pound leader because of the soft action that resulted from a 13-foot rod. We landed another 4-5 fish.

 We then moved to different sections of the creek. First we tried below the NY Thruway overpass. I got skunked, but Wolfgang and Al landed fish. We only stayed a short while before we moved upstream to an area that made you feel as though you were in Montana. The creek made wide turns and the shore was open and low.  Our guide spotted a perfect spot to fish where a run existed in front of downed trees. This is where we had the most fun because when the fish hit they took off down stream into a wide-open section of the river. Bam! Bam! Bam! Everyone was getting hits. “Keep your rod tip up.” “Lead the fish down stream to the low water.” We must have hooked another 5-7 fish here, and when they ran, it was the most fun to try to control and land them.

We stopped fishing at about 6:30PM, and we felt that it was a great experience. Our guide, Steve, stated that this was a “slow” good day because of the low water. With higher water, he said that we could have seen [and landed?] five times as many steelhead. Can you imagine what that would have been like?

 As we said goodbye to Steve, he handed each of us a CD full of pictures he had taken [with some help from one of us] of the steelhead we had caught. We’ll be able to look at the pictures and remember what a great trip it was.

Return to Orchard Creek by Al Battistelli

This October the Flyrodders returned to Oak Orchard Creek to be warmly greeted by our hosts and friends at the St. Mary’s Archery Club on the banks of the river. The club is conveniently located at the best fishing pools and (happiness!) has nearby, clean restrooms. This year we were ten in number – Joe Caroleo, Jim Foley, Bill Farrington, Peter Harris, Mike Kress, Bill Medlow, Gordon Mueller, Wolfgang Porte, Mike Saranier and myself. Jim Foley, Wolfgang Porte and I went up a day earlier to explore other Great Lakes tributaries for future trips. We arranged for a guide which resulted in a trip to Cattaraugus Creek for steelheads. (By the way, all the streams and rivers in this area seem to be called “creeks”). Well, we had a fantastic day fishing the “Cat” on the Seneca Indian Reservation, landing between us some 16 steelhead plus a number hooked but not landed. The “Cat” is a beautiful stream, some parts resembling western streams out in Montana and Wyoming. Since we fished in “Sovereign Seneca Nation” territory, we were required to purchase their fishing licenses. There are only season licenses available although we would fish only one day. However, it was worth it.

 By the next night the rest of the group had arrived and the next morning at 5:00 a.m. we formed our convoy and headed for the Oak. As usual when we arrived at the club, someone was already there cooking breakfast. We took our spots at the choice archery pool and took turns going to breakfast. (Oh, I almost forgot, the first night Jim, Wolfgang and I were there, they served us a great porterhouse steak dinner!). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available at the club every fishing day only steps away from where you are fishing. There are no set prices, just a jar for donations of whatever amount you wish to give. Enough about eating, let’s talk about the fishing.

 Like last year (but unlike two years ago) the brown trout spawning run was not yet in full swing. A few were caught but like last year, the Chinook (King) salmon run was still on and everyone had an exciting time hooking into these giants. On the last morning I was lucky enough to even manage to get a beautiful steelhead. The last day, the Archery Club had a game dinner at which most of us participated. All in all, once again it was a very successful and enjoyable trip and I’m sure will continue as one of our LIFR “standards”. 

August 2005:

LIFR Housatonic River Camping/Fishing Trip Report by Gil Padovani

For those of us who arrived early on Friday. August 5th at the Housatonic Meadows campgrounds, it started as a typical LIFR outing. Right after I had my tent and canopy up, the rain, wind, lightning and thunder came with a vengeance. The front of Dan Van Buskirk's tent was blown inward and withing a minute or two the inside of his tent looked liked a children's swimming pool. Most of us stayed under the canopy, sitting on top of the picnic table with our feet resting on the benches so to avoid the water running on the ground. The storm lasted a total of fifteen minutes and soon after the sky was clear of any clouds. And that's the way it stayed for the rest of the our strip.

The water was kind of low and warm. A few trout were caught and released but, for the most part, they were too stressed to take a fly because of the 74 degree water. Bass, on the other hand were cooperative. The consensus is that while we may have not brought  in as many bass as we did in prior years we made it up in size. Peter Van Buskirk landed a hefty smallmouth in the 17 inch range.

Kudos to Mike and Corinne Gelber for doing an outstanding job at running this trip. From signing members up and making reservations to feeding (and cleaning up afterwards) more than 20 attendees, they did it all. Thank you!

LIFR Allenberry Inn Trip Report by Gil Padovani

Eleven couples and two children made the trip to Boiling Springs, PA. The trip ran from August 26th to the 28th and we stayed at the famous "Allenberry Inn and Playhouse" right on the banks of the Yellow Breeches. Joe Otterstedt and Linda Macy made all the arrangements which included a pre-trip packet of information regarding fishing, shopping and sightseeing as well as arranging for rooms, meals,  a wonderful production of the "Beauty and the Beast and, on the day of our arrival,  a hospitality lounge stocked with cheeses, fruit, crackers, wine and soda.

Although there are other rivers in the area, just about everyone who fished opted to cast their flies on the Yellow Breeches. The water was very clear and you could see trout everywhere, some of them in the 16-17 inch range. Seeing and catching however, is another story. For the most part, the trout were not interested in feeding at all. Nevertheless we did manage to get a few with Corinne Gelber being high hook for the trip.

This was definitely a "blue Ribbon" trip and hopefully we can persuade Joe and Linda to do a repeat next year.

July 2005:

LIFR  Wind Mill Farm/ Finger Lakes Trip Report by Gordon Mueller

Our first club trip to the Finger Lakes was a real blast.  Although only three of us participated, the weather was perfect and a lot of fish were caught.  After several weeks of brutal July heat, a perfectly timed cold front passed through the area on Wednesday which woke the fishing up for the weekend.  

On Saturday afternoon, Danny and Peter Van Buskirk met me at my vacation property, Windmill Farms in Cayuga County.  We launched two canoes on the farm’s upper pond and caught dozens of aggressive bluegills and small largemouth bass.  Rubber legged popping bugs cast close to shore was the best tactic.  Strikes would often occur as soon as the bug hit the water.  There are a lot of dragon flies and small frogs on the upper pond now, so anything colorful on the surface, especially yellow, seemed to produce strikes.  

On the smaller, lower pond, the fish were more cautious.  Most of these fish have been caught and released several times, so they’re wise to the ways of human visitors standing on the bank.  There are several three and four pound largemouth in the lower pond that will wait for you to hook a smaller panfish and then chase down and try to steal the hapless little guy. 

Earlier that morning I went on a charter on Skaneateles Lake, with Dave Kukella, a local guide.  Skaneateles Lake is regarded as the most pristine of the Finger Lakes and is about a thirty minute drive from the farm.  I caught five different species of fish in Skaneateles that morning; Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch.  The Rainbows from the lake were very impressive in size and fighting ability.  They were also some of the most beautiful fish I’ve caught, having a blue and silver coloration. 

June 2005:

LIFR Farmington River Camping/Fishing Trip Report by Gil Padovani

This had to be the first "no rain" camping trip in a decade for us. From Friday June 24 to Monday, June 27, not a cloud was in the sky. Twenty-seven Flyrodders attended the event graciously hosted by the Agnese family. Tony, Karen and son Anthony did a fantastic job in planning this trip, feeding us, doing clean-up and keeping a campsite roaring fire for the evening get together. 

Depending on who you talk to, the fishing was from moderate to excellent.. Speaking for myself, I was more than happy with what I did, I got my share of fish, some of them in the 13-14 inch range and all of them on dry flies.

On Sunday the 26th, Peter Van Buskirk and I were also rewarded by the sight of a huge black bear wading on the opposite side of the river.

L.I. Flyrodders Peconic River Trip Report by Lee Weil

Most fly fishermen target trout as their species of choice, but for the past 5 years in June The L.I. Flyrodders have set their sights on the warm water fisheries, specifically the Peconic River. This trip gives the members an opportunity to try something a little different without traveling too far. The tackle is slightly heavier, the flies are bigger, but for the most part it is basically the same as fishing a trout stream. You try to fish the areas that look “fishy” and provide cover and forage for the bass and pickerel.

The biggest difference on this trip is the need for watercraft, in the form of canoes, john boats or kayaks. While a lot of the members have their own vessels, there are also boats available for rent from the Fishermen’s Deli just a short distance from the launching area. This way we all fish the same area of water and can meet up for lunch at noon after the fishing gets slow. Our picnic takes place in the D.E.C.parking area where we launch the LIFR fleet. 

This year’s trip took place on June 14th, and the forecast called for 95 degrees. We were blessed with a breeze that picked up throughout the morning, making for tougher casting but more bearable conditions. When it comes to bass fishing, the best action happens at dawn, and the earlier you can get on the water the better.

Joe Otterstedt and Linda Macy were the first ones on the river, and were rewarded with the first fish, a nice bass. Joe also caught a huge crappie; I believe he said they had to tail rope it to get it alongside the canoe to release it. By the time Jeff and I got Maddlin unloaded from the top of the truck they were almost out of sight on their way upriver. 

Wolfgang Porte and Al Battistelli were first timers at playing the Peconic game, but they caught fish, including a nice pickerel on a small foam popper. Jeff Farrell also did well with a little frog popper, breaking the ice with a nice largemouth. I hooked a “Gorilla-Gill” late in the morning on a Peconic Paddler that put such a bend in my rod that I would have sworn it was a bass. 
We met up for lunch at noon under the convenient shade of the trees in the parking lot and enjoyed the breeze while we feasted on hero and salads. After a pleasant lunch and much conversation, we loaded up the canoes one by one, said our “so longs”, and headed home. As we drove past the ice cream stand (without succumbing to temptation) I said to Jeff “we gotta do this more often”. And hopefully, we will. 

May 2005

This year our annual trip to the Ausable was not near as productive as in prior years. The water temperature was 46 degrees and unusually cold for that time of the year. Consequently, the fish were lethargic and the hatches were nowhere to be seen. A few fish were caught but that was about it. On the plus side, we did enjoy the food and drinks at the Hungry Trout as well as the company of our fellow fishermen.

April 2005

Our second annual Ladies Casting Clinic took place at Eisenhower Park on Saturday, April 9th. The course covered the basics, such as rod and reel set-up, leaders and tippets, basic knots, and of course casting. We had a good turnout with the ladies enjoying the outing and the food prepared by our president Mike Gelber. Click on the "Photos" link for a separate section covering this event.

On April 13, we held our first "LIFR Favorite Fly Series" tying class featuring Deer Hair flies. Lee Weil led the group with her famous deer hair bass bugs and other deer hair flies.

On Saturday, April 23, about 15 members of the Long Island Fly Rodders drove to the Housatonic River to assist the Housatonic Fly Fishers in their annual spring clean up. The Flyrodders and members of Long Island Trout Unlimited met at the rest area on I-684 for coffee and bagels, and then proceeded to the area of the Housatonic where the work was to be done. Workers split up into small groups and collected garbage along the banks, posted signs outlining special regulations and planted trees and bushes to supply shade during the warm summer months. Around 1:00 everyone met at the Housatonic Meadows Picnic Ground for a cookout supplied by the Flyrodders. With Paul McCain doing franks and sausages and Allan Manz cooking hamburgers, along with beans, chips and soda, over forty workers had plenty to eat.
Four boxes of trees and bushes were planted and over twenty bags of garbage collected.
That afternoon Allan Manz landed a beautiful Brown Trout in the nineteen-inch range. Nice Going Allan!.

The club’s Project Access trip to refurbish handicapped access trails on the Willowemoc Creek was held on Saturday, April 30 with a total of five LIFR members providing the work on the Hazel Bridge site. The crew consisted of Herman Abrams, John Maise, Stan Paroly, Peter and Dan Van Buskirk. Hurricanes in September of 2004 and additional flooding earlier in April had washed out the path. The path could only be reconstructed about halfway as larger sized gravel is required to prepare a base in the lower section. After the all the work that could be completed by the crew was done, the members enjoyed a warm meal to help warm them if not dry them off (As it usually happens on a Flyrodder trip it rained on and off all day).

While working at the Hazel Bridge site, there were a group of fly fishers from Pennsylvania that were consistently catching trout on dries and emerges. So the fish seemed to have survived with out harm. Later that day and on Sunday Dan  Van Buskirk caught 15” and 17” Brown’s on the Willowemoc.

February 2005

At the February meeting, Mike Gelber, Jim Foley and Lee Weil were re-elected to the positions of President, Vice President and Secretary  respectively. Al Battistelli was elected Treasurer. Nick Friedman, Jerry LeBoyer and Wofgang Porte' were voted in as three year term board members. Morty Schneiderman was voted in as a two year board member to fill the seat vacated by his brother Herbie who recently moved to Florida and Herman Abrams was voted in as a one year board member to fill in the position vacated by Al Battistelli who was voted in as Treasurer.

Paul McCain volunteered to take over the new position (which he recommended) of "Guest Speaker Administrator". In this capacity, Paul will be responsible for setting up programs and finding and booking speakers for our monthly general meetings.

January 2005

January is "Fly Fishing Shows" month and, as in the past, the LIFR were represented at both the  "World of Fly Fishing" show in Danbury, CT.  and the "Somerset Fly Fishing Show" in Somerset, NJ. This year's raffle prize included a rod, reel, line, backing and a dozen flies.

The January general meeting featured the nomination of officers and incoming board members. Because of personal matters, Cliff Dies opted not to re-run for the position of Treasurer while Herbie Schneiderman relinquished his Board position because of his relocating to Florida. Thank you both for all your contributions to the club.