Trout Tails - March 27, 2014

Our annual TU Banquet a few weeks ago reminded me of a slide show I had made a couple years ago, and I thought I would share for anyone who was interested.

A few years back, I was honored to receive my TU chapter's net for the year.  This is something we do annually.  The chapter member who has the net documents where it has been that year and reports back at the annual banquet, then passes it on to another member.  The year I had it was both great and tragic, as we lost a valued member and friend, Frank Viozzi.  Since our net was starting to show the years, I couldn't think of a better way to honor my/our friend than having Fisknat make a new net, dedicated to Frank, so he could continue to fish with us.  This is my slide show presentation from the banquet that year. 

Trout Tails - March 24, 2014

Brad and I met up with my buddy Todd from Allegheny River Fly Fishing Co. on friday to float the Clarion.  Fishing was slow and we only boated one fish, but it was nice to finally get out and float!  Hope to get back this weekend, with better results. It seems like spring just doesn't want to come this year!

On another note, check out this link for a new data buoy for Lake Erie.  While it appears design for boating, I can see where the data could be useful to monitor water quality in the lake to see what is going on with the steelhead populations...so cast your vote!

Trout Tails - March 16, 2014

Last night was our (Doc Fritchey TU's) annual fundraising banquet.  As always, it was a great turnout, and it was great to see so many of our members and guests come to support what we do, cold water conservation, education, and outreach.  With the weather finally starting to break, I'm sure most of us have been out fishing, or are getting ready.  Don't forget to set some time aside to give back to the resource we all use.  I encourage everyone to not only join an organization like TU, but get involved!  While sending in your membership dues helps, we need to take an active roll in what these organizations hope to accomplish.  Show up for a work day, help with stream restoration work, participate in teaching children how to fish and about the resource we all love.   A special thanks to TCO flyshops, Fisknat Landing Nets, and the long list of sponsors and volunteers that that made last night's event a success! 

Trout Tails - January 24, 2014

I like to think of myself as a little crazy when it comes to fishing, and I think most people would agree with that description....but 5 degrees is a little much, unless its steelhead.  So if you are looking for something to do this weekend, I recommend swinging by the fly fishing show in Somerset, NJ .  I stopped in today for a while to check things out.  It is always nice to see people you haven't seen for a while, and meet some new people, and also check out all the new gear.  As always, the TCO booth was looking great and overflowing with gear!  Also got to talk to some of my Chilean amigos at Fly Fishing the Run, stop by and say hello if you get a chance. 

Trout Tails - January 9, 2014

For anyone in the Warren, PA area this weekend, and looking for something to do, stop by the Warren County Outdoor Travel and Gun Show (webpage).  I'll have photos on display and for sale.  Hope to see you there!

Trout Tails - November 18, 2013

I have spent most of the fall bird hunting due to the low water and poor fishing conditions in my favorite fall brown trout locations.  The pheasant hunting has been good, but I was itching to do some fishing.  Brad and I decided to head up to Erie to check out the tribs for a couple days.  It always amazes me how good of a time you can have, even when the trip doesn't turn out as planned. 

Day one started out with cold air and water temps.  Broke a rod before even leaving the parking lot!  Not off to a good start.  Despite good color, the cold water really had the fish sluggish.  We did manage a few the first two days, but did not light the world on fire by any stretch. 

The last two days gave way to warmer air and water temps, which definitely had the fish more active, but the water had cleared substantially.  They were spooky, but if you could manage not to spook them, they were willing to eat.  At some point in the last ten minutes of the trip, and I guess it was good it was the last ten minutes, I managed to drop my fly box in the drink somewhere....there goes 300 flies.  Thankfully it was mainly glo-bugs and spawn and in about 2 hours last night I already replaced half of them.  All in all though a good trip.  Hope to get back up this winter at some point.  Honestly it felt a little odd steelhead fishing in the mid 50's the last two days. 

LECAL Program

For those fishing the PA Erie tribs this year and interested in helping out, contact Mike Hosack at PFBC (see announcement below):

Hello, for those who have never met me my name is Mike Hosack and I am a fisheries biologist working out of the Lake Erie Research Unit office in Fairview. We have recently reestablished our Lake Erie Cooperative Angler Logbook (LECAL) program and are in the process of recruiting volunteers. To qualify, and individual needs to intend to fish for Steelhead Trout or Brown Trout in the Lake Erie watershed this season (one trip is sufficient). Data collected from the LECAL program will be used to measure and track fishery performance and to evaluate management actions.  Additionally, the logbook contains optional entries for recording personal observations and field notes and can serve as a fishing diary.  If you (and/or your family/friends/acquaintances)  wish to participate, I will mail a logbook, instructions, and a stamped, self-addressed return envelope to your office or to a supplied address for each volunteer.  After all data has been entered and analyzed, your logbook will be returned with a report containing individual and combined fishery statistics, along with a new logbook and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the following season if you indicate on this season’s logbook that you are willing to continue to participate in the LECAL program.  Your participation in the LECAL program will help improve Steelhead Trout and Brown Trout fishery management in the Lake Erie watershed and for those willing to participate, we thank you for your cooperation.