First TU Meeting Set for September 21st
This month's meeting starts at the normal time, 730pm, at the Canandaigua Wegmans. Jocene Preston, Director of Operation Welcome Home & Recovery, and Ray Markiewicz, Northeast Chapter President of Project Healing Waters, will be sharing the benefits of therapeutic recreation for returning service members and veterans. In partnership with Canandaigua Trout Unlimited, they are looking forward to establishing a chapter of Project Healing Waters in the Finger Lakes region.
Additionally the Chapter will report on the August Cohocton Clean-up Project. Brian Pitre has produced an entertaining and informative DVD that "shows all, tells all". Lots of pictures.
Please feel free to bring a friend (always welcome).
We will have our usual raffle.
So . . . Remember to bring dollars or flies!
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TU Chapter Shirts from Simms
With special arrangement with Parker Sterner and Simms, we are offering the Simms Tournament fly fishing shirt. The shirts will be available in long sleeve and short sleeve, and four colors: white, khaki, green and blue (khaki and gree shown below); all sizes are available: S, M, L, XL, XXL. The shirts will have the TU logo and Canandaigua Lake Chapter embroidered above the pocket. These shirts are: a 100% cotton fishing shirt designed for masters and aspiring anglers alike, have UPF 20 sun protection, the 100% sand washed cotton gives this shirt the feel of your favorite shirt, has a bi-swing back for a no restriction fit, has pleated chest pockets with hook and loop closure plus one external accessory loop, the sleeves articulated, have under collar buttons, and a straight hem with slight drop tail. Complete information is on the Simms web site, http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/simms_tournament_shirt_09.html# .
The retail price of these shirts is $39.95 for the long sleeve and $34.95 for the short sleeve. Order at the September and October TU meetings for $25 for the long sleeve or $22 for the short sleeve. Checks should be payable to “Canandaigua Lake TU”. Norm Brust has all the information and will coordinate all orders. Contact him at 315/331-0678 or by email, nbrust@rochester.rr.com.
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Lifetime NYS Licenses Going Up
Dick Steinheider says that NYS Lifetime Licenses are goin up. And he is correct! New fees begin October 1, 2009. Complete information is available at this NYS DEC web page: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6099.html.
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Interesting DEC Web Sites
The following links are to parts of the DEC website for public fishing rights maps (by county and by stream) and tables for stocked streams, wild streams and fisheries survey reports. The PFR maps are for Region 8 as well, but the stream lists and reports are just for Region 9.
Public Fishing Rights Maps
Stocked Trout Streams in Western New York (Region9)
Wild Trout Streams in Western New York (Region 9)
Region 9 Steelhead Streams
Trout Fishing in Allegany State Park
Region 9 Fish Surveys
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West Canada Creek
Are you planning a vacation or a visit to central New York state? If so, make sure you stop by West Canada Creek, which is easily accessible from, and located along Route 28. Averaging 80 feet across, West Canada Creek offers year-round trout fishing with excellent quality hatches and diverse water. Only the Trophy Section is open all year. Primarily a brown trout river, it's been known to offer fish 16 to 18+ inches on a regular basis, although the average Browns found here are 12 to 14 inches.
The Trophy Section of West Canada Creek is probably the best place to start. It begins at Trenton Falls and flows for approximately two and a half miles to where Cincinnati Creek flows in. Consisting of large deep quiet pools, swift stretches of riffles, and pocket water, this section is a delight for the well-rounded fly rodder. A large selection of flies, ranging from size 20 dries to size 6 streamers, will help increase your odds here. Aside from its good Mayfly, Caddis, and Stonefly content, the river also supports a large number of baitfish.
When wading on West Canada Creek, caution is required. Be sure to look for rising water that results from the dam at Trenton Falls; it's turned on to generate power, with no set schedule. Water flows of 400-700 cfs (cubic feet per second) are ideal, although fishing can still be good in higher water, even above 1000 cfs. If you're there when power is being generated and the water is high, try changing over to a streamer, or fish nymphs in some of the softer seams along the bank. During the times the dam is shut down and water recedes, the river takes on definition. Feeding lanes will form, and it's a great time to look for trout to set up where food is funneled through a tight lane. This also is known as a "scum line" or "feeding lane".
Access is readily available along Route 28, and you'll find many spots to pull over and try your luck. Keep in mind that only the Trophy Section is open during the winter. Winter fishing is best when using nymphs in and around soft seams, where trout can relax in the cold water temperatures and gently intercept incoming food. If you're planning to strip streamers, fish slow and remember that trout are more lethargic in the cold water temperatures.
As spring approaches, water temperatures rise and high water is present, so streamers such as Matukas, Wooly Buggers, and Black Ghosts work well. It's also a good idea to try large Stonefly Nymphs in the hard pockets and riffles. By the end of April, dries start to hit the water. During early spring, Hendricksons and Little Black Stones are your best bet. As spring wears on, dry fly fishing gets even better. Check the Mayfly Hatch Cart for the appearance of future bugs. The next time you're in Central New York, be sure to get a map of West Canada Creek, so you can enjoy the fly fishing it offers. ~~flyfishingconnection.com
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SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
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For Sale --
Albright Tempest 5/6, large arbor, cork drag reels and spools. Two reels and two extra spools available. Each reel with one extra spool @ $225.00 or 1/2 off the original price. Never fished, new in box. Contact nbrust@rochester.rr.com.
Precision Reels 8/10, machined 6061-T6 aluminum reels with cork drags comparable in fit and finish to Abels. Two reels and one extra spool available. $300.00/reel or $400.00 for a reel and extra spool. Never fished, new in box. Contact nbrust@rochester.rr.com.
9ft vintage split bamboo fly rod with 2 tips and case for sale. Excellent condition. $400.00. Call Dave at 585-742-2932 or e-mail kingrd@frontiernet.net.
Orvis Zero Gravity 150 Anniversary 9' 4 pc. 5wt Limited production Rod #355. Brand new and never fished nor had a reel put on it. Asking $525 or b/o. Contact Kevin Casey at 585 309 1625 or kpcasey@rochester.rr.com.
New never fished Orvis Superfine Trout Bum 150th Anniversary Rod 7' 4pc 4wt Rod #458 of this limited edition. Asking $425 or b/o that's $150 below the current Orvis price and it's not a 150th Anniversary rod. Contact Kevin Casey at 585 309 1625 or kpcasey@rochester.rr.com.
For Sale: ???
Email jpc@travela.com with the details and we will list your item(s) for sale.
How else can we say it?
It's a free Want Ad.
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Prez sez . . 
The June Chapter picnic was again a great success. If you missed it ... well ... you missed it. Sorry. Thanks to Dick Steinheider, everyone had a great time. The food was great, but the camaraderie was, well, as usual, outstanding. I would suggest that when next year's picnic gets announced (actually we know the date now - June 21) that you put it on your calander and make every effort to attend. The first thing is that it is almost free. Why would you pass that up? Will we see you next year?
I also wanted to give a another "thanks" to Kevin Kram for his casting instruction at the May meeting held at Ravenwood Golf Club. I have heard from several people who were at the meeting and they each expressed a positive experience. If you would like to contact Kevin, use his e-mail, kkram01@rochester.rr.com or call his home (585/581-1846) or cell (585/520-7321).
FYI, most of the meetings for 2009-2010 have been confirmed. You can see the plan for the whole year on the Chapter web site. As always, if you have any ideas for future meetings, please send me an email (jpc@travela.com).
Would you like to help out with some of our projects, at meetings, be on the Board? Now would be a good time to step forward. Give me a call (585/360-1812) if you would like any information or I can answer a question or concern. Or send an email (jpc@travela.com) to me.
I belevie that the Cohcoton River Clean up and Restoration project was a huge success. Many, many thanks to Al Kraus and his committees for all the time and organization. People came "from far and wide" to help, many not members of the Chapter and some that didn't even fly fish! Pictures and a wrap up are scheduled for the September meeting. "Hats off" to all that helped.
I'm goin' fishin'.
~~ C
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Take Care of Your Fly Line
The modern fly line is a remarkable product that has evolved over a period of several decades by utilizing a blend of space age materials, efficient taper designs and manufacturing know-how. The fly line you buy today can be expected to provide you with many hours of pleasant fishing - but a fly line is not indestructible. By following a few reasonable precautions, you can insure that your line will last longer.
The appearance of small radial cracks in the finish coating will offer the first visual clue that a fly line is reaching the end of its useful life. Cracks occur because the plasticizers within the finish formulation have migrated or moved. The role of plasticizers can be compared to the milk in bread dough - in simplest form, they are the liquids that hold solids together and provide the suppleness that is so important in fly line performance. Once cracks appear and water is admitted, further deterioration is fairly rapid. Plasticizer migration will occur naturally over a period of time. The chemical process can be accelerated if the surface of the line is exposed to solvent base chemical substances (such as are found in most brands of insect repellent, suntan lotion and gasoline), to excessive heat, or prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays of direct sunlight.
It is a well-known fact that most insect repellents are murder on fly lines, they are equally destructive to rod finishes. If it is necessary to use liquid repellents, be especially careful about handling your line with repellent residue on the palms of your hands. Use the back of the hands to spread repellent to the neck and face.
Keep your floating fly line clean! In normal use, even on clean water, microscopic particles of dirt and debris will adhere to the surface of a floating line, adding weight that may eventually overcome the natural buoyancy built into the line itself. Because it contains a thinner coating of the buoyant finishing material than does the larger diameter body, the tip section of a tapered line will begin sinking first - an indication that it should be cleaned. What is the best method to follow in cleaning a floating line? Opinions vary. Some manufacturers include cleaner saturated felt pads in the line package, with the recommendation that the working part of the line be wiped with the cleaner pad each time before starting to fish. In addition to removing surface residue, the pad will leave a film of lubricant on the surface to assist the line in moving efficiently through the rod guides. Another manufacturer recommends washing the line with a mild soap and water solution and wiping dry with a soft, clean cloth. Regardless of the method used, clean your floating line frequently and you will be rewarded by a line that will give you better performance and considerably longer life.
Heat. Never ever leave a line-filled fly reel on the dashboard or rear ledge of an automobile parked in the hot sun. The level of heat buildup from the sun coming through the windshield or rear window can literally cook the line and start internal plasticizer migration. Visible cracks may not occur immediately, but the damage will have been done.
Most anglers are acutely aware of the importance of frequently checking rod guides for wear induced sharp areas that will scuff or cut the surface of a fly line. Most however, overlook the fact that the line guard area of the reel actually gets more wear from stripping off line than do the guides. A sharp projection on the reel line guard can slice and ruin a line in short order.
Some fishermen use methods of retrieving and controlling line that do little to prolong the life. For example, the procedure commonly referred to as the "hand twist" retrieve can place an unusual amount of stress on that portion of the line that is handled. Gradually, the portion continually squeezed and stretched will break down.
Fly line manufacturers are frequently asked to identify the life expectancy of their products - an impossible question to answer because of the variables involved. Much depends upon the conditions under which lines are used, the degree of care given and of course the amount of time a line is in actual use. One manufacturer suggests that except for the most avid angler the average user can expect his line to perform well over two seasons. Another suggests that if his lines are used under normal conditions and given normal care, one can expect to log 200 to 300 hours of actual use. Beyond that time he should expect that the end of useful life is being reached.
Most experienced fly rod anglers agree that the fly line is just about the most important part of the equipment because it plays such an important role in the effective presentation of artificial flies. Your line deserves Tender Loving Care. It will respond by giving you much fishing pleasure. ~~Leon Chandler, former Vice President, Cortland Line Company
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September 21, Chapter Meeting, VA "Healing Waters" Program.
September 26 and 27, DEC Hunting and Fishing Days at DEC in Avon, 10am-4pm.
October 19, Chapter Meeting, Members teach tying Carpet flies and other egg patterns.
November 16, Chapter Meeting, Makeing a JP Ross rod and fishing it in the Finger Lakes..
December 21, No Chapter Meeting.
January 18, Chapter Meeting, Bob Hacker tells of his first fly fishing trip to Argentina.