Evan Anstey is pictured with a recent catch. Submitted Photo
Looks like ice fishing will be on the menu this year.
As of Thursday evening, no solid ice cover was reported but Hogan’s Hut in Stow reported as of Thursday there was some ice forming at Celoron. Freezing temperatures and snow should contribute to some hard-water production.
Stream fishing has been good at Chautauqua and Canadaway creeks.
Gerri Beiger at Bill’s Hooks commented that several anglers reported limiting out on flies and egg offerings, and some anglers reported a good concentration of trout up at the falls.
Rick Miller in Irving commented that anglers were noticing ice flowing down the smaller creeks already but Cattaraugus Creek was in good shape and a few anglers were limiting out using skein and egg sacks.
Captain Larry Jones commented that there has been some trout activity at the lower section of the Niagara River, using eggs, skein and green beads.
How crazy is the weather? Thursday, Buffalo was belted by heavy snow fall and here in Dunkirk /Fredonia we had nothing.
This notice is for the ladies. New for 2022 is the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman winter program or BOW in the SNOW. This program is designed to teach women outdoor skills. The program will provide women with information, encouragement and hands-on instruction in outdoor skills including archery, hunting, trapping, outdoor photography, map and compass. Survival camping, canoeing and outdoor cooking is also included. This year’s event will be held at Allegany State Park on Feb. 4-6. The cost of the event is $295 and will include six meals two nights lodging, instruction in three classes, use of equipment and materials, and transportation to class locations. Space is limited. You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
You might have heard of the popular Hunt-of-a-Lifetime lottery ticket. Funds generated by this event are used to send youths with life-threatening ailments on a fishing or hunting trip of their choice. COVID disrupted the lottery drawing and ticket sales the last two years but for 2022 there is a 60-day lottery ticket for 60 days at the cost of $30 per ticket. For more information contact Tina Patterson at 814-572-4387 or write Hunt of a Lifetime, 6297 Buffalo Road, Harorcreek, PA 16421, or visit the website at www.huntofalifetime.org. Winners are based on the Pennsylvania Pick Four daily lottery. The contest runs Aug. 1 until Sept. 30. Only 5,000 tickets sold. All winners are notified. Prizes are 43 different firearms and over $44,000 in cash.
Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York has announced that they are moving the date for their popular annual Outfitters Fair from mid-January to Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. COVID concerns has played a role in this decision. The club still hold monthly meetings at their facility located at 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.
If you have a story or photo you would like to share call 366-1772 or 785-3659. Stay safe.