Post by jeffraz on Apr 30, 2015 20:12:14 GMT -5
I fished one of our local favorites yesterday with next to no confidence based on the horrible decline in the population last year. My thoughts and expectations were confirmed because I only saw two fish rise ALL day! There was a moderate hatch of Hendricksons and a heavy spinner fall under damn near perfect conditions. I chatted with seven other anglers who fished wets and dries. They saw no risers at all. One guy dropped a big fish nymphing. I spent the day walking the entire length of the park back and forth looking for risers and recalling great fish and memories with friends that span 22 years plus fishing this once wonderful stream. This is especially difficult for me because this is where I learned how to fish for wild trout. This stream essentially gave birth to my dry fly passion that has never ceased. To put it simply, I am grieving.
Some say mergansers are to blame while others have other theories, but one thing is sadly absolute: a kill has occurred. I hope the DEC is aware of this sad reality. I know there isn't much they can do, but it seems obvious to me that a complete shutdown of fishing is logical. A moratorium on fishing could give biologists ample time to work their magic to hopefully determine what caused this tragedy. Keeping flies and lures away from what ever is left in the stream will reduce stress and will hopefully let the trout begin to rebuild their population. I
I welcome your thoughts regarding this post. If you guys know the DEC contact person for this area please let me know. I am more than willing to get the ball rolling. If this WNY blue ribbon stream is savable it is paramount that we exercise our stewardship and become proactive as soon as possible. If I make any headway or receive any information I will forward it on to the members of this awesome community.
Some say mergansers are to blame while others have other theories, but one thing is sadly absolute: a kill has occurred. I hope the DEC is aware of this sad reality. I know there isn't much they can do, but it seems obvious to me that a complete shutdown of fishing is logical. A moratorium on fishing could give biologists ample time to work their magic to hopefully determine what caused this tragedy. Keeping flies and lures away from what ever is left in the stream will reduce stress and will hopefully let the trout begin to rebuild their population. I
I welcome your thoughts regarding this post. If you guys know the DEC contact person for this area please let me know. I am more than willing to get the ball rolling. If this WNY blue ribbon stream is savable it is paramount that we exercise our stewardship and become proactive as soon as possible. If I make any headway or receive any information I will forward it on to the members of this awesome community.