Quest Outdoors

Ken (speyday) Crowne · Adult Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 97

The crick took a nice rise of water a week ago, and just got back from fishing it W,TH, and this am.
Me and my buddy only wound up with two adult fish in 3 days of fishing!

Its horrible; this river is nothing like it used to be. Im glad I got some of the good ole days, at least two times........lately.....the times, they are a chan-gin. the great lakes are in some serious transition.

I wasn't pinning, but swining streamers, and my buddy was indy drifing with various egg and nymph combos. I got mine on a swung sculpin pattern, his was on a pale egg w/red dot.

I think I saw/heard a total of about 10 fish landed over 2 1/2 days and probably 75 anglers in all. TOUGH.

JFL · Lunker Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 105

Just my pocketbook observations but....I think that the compartively low numbers of adult fish being caught in the Cattaraugus this fall is more a reflection of the NYDEC mandate to lessen the number of "domestic" Rainbow trout in Lake Erie Watersheds ~ and that trend is being reflected in the overall catch rates this fall (IMHO, especially on the Cattaraugus).

I have had probably two "good" days on that system ~ good numbers of adult fish landed and released. Any other time I have fished there, I've hit many 16-22" juveniles, and little else. I do know that the "wild" Chambers Creek strain of Rainbows are primarily spring spawners, so those fish will likely be running later, perhaps peaking in March. On the subject of forage, I doubt that the Steelhead are being significantly affected, they are diverse feeders in the column, often feeding on crustaceans, small fish, and surface insects. I imagine if notable runs do occur in the Spring, we won't likely be able to enjoy them at the Catt, as it tends to run high and dirty during that time.

Cheers,

Joe

PEte · Lunker Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 396 Location: Ontario

Wallacio · Alevin Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 16

Definitely interesting musings guys.

I'm certainly not a member of the minority that is grinning about their successful trips to the Catt this fall. After a few visits this year, I've only brought a few adult fish to hand.

Based on reports and some recent first hand experience on other NY tribs that see fish from the Salmon River Hatchery, the major push of fish is only beginning....perhaps the Catt will follow suit.

Whatever the case in regards to numbers this year, I believe that Joe is correct that with the decline of domestic rainbow stocking, the huge runs of fish in early to mid October as seen in past years, will come to an end.

PEte · Lunker Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 396 Location: Ontario

Wallacio · Alevin Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 16

Not the trib you're thinking of!!! Wink

Further east, much further east!

Snaggletooth · Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 3:46 pm Post subject:

If I remember correctly, those big Chambers Creek fish dusually didn't start showing up until after Thanksgiving. Hopefully we are in for a change soon!!