Any particular patterns and/or techniques for fishing the Limestone & Buttnernut in the winter?

Matt,

I just wanted to say I really enjoy your website. I've recently moved to Minoa, NY, and I've been taking advantage of the year round fishing opportunities on Limestone and Butternut Creeks. I've mainly used general-purpose nymphs and wets (sizes 10-16), but I haven't been very successful. Are there any particular patterns and/or techniques you recommend for fishing these creeks during the winter months?

Thanks,

Josh Schneider

Josh,

Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the web site.

First you have to get the fly down real deep and slow the drift way down. You can do this by adding some weight like small split shot to tag at the leader/tippet connection. Snip the other piece off after you tie the knot connecting your tippet to your leader and put some small shot on the tag left. I usually leave the heavier tag that comes from the leader to put the weight on. Weighted flies will also help get the fly down. Try to cast upstream and let the fly drift down through some deeper sections or the creek and keep an eye on the fly line for any hesitations, as the take will not be very aggressive. In the winter fish will move into the deeper slower sections and they will not move far to take a fly unless there is a major warming trend for a few days. Try going to some real big flies like woolly buggers in black and olive, or black stonefly nymph imitations or prince nymphs. Try these in bead head too. Try sizes 6 and even size 4. The fish will be less selective in the winter since there are no hatches occurring most of the time and therefore will be more
opportunistic and may take a good looking meal when it presents itself.

I hope this helps.
Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C

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What type of weight do you recommend when trying to get nymphs and wet flies on the bottom?

Matt,

What type of weight do you recommend when trying to get nymphs and wet flies on the bottom?

I’ve tried tiny split shot and they foul the tippet. I’ve also used soft lead, which is hard to keep on the leader. I’m also worried about leaving all that lead in the water when it flies off. I almost always use a floating line.

Thanks,
Rick Peck

P.S. Great job on the website, Very helpful

Rick,

I use a tapered monofilament leader and always tie on a 2-3 foot tippet. The length of the leader and the tippet depends on the situation. When I want to get the fly down using weight I leave a tag (1 inch or so) at the knot at the tippet leader connection. Crimp the weight on the tag. This will not damage the leader. I have been using the tin shot now available in New York.

I hope this helps.
Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C.

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Is there fly-fishing for trout near Cortland in February?

Matt,

My name is John Knight and I live in Oklahoma. I will be traveling to Cortland New York in Feb for a week on business with a fellow fly fisherman and, not being familiar with your part of the country, I was wondering if fly fishing for trout is even possible in New York this time of year. If it is possible and if there is any stream fishing within a reasonable distance from Cortland I would sure appreciate some guidance.

Thanks.
John Knight

Hello,
There is a section of Fall Creek between Freeville NY and Groton City, which is open all year. That is pretty close to Cortland. I have not fished it in the winter, but it may be worth a shot. Other options if you are willing to travel a bit are steelhead fishing on Lake Ontario tributaries. They are open all year. The fly-fishing techniques at this time of year would consist of drifting weighted flies and using some weight to get the fly down deep.

Hope this helps,
Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C.

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What weight rod do you recommend for Steelhead on the Salmon River?

Matt:

Nice web page. I've always wanted to hook into a nice steelhead and play it out on a fly rod. I have a 4-piece 6wt. rod. I like a fast action rod.
Just feels like I have more control of placing flys. What do you recommend for Steelhead on the Salmon River? You mentioned 7wt. 9' rod. I have an 8wt rod. Is that too heavy for 5-7lb Steelhead? I also like the lightweight waders with wading boots. Could you use fleece pants underneath for those waders and still be protected against the cold?
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and keep up the good work on educating people on proper stream etiquette. I too have seen abuses on the Salmon including seeing what appeared to be an older man with his grandson steeling a stringer of fish.

Tim Sheehy

Hey,
Thanks for reading!

The 8-weight rod would be fine. It may be just a little heavy for most of the steelhead but if you hook a bruiser you will be ready. You may want to bring along the 6wt too and give that a try. My main steelhead rod is a 91/2 foot 7 weight St Croix.

You should be fine with a couple layers under the lightweight waders. I usually wear thermal underwear, then fleece, then stocking foot breathable and wading boots with two pair of wool socks. With this gear you cant fish for too long or your feet will get cold so I tend to keep moving around. Insulated boot foot is the best at keeping your feet warm if you are staying in one spot.

Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C.

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I'm looking for Fly-fishing opportunities in Cortland County.

Matt,

I will be in Cortland Co. around the first of April and I am looking for fly fishing opportunities. What are the best (if any) possibilities in Cortland County? Are there any other good locations in close proximity to Cortland? I live in West Virginia and know very little about fly fishing in New York, but I am looking forward to my trip to your area. I practice catch and release and firmly believe in the conservation of wild fisheries, and any information you could provide would be wonderful. If you would have any interest in flyfishing WV, please feel free to contact me. We have fantastic year round trout fishing with several wild and native streams, plus a great statewide stocking program. Thanks for your time.

Hello,
There are some opportunities. Here are some names of places to try: East Branch of the Tioughnioga River above Truxton, West Branch Tioughnioga River above Homer, Fall Creek along route 366 in Tomkins County above Freeville. There are runs of rainbow trout from Cayuga Lake in April if you are interested in that: Cayuga Inlet, Salmon Creek, and Fall Creek (in downtown Ithaca) are worth a shot.

I don't know how these will compare to Wesrt Virgina but good luck.

Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C.

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I want to make my first experience on Steelhead this spring of 2002.

Hi! I want to make my first experience on Steelhead this spring of 2002. I already been fishing trout and land locked salmon in the Adirondacks, but now I would like to try the steelhead action... I heard about the "Steelhead Alley". Do you know where this river is located?? Near Lake Ontario or Erie? By the way can you help me in choosing the right equipment for this kind of fishing (fly fishing)? Which flies is the best, Globug? Do you know some good rivers near the Lake Ontario or Lake Champlain that can be fish by waders (I don't have a boat, I'm a stream fisherman)? Thanks a lot for your time and have I nice day.

Daniel Groleau

Hello,
The "Steelhead Alley" is a name for a group of Lake Eire tributaries, including the Cattaraugus in Western New York.

The Glo Bug can be productive, but I have had success with Eztaz flies and small dark nymphs like Hare's ears and stonefly imitations as well.

A six or seven weight 9-foot rod is best for Steelhead.

Here are some streams to try which are tributaries of Lake Ontario: Salmon River, South Sandy Creek, and North Sandy Creek. These are along the eastern side of Lake Ontario.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to e-mail with more questions.

Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C.

 

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What fish can I expect to find in the Salmon River in the summer?

Matt,
I will be up on the Salmon River most of the summer teaching Kayaking during the releases. After I am done teaching I plan on Fly-fishing for the remainder of the day. What fish can I expect to find in the river that time of the year? And what fly's should I use? I will be bringing my 6 and 4 weight rods.

Thanks a whole lot!

Jason Kirk

Hello,
There are supposed to be a few Atlantics and some Summer Run Steelhead in the river over the summer, but I have not tried for them myself. I would try some colorful streamers and maybe some nymphs. I have heard some guys catch juvenile atlantics in the upper fly-fishing area on dries. There are many small trout steams just east of the area in the Tug Hill Plateau that might be worth trying as well.

Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C.

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What are some good fishing spots in the Syracuse area?

I am a student here at Syracuse University. I have been trying to find some good places to go fishing in the area, but have been unsuccessful in doing so. I'm pretty sure there are Salmon Rivers in the area but just cannot remember where. I am interested in any type of fishing in the area and was wondering if you knew of how I could learn more about any fishing locations around here. Thank you. Bret Butcher

Hey,
if it is Salmon you are after you may want to try the Salmon River in the fall. It is 40 miles north of Syracuse on route 81 Pulaski exit. There is plenty of trout water around Syracuse too. Ninemile Creek, Buttermilk Creek, Chittenango Creek, and others. Hope this helps.

Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C.

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I am looking for a few good brooks or creeks for some trout fishing at or near Delta Lake.

Matt,
I am taking the wife camping at Delta Lake in Rome over Memorial Day weekend. I am looking for a few good brooks or creeks for some trout fishing. I know that the Mohawk starts at the dam of Delta Lake. Is it good fishing downstream where it crosses RT. 46? Are their good places near by to escape for a couple of early morning hours?

Mike Juskow

Hey,
Yes the Mohawk River below the dam at Delta Lake has some nice fish. Also up above the dam there are brookies and the Lansing Kill is a smaller creek along 46 towards Boonville. The East Branch Fish Creek is not far and is one of my favorites. Also the Black River and West Canada are not far if you want to drive a bit.

Hope this helps.

Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C.

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What are Cayuga Inlet year round regulations?

I was reading the Outlook, and saw that you were fishing in November in the Cayuga inlet. So, it is legal to fly-fish before April first? I guess I am confused about the regulations. Could you explain?

Hello,
Season is from April 1st to December 31st. No fishing from January 1st to March 31st.

Hope this helps.
Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C.

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I will be visiting the Salmon river in September. I would like to know which flies I need to tie for Salmon or any other useful Information for success.

I will be visiting the Salmon river in September. I would like to know which flies I need to tie for Salmon or any other useful Information for success.

Thank you for your time,

MRL

Hello,

Early on Comets are good flies for the Kings and Cohos. Here is a basic recipe and an example.

Hook: Salmon hook Turned up eye size 2-6
Thread: flat waxed nylon to match hackle
Tail: Calftail to match hackle
Body: Diamond Braid or similar material (Gold, Silver, pearl)
Hackle: Tied in behind eyes(Chartruese, orange, yellow, pink are some colors to try)
Eyes: Silver Bead Chain
Wing(optional): to match or contrast hackle ( tied in just behind the hackle and back like a streamer) this will add some movement to the fly.

 

COLES COMET

HOOK: Salmon Hook turned up eye

TAIL: A yellow Fishair or calftail

BODY: Gold Diamond Braid

HACKLE: Mixed Fluorescent yellow and orange

EYES: Silver bead chain

THREAD: Fluorescent orange flat waxed nylon

Hope this helped. Have Fun Fly-fishing!
Matt C.

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Can I still use my old flys that I have had in a fly box for years ?

Hi Matt, I am just returning to fly fishing after a 20 year layoff. I am retired and live in North Pharsalia, NY. Is there any good areas to fish in this area ? I first tried fly fishing years ago in the beaverkill, had a lot of fun. MY fly box is still loaded with those flys, can I just use a good wet stone to make sure the fish hook are sharp, or because they have not been used, do they dry out and should be thrown out ? and I should start over....

Bill Olmesdahl

Hello Bill,
Some good trout streams to try relatively nearby: The Oriskany Creek from Solsville to Clinton and Chittenango Creek from above Cazenovia to Chittenango. There must be others closer by. The upper stretches of the Genegantslet Creek just south of you may be worth a look. Your flies should be fine if they were kept dry. Moisture will rust them.
Hope this helped.
Have Fun Fly-fishing
Matt C

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Can a non-US citizen get a fishing license in New York?

Hello Matt,

I have a very simple question—yesterday my husband tried to renew his fishing license at a different place than last year because we moved upstate from NYC, but he was told he has to be a US citizen! Is this true? He is from England and has an International Driver's license which this store wouldn't accept. They took back the form he had filled out and said he wasn't allowed to fish here. Do you have any idea if this can be true? He asked why the last 2 years he had no problem and they said the other place was wrong to issue him one. He's floored!

Thanks for any info you might have on this weird fishing question.

Karin

Hello,
I have never run into this problem myself, but I asked a co-worker whose father is a citizen of Great Britain. He said that he just purchases a nonresident license for New York.

Hope this helped,
Have Fun Fly-fishing,
Matt C

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Fishing the Mohawk River from float tubes for small mouths.

Matt,
My name is Chris and I live on eastern Long Island. I found your site pretty interesting even though I don't fly fish. I'm interested in fishing the Mohawk River from float tubes for small mouths. Would you have any info on where is a good spot to bring my son up there to fish for small mouths?
Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hello Chris,
Thank you, glad you enjoy the site. I have only recently started to fly-fish for small mouth bass in the Chemung River near my new home in Corning NY and I have found it quite enjoyable. I have a friend that loves to fish the Mohawk for small mouths. He usually fishes down near Mohawk New York, but I am not certain of the exact location on the river.

Hope this helped,
Matt C.

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Did the drought have any adverse effects on the West Canada fish population last yr.?

Hey Matt,
I've only tried the West Canada a few times—and it was during my rookie yrs—about 6 or 7 yrs ago when i started fly fishing. I was fortunate enough to have a mentor that fishes the West branch of the Delaware-and have grown familiar and fond of this area. I live near Albany and when a lot of time isn't available I fish the Schroon river just above Lake George. I've tried the West Branch of the Ausable a few times—but once you can get some big ones out of the Delaware it's worth biding your time between hookups. I was hoping to try the West Canada more often. I've been told by a few people that it's a real sleeper? Did the drought have any adverse effects on the fish population last yr.? Your page is great—very informative -thx for your time and efforts.

Tony Z

Hello Tony,
No, I do not think the drought hurt the trout populations in the West Canada. The water levels are controlled by a dam at a hydro power plant and the levels do not get down low enough to raise water temps and cause a fish kill. The West Canada is really worth a look. Some great hatches and some very nice fish. Glad you enjoy the site.
Have Fun Fly-fishing!

Matt C.

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Where on the West Canada is a waterfalls and above the falls a stone shelf with deep pot holes in the rock?

Greetings Matt,

I enjoyed "West Canada Winter Browns" and intend to check out the Fly Fishing section of The Central NY web page in the future.
I do have one question. Too many years ago I fished the West Canada. I recall leaving the road near a bridge, and driving along a sandy road on the west side of the creek for about a half mile before parking and going fishing. I recall fishing near a waterfalls and above the falls was a stone
shelf with deep pot holes in the rock.

Have you been there? Do you have any idea what caused these pot holes? Every once and a while I recall that location and wonder about how these holes were formed.

Did you catch any trout near that spot?

Best regards,

Charlie Porter

Hello Charlie,
Glad to hear you enjoy the site. I have fished many spots on the West Canada, but can't place the falls you describe. There is Trenton Falls but it is un-fishable. There is a falls up on Cincinnati Creek, which feeds the West Canada. I will ask around about this spot and try to get back to you. My Grandfather lived up near the West Canada most of his life. Maybe he would know.

Matt C

Hi Charlie,
Were you fishing up above Hinkley Reservoir in the town of Ohio. I have not fished much up there. My dad has taken me up there to fish it and some smaller tributaries for Brookies. That was years ago. There may be a falls up there around the Ohio gorge.
I will check into it.
Matt C

Matt,

Thanks for getting back to me.

I had to dig out the roadmap to figure out about where I had been fishing. As I recall, the bridge that I mentioned was where Rt. 8 crosses the West Canada. The falls may be further up stream than I mentioned. As I recall they were about 8'-10' high with a sheer drop.

Charlie

Hi Matt,

I'm not sure about the Town of Ohio, but what you say seems right. The bridge is on Rt. 8 about 3 miles East of the intersection of Rt. 365. Maybe 5 miles upstream from Hinckley Lake State Park.
We only fished there one hot sunny afternoon and didn't have much luck. It didn't matter though because the spot was beautiful, and on my list of places that I want to get back and (fish) visit.

All the Best,

Charlie

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Is there good trout fishing around Cranberry Lake?

Hi Matt,
I would like to know where I could go brook trout fishing in upstate New York. I recently got stationed at fort drum and love this place. Could you tell me if there is any good trout fishing around Cranberry Lake RT.3 . I went camping there last year and love it around there.
thank you.

John Shaylor

Hi John,
I am not familiar with the area up near Cranberry Lake, but the area referred to as the Tug Hill Plateau, which is south of Fort Drum in Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties has numerous brook trout streams. One that you could try is Cottrell Creek in the Little John Wildlife Management Area. There are many others too.

Hope This Helped.
Have Fun Fly-fishing
Matt C.

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