With the transition to soft-water surfaces, the DEC is keen on ensuring everyone’s safety. A new law is now in effect, requiring anyone underway in a boat (less than 21 feet) between Nov. 1 and May 1 to wear a securely fastened personal floatation device. This includes canoes, kayaks, rowboats and motorboats. Remember, safety first, and violators are subject to fines.

The creeks flushed free of ice very quickly these past few days, and water levels have been going up and down with the recent rainy and variable weather. The good news is that the steelhead bite is on. There are fresh fish in all of the Lake Erie tributaries, even in the upper stretches where anglers can also find clear water. When the creek runs high and hard, the lower sections of our streams are turbid from upper-elevation snowmelt and rain. The larger streams like Cattaraugus Creek usually take longer to clear, but the fish are there. DEC advises that spring-run steelhead hit a variety of baits, including egg sacs, egg flies, trout beads, jigs with grubs and/or twister tails, minnows, worms, streamer patterns and bugger patterns. Local anglers know that particular days with specific baits and tactics work better than others. Learning more about the how, why, where and when is one reason why joining forces with a local guide is a good idea occasionally. The variables that affect the fish’s ability to take an angler offering include water clarity, temperature, oxygen levels, and nutrient levels in the stream (hatching insect larvae and minnows), among other things.

Local knowledge is key when it comes to successful fishing. In my family’s experience on the creeks, I’ve learned that water temperature changes the distribution of steelhead and salmonids to our streams to enter or leave the creeks. So, water temperature is the largest factor. Second, the turbidity — the clarity or cloudiness of the water affects how fish forage, how they find shelter and ambush areas, forcing visual orientation or scent preferences to feed. Storm events increase sediment and nutrient runoff into the tribs, thus affecting water quality and fish population numbers at various areas along the creeks. Local guides can share information on such spots to remember for next time.

Local Pennsy angler and expert steelhead angler Jesse Fleeger says, “One of my original patterns, the Woven Bright Butt Nymph, is designed to stand out while maintaining a natural profile. This fly, with its handwoven body for lifelike segmentation and a bold hot spot to grab attention, is a versatile, high-confidence pattern.

Effective steelhead and trout fly patterns that work are a fly angler’s largest question with each trip, but Jesse Fleeger shares a special secret that this “Woven Bright Butt Nymph” grabs the attention of fish everywhere — all year long. Photo courtesy of Fleeger’s Flies

It works great for trout in various water conditions and is tied with durability in mind. The woven body, designed for strength, also gives it a unique texture and movement in the water. Whether you’re fishing fast currents or deep pools, this pattern is a good option for everyone’s fly box, offering the reassurance of long-lasting quality.”

Visit www.fleegersflies.com to learn more.

Switching from Lake Erie tribs to inland trout streams, note that April 1 marks the traditional inland trout stream opener. With warmer weather heading our way, all trout streams in Western New York are legally open to trout fishing all year. But note, from Oct. 16 to March 31, fishing for stream trout is by catch and release only AND artificial lures only. Spring trout stocking in Western New York kicks off this week. For the county list of stocked waters and the anticipated number of trout to be stocked, see the NYSDEC Spring Trout Stocking page: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/stocking/spring-trout-stocking. The Randolph Fish Hatchery spring fish stocking hotline at 716-358-2052 can also provide stocking updates.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

March 20: Southtowns Walleye Association of WNY, monthly meeting, 7 p.m., 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg.

March 22: NWTF Chautauqua Lake Chapter, annual banquet, American Legion Post 556, 9 Meadow Lane, Frewsburg, 5 p.m. start, Info: 716-499-2726, tickets: https://events.nwtf.org/320070-2025/tickets.

March 22: NY Hunter Education, Carroll Rod and Gun, 1111 Frew Run Road, Frewsburg, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., register online: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/222045; Free, must complete homework prior to class.

March 23: DEC Summer Camp for Youth, registrations open; visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/summer-camps.

March 29: NY Hunter Education, Springville Field/Stream, 8900 Chaise Road, Springville, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., register online: https://www.register-ed.com/events/register/224954; Free, must complete homework prior to class.

April 1: Opening Day for NYS Inland Trout Season

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.