Wrap it Up! We‘ll Take It... [and dinner too]

As the Seth Green Chapter of Trout Unlimited looks to wrap up the 2007-2008 season we capture delight in sharing with you our 2008 Chapter Picnic (bring a delicious dish to share, visit sethgreentu.org for more info). We plan to move ahead with compelling aspirations into the 2008-2009 year. Glancing back onto the past year we’ve had an ‘okay’ term and we have plenty of people to thank.

A few of our high lights included; Alan Mack from the Caledonia Fish Hatchery, Captain Mike Van Dume from the DEC, Up The Creek Guide Ed Weber, Dr. Hallahan from Nazareth College spoke to us regarding entomology and the health of the stream, Ross Abbet from SUNY Brockport reported on Sandy Creek, Pete Osterman from the DEC gave us enlightenment on the Cohocton River, and Val Bauer even graced us with his wonderful slide show.

By now you’ve been informed that Trout Unlimited has a mission to conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds at least a hundred times or more. When we consider the purpose; or vision, of Trout Unlimited we acknowledge our craving to be a factor in this magnificent organization. There has been a great deal our chapter has accomplished over the many years and we are proud of the endeavors. We would welcome the initiatives to be elevated and taken into the new-year headstrong.

A few thoughts on initiatives consist of: working with the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Girl Scouts (or all) on a youth project; a stream clean-up undertaking; a joint restoration project such as the wing dams of the 900 section of Spring Creek; Some nice benches at Oatka Park in Garbutt at the parking area; continued community involvement; and there is sure to be many more ideas from all of you, our chapter members and friends. With new initiatives brings anticipation of creating new unity between our long time members all the way through to the most recently acquired members, young and young-at-heart alike. As wells as the many other organizations that are in our community with similar missions to Trout Unlimited.

The chapter’s success and livelihood depends upon our members. Just as much, involvement is key to fulfilling TU’s mission, not to forget, insure quality water, healthy fish (of course means better fishing), and plain ol’ enjoying nature. This is all for good reason. Generations to come, our children and their children’s children and so on will benefit. So lets get out there, lets unite and challenge ourselves to make that difference. Along the way there will be laughs, memories, good fishing, pride, and so much more.

So be sure to join us at the annual picnic. The picnic will be held in Ellison Park at the Spruce shelter. Visit our chapters website at sethgreentu.org for additional details and a pdf map of the park.

Log Jam Cleanup on Oatka Creek and Vic's Farmers Bridge

Oatka Creek is one of our best trout streams locally for brown trout. On a nice cool morning as the dew is settling and the mist from the stream is rising, enticing a wild brown trout to consume your representation of a Mayfly nymph is unmatched. Every so often there are a few locations on the stream that need, well, maintenance. Vic's farmers bridge is one of those locations. As of last passing the log jam which was removed several times in the past is growing at quit a pace. There has been talk of our TU chapter to assess the log jam and consider removing the logs once again. All we need are a few brave souls to meet there and lumber over the situation at hand.

A few years back there was a successful removal of the log jam along with bounds of friendship and commerodery as well.




We would like to know of volunteers interested in checking out the current status of the log jam. But for now this is Vic Popiwny's famous farm bridge hot sauce recipe! It was served with Zweigles dogs on the Oatka farm bridge after the log jam cleanup. This will certainly get a fire under your bottom and if you have a successful batch let us know; we'll try it out.

Vic's "Farmer's Bridge" Hot Sauce

Ingredients:
1 tbs. crushed red pepper
1 tbs. allspice
1 tbs. minced onion
1 tbs. chili powder
1 tbs. paprika
1 tbs. worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tbs. cayenne pepper
1 tbs. black pepper
1 small bottle ketchup
dash of tabasco (more or less to taste)
1 to 11/2 lbs ground beef
1 qt cold water

In a large pot combine the water and ground beef. Bring to a boil while stirring with a fork or whisk. As the meat becomes done add the remaining ingredients and simmer for approximately two hours, stirring occasionally.

Fly Fishing School - What D’ya Think

The annual fly fishing school is in season. We couldn’t have asked for a better day for the 2007 session. With temperatures near 80 degrees and just a light breeze, it was a perfect recipe for sunburn and just plain ol’ feeling good. I think we will be up for the same this time round as well. The Perinton Community Center is a fabulous host site with remarkable accommodations and assistance (can’t wait!).

The 2007 Fly Fishing School had a record participation with over 40 students. Young; and young at heart, had an introduction to fly-fishing like no other. With the talent and knowledge of chapter members like Scott Siedman, Mike Chochul, Andy Cooper (creator of The Fly Bench), the original ‘Trout Bums,’ and so many others really gave the 2007 students plenty to remember and a fishing edge.

Looking forward, we hope that all will share their experiences and their enjoyment of fly-fishing with others. Let’s bring this excitement to new and old friends alike.

Let’s Get This Thing Started

Okay then, we're going to have a blog page. So I'm asking all of you readers out there, “Just what is it that you would like to talk about?”

Of course we all know that Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. So we can hold close to the roots of TU. Also, we all love our fishing.

So, here are some ideas to get us started; our area streams and watersheds, the fishing of course, tips & techniques, or the big one that always gets away.

So lets do it! Tell me what it is that you need and by golly we'll try to give it to ya! Just keep in mind our blog should be a collaborative space, a news & information outlet, and much more... it is where we can read and comment on stuff on an ongoing basis so as we can all enjoy our passions and our sport.