Last Saturday, I departed the house around 4:30 a.m. and heading south into the Catskills, bound for the famed Beaverkill and Willowemoc, historically considered the birthplace of fly-fishing.
Along with my uncle, cousins and a couple other longtime buddies hopped in the trucks and we headed south on Route 30. As the first pale hints of dawn began to break, somewhere in the vicinity of Roxbury, we glanced down at the temperature reading to notice a stark 16 degrees. As we continued south into the Catskills, the temperature continued south, as well. I recall 11 degrees heading over the mountains dropping into Lew Beach, arriving at our first fishing location along the Beaverkill the mercury read a miserable 12 degrees.
I can honestly say this was the coldest day I have ever fished in an open-water scenario. Two weekends ago, I was drilling holes in Lake Eaton in a T-shirt, so this was quite the contrast.
I remember some chilly days over the years, maybe some spitting snow or upper 20s. But low teens, never. Throwing on waders, over base layers of course, and ample other layers to fend off the cold, we made our way out into and along the stream.
Stream levels were excellent, hence the choice to head south as opposed to staying around here, where the levels were significantly higher, almost to the point of being blown out due to runoff. Water temperatures though were very, very cold, even from a stream trout perspective — 35.6 degrees to start and topping out at 39.8 as the day “warmed” up.
At 12 degrees, one can realistically achieve approximately five or so casts before your wet, bare hands are absolutely frozen and the guides on your rod are completely solid with ice and will not allow the fly line to shoot through them any longer. Stepping out of the water waders were instant sheets of ice that, within a minute, broke like glass and fell to the ground. In other words, it was just darn miserable.
Only a single fish was mustered between the group of a half-dozen guys, a 16 3/4-inch rainbow my cousin caught on a smaller clouser-style streamer.
We fished both the Beaverkill and the Willowemoc. Each stream looked amazing, but just did not produce. Opening weekend is usually tough regardless, but given ridiculously cold weather conditions, it made the fishing extremely difficult.
NEW BUDGET AFFECTS YOUTH HUNTING
Earlier this week, a rather hefty part of the 2021 budget was not included or approved by legislation. Many thought, myself included, that this upcoming hunting season would be the year that the use of crossbows for the entire duration of the archery would be passed. This is not the case. Lawmakers failed to include this portion into the budget.
On another note, the other possible big-gun new law did make it in. Legislation allowing 12- and 13-year-old hunters to use firearms for the regular big-game season has been incorporated. For almost 20 years, youth hunters ages 12 and 13 in New York have been safely hunting big game with archery equipment and small game with firearms. Until now, New York was the only state in the nation that did not allow 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt big game with a firearm.
Environmental Conservation Law 11-0935 is a temporary measure that will pilot lowering the age through 2023.
The new law states:
— Allows 12- and 13-year old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloading firearm in areas these firearms may be used during hunting season.
— Allows 12- and 13-year old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a crossbow during the times when other hunters may use crossbows.
— Requires that these youth hunters be supervised by experienced and licensed adult hunters at all times.
— Requires the youth hunter and adult mentor to wear fluorescent orange or pink clothing and remain at ground level while hunting deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader.
This new legislation requires each county to “opt-in” to the program by adopting a local law allowing for 12- and 13-year olds to hunt deer in accordance with ECL 11-0935. The legislation specifically excludes Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester counties from participation in the new program.
YOUTH TURKEY HUNT
Mike Auriemma and Dick Andrews will again host the 12th annual youth turkey hunt on Saturday, April 24.
All youth hunters ages 12 to 15 with a valid hunting license and adult mentor are welcome to participate. Hunting shall be done at your own location. All previous rules apply. There is no cost to participate. Free food and beverages will be available to all who attend.
Every youth hunter will receive door prizes, and every turkey entered will also receive a prize.
The weigh-in will be held at Cranesville Fire Department from noon to 1:30 p.m., with proper social distancing protocols in place.
To sign up, or if there is a youth hunter that wishes to go out that is in need of a mentor please call Mike Auriemma at 518-669-0460 or Dick Andrews at 518-843-9086 or 518-461-2912.
Hope to see everyone there as this is an outstanding event for our local youth hunters.
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