Fly Fishers International - Lake Erie Chapter

10/19/2026

WNY Fly Fishing Stream Report 10/17/2026
well the rains that came did very little to the small to med erie tribs moving the needles very little, the catt got the lions share and bumped up nicely, but with no rain coming the water will come down fast and fishing will be very difficult to find fishable water that has not been beaten to death

10/15/2026

JOIN US TONIGHT! Our Monthly Meeting is TODAY, Thursday 10/15🎃

Lake Erie Chapter of Fly Fishers International meets,at Burchfield Nature and Arts Center, 2001 Union Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224.

Not a member? All are welcome to come find out about who we are and what we do: we tie, we teach, we fish.

5pm-7pm: Swap meet/social hour

Presentation will begin at 7pm: STEVEN WASCHER-Master Fly Tyer

Steven is a Third‑Generation Fly Tyer from Bemus Point, NY

Steve’s tying roots trace back to the Great Depression when his grandmother first learned the art of tying flies. Not long after, his father took up the craft, perfecting patterns designed to fool the wary trout of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

At just six years old, Steve received his first tying vise as a Christmas gift. Sixty‑two years later, he continues to refine and elevate his craft, tying flies for an extraordinary range of species — from delicate wild Brook Trout to powerful Roosterfish.

Steve’s work blends tradition, precision, and a lifetime of experience. His presence at the Hairy Trout Fall Run Kickoff is a chance to meet a true artisan whose family helped shape regional fly‑tying history.

Come learn, connect, and be inspired by a master.

As always, we’ll have our Club Fundraiser 50/50 (bring cash if you are interested in participating!)

10/13/2026

🐟🐟🐟Meeting this Thursday! Will we see you there? 🐟🐟🐟

10/12/2026

📣 Erie Canal Water Release Schedule for Sandy Creek – 2026

Anglers, guides, and conservation partners — here is the confirmed 2026 Erie Canal water‑release schedule for Sandy Creek (Monroe & Orleans Counties). These releases play a major role in fall fish movement, water levels, and overall stream conditions.

🌊 Primary Release Window

September 17 – October 28, 2026

Sandy Creek will receive increased Erie Canal water flows during this period, supporting fall salmon and trout migration.

💧 Additional Flow Boost

November 12 – November 18, 2026

A short, targeted release designed to stabilize flows during late‑fall angling activity.

🌬️ Extended Seasonal Releases Through December 15, 2026

Water will continue to be released into Sandy Creek to maintain winter transition levels.

🎣 Why These Releases Matter. Improved migration conditions for browns, steelhead, kings, and cohos. More predictable water levels for safe wading. Better planning for trips, club outings, and educational events. Supports habitat health during peak angling months.

Reference Jim Guida

10/07/2026

🎯 What the USGS

New York Water Data Site The site provides real‑time and historical water data for rivers, streams, lakes, and groundwater across New York State.

🧭 How to Navigate the Site:

Choose a Region or Station. You’ll see a map or a list of stations.
Click a county, river, or specific monitoring station. Each station has a unique code and page.

Tip* (Save your favorite streams).

🕔Read the Real‑Time:

-Data
-Gage height (water level)
-Discharge (streamflow, measured in cubic feet per second).
-Temperature
-Precipitation
-Water quality parameters (pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen).

Tip* (Remember your banner days; Document conditions what the gauge levels were).

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/state/New%20York/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUyeBxjbGNrBTJ4GGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeL95mnca_3DIGM8Tvh3huCt7-mn9gJsGb4yexf-B_AZIahZ20T-lO9p4y6Uo_aem_t0759v_sx73Rk0Zhl8Frlg

Explore USGS monitoring locations within New York that collect continuously sampled water data

10/05/2026

Lake Erie Chapter of Fly Fishers International will meet Thursday October 15th @ Burchfield Nature Center, 2001 Union Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224.

5pm-7pm Swap meet/social hour.

7pm: Presentation by MASTER FLY TYER STEVEN WASCHER
Come learn, connect, and be inspired by a master.

Plus: 50/50 Raffle!

Join Us!

Interested in starting fly fishing? Tying? We have educational events!
If you’re not a member, now is the perfect time to join.

09/18/2026

Last night, was our first meeting for the fall. We had a memorial cast off to remember those who we lost.

09/18/2026

Our 2nd Annual Fall Run Kickoff is right around the corner!

We’re excited about all the new additions we have lined up this year, including an evening screening of the Fly Fishing Film Tour (The F3T), presentations from Rick Kustich, Charlie Dickson, Western New York Trout Unlimited and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation plus a bunch of new local vendors, tyers, artists and more!

The event kicks off at 2 PM with activities going on throughout the afternoon and evening.

Food and beverages available for purchase
$20 admission
Fly Fishing Film Tour screening at 7 PM
(Bring a camp chair if you plan on staying for the films)

A portion of admission proceeds will be donated to the WNY Trout Unlimited Chapter to support local coldwater conservation efforts.

We’re looking forward to another great event with the WNY fishing community. See you there!

09/16/2026

WE’VE MISSED YOU!
LEC FFI September Meeting Tomorrow!
When: Thurs 9/17, 6pm-9pm
Where: Burchfield Nature Center, 2001 Union Rd, West Seneca

Agenda:
▪️6pm- meet at the water for a Memorial Cast Off as we remember and honor club members Jerry and Rusty.
▪️7pm - Trout Talk 2026
Meet Brad Britt and Scott Cornett- The biologists shaping our streams- expect to get an inside look at the science, strategy and stewardship behind our trout fisheries.
▪️50/50 Club Raffle - bring $

Fly fishing is for EVERYONE. Not a member yet? Come and see what we’re all about! All are welcome.
🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁

09/16/2026

Second Bend Outfitters coming soon!