Fly Fishing In The Zoar Vallery
FLY FISHING IN THE ZOAR VALLEY
It was late autumn in Western New York. The air was sharp, the hills were red and gold, and the water in Cattaraugus Creek was freezing. I was there with Andrew Gaerte from the Western New York Land Conservancy, watching him fly fish in the Zoar Valley.
I’ve spent most of my life fishing. Mostly on the ocean or for salmon on the West Coast of Canada with a spin rod. But I had never seen fly fishing up close. It’s slower. More precise. The cast looks simple until you try to do it.
The valley was quiet. The trees still held some color. Reds, golds, and the brown of rust. It reminded me of the old mills and rail lines that still mark this part of the state. Western New York wears its history.
Andrew moved easily through the current. His cast was steady and smooth. The line lifted, looped, and fell clean on the water. I was out in the current with my waders on, too, catching the rhythm of it.
At one point, someone tried to walk off with some of my gear that was on the shore. Thankfully, my assistant saw it happen and put a quick stop to that before they got too far. Thanks, Beki!
By late morning, the light changed. The sun hit the creek and turned it to silver. My hands were cold. I packed up the camera and watched Andrew make a few more casts. Next time, I’ll leave the camera behind, grab a rod, and get a lesson from Andrew for myself.
