Cattaraugus River - Gowanda - New York
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Cattaraugus River – Gowanda - Water Flow Chart
Cattaraugus River – Gowanda - Weather report & radar
Cattaraugus River – Gowanda - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #20-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midges, Stoneflies | Afternoon | #20-24, #6-10 | Zebra Midge, Black Stonefly |
| March | Black Stoneflies | Warmer parts of the day | #6-10 | Black Stonefly Nymph, Carlson’s Black Stone |
| Blue Winged Olive (BWO) | Afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Parachute, BWO Emerger | |
| April | BWO, Hendricksons | Afternoon | #14-16 | Comparadun BWO, Red Quill |
| Little Black Caddis | Evening | #18-20 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| Grannom Caddis | All Day | #12-16 | Grannom Pupa, Grannom Dry Fly | |
| May | Brown Drake, March Brown | Morning and Evening | #10-12 | March Brown Dun, Brown Drake Parachute |
| Green Drake | Evening | #8-10 | Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Emerger | |
| June | Slate Drake, Sulphurs | Morning and Evening | #12-14, #16-18 | Slate Drake Dun, Sulphur Dun |
| July | Terrestrials, Tricos | Morning and Afternoon | #20-24, #14-18 | Ant Patterns, Trico Spinner |
| August | Terrestrials, Tricos | Morning and Afternoon | #20-24, #14-18 | Hopper Patterns, Trico Spinner |
| September | Terrestrials, Tricos | Morning and Afternoon | #20-24, #14-18 | Spider Patterns, Trico Spinner |
| October Caddis | Evening | #10-12 | October Caddis Adult, October Caddis Pupa | |
| October | Blue Winged Olive (BWO) | Afternoon | #18-22 | BWO Parachute, BWO Emerger |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #20-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #20-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
Cattaraugus River – Gowanda Access Points
The Cattaraugus River – Gowanda has several premier access points for fly fishing.
- Aldrich Street Bridge: This is a popular spot both up and downstream. Parking is available.
- Point Peter Road: Located above the main Gowanda dam. This section usually has less fishing pressure.
- Thatcher Brook: This area provides anglers with a mix of stocked and wild trout. Ample parking is offered.
- Park Street Bridge: This is a popular location for trout and steelhead. Foot access is easy from this point.
- Creekside Park: This area offers easy shore access for fly fishermen.
- Gowanda Dam: Despite being in Gowanda’s downtown, lots of fish pass through. It’s great for steelhead fishing.
Please note, regardless of your location, ensure responsible fishing practices to maintain the health and sustainability of the fisheries.
Cattaraugus River – Gowanda Fishing Spots
Renowned for its steelhead fishing, Cattaraugus River – Gowanda offers multiple spots for a promising fly fishing experience. Here are some of the best you should consider:
- Zoar Valley Region: Located in the southern part of the River, it’s known for unparalleled natural beauty and abundant steelhead.
- The Scoby Dam: Situated North East, it’s a popular spot attracting fly fishers aiming for the steelhead run.
- Versailles Plank Road: This spot offers a variety of species including steelhead, coho and chinook salmon.
- Cattaraugus Creek: Technically part of the River, it’s particularly well-regarded during the prime fall run and comprises beautiful scenery encased with diverse species.
Remember respect for nature and local regulations prevail alongside your fish-catching endeavors.
Cattaraugus River – Gowanda Local Fish Species
- Steelhead Trout: This species is the top target fish for most fly fishers due to its size, hard fighting nature and its abundance in the river.
- Brown Trout: Known for its aggressiveness, this fish is usually a favorite among fly fishers. It can be identified by its golden brown color and large spots.
- Salmon: Exactly the Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon are the most commonly caught salmon species in the river.
- Walleye: Walleye are not typically targeted in fly fishing but they can be found in the river. They are primarily known for their great taste.
- Smallmouth Bass: As the name implies, this fish has a smaller mouth compared to its largemouth counterpart. They provide a great fight for their size making them fun to catch.
- Largemouth Bass: Though not as common as the smallmouth, largemouth bass can be found in the river. They are usually larger and love habitats with lily pads and fallen trees.
- Northern Pike: These fish can reach significant sizes and are a favorite among sport fishers. They are predatory and can put up a good fight.
- Muskellunge: Often referred to as the ‘fish of thousand casts’, this fish is highly sought after due to its size and rarity. It is the largest member of the pike family and requires a lot of patience to catch.
About the Cattaraugus River – Gowanda
The Cattaraugus River in Gowanda, New York, is quite a gem with an interesting history. This beautiful river traces its roots back to an era when the region was home to the Seneca Nation of Indians, with “Cattaraugus” being a Seneca term meaning “foul-smelling river bank” due to rich natural oil seeps.
The river played an important role during the industrial revolution in the 1800s, powering mills and factories. Today, it serves as a wonderful recreational spot. Enthusiasts indulge in various activities like:
- Fishing for Trout and Steelhead
- Canoeing and Kayaking
- Hiking along riverside trails
The Gowanda region amplifies the river’s charm with its distinct four-season climate. Evolving from steamy summers to snowy winters, this river journey is nothing short of a painter’s delight. A trip to Cattaraugus River – Gowanda offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure.
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