CMTU October Meeting Announcement

Wednesday, October 16th
Residence in by Marriott Kingston
800 Frank Sottile Blvd
6:30-8:30

Bob Adams, DEC Region 3 Fisheries Manager to speak to chapter

Bob Adams, our friendly, local DEC fisheries manager, and one of the authors of the Upper Esopus Fisheries Management Plan will be presenting our annual State of the Esopus (and other streams) address. This is an excellent opportunity to find out what’s happening on the Esopus, what DEC’s long term plans are, and to ask questions.

Those wishing to access via WebEx can do so using the link below.

CMTU October 2024 Meeting
Hosted by Catskill Mountains Trout Unlimited

https://catskillmountainstu.my.webex.com/catskillmountainstu.my/j.php?MTID=m059d8e9171af425b9db7f736c3c26968
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 6:30 PM | 2 hours | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Meeting number: 2865 665 8026
Password: wildesopus (94533767 when dialing from a phone or video system)

Join by phone
+1-650-479-3208 United States Toll

Access code: 286 566 58026

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Esopus Creek Trout Spawning Survey Fall 2024

Esopus Creek Trout Spawning Survey

We need as many members as possible to come out for this conservation event!

Since the new New York State trout stream regulations opened Esopus Creek to year-round fishing, there’s been a lot of talk about the need to educate anglers about trout spawning beds, also known as redds, and to learn more about the distribution of redds on Esopus Creek.

And as DEC’s new Esopus Creek Fisheries Management Plan makes clear, there’s a crucial need to understand spawning practices on Esopus Creek.

As a result, CMTU will be conducting a spawning bed survey this fall. Knowing the location of spawning beds and habitat will allow us to prioritize conservation projects and to educate anglers so they don’t disturb the beds, ensuring healthy populations of wild trout for years to come.

Date:  Saturday November 9th

When:   9:00AM – 12:00PM

Please register ahead of time at the following link so we can organize survey teams.

Registration Link: https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/Catskill-Mountains-Tu-Esopus-Creek-Redds-Survey-102591

 

We will meet at 9:00 AM at the NYS DEC fishing access point on Mount Pleasant Road, behind the Emerson, where Bert Darrow’s bench was dedicated, to sign in and distribute assignments to survey teams. We will then divide up the reaches across teams of 2 or 3 people. Maps will be provided.

Bring your waders and boots in case you need to wade some sections.

A post-survey event will be held at Westkill Brewery after noon for all that are interested. A special thank you pint for all volunteers will be waiting.

https://www.westkillbrewing.com/

Location: 2173 Spruceton Rd, West Kill, NY 12492

In case you missed it past events, here is a link to the online training wg. This training gives instruction on how to use the TU  Red Survey app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdAKhp2HT6 that will be use in the survey.

Note that Red Survey App is not a mobile app itself, but rather is a ‘Survey’ within the mobile app called Survey123 for ArcGIS.

Here’s how to prepare your phone for the survey:

From your iPhone’s App Store or your Google Play Store download and install ArcGIS Survey123.

When you open ArcGIS Suvey123 login using the option “Continue without signing in”

On the next screen in the ArcGIS Sruvey123 app use the search window to input this: https://arcg.is/0u5vm

This will import the TU Redd Survey into your phone.

Please do this before the day of the event.

If you need assistance loading the ArcGIS Survey123 app or the TU Redd Survey after watching the online training and/or reading these directions, please come to the October 18th Chapter meeting at the Residents Inn by Marriott in Kingston at 6:30PM. We will have volunteers that can help OR email catskillmountaintu@gmail.com

On the day of the event, we will have printed survey sheets in case that are needed but prefer to assign survey teams with at least one person that can use the app.

Note that you will not need a cell signal to use the app. A cell signal is not needed for GPS to map the locations.

In the unfortunate event the weather makes the rivers and tribs unsafe we will cancel the event.   Any cancellation will be posted on the web site cmtu.org and email provided when you register.

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Catskill Mountains Trout Unlimited 2024 Conservation Sweepstakes

The Catskill Mountains Chapter of Trout Unlimited is excited to announce our 2024 Conservation Sweepstakes, with a grand prize drawing to take place at our year-end chapter event on December 14th, 2024.

Proceeds from the raffle will support the conservation projects we organize throughout the year, helping to preserve and protect our local watersheds and trout populations. Don’t miss your chance to win some incredible fly fishing gear while contributing to a great cause!

Prizes:

  • 1st Prize: Hardy Ultralite LL Fly Rod (10 ft, 3 wt – nymphing rod) and Sage ESN Stealth Reel
  • 2nd Prize: RL Winston WT model 7 1/2 ft, 4 wt, 3-piece rod (generously donated by one of our members)
  • 3rd Prize: A fly box filled with hand-tied flies crafted by local Catskill fly tiers

Ticket Pricing:

  • 10 entries for $10
  • 30 entries for $25
  • 50 entries for $40

Buy your tickets now at https://go.tulocalevents.org/cmtu2024-conservatonraffle/ for your chance to win!

The winners will be drawn at our chapter event, but you don’t need to be present to win. Thank you for your support, and good luck!

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Catskill Mountains Chapter of Trout Unlimited September 18th Meeting Announcement

CMTU February Meeting In Person and Online!

Wednesday, September 18th
Residence Inn Marriott
Kingston, NY
6:30-8:30

 
Luke Rabideau to talk about Trout in the Classroom
 
Chapter Member Luke Rabideau, a science teacher at John Jay High School in the Wappingers Central School District, will be talking about his experiences with our Trout in the Classroom program.  For Trout in the Classroom, TU provides schools with fish tanks, filters, aerators, and finally trout eggs, and then the students raise those trout in the classroom and eventually release the young trout into approved streams.  The program teaches kids about the lifecycle of trout and the importance of clean water. It connects kids to their surrounding environment and helps instill a conservation ethos. 

 If you know a high school teacher who might be interested in having Trout in the Classroom in his or her classroom, please invite them to our September meeting on September 18th or have them contact the chapter at catskillmountaintu@gmail.com.
 
 

For those wishing to attend online

Here are the meeting details.

When: Wednesday, September 18th at 6:30 PM

Meeting link:
https://catskillmountainstu.my.webex.com/catskillmountainstu.my/j.php?MTID=maa9d5a99f0c6c39260cfb46b32e25946
 
Meeting number:
2634 353 0886
Password:
wildesopus (94533767 when dialing from a phone or video system)
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CMTU Monthly Meeting Wednesday May 22nd 6:30 PM

CMTU May Meeting

Wednesday, May 22nd
Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston
800 Frank Sottile Blvd
6:30-8:30PM

Those wishing to access via WebEx can do so using the link below.

 WEBEX MEETING https://catskillmountainstu.my.webex.com/catskillmountainstu.my/j.php?MTID=mc8c5cdec91188ed1dca7b52b81c83650

Meeting number (access code): 2631 514 4962

Meeting password: wildesopus (94533767 when dialing from a phone or video system) 

After a brief business meeting we will have a guest speaker.


Ed Ostapczuk to speak about Edmun William Sens
 
ED OSTAPCZUK dedicated his book The Wanderings Of A Mountain Fly Fisher to Edmund William Sens, a little known but influential Catskill fly tyer/fisher.

Gary LaFontaine credited Sens with developing several early caddis fly imitations. In fact, LaFontaine wrote, “The initial attempt at the caddis pupa was the innovation of Edward Sens.”

At our May 22 meeting Ed will tell us more about this little known fly tyer and fly fisher who frequented the Catskill streams.

Anyone who holds Esopus Creek dear in their hearts knowns Ed Ostapczuk. Ed started flyfishing for Catskill trout in the 1960s. He joined Trout Unlimited in 1969 and has been actively involved ever since. He is a member of the Ashokan-Pepacton Chapter and author of the chapter’s monthly newsletter, Blue Mountains Trout News.


In 1982 Ed received Trout Unlimited National’s Trout Conservation Award. And in 2018 the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum recognized Ed as a Catskill Legend.
He has published articles and books on trout fishing. His most recent book  The Wanderings Of A Mountain Fly Fisher was published in 2022.

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Join Catskill Mountains TU for Pint Night at Arrowood Farms Brewery & Distillery!

Calling all beer enthusiasts and trout anglers. The Catskill Mountains Trout Unlimited chapter invites you to a  evening of craft brews, camaraderie, and conservation.

Several chapter members will be demonstrating the art of fly tying, while others demonstrate the fine art of drinking beer and socializing. Come on out and join us. It’s a great way to meet members  and other anglers.

Hope to see you there!

Date: Thursday May 9th 2024

Time:  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Arrowood Farms Brewery & Distillery, 236 Lower Whitfield Rd, Accord, NY 12404

https://arrowoodfarms.com/

See you at Arrowood Farms!

 

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Esopus Creek Earth Day Stream Cleanup

Esopus Creek Earth Day Stream Cleanup

CMTU is hosting its annual stream cleanup event for the Esopus and its tributaries on Saturday, April 20th between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  All are welcome to come to help out!  There is still a lot of trash out there along the streams due to the winter flooding.

Volunteers should meet out in front of Catskill Outfitters along Route 28 in Phoenicia to get trash bags and a map.  Everyone will then head out to clean up a section of stream.  When you are finished, bring your trash back to Catskill Outfitters so that it can be taken to a transfer station.  If you have a truck and would be willing to help out with the trash delivery, please email catskillmountaintu@gmail.com.  CMTU will have gloves, trash bags, and water available for volunteers.

Date:  Saturday April 20th 2024

When:   10:00AM – 2:00PM

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CMTU Monthly meeting Wednesday March 27th 6:30 PM

Fishing in Cuba, by Dr. Jamal Mahdavian

Dr. Jamal Mahdavian of Kingston will speak to the chapter about fishing in Cuba. Dr. Mahdavian is a General Surgery doctor with Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston. As an angler, he has traveled around the world fishing, including several trips to Cuba. While few Americans have had the opportunity to experience until recently, Cuba is a world-class fishery, with over 900 species of fish, including tuna, bonefish, permit, snook, barracuda, and tarpon, as well as marlin and swordfish.

Note: Meeting to be held at the Residence Inn by Marriott, not our regular location at the Marriott Courtyard.

Marriott is still remodeling our regular meeting site, so we are meeting across the street at The Residence Inn.

Those wishing to access via WebEx can do so using the link below.

CMTU April 2024 Chapter Meeting
Hosted by Catskill Mountains Trout Unlimited

https://catskillmountainstu.my.webex.com/catskillmountainstu.my/j.php?MTID=m42f58b3ba260ae58d5a4bf990abb32c2
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 6:30 PM | 2 hours | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Meeting number: 2632 246 8333
Password: wildesopus (94533767 from phones and video systems)

Join by phone
+1-650-479-3208 United States Toll

Access code: 263 224 68333

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Esopus Creek Trout Spawning Survey – Please register

Esopus Creek Trout Spawning Survey – Spring Edition

Last fall Catskill Mountains chapter of TU organized a trout spawning survey on Esopus Creek with the goal to help understand and protect spawning trout on Esopus creek and its tributaries. We are organizing another one this spring for spawning rainbow trout. The survey will be done on March 16th. Please see below for details, registration link, and online training.

We need as many members as possible to come out for this conservation event!

Since the new New York State trout stream regulations opened Esopus Creek to year-round fishing, there’s been a lot of talk about the need to educate anglers about trout spawning beds, also known as redds, and to learn more about the distribution of redds on Esopus Creek.

And as DEC’s new Esopus Creek Fisheries Management Plan makes clear, there’s a crucial need to understand spawning practices on Esopus Creek.

As a result, CMTU will be conducting a spawning bed survey this fall. Knowing the location of spawning beds and habitat will allow us to prioritize conservation projects and to educate anglers so they don’t disturb the beds, ensuring healthy populations of wild trout for years to come.

Date:  Saturday March 16th

When:   9:00AM – 12:00PM

Please register ahead of time at the following link so we can organize survey teams.

Registration Link:  https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/Catskill-Mountains-Tu-Esopus-Creek-Redds-Survey-90318

We will meet at 9:00 AM at the NYS DEC fishing access point on Mount Pleasant Road, behind the Emerson, where Bert Darrow’s bench was dedicated, to sign in and distribute assignments to survey teams. We will then divide up the reaches across teams of 2 or 3 people. Maps will be provided.

Bring your waders and boots in case you need to wade some sections.

A post-survey event will be held at Westkill Brewery after noon for all that are interested. A special thank you pint for all volunteers will be waiting.

https://www.westkillbrewing.com/

Location: 2173 Spruceton Rd, West Kill, NY 12492

In case you missed it, here is a link to the online training we presented at the September meeting. This training gives instruction on how to use the TU  Red Survey app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdAKhp2HT64

Note that Red Survey App is not a mobile app itself, but rather is a ‘Survey’ within the mobile app called Survey123 for ArcGIS.

Here’s how to prepare your phone for the survey:

From your iPhone’s App Store or your Google Play Store download and install ArcGIS Survey123.

When you open ArcGIS Suvey123 login using the option “Continue without signing in”

On the next screen in the ArcGIS Sruvey123 app use the search window to input this: https://arcg.is/0u5vm

This will import the TU Redd Survey into your phone.

Please do this before the day of the event.

If you need assistance loading the ArcGIS Survey123 app or the TU Redd Survey after watching the online training and/or reading these directions, please come to the October 18th Chapter meeting at the Residents Inn by Marriott in Kingston at 6:30PM. We will have volunteers that can help OR email catskillmountaintu@gmail.com

On the day of the event, we will have printed survey sheets in case that are needed but prefer to assign survey teams with at least one person that can use the app.

Note that you will not need a cell signal to use the app. A cell signal is not needed for GPS to map the locations.

In the unfortunate event the weather makes the rivers and tribs unsafe we will cancel the event.   Any cancellation will be posted on the web site cmtu.org and email provided when you register.

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CMTU Monthly meeting Wednesday February 21st 6:30 PM

CMTU February Meeting

Wednesday, February 21
Residence in by Marriott Kingston
800 Frank Sottile Blvd
6:30-8:30

Christopher Solomon of the Cary Institute to Speak about Sustaining Quality Recreational Fisheries

Christopher Solomon, Ph.D., an aquatic ecosystem ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, will speak to the chapter about his research on the challenges and opportunities for sustaining quality recreational fisheries. One really interesting aspect of Dr. Solomon’s research is that he looks at how human culture—governing structures, cultural attitudes—what he calls “FishScapes”—impact fish populations. We so often focus on environmental issues that we forget that people—and their attitudes—have a huge impact on the environment.

Solomon was previously a professor of fish and fisheries ecology at McGill University. He has studied fish and fisheries far and wide, including heritage lake trout in the Adirondacks, armored catfish in the Venezuelan piedmont, Pacific salmon in California, largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, cichlids in Lake Tanganyika, and sturgeon in the Hudson River.

Formore information on his work, check out Dr. Solomon’s bio at the Cary Institutewebsite:

https://www.caryinstitute.org/science/our-scientists/dr-christopher-t-solomon

Here is the call in info for the meeting

CMTU February Chapter meeting
Hosted by Catskill Mountains Trout Unlimited

https://catskillmountainstu.my.webex.com/catskillmountainstu.my/j.php?MTID=m81a7de6e95347e4f58ea9fe4995c54de
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 6:30 PM | 2 hours | (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Meeting number: 2630 434 4392
Password: wildesopus (94533767 from phones and video systems)

Join by video system
Dial 26304344392@webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Join by phone
+1-650-479-3208 United States Toll

Access code: 263 043 44392

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