If you’re into fishing and you think that you have to head out to the isolated country streams to get some good action… think again. The early spring edition of Chrome on Chrome, a blog that touts itself as ‘the foremost blog on progressive trout angling, sites a spot along the Scajaquada Creek as “the oddest little urban steelhead fishery you’ve ever seen!” Check out this neat account that offers a description of the trail that so many of us can easily visualize. Despite the inclusion of shopping malls, tunnels and garbage impounds the tale is a real eye opener as to what a treasure we have despite past mishandlings. This story should give any nature lover hope that Mother Nature is more persistent than we ever imagined (see The Scar). From the post:
One more note, this is near and dear to my heart, but since they are almost fully protected I don’t mind broadcasting this into space. There is the most amazing run of steelhead in the oddest place – you could never imagine! Right in the center of the city of Buffalo, NY proper – 1 block from the intersection of Main St. and West Delevan you will find at least 30 odd steelhead spawning beneath willow trees, in complete forested silence. If you’re having a hard time imagining how this could be true take a moment to follow these directions. The window is short so leave now! Go to Forrest Lawn Cemetery in the heart of Buffalo, NY, and inspect the section of stream from the last bridge to the crematorium. If you have a little time try to back track downstream through the incredible route these amazingly resilient fish must travel to find this oddly secluded urban wonderland. Over several garbage impoundments, past 2 major shopping installations, and under 1 long underground tunnel these beautiful fish must travel. And they do. Remember, there is no stocking effort in Scajaquada creek – these fish are either devout crossovers or… or…. could I even dare to suggest: naturally spawning steelhead. The water may look dirty, but the substrate vaguely resembles something suitable. Add to that a “moratorium” on any kind of fishing and you may just have the ingredients my friend for the oddest little urban steelhead fishery you’ve ever seen!
The reworking of the Scajaquada Expressway that bounds the creek (in coming years) is a golden opportunity to reclaim much of what the past has destroyed.
queenseyes
Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com