For the future of trout in Owego Creek

By JoAnn R. Walter —

A free public workshop is planned for Saturday, March 15, to discuss the future of trout in Owego Creek. The workshop, hosted by the local chapter of Trout Unlimited, will be held at Campville Fire Station #3, located at 1281 NY Rte. 38 in Owego, N.Y. The workshop is scheduled from noon until 4 p.m.

Event organizer, Allen Peterson, commented, “Big things are happening at Owego Creek, and there are plenty of opportunities for volunteers to join in on.”  

Trout Unlimited (TU), a Fishery Conservation Community, has chapters all across the U.S., and chose Owego Creek as a priority watershed. Their mission is to protect, reconnect, and restore the places people love to fish, and in turn, inspire people to step up to volunteer. 

According to the AL Hazzard Chapter, Owego Creek is the largest, most intact brook trout system in western New York. Since 2023, the AL Hazzard Chapter of Trout Unlimited has worked with local partners such as the Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District and DEC Fisheries, where they study the trout and their habitats, along with carrying out projects that restore and sustain brook and brown trout populations.

Since 2005, trout populations in the Owego Creek system have been impacted by floods and droughts. Peterson explained that the numbers have stabilized; however, short and intense “flash droughts” that dewater spawning tributaries remain a significant issue.

“We are working to restore connectivity to maximize the ability of trout to migrate seasonally,” Peterson said, adding, “We are also working with local partners to complete projects that enhance spawning as well as flood and drought resiliency.”

The AL Hazzard TU group has worked diligently to assess, reconnect, improve habitat, and offer outreach to the community. The group is composed of members and volunteers from both Tioga and Broome Counties. 

So far, Peterson shared, volunteers have identified 41 brook trout spawning tributaries and located 17 cold-water springs and spring-fed tributaries.  

Beginning in 2025, TU staff will utilize infrared drones to identify coldwater inputs, while DEC biologists will start electrofishing surveys. Volunteers will also work with Soil and Water Conservation to identify culvert or dam barriers specific to trout movements and spawning.

One particular habitat improvement completed in 2023 by the Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District included two major bank stabilization and habitat projects on the lower Owego Creek. Peterson noted one was located above Park Settlement Road, and the other near the Owego high school.

In addition to the March 15 workshop, the public is also invited to a “Fishing and Outdoor Show” scheduled for Saturday, March 29 at the American Legion Post 1645, located at 177 Robinson St. in Binghamton, N.Y. The event is planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry fee is $5, and ages 15 and younger are free. Proceeds will help fund future work at Owego Creek.

Exhibitors and vendors, live demonstrations, presenters, guest fly-tyers, and a huge flea market, along with silent auctions, are all part of the show. Food and refreshments will be available, and a grand prize drawing for a guided float trip on the Delaware River will be awarded.

For information, including volunteer opportunities, visit https://alhazzardtu.org/.  You can also contact Allen Peterson, TU Coordinator, at allenpeterson54@gmail.com.