Followers in the group cast lines from across the country, sharing skills and secrets. The group has drawn anglers to query information about sampling the Lake Erie waterways of Steelhead Alley of Western New York that support such coldwater species as steelhead and brown trout when the waters chilly in fall, winter and spring, and then in summer, with the influx of smallmouth bass, redhorse suckers, panfish, carp and other species. Many of these same streams support native and stocked brook trout fisheries, as well, in their uppermost reaches of Erie and Chautauqua counties.

The biggest question that local and visiting fly anglers have when they start to enter the streams for the first time is what fly to use. Thanks to Brydalski and his team, they have assistance. Brydalski had an idea to support the new kids on the block by providing a resource he calls a “FlyBrary.”

In a slick-looking weather-protected cabinet with clear window-style doors constructed by Robert McDivitt (a fly angler from nearby Pennsylvania), Brydalski’s team of hearty fly angler enthusiasts installed several of the unique FlyBraries. The front door of the FlyBrary offers an invitation that reads, “NEED ONE? TAKE ONE,” and the line below, “HAVE ONE, LEAVE ONE.” The entire idea builds community support and sharing in a whole new way, making every angler feel connected and part of a larger group. Hats off to this fine feathered group. A reduced height statement at the bottom of the door expresses that FlyBrary is courtesy of the Western New York Steelheaders. Terry Browne created the front door design logo. The installation team included all the folks mentioned so far, plus Dick Lynch and young fly-fishing master Andrew Frelock and his brother Nick.

These first three FlyBraries are located on Eighteenmile Creek at Lakeshore Road, Hobuck’s Flats, and near Versailles at the Gary Sprague parking area. More are planned for other popular streams.

Three new FlyBraries have been installed at strategic angler access fishing sites along Eighteenmile Creek by the quickly growing Western New York Steelheaders group members. Trusted anglers can borrow and trade flies at the FlyBrary locations. Photo courtesy of Gerald Brydalski

Brydalski also owns Jigmaster Jigs and is the administrator for the Steelhead Jig Tying group on Meta, where he shares advice and mentors fly-fishing folks of all ages.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

June 6-8: WNY Walleye Classic/Dunkirk Walleye Festival 2025, $600 entry, Josh Larsen, 716-490-4226; https://www.primitivepatriotoutdoors.com/wny-walleye-classic.

June 7: Take-A-Kid-Fishing Day, Northern Chautauqua Con Club, 9 a.m. to noon, kids through 16 years old, must be accompanied by an adult, activities at Dunkirk Yacht Club, Memorial Park, life jacket required, limited loaners on site. Signup at the Con Club. The contest is open to the public.

June. 7-15: 41st annual nine-day Southtowns Walleye Tournament, $100 entry, $100k prizes; Jim Skoczylas, 716-796-5372; https://www.southtownswalleye.com/.

June 8: Kids Fishing Clinic, free, Dunkirk City Pier, part of the WNY Walleye Classic/Dunkirk Festival event. 8 a.m. start.