Welcome

The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (OVF&HA) is a new, nonprofit organization with a stated purpose to:

• Provide opportunities for persons to learn the history of the region's role in sport fishing and the fishing line industry
• Develop fishing related skills, including awareness of fishing tackle and equipment, fish species, seasons, locations, and services
• Promote awareness and support for the region’s natural and historical resources, so as to help improve the quality of life for those who reside within the river valley and to encourage others to learn and appreciate its heritage and recreational resource opportunities

As the OVF&HA develops and matures, it is hoped that events such as the Fishing Heritage Day and other programs and projects will develop to raise awareness and appreciation for the history, as well as future opportunities within the scenic Otselic River Valley.
 

The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will again host the annual Fishing Heritage Day. Scheduled for Saturday, May 19 from 9 am to 4 pm, the free event will again take place at the State Fish Hatchery and the Town Park in South Otselic, NY. DEC personnel, with the assistance of Trout Unlimited volunteers, will conduct two trout fishing clinics for beginning anglers, while staff conducted tours are offered of the hatchery facilities. There will be special exhibitors with displays in the hatchery building, including DEC's “Living Stream” aquarium. Several non-profit organizations will be located in the Town Park, while a variety of vendors will be on hand to display and sell their crafts, artwork and antiques. Local musicans are scheduled to perform under the picnic pavilion. Gladding Braided Products, LLC plans to demonstrate one of their vintage braiding machines and sell various rope products. Food and drinks will be on sale by local nonprofit organizations, and the Otselic Valley Grange will sponsor the community-wide garage sales throughout the hamlet, along with their beef barbecue luncheon at the nearby Grange Hall. Binghamton's Ross Park Zoomobile is scheduled to return, as well as Peter Thompson, author of Freshwater Game Fish of North America: An Illustrated Guide, and fly tyer Albert Daher, Jr. The U.S. Postal Service will also be introducing the new 2012 special stamp cancellation, featuring a drawing by local artist Michael Sheridan.

This free public event is an excellent opportunity for families to come and enjoy the outdoors while learning about the area's historic tie to the sport fishing industry. For more information on how to be a member of the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association or to participate as a vendor or sponsor in next year's event, please see the links on this website or call 315-653-7490.