birds wildlife and fishing along the river

Birds & Wildlife along the Chemung River As you journey along the Chemung River, be sure to look for a variety of feathered friends! Two pair of bald eagles currently nest along the river bluffs and can often be seen soaring overhead. You might spot an osprey, a fish-hunting bird with white, brown and black plumage and a 50-inch wingspan. In addition, you might see falcons, Canada geese, mallards, sandpipers, cranes, rock pigeons, great blue herons and both red-tailed and coopers hawks. And be sure to note the colony of 1,000+ ring-billed gulls, which make their home on a gravel island in downtown Elmira. This colony is highly unusual as the ring-billed gulls generally nest only on lakes or rooftops. Special nesting poles were erected to attract them. In addition to birds, the Chemung River offers a chance to glimpse an abundance of other wildlife. Otters, raccoons, beavers, fox and deer can often be seen enjoying an early morning drink. You might even be able to spot an occasional black bear looking for fish!		Photo courtesy of Polly Smith-Blackwell
	Please Don’t Trash While You Cache Help keep our river clean and our communities green. The Chemung River is one of the many natural resources that we wish to treasure and preserve for years to come. Please enjoy responsibly. Carry out all waste. Be a good steward and leave the area cleaner than you found it. Be courteous to other Sojourners and please respect the privacy of others. Leave rocks, plants, trees, animals and artifacts as you found them so future Sojourners can enjoy their beauty as well. If you are truly enthralled, capture the sites on your photo safari. Please obey all posted signs for your safety and the safety of others.
Fishing the Chemung River The Tioga, Conhocton, and Canisteo Rivers combine into the Chemung River starting in Corning. The Chemung runs through Big Flats and Elmira into Pennsylvania. Primary game fish include smallmouth bass and walleye as well as various panfish, including rock bass, yellow perch, bullheads, bluegill, suckers, pike and muskie. Prime seasons for fishing the Chemung River are summer and fall. walleye and muskie will challenge you right into December. Hot spots for smallmouth bass include Bottchers Landing, the Walnut Street Bridge and below the dam in Elmira, at the Lowman Crossover and in most creek tributaries. The best spots for walleye include Patterson Bridge west of Corning, below the dam in Elmira and near the state line west of Waverly. All fishing regulations apply. The last full weekend of June is designated as Free Fishing Days throughout New York State. It is a great time to introduce fishing as a new “favorite pastime to be.” Grab your friends and family and fish!