SOUTH OTSELIC – The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (OVF&HA) is proud to announce that on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the small rural community of South Otselic will host its third annual Fishing Heritage Day. Home to one of New York State’s twelve fish hatcheries, and the former B.F. Gladding Co., the scenic Otselic River flows through this northwestern Chenango County hamlet and its surrounding communities, farms and woodlands. The nonprofit OVF&HA has been planning South Fishing Heritage Day over the course of the past year.
The hamlet has a long history related to the sport of fishing. It is home to the South Otselic Fish Culture Center for nearly 80 years, where Tiger Muskie and Walleye are raised and then released into New York State rivers and lakes. The former B.F. Gladding Company, established in 1816 within two miles of South Otselic, employed some 200 people during its heyday, and eventually moved its manufacturing complex into the hamlet adjacent to the river. Over the years, Gladding grew to become the largest, and eventually, the oldest fishing line manufacturer in the world, turning out what the greater angling community considered to be the highest quality lines available, and earning South Otselic the reputation as “the fishing line capital of the world.”
Building upon the past two years, OVF&HA Board Chairman Carl Johnson stated “The third annual Fishing Heritage Day promises to be another celebration calling attention to South Otselic’s historical past as home to a major fishing line industry, and the State fish hatchery. We are fortunate again to receive major assistance from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Chenango Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU)and Gladding Braided Products, as well as consistent support from many valley-wide businesses and organizations. As during the past two years' events, we are looking forward to continuing an enjoyable, memorable and educational tradition for all who attend,” added Reverend Johnson.
Some of the activities planned again for this year include tours of the fish hatchery’s operation and history, along with exhibitors, the “Living Stream” display and an opportunity to learn about the importance of the river's aquatic insects, conducted by TU volunteers. Two scheduled fishing clinics will again be held at one of the ponds, conducted jointly by DEC staff and TU volunteers, to familiarize school age anglers with techniques, tackle, species of fish, and casting instruction. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided for those wishing to participate in the free clinics.
While these programs and related exhibits are taking place at the fish hatchery, artisans, crafters, antique dealers and others will be set up in the Town Park. A special exhibit on the former Gladding Fishing Line Co., from the Salmon River International Sport Fishing Museum in Pulaski, NY, will be on display again this year. In addition, Peter Thompson, author of Freshwater Game Fish of North America: An Illustrated Guide, will offer signed copies of his book for sale, and Albert Daher, Jr. will demonstrate fly tying. The third new stamp cancellation will make its debut and be available for sale by the U.S. Postal Service, while directly across the street, Gladding Braided Products, Inc. will host a special rope braiding demonstrating, and offer a selection of their manufactured rope products for sale. A special treat for visitors to this year's event will be the appearance of three musical performances, starting the day with Otselic Valley's own “Jr./Sr. Marching Band”, followed by the return of “Triple Threat Quartet” and finally ending the day with the local musical group, “Out of the Woodwork.”
In addition to the Fishing Heritage event, the Otselic Valley Grange will again host their annual community garage sale day, involving residents throughout the community. The Grange will also offer their special beef barbecue luncheon, starting at 11 a.m. at the Grange Hall, just a short walk from the Town Park. Other food sales by nonprofit organizations will be available in the Town Park throughout the day, as well as at The Daily Grind, Donna’s Lunchbox, The Burgh, and the South Otselic Store during their regular business hours.
Prize drawings for sport fishing items will be held following the morning and afternoon fishing clinics on site for those who participate in that program. Special drawings for new members who join the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association, will also be held toward the end of the day at the Town Park.
Admission to all activities is free, and parking is available at the hatchery, across from the Town Park, at the Otselic Valley Central School and elsewhere throughout the hamlet. To enhance public convenience, a free day-long bus shuttle will again be provided by the Otselic Valley Central School to transport visitors between the Town Park and the fish hatchery.
For more information, see www.ovfish.org.