The Leon Chandler Chapter of Trout Unlimited has members in Cortland and Tompkins County in New York State. Our Chapter is relatively young by some standards and was formally reactivated and named the Fall Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited in 1997. Greg Haller was one of the original founders of the Chapter and also served as its first President after the reorganization.

The Chapter was composed of members from two inactive Chapters in Cortland County and Tompkins County (Ithaca). In order to reflect the geopraphy of the members the newly merged, reactivated chapters were named the Fall Creek Chapter. Since this watershed includes both the Cortland and Tompkins County (Ithaca) areas and the Chapter had members throughout the area it seemed like a good choice for a name. Additionally, renaming as the Fall Creek Chapter provided members with a watershed and a fishery (resident and lake-run fisheries) to rally around for activities and advocacy.

The early years for the Chapter were a challenge, however, our founders managed to keep members active and the organization was successful! Some of the early events that helped shape the Chapter included: 1) One of the famous fly-fishing lecture and slide show by Leon Chandler; 2) Significant involvement with Cornell University regarding their proposed (at the time) Lake Source Cooling Project (many members were against the project, some were unconvinced either way if the project was going to good or bad for the Cayuga Lake fishery); 3) Drafting and submitting a Proposal to open Fall Creek to a special catch and release winter season (Jan -March) so that local fisherman could access some of the rainbows that move in during that time (and out before the season starts!). We held public forums to garner support and convince the DEC and published op-eds in the journal. At that time, the proposal failed to receive support. The good news is that in 2004 we re-visited this proposal and support was received. The stream will be open for a special regulations winter season beginning January 1, 2007; 4) We also participated in several willow plantings in both the Six-Mile Creek and Fall Creek Watersheds (these activities continue today and we have added additional watersheds to our list); and 5) Finally, our Chapter Newsletter, Swift Currents, was launched.

The Chapter continued as the Fall Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited until November 2003 when we renamed ourselves in honor J. Leon Chandler. We continue building on the efforts of our founders and as an organization are dedicated to the conservation of our cold-water resources. In addition to some of the activities mentioned above we also: 1) Sponsor this WEB site; 2) Engage in stream restoration projects by providing labor and also partnering with government agencies to secure project funding; 3) Sponsor local youth so that they may attend the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Summer Camp; 4) Assist with development of a youth-run Trout Unlimited affiliate Chapter (named in memory of youth fly fishing educator Phil Genova); 5) Host Ithaca Fishing Day; and 6) Offer Introduction to Fly Tying Workshop in conjunction with local Cooperative Extension Office, and 6) Participate in variety of other regional community educational and environmental activities.

To best understand our Chapter, it is useful to know about the man we have named ourselves after:

J. Leon Chandler was known as Leon throughout the world, and members of our Chapter, of which he was an active member, were honored to know the man often referred to as "fly fishing's ambassador to the world." Leon was born on a small farm in Missouri in 1922. After high school and some time in College, Leon moved to Homer, New York as an eager ambitious 19 year old. On December 12, 1941 he was hired by Cortland Line Company in Cortland, New York where he remained for most of the next 50 years (Leon served in the Pacific theater for two years during World War II with the United States Army) until his retirement in June 1992 at the age of 70.

Leon once said that most of his life revolved around fishing and fly fishing tackle. As a member of Cortland Line’s family Leon seems to have worked in all areas of the organization. Spending time with the accounting department, sales team, marketing unit and product development group. Leon eventually rose to the level of company Vice President. One of his significant contributions while at Cortland Line Company, and a member of the American Fishing Tackle Manufactures Association, was his contribution to the introduction of the fly line rating system. Under this system manufacturers began classifying fly lines according to weighty as opposed to line diameter. This system has been an industry standard for more than 40 years.

As a result of his involvement with Cortland Line Company Leon became a fly-fishing enthusiast. As a member of Cortland Line’s sales team, Leon traveled to sports shows across the country to demonstrate and market products. He quickly became a well- recognized face in fly-fishing. Eventually, Leon recognized the power of film as a marketing tool and began developing short movies that featured Cortland Line products. These films were shown at conventions and distributed to fly fishing clubs and groups throughout North America.

Again, Leon’s name, face, and enthusiasm for fly-fishing became even more recognized. This greater recognition led to the United States Department of Commerce asking Leon (and Cortland Line) to promote fly-fishing throughout the world. Leon made numerous trips to Europe but developed a cult-like following in Japan. It was these trips in conjunction with his personality and love for the sport he was promoting that led to his informal status as fly-fishing’s ambassador.

During this time Leon was also active in supporting the environmental conservation necessary to protect the United State’s cold-water resources. He served as on the Trout Unlimited National Board of Directors and also as the National President for two years during 1979 and 1980.

Leon was a friend to everyone who met him. He always had time to talk about fly- fishing, hatches, equipment, or life in general. He was a wonderful storyteller with the ability to make connections with almost anyone. To me, no story better emphasizes this trait than the following tale. I would like to thank Deanna Birkholm at Fly Anglers Online for allowing me to republish this story that was originally contained in a Susan Cox article about Leon.

Leon Chandler On The Proper Way To Eat Oreo’s:

“The proper way to eat Oreo’s and milk, has to be practiced. You start by filling up a glass to whatever level you want with milk and then you very carefully stack the Oreo’s alongside the glass at the exact same level as the milk. Then you eat an Oreo, take a sip of milk, eat an Oreo, take a sip of milk, etc. If your Oreo’s run out before your milk is gone, then your sips aren’t big enough. If your milk is gone before your Oreo’s are gone, your sips are too big. So, in either event, you have to start all over. Then you have to practice, and practice, and practice. That’s the proper way to eat an Oreo.”

See our Memorial Marker page for more information.