A full day of children's activities, fishing seminars and outdoor programs are planned for this year's open house on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Saturday, Sept. 22, at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Salmon River Fish Hatchery.
This is the 17th annual open house at the hatchery, located at 2133 county Route 22 in Altmar. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. There is no admission charge.
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| Through the fall seeing salmon migrating upstream is a common sight. Photo credits NYSDEC |
"This is the one opportunity during the year where the public is able to access the working parts of the hatchery with a personal tour," said Fran Verdoliva, Salmon River Program Coordinator. "People of all ages can watch migrating salmon in the fish ladder through the underwater camera, see an exhibit on rare and endangered fish, and learn about the many opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation along the Salmon River."
Visitors can tour the hatchery with DEC staff, learn about fishing for Pacific salmon, and learn about rare and endangered fish. Volunteers will teach how to cast a fishing rod, tie flies, and fly cast and fly fish along the beautiful scenery of the Salmon River Corridor. There are several activities for children, including fish identification, discovery of creatures of Beaverdam Brook, the popular "Backyard Bass" and "Hook and Ladders" fishing games, and the Oswego County Cooperative Extension 4-H laser shooting range. Tours of the hatchery will be given every 30 minutes starting at 10:30 a.m.
Along with the special presentations, many conservation organizations and agencies will provide exhibits and information about outdoor recreation and conservation in the Salmon River ecosystem.
Guests can also visit the nearby Salmon River Falls, a DEC Unique Area located four miles from the hatchery. The 110-foot waterfall offers trails and viewing areas with spectacular scenery.
For more information contact the Salmon River Hatchery at (315) 298-7605.
Post Script - Hope you get a chance to visit the hatchery this fall, it is an educational experience you'll not forget. Bring the family, this is as much fun for the kids as it is for you adults.
It is important to built appreciation in young folk for the tremendous resource here on the Salmon River. The future of this great fishery is going to be in the hands of our children after our role as it's caretakers is finished. Don't let great opportunities like this, September 22,2012, go by without passing something good on to our kids.
Tight lines.
