NYS fish for free days

February 18,19, 2017 are the first 'fish for free' days in NY State for the 2017 calendar year.  Take advantage of this opportunity to get something from NYS that is free. 

DEC Announces State of Lake Ontario Meetings

The public will have the opportunity to learn about the state of Lake Ontario fisheries at public meetings held in Niagara, Monroe, and Oswego counties in March, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.

"Lake Ontario and its tributaries continue to provide world-class fishing opportunities for the hundreds of thousands of anglers who enjoy it every year," Commissioner Seggos said. "These fisheries provide unsurpassed recreational opportunity and generate substantial economic benefits to the surrounding communities. The state of Lake Ontario meetings provide an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in the lake and its tributaries to interact with the scientists and managers who study and manage these fisheries."

Lake Ontario and its embayments and tributaries support thriving populations of fish, including a variety of trout and salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch, and panfish. New York's Lake Ontario waters comprise more than 2.7 million acres. A recent statewide angler survey estimated that more than 2.6 million angler days were spent on Lake Ontario and its major tributaries. The estimated value of these fisheries exceeded $112 million annually for local economies.The meeting dates and locations are as follows:

Tuesday, March 7: 6:30 - 9 pm at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport, Niagara County. The meeting is co-hosted by Niagara County Cooperative Extension and the Niagara County Sportfishery Development Board.

Thursday, March 9: 6:30 - 9 pm at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campus (Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science building (76-1125) - Carlson Auditorium), Rochester, Monroe County. The meeting is co-hosted by RIT and the Monroe County Fishery Advisory Board.

Monday, March 13: 6:30 - 9 pm at the Pulaski High School auditorium, 4624 Salina St., Pulaski, Oswego County. The meeting is co-hosted by the Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association. In the event of heavy lake-effect snow, the meeting will be held at the same time and location on March 14.

Staff from DEC, the United States Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will share presentations, including updates on the status of trout and salmon fisheries in the lake and its tributaries, forage fish, and stocking programs. The meetings will provide ample time at the end of the scheduled program for the audience to interact with the presenters.

Information about DEC's Lake Ontario fisheries assessment programs can be found on DEC's website. For additional information contact Steven LaPan, New York Great Lakes Fisheries Section Head at the Cape Vincent Fisheries Research Station, (315) 654-2147.

Late December Salmon River fishing report

Steelhead fishing this fall has had it's ups and downs, with the water flows that is.  In the last month the flows have ranged from near 3000 cfs to 547 cfs recorded today on the Pineville gauge with a release of 335 cfs.  The water temp taken today in the Altmar to Pineville stretch is 34 degrees F, it don't get much colder.  Water clarity is good.

Winter chrome!

The steelhead fishing since my last post has been average to good depending on all the variables that can affect the fishing from day to day. The last few days out including today's float have been a little slow, however, there are fish to be taken.  I attribute this to the recent rise in water flow and then the rapid drop in water flow.

John Field with a nice chrome Salmon River steelhead.

Working flies on the bottom has been out fishing indies and swinging right now.  Bright flies are bringing the best response and 6 lb. fluorocarbon tippets are getting the job done.
We are picking up a few fresh fish in the past week as seen in the pictures so this is good to see. 

Today was my last float for 2016,  nothing on the schedule now for a few week.  Winter steel heading is upon the Salmon River and it's looking to be a good season.  Get out and enjoy this opportunity.  See you on the river.


Tight lines.

Salmon River flow update

Forecasted Rain and Successful Chinook Salmon Egg Take Allow for Opening of Lower Fly Section

The temporary reduced water releases to the Salmon River from the Salmon River Reservoir by Brookfield Renewable in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) were successful and the flows have been restored.

This has prompted DEC to open fishing in the Lower Fly Area in the Salmon River today as flows have been returned to 335 cubic feet for second (cfs), the regulated base flow level.

"DEC's fish hatchery system is a vital part of New York State's effort to sustain our popular and economically important recreational fisheries," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "The reduced water flows and closure helped ensure that adequate numbers of salmon entered the Salmon River Hatchery in order to provide eggs for salmon stocking that support Lake Ontario and tributary fisheries."

Drought conditions in the Salmon River watershed forced Brookfield Renewable in collaboration with DEC to reduce the amount of water released from the Salmon River Reservoir on September 29. In addition, DEC closed the Lower Fly Fishing Area on the Salmon River.

Flows are being increased due to this weekend's anticipated rainfall and its effect on reservoir water levels. Further, the Lower Fly Area is being reopened because the base flow can now be sustained and Salmon River Hatchery egg-take operations for Chinook salmon are complete.

The quarter-mile section of the Salmon River that comprises the Lower Fly Fishing Area is located immediately downstream of the Salmon River Hatchery and upstream of the County Rt. 52 Bridge in Altmar. The upper boundary of the area is downstream from Beaverdam Brook. This location is a staging area for various species of fish, including Chinook and Coho salmon, as they prepare to enter the hatchery via Beaverdam Brook. A 2007 study estimated the value of these fisheries to New York State's economy at $12.9 million.

Salmon River flow update

Forecasted Rain and Successful Chinook Salmon Egg Take Allow for Opening of Lower Fly Section

The temporary reduced water releases to the Salmon River from the Salmon River Reservoir by Brookfield Renewable in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) were successful and the flows have been restored.

This has prompted DEC to open fishing in the Lower Fly Area in the Salmon River today as flows have been returned to 335 cubic feet for second (cfs), the regulated base flow level.

"DEC's fish hatchery system is a vital part of New York State's effort to sustain our popular and economically important recreational fisheries," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "The reduced water flows and closure helped ensure that adequate numbers of salmon entered the Salmon River Hatchery in order to provide eggs for salmon stocking that support Lake Ontario and tributary fisheries."

Drought conditions in the Salmon River watershed forced Brookfield Renewable in collaboration with DEC to reduce the amount of water released from the Salmon River Reservoir on September 29. In addition, DEC closed the Lower Fly Fishing Area on the Salmon River.

Flows are being increased due to this weekend's anticipated rainfall and its effect on reservoir water levels. Further, the Lower Fly Area is being reopened because the base flow can now be sustained and Salmon River Hatchery egg-take operations for Chinook salmon are complete.

The quarter-mile section of the Salmon River that comprises the Lower Fly Fishing Area is located immediately downstream of the Salmon River Hatchery and upstream of the County Rt. 52 Bridge in Altmar. The upper boundary of the area is downstream from Beaverdam Brook. This location is a staging area for various species of fish, including Chinook and Coho salmon, as they prepare to enter the hatchery via Beaverdam Brook. A 2007 study estimated the value of these fisheries to New York State's economy at $12.9 million.

Fish free day

November 11, 2016 is a fish free day in NY, both fresh water and maritime fisheries.  If you've been wanting to try some Salmon River steelhead fishing you can do it on Andy Cuomo's dime on the 11th.  This is prime steelhead fishing so come on and try it out.

 

Tight lines

2016 Salmon Run report - Tough sledding

The much anticipated 2016 fall salmon run here on the Salmon River is in full swing.  After last years mediocre run many were wondering about this years showing.  As of today the fish are showing up in good numbers and I am happy with the return, as a guide.  Daily we are getting into good numbers of Kings with a few Coho teasing us from time to time.  Most action for where I am guiding is early morning, about the first 3 hours of the day, then as pressure and sun build through the day the fish move more sporadically, after 10 am it tends to be a waiting game.

Early morning success

The water levels, that's the problem from my point of view.  All of my trips so far this season have had to be converted to wading trips because the release as most of you know is 185 cfs with the gauge at Pineville averaging about 240's - 250 cfs.  Not floatable from my rowing seat.  There are a few guides putting in at Altmar and floating/ dragging their way to Pineville, but they could do just as well fish wise in that stretch by wading.

Lower Fly Zone just above the bridge at Altmar, NY.

Obey this and you will be fine, not fined.

One part of the fishery that remains closed is  the Lower Fly Zone, above the bridge at Altmar.  The state has deemed it as sanctuary water, hatchery water, till further notice.  I peered over the side of the bridge the other day and the water in the fly zone is LOADED with dozens up on dozens of salmon as far up the stretch as you can see.  If all these make it into the hatchery for egg harvesting should be no worries.  Right now (Saturday, 10/15) Starting at 9 pm tonight till 9 pm tomorrow night the release is being increased to 335 cfs, normal for this time of year, no doubt to encourage these salmon to move into the hatchery.

Not many of these laying around yet.

As for the progress of the run.  As I mentioned good numbers are in the river and yesterday there was good reports from down stream in Pulaski and lower river of very good fish movement.  Tonight is the full moon and according to my time table we are at the peak of the run.  Personally I think we will see fresh fish continuing to show up here for the next week or two, as from my perspective things started a little later than normal. Most traditional bedding areas are holding bedded fish, and anglers, and even with the lower water levels I am optimistic that recruitment will be good for wild salmon survival.

One last picture of a egg-laden king.

Some steelhead are beginning to show up which is what we are eagerly looking forward to.  I hope you get up here for this salmon run if you haven't already.  If you have any questions drop me a line.

Tight lines