HuntingNY-News

There's been two unsubstantiated reports of this minnow-sized,,invasive species in the lake by two anglers in recent weeks. Is it a round goby? This photo of a small baitfish spit out by a perch recently caught on Oneida Lake by Rick Fedele is inconclusive, said Cornell and DEC officials. Rick Fedele Is there a new invasive species in Oneida Lake? Anglers and fisheries biologists agree it’s only a matter time before round gobies, a minnow-sized fish, establish a presence in the lake – that is, if they haven’t already. In recent weeks, there’s been two unsubstantiated reports of anglers reporting round gobies while ice fishing on Oneida Lake. In both cases, the anglers caught perch through the ice, which then regurgitated a baitfish that the fishermen believed was a round goby. In one instance, a photo was taken of the fish. In the other, no photo was taken. In both cases, no specimen was kept for a later positive ID by a fisheries biologist. A round goby. DEC “It wouldn’t surprise me if round gobies are in Oneida Lake today,” said Randy Jackson, associate director of the Cornell Biological Field Station. “They’ve been one barrier away (a lock on the Oneida River several miles away from the lake) for two years.” Jackson and DEC officials examined the photo, which was submitted by Rick Fedele, of Cicero, who caught the perch that spit it out on the south shore of the lake, east of Dunman’s Island. The photo was inconclusive, Jackson and DEC officials said. “It’s hard to tell. It’s partially digested. You can’t tell if it has the protruding eyes, which are a characteristic,” Jackson said. “It also doesn’t show the bottom view. Round gobies have their two pelvic fins fused together in a circular disk.” “It could be a sculpin. They’re in the lake, but not abundant.” The bug-eyed, minnow-sized fish are a native of Russia. Fisheries biologists believe they arrived in the Great Lakes more than a decade ago in the ballast water of freighters. They feed on just about anything, includingthe eggs of native fish and zebra mussels. They currently carpet the bottom of large sections of Lake Ontario and Erie and aggressively strip the hooks of bait fishermen. They’ve been spotted in recent years in Onondaga Lake and Cross Lake and in the Seneca and Oneida rivers. Fedele said he was fishing for walleye and big perch last month using a Swedish Pimple lure tipped with an emerald shiner. He said after he photographed the fish that he thought was a round goby, "I left it there on the ice." Brian Hammond, of Cicero, said he was ice fishing three to four weeks ago with Billy Kott, also of Cicero, on Maple Bay on Oneida Lake when Kott caught a perch that spit out a baitfish that appeared to be a round goby. “It had the bulging eyes on top of its head,” Hammond said. But like Fedele, Kott didn’t keep the fish. Jackson asked that if anyone catches what appears to be a round goby to take pictures of it (get a top and bottom view), bring it home and freeze it for latter examination by the Field Station staff. For further information, call 633-9243. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"We got some cold fingers, but he toughed it out," his uncle said. Thomas Murfitt, 13, got out for the opening day of trout fishing season Monday with his uncle, Todd Murfitt, on the catch and release section of Limestone Creek.In this photo, he holds his first trout ever -- a rainbow. It was one of two he caught on a fly rod. "We got some cold fingers, but he toughed it out," his uncle said. . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Cost is $50. Participants must be 18 years or older. To sign up, call Lane at 558-2464, or email her at [email protected]. The seminar includes fishing time on nearby Nine Mile Creek. A seminar designed to introduce women to fly fishing that will include time on a nearby stream fishing is set for Mary 11-12 at the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery. The seminar is being taught by veteran angler and guide, Vicky Lane, along with several female assistants. Basic instruction will cover all aspects of fly fishing: equipment setup, fly tying, basic entomology, fish habits, knots, leaders and casting. Students will get a chance to learn to tie your own fly, and have hands-on casting instruction outside on the hatchery lawn. One afternoon and morning will be dedicated to fishing on nearby Nine Mile Creek, trying out what you've learned, Lane said. Lane holds up a nice brown trout she caught on the Delaware River. "You'll be reading the water, studying the insects around you, pondering what fly to use. Fly fishing is a celebration of the senses and spirit," she said. A fishing license is required. Participants should also bring a pair of waders or hip boots. (Loaners are available). If you don't have your own, a fly rod and reel will be supplied, as well as artificial flies to use. Cost is $50. Participants must be 18 years or older. Deadline to register is April 15. To sign up, call Lane at 558-2464, or email her at [email protected] View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Just a reminder that northern pike, pickerel, tiger musky and walleye season is closed until May 4. CNY FISHING FORECAST * Reminder:Trout season began Monday (April 1). Northern pike, pickerel, tiger musky and walleye season is closed until May 4. Bait stores (list and map). INLAND TROUT STREAMS Stocked streams include: Cayuga County: Fall Creek; Madison County: Otselic River; Onondaga County: Nine Mile Creek, Onondaga Creek; West Br. Onondaga Creek, Tannery Creek, Spafford Brook, Furnace Brook, Fabius Brook, Limestone Creek, West Br. Limestone Creek, Geddes Brook, Carpenters Brook, Butternut Creek, and Skaneateles Creek. (Hotline number is (315) 689-0003) Tompkins County: Buttermilk Creek, Salmon Creek, Fall Creek and Six Mile Creek. SALMON RIVER The steelhead bite has been hot one day and cold the next. Fish are still being caught throughout the river, though, with reports of "fresh fish" being caught. A fresh fish is a steelhead that has recently entered the river and is still bright colored, often called a"chromer." There have been few reports of spawning or spawned out fish at this time. The area between Altmar and Pulaski continues to see the most pressure. Good baits are egg sacs (blue, pink or chartreuse mesh), beads, pink worms, and woolly buggers, along with night crawlers. OSWEGO RIVER Anglers fishing behind the downtown hotels continue to catch nice brown trout and a few steelhead using egg sacs and white, bucktail jigs (3/8 ounce). Make sure bring to bring a long-handled net. ONEIDA LAKE Few anglers out in boats, most are shore fishing for panfish along the Route 481 bridge overpass on the Seneca River. Bullhead action has not started yet. CAYUGA LAKE Some anglers are fishing down by the power plant in Lansing on the eastern side, catching trout from shore using large shiners as bait. A few are getting out in boats to fish for perch and crappie. Those catching trout in the lake are seeing many with lamprey attached or with scars. SENECA LAKE Anglers having lots of luck in Catharine Creek, using chartreuse egg sacs. One angler this week landed an 11-pound rainbow trout, measuring 36 inches. Those getting out in boats are doing well vertical jigging for lake trout.Try a Swedish Pimple or a large spoon. Reminder: catch limit on western Finger Lakes, beginning with Seneca Lake, is one rainbow a day. OWASCO LAKE Anglers getting out in boats are catching a lot of perch, using fathead minnows.; Anglers are also catching lake trout using medium-sized shiners around Ensinore. Trout anglers are catching brown trout in the Inlet using worms and egg sacs. OTISCO LAKE No safe ice and no new fishing activity. SKANEATELES LAKE The DEC launch has been opened and docks are in. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Some anglers continue to go out on the ice, particularly around Lake of the Isles,but conditions are questionable. SODUS BAY Anglers are catching crappies and bluegills off the bridge, using jigs and spikes and minnows. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR No safe ice and no new fishing activity. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

See upcoming hunter/bow hunter safety courses. CNY Outdoors Calendar: Free fishing seminar: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Calvary Baptist Church, Brewerton. For childen and adults. All sorts of seminars and hands-on learning opportunities. For more, contact Michael Riordan at [email protected], or at 668-9790 or 374-2997. Invasive species lecture: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, American Legion, 4572 Jordan Road, Skaneateles. Sherry Martin from the Onondaga County Cornell Cooperative Extension will talk about "Invasive Species in The Finger Lakes". Hosted by the Auburn Skin Divers Association. For more, email [email protected] Annual sportsmen's banquet: 6 to 9 p.m. April 12, Spinning Wheel Restaurant, North Syracuse. Hosted by the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. Cost is$17 per person with reservations; $20 at the door. For tickets, contact Ed Pugliese before April 5 by emailing him at [email protected]. Fishing program: Begins April 13 and continues on successive Saturdays until May 25 at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery. Families and individuals will be able to enjoy a morning of fishing at the facility. Sessions will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m, Cost is $5 per person with bait, rods and reels provided. Reservations are required. Call 689-9367. Annual sportsmen's banquet: 5 p.m. April 13, The Oasis at Thunder Island in Fulton. Hosted by the Oswego Federation of Sportsmens' Clubs. Cost is $25 per person. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Eric Madura at 315-676-3486 or via email at [email protected]. Cabin Fever Shoot: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 14, Otisco Rod and Gun Club.in Marietta. Event is similar to the club's fall Turkey Shoot, with a wide variety of shooting games available for all rifles, pistols, and shotguns.This event is open to the public. For more, call 430-6913. Syracuse Gun Show: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 20 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21., Center of Progress Building, state fairgrounds in Geddes. Hosted by the New York State Arms Collectors Association.. Cost is $6 per person, seniors $5 and children under 12 free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information, call Sandy Klinger at 607-748-1010. Friends of NRA banquet: 5:30 p.m. May 3, Traditions at the Links, 5995 North Burdick St., East Syracuse. To order tickets contact James Middleton at 315-695-3981 or by email [email protected] SAFETY COURSES: Bow: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13, Fayetteville-Manlius Rod and Gun Club, 4545 Whetstone Road, Manlius. Pre-register in person at the club, 10 a.m. to noon April 6. Bow: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 20, Nedrow Rod and Gun Club, Route 20 at Hogback Road, Navarino. Pre-register by calling 432-8422, extension 11. Gun: 6 to 9:30 p.m. April 23, 24, 26, Nedrow Rod and Gun Club, Route 20 at Hogback Road, Navarino. Pre-register by calling 469-1820 or 469-4784. Gun: 6 to p.m. April 25, 26, and 8:30 a.m. until completed April 27, Bridgeport Road and Gun Club, Eastwood Road and the corner of Bull Road, Cicero. Register by email, using [email protected]. Gun: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27, Camillus Rod and Gun Club. Some of the course will be handled online. Register in person 10 a.m. to noon, April 13, Camillus Town Hall, 4600 W. Genesee St. Gun: 6 to 9:30 p.m. May 21, 23, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fayetteville Manlius Rod and Gun Club, 4545 Whetstone Road, Manlius. Register in person at the club from 10 a.m. to noon May 18. Gun: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 13, 14, 16, Nedrow Rod and Gun Club, Route 20 at Hogback Road, Navarino. Pre-register by calling 469-1820 or 469-4784. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Have round gobies finally made their way into Oneida Lake? George Wede, of Syracuse, has been teaching hunter safety courses since 1948. He's the state's oldest hunter safety instructor. Dave Lassman |[email protected] Seems like winter is reluctant to let go. I put away my cross country skis and ice fishing equipment Sunday, but now I'm wondering if I was premature. Stay tuned.Meanwhile, here's what I'm writing about this week: - Update on skiing season. Two ski mountains are still open...and may continue to be so for possibly another couple weeks. - The upcoming Syracuse Gun Show is celebrating it's 50th anniversary. - Q&A with George Wede, of Syracuse, the state's oldest, active hunter safety instructor. - The Wild Carp Challenge on the Seneca River in May. Registration was recently closed and a waiting list has been established for competitors. - Have round gobies finally made their way into Oneida Lake? Other "stuff" I'm working on: - I've been interviewing local gun/ammo dealers along with sportsmen/gun enthusiasts about what's currently going on out there recently concerning firearms and ammunition sales. - An update on the Governor's "gag order" on the DEC. - Commercial gill net fishing for perch. There's still a few individuals who are licenced by the state to do this and I hope to get out with one of them soon. - DEC study on wild turkeys - The over-abundance of gizzard shad in Oneida Lake and what that means for this spring's walleye fishing. - A proposal to turn Onondaga County into a rifle county for deer hunting. - Snow geese hunting. ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First, it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Bottom line: Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at [email protected] or call 470-6066. If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here.. FIGURA ON FACEBOOK: For those who are on Facebook, I also have a PS Outdoors page, which I check several times daily for feedback and story ideas. I also post personal fishing and hunting and other outdoors-related photos from time to time and I ask members to do the same. When you join, please be sure and hit the "like" button. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He got it on the second day of the season. "I kept the fish and had me a trout dinner," he said. James Miller, of McGraw, holds up nice, 24 1/2 -inch rainbow he caught Tuesday while fishing on Grout Brook.He wrote; " Dave, after all the high water we had on opening day, the second day wasn't too bad. I caught (this one) on an orange egg sack late in the afternoon. I kept the fish and had me a trout dinner." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The show will be held on the state fairgrounds -- and once again it's a sell-out as far as vendors and dealers who've signed up. The recently passed Safe Act calling for increased gun control in this state has actually boosted attendance at recent gun shows – and is expected to do the same at the upcoming show later this month at the state fairgrounds. The Syracuse Gun Show, the largest each year in the state and celebrating its 50th year, is set for April 20-21 in the Center of Progress building. It will feature nearly 1,000 tables featuring exhibits and displays by firearm collectors and dealers from across the county and Canada, said Sandy Ackerman, president and show manager of the New York State Arms Collectors Association. “I was very concerned when I mailed out the applications out to displayers back in February that I would not be able to fill the hall because of vendors not having legal merchandise anymore, or not being able to get what they can sell,” Ackerman said. “The bottom line, though, is that we’re a sold out show once again.” Among the offerings, Ackerman said, will be “displays and sales tables of U.S. Military arms, Colt revolvers, high grade double- barreled shotguns, Remingtons, muskets, Smith and Wesson, Kentucky rifles, gun parts, frontier and Western paraphernalia, swords, Springfields, Winchesters, bowie knives, powder horns, civilian and military weapons from all nations, custom-made knives and military relics and equipment from before the Revolutionary War to the present.” Ackerman noted that all state and federal firearm laws will be strictly observed. She noted all the gun shows in the state have worked with the state attorney general’s office and have signed off on a “model gun show procedure” developed by the AG’s office. She noted her group has been commended by the A.G.'s office for its cooperation. “It’s a tweaking of things of things that we’ve been doing for 14 years, including background checks of those purchasing guns and a tag system for firearms going in and out of the building,”Ackerman said. This year, signage will be up throughout Center of Progress building saying, “NYS law requires that an NICS (federal) background check be completed on all firearms sales or transfers, including rifles and shotguns. To avoid this background check is a crime. To offer to sell a firearm and then transfer it at another location to avoid a NICS check is also a crime.” Dealers at the show will be available to do the required background checks at “a nominal cost,” Ackerman said. The show will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 20 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21. Cost is $6 per person, seniors $5 and children under 12 free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information, call Ackerman Klinger at 607-748-1010. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Song Mountain and Greek Peak are still open. Mike Quirk, right, and 5 year year old son Nathan Quirk skiing at Song Mountain earlier this season. Dick Blume | [email protected] Syracuse—This year's seemingly never-ending Central New York winter may be seen as an annoyance to many, but two local ski slopes are taking advantage of the opportunity to end their seasons on a high note. Out of the four alpine ski mountains in the greater Syracuse area—Toggenburg, Labrador, Song and Greek Peak—only Song Mountain and Greek Peak Mountain Resort have stayed open into April. Song Mountain president Peter Harris said this season has been a good one, and said the mountain has stayed open past its usually closing time of late March because its been cold enough to make snow. "I don't think the snowfall in Syracuse this year is breaking any records," Harris said. "But it's been a pretty stable temperature below freezing, and we've had enough consistent snow to keep the conditions in great shape." Ski slopes don't actually need any natural snow on the ground to open on any given day—it just needs to be cold enough for man-made snow to stick. Right now, 18 out of 24 trails at Song are open, and there's a snow base of six to 40 inches, Harris said. Nate Messick, 13, left, and Ben Deskins, 14, both of Watertown, ride the chair lift while skiing at Song Mountain earlier this year. John Berry | [email protected] Song is open every day this week for spring break, and will be open this coming weekend, Harris said. "After that, we will go weekend by weekend, based on the snow remaining and what the weather's like," Harris said. Since Harris started working at Song in 2000, the latest the mountain has been open was April 15. Could he break that record this year? "The chances we'll be open two weekends from now is probably 90 percent, and after that, 50 percent. So it's very likely," Harris said. For those into cross country skiing, the Osceola Tug Hill Cross Country Ski Center in Osceola always stays open until the April 15, regardless of the amount of snow in Syracuse, said owner Hugh Quinn. The Tug Hill Plateau, which is an hour's drive north of Syracuse, gets even more lake effect snow than the city— "We've got two, two and a half feet of snow here," he said. "We usually last a little longer than the ski slopes." Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland usually closes in the first week of April, said general manager Wes Kryger, but this year they'll stay open until at least this weekend. "We actually missed a couple of weeks in December," Kryger said, mentioning warm temperatures that caused the resort to delay opening until just before Christmas. "So we've been making it up this March and April." The conditions are actually better now than they were at the beginning of the season, Kryger said, but business could still be down because "now people are ready to start playing golf," he said. Harris said he hopes that this year's snowy spring break will bring people out to the slopes for one last run. "We're still going strong here in April," Harris said. "It's really a nice holiday week to get out and go skiing again." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The league includes teams from 11 rod and gun clubs in Onondaga and Oswego counties. There’s north and south divisions. Last year, 799 shooters participated. The Central New York Trap League kicks off April 16, according to Dick Masterpole, the league’s secretary/treasurer. The shooting league includes teams from 11 rod and gun clubs in Onondaga and Oswego counties. There’s north and south divisions. Last year, 799 shooters participated. The league shoots Tuesday evenings each week, starting a 6 p.m. Each competitive takes 25 shots eachg week. The league lasts 20 weeks. It costs $10 to register and additional $4 each week to pay for targets. “I’ve talked to people all over the United States and we’re the biggest league,” `said Master pole. “If someone wants to join, have them call me.” Masterpole can be reached at 963-8974. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The United Taxidermists of New York Convention is being held Thursday through Sunday at Best Western, at 6555 Old Collamer Rd. South,on Carrier Circle. Those attending must be members of the United Taxdermists of New York, or family of UTNY members. Advance registration is $30 or $35 at the door. Admission to Saturday's UTNY Awards auction and banquet is an... The United Taxidermists of New York Convention is being held Thursday through Sunday at Best Western, at 6555 Old Collamer Rd. South,on Carrier Circle. Those attending must be members of the United Taxdermists of New York, or family of UTNY members. Advance registration is $30 or $35 at the door. Admission to Saturday's UTNY Awards auction and banquet is an additional $30. Local taxidermists may also enter their mounts in various competition categories, ranging from amateur to advanced in skill, and from fish to reptile to large mammal. The entry fee is $40 for mounts, $10 for wildlife art, and $10 to $25 to enter smaller competitions like the President's Challenge. The schedule includes seminars from U.S. taxidermists on mounting techniques, business advice, and trophy anatomy. Suppliers present at the convention include Bob's Taxidermy, McKenzie Taxidermy, and Ohio Taxidermy Supply. Advanced registration may be sent to UTNY Secretary Sandra Malone at [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was using a brown, stonefly nymph. Kyle Wilson, of East Syracuse, holds up a nice,19-inch brown trout he caught Sunday on the west branch of the Delaware River. He wrote: "It was caught using a size 14 brown stonefly nymph. It was 19 inches in length and it was released. "I did not catch any other trout on Sunday, but caught two, 20-inch brown trout on the day before." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The directory is free and has a lot of useful information including park services and amenities, activities and contact information. The following is a press release: Pittsford, N.Y. – The 2013 Directory of Campgrounds and RV Parks, published annually by Campground Owners of New York (CONY), is now available for free upon request online on the group's website or by calling (800) 847-5263. In addition to detailed information about CONY campgrounds and RV parks, readers will find engaging editorials celebrating CONY’s 50th anniversary as a trade association, and previewing milestones for New York’s tourist attractions and events in 2013. The directory also includes an essay exploring the growth and development of the RV lifestyle in America by noted RV historian Al Hasselbart. Hasselbart has led the growth and development of the museum and library at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana for over 17 years, and has given presentations and appeared in documentaries about RV history both in the US and abroad. “The CONY directory is a must read for anyone planning a camping or RVing adventure in New York,” says Donald G. Bennett, Jr., CONY President and CEO. “CONY campgrounds are among the best in New York State, and the directory has a lot of useful information including park services and amenities, activities and contact information.” A digital edition of the directory may also be downloaded for free on the CONY website. Campground Owners of New York (CONY), founded in 1963, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! CONY, headquartered in Pittsford, N.Y., is an association dedicated to the promotion, growth, improvement and development of privately owned campgrounds in New York State. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Institute for Environmental Learning, Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and WOWEE Wild Life will deliver animal programs throughout the day that will feature owls, hawks, “Liberty the Bald Eagle”, a wolf, bobcat and fox. The following is a press release: There will be something for everyone at the Montezuma Audubon Center’s 7th Annual Wildlife Festival in Savannahfrom 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.May 4. The Institute for Environmental Learning, Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and WOWEE Wild Life will deliver animal programs throughout the day that will feature owls, hawks, “Liberty the Bald Eagle”, a wolf, bobcat and fox. The non-releasable animals will be on display during the programs that will focus on their wild characteristics, rehabilitation and conservation. Everyone will have a chance to get a picture taken with “Liberty”. Another highlight of the festival will be the Children’s Theater and Activity Tent where Lois Sprague will entertain festive goers with balloon animals and award-winning entertainers Kathy Byers and Lydia Adams Davis will perform nature-related puppet shows that are sure to inspire. Everyone will also enjoy the huge bounce house, making nature crafts and stained glass art, building a bluebird box, and answering wildlife trivia. Wildlife enthusiasts can fish their way to the backyard bass game and then fly over to see the dragons from the pond. The festival will celebrate Important Bird Areas throughout the Finger Lakes Region and the conservation organizations that are working to protect areas that are vital to birds and other wildlife. The festival schedule also includes artisan vendors, guided nature walks and canoeing excursions, a native plant sale, a garlic mustard pulling contest, country music from 103.5 FM Big Dog Country, acoustic music from Tom Barnes, delicious BBQ, ice cream and baked goods, wildlife exhibitors and much more! The cost to attend the festival is $3/adult, $1/school-aged child, FREE for children 4 and younger. For more information, call 315.365.3588, visit the center's website or e-mail [email protected]. Montezuma Audubon Center is located at 2295 State Route 89 in Savannah. The center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit the center's website for more information about its facilities, trails and events. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Like so much of our wildlife here in CNY, all I can say is 'COOL!' " Margie Manthey, of Marietta, send me this cool photo of snow geese in flight. She wrote: "OK, friends are starting to ask me, "Are you Dr. Doolittle or something?" Ha ha .... but there's just so much to see this time of year!! Gotta keep that camera handy! "I wanted to share this action shot of some migratory snow geese in flight over open farmland between Otisco and Tully. My elderly mom was with me, and together we got to experience the amazing sight and sound experience of being amid a very large flock in flight. "There's such a short window of time to observe these transient geese. They can be found in large fields, resting along their migration route to breeding grounds on Canadian and northern Alaska tundras. "Like so much of our wildlife here in CNY, all I can say is 'COOL!' " View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"The guys who knew what they were doing caught fish, but there were no 20 inchers here," said Jake DeCapio, owner of the Wayfarer Co., a fly and spinning tackle shop on Nine Mile Creek. Watch video The opening day of trout fishing season today featured cold, wet weather and plenty of fish stories. It wasn‘t among the most productive, though, in regard to numbers of fish caught, said anglers on three Central New York streams. “The guys who knew what they were doing caught fish, but there were no 20 inchers caught here,” said Jake DeCapio, owner of the Wayfarer Co., a fly and spinning tackle shop located on Nine Mile Creek in Camillus. “People caught a lot of stocked trout around the bridges, but the wild fish were harder to catch. The water started off murky and cleared up as the day went on. It wasn’t the best opening day I’ve seen. There’s still a lot of fish left.” Some anglers started earlier than others. Take Mike Burt. “I started at 12:01 a.m. and was finished by 12:25 a.m.,” said the Liverpool resident, who caught a 15 -inch rainbow on his first cast, followed by four brown trout. Three of the browns measured 11 inches and the other two were eight inchers. “All were taken from the same pool on night crawlers. They wanted nothing to do with corn,” he emailed the newspaper at 2:40 a.m. “Now it’s time to get some sleep before work.” The temperatures hovered throughout the morning in the low or mid 30s. Rain fell heavy at points, changing to snow flurries later. Periods of sunshine and more flurries followed. Mike Burt's five fish -- all caught between 12:01 and 12:25 a.m. It didn’t seem to bother Richard Schwind, of Central Square, who reeled in a nice 14-inch brown on Nine Mile Creek, using a yellow and red-colored Panther Martin lure with a silver blade. “Better than working, huh?” he said as he took the fish off his line. Rippy Alvarado Sr., Rippy Alvarado Jr., Pedro Moreno Jr. and Mike Alvarado, all from Oswego County, didn’t have any complaints. They all had 14-inch brown trout on their stringers that they had caught with salted minnows. “We’re here every April,” Moreno said. “Later in the month, we’ll be up on Oswego River fishing for the big dogs.” ninevideo.MOV Brad Smith, of Montezuma, was fly fishing with a hare’s ear nymph. He said he had been fishing for a half hour and caught one brown trout, and missed two others. “Last year on opening day here I caught and released 30 fish during a four-hour period,” he said. One memorable catch was registered by Zach Anderson, of Marcellus, who landed a 22-inch rainbow trout on Grout Brook on an egg sac. “I fought him for about four to five minutes, screaming line up and down. When I got him on shore I dropped my pool,” he said. “At that point, he went back into the water. I went in after him. I got him and threw him back on the bank. I had to. It sure was worth it. But now I’m all soaking wet.” Jordan Michalowski, 13, of Marathon, was fishing Grout Brook with his grandfather, Dave Rawson. The young boy told of the big one that got away. “I had one on this morning and it came right up to the net,” he said. “And then it opened its mouth and took off. It was about 15 inches. It was huge.” Jared Popoli, of Homer, was among the most successful anglers interviewed on Grout B rook. He said caught and released five fish on egg sacs – the largest measuring more than 26 inches. “I scouted out the holes beforehand,” he said. Others interviewed on Grout Brook said they had gotten skunked. “I scouted out the holes and started fishing at 6 a.m.,” said Evan Shirley, of Scott, who was also using egg sacs and had scouted out the stream on Sunday. He said he didn’t get a bite. “They’re here. I saw eight fish in one hole yesterday. You just can’t see them. The water is dirty,” he said. The action was also slow on the Owasco Lake Inlet between Moravia and Locke. Of the five anglers interviewed, only David Norte, of McLean, had caught a trout. He was interviewed on Hemlock Creek, a tributary that flows into the Inlet in the village of Locke. “It was a 12- inch brown. Got him on a single egg,” he said. “It doesn’t appear that the browns and rainbows are coming out of the lake yet.” Rich Price said the only thing he caught today was two suckers. David Figura | [email protected] Rich Price, of Moravia, was fishing in the Inlet near the village of Moravia. He started at 10 a.m. By 1:30 p.m., the only thing he landed was two suckers. “I also had a couple of trout bites, but I missed them,” he said. Price wasn’t sure what the story was concerning the lack of rainbows and browns in the waterway. He speculated that maybe the result warm weather resulted in an early spawn, and that the big fish had already returned to the lake. Fish or no, everyone agreed it felt good to get out and wet a line. Spirits were high everywhere. One smiling angler drove up to this reporter on Grout Brook, shouting out an appealing question. “Hey, want to see some real monsters?” he said. “Sure,” was the response. “April Fools,” he said, driving off. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I got there shortly after noon. There were no reports of big fish caught. David Norte, of McLean, said the fishing on the Owasco Lake Inlet today was slow. David Figura | [email protected] I got to the Owasco Inlet just after noon today and reports from anglers I interviewed were unimpressive. "The water is still cold, it appears the fish are not coming upstream yet out of the lake," said David Norte, of McLean. He said he caught one 12-inch brown trout on a single salmon egg. John Senecal, of Groton, said he brought his son, Jeremy, and his friend, Mason Hill, up for the morning and early afternoon to try their luck on Hemlock Creek, which flows into the Inlet in Groton.. "I'm not fishing, I'm just taking them out," he said. "They're trying worms, lures -- everything. they haven't caught anything yet. "Maybe the fish are running up Grout Brook from Skaneateles, but not from Owasco Lake," he said. Mike Hearns, of Auburn, said he started off the day fishing on Dutch Hollow Creek in Niles, and got down to the Inlet just after noon. "All day, I haven't had a bite. Not even a creek chub," he said. Downstream near the village of Moravia, Rich Price said he'd been fishing since 10 a.m. He was using night crawlers as bait. All he caught, he said, was a couple of suckers. "I did have a few trout bites, you can tell," he said. He said earlier in the day, there were a lot of other anglers around him, but nobody seemed to be catching much. "One guy said he saw one swirl that was about 1 1/2 feet long, but that was it," he said. "I don't know, maybe with the recent warm spell the fish ran up and returned to the lake already." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The water was up a little and stained. Only a few anglers interviewed said they had caught fish. One angler said he caught and released five fish -- the biggest was more than 26 inches long, he said. Action on Grout Brook this morning was slow, with few anglers getting fish on opening day. I did run into one lucky angler, Zach Anderson, of Marcellus, who was getting ready to leave and had a nice 22-inch rainbow on a stringer. Anderson said he caught it on an egg sac. "I fought him for about 4-5 minutes," he said. When he got him on shore, Anderson said, he dropped his pole on the ground. Just then, the fish flopped back in the water. "I went in after him and got my jacket all soaked," he said. "I threw it back on the bank. I had to. It was sure worth it. But now I'm all soaking wet." Evan Shirley, of Scott, said he scouted out several holes the day before -- including one where he spotted 8 fish. He said he started fishing at 6 a.m. and hadn't had a bite. "They're here. You just can't see them," he said. "The water is too dirty." Jarad Popoli, of Homer, caught his nice rainbow, which he said measured about 26-27 inches. It was the largest of five fish he said said he caught and released this morning on Grout Brook. Jared Popoli, of Homer, said he caught and released five fish this morning, the biggest one weighing about four pounds. He estimated it was 26-27 inches long. "Got them all on egg sacs," he said. "I got them in holes I'd scouted out beforehand." Young Jordan Michalowski, 13, of Marathon, was fishing Grout Brook with his grandfather, Dave Rawson. "I had one this morning and it came right up to the net. And then it opened its mouth and let go of my egg sac and got away," he said. "It was about 15 inches. It was huge." When I first arrived, the anglers here were fishing as the snow fell. "This morning it was raining, they said. While I was interviewing anglers, one guy pulled up in a pickup truck and stopped near me. "Hey, want to see some monsters?" he said. "Sure," I responded. "April Fools," he said, smiling, and then drove off. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Better than working, huh?" said one angler after he reeled in a 14-inch brown. As I headed out this morning at 6:50 a.m. from my home in Skaneateles, the rain pelted my windshield. By the time I reached Nine Mile Creek in Camillus, the rain had tapered off. However, the weather didn't seem to affect the fishing action. Yes, the water was up a little bit and a little stained. Didn't matter. Everywhere we stopped, anglers were catching fish. I ran into four anglers from Oswego County -- Rippy Alvarado Sr., Pedro Martinez Jr., Rippy Alvarado Jr. and Mike Alvarado -- who all caught hefty 14-15 inch brown trout. "Wouldn't you know, first time in 20 years," said Rippy Alvarado Sr. Jake DeCapio, owner of the Wayfarer Co., a spin and fly fishing shop located along Nine Mile Creek in Camillus. Considering the conditions, DeCapio recommended the following: - Flies: Wooly bugger, prince, scud and hair's ear. - Lures: Considering the discolored water, DeCapio, recommended dark colored lures, saying he'[d catch a spinner with a black-colored body and a gold blade. - Bait: DeCapio said to try half a night crawler or a salted minnow. Salted minnows, by the way, was what the Oswego guys were using. Richard Schwind, of Central Square, reeled in a nice 14-inch brown while I was interviewing him. He caught it on a Panther Martin lure (yellow and red body, and silver blade). "Better than working, huh?" he said, smiling. I'm now off to Grout Brook to check the scene there. Stay tuned. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He caught his limit by 12:25 a.m. Mike Burt, of Liverpool, sent me the following this morning: "Good early morning outing. The rain we had this afternoon left Nine Mile Creek in perfect shape for the area I wanted to fish, with the water slightly stained rather than the gin clear water the pool had two days ago when I scouted it. On the first cast I caught the hefty 15" rainbow trout. It is the first rainbow trout I have ever pulled out of Nine Mile Creek. "I started at 12:01 a.m. and finished at 12:25 a.m. The largest was a brown trout just over 15". The other 3 were an 11" and two 8" browns. "All were taken from the same pool on nightcrawlers. They wanted nothing to do with corn. Time to get some sleep before work tomorrow. Did not see another fisherman on the stretch I fished this early!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> One final note: Do not fish on posted land. That's trespassing and violators face getting a ticket. </p> <p><strong>KNOW THE LAW</strong></p> <p>*A fishing license ($29) is required to fish. It must be carried by an angler at all times while fishing. </p> <p>* Daily catch/ length limit: For most inland streams and rivers in Central New York the limit is five fish, with no more two fish measuring longer than 12 inches. There’s no minimum size limit.</p> <p>*Catch- and- release fishing: Local waterways with catch- and- release stretches (where anglers are allowed to use artificial flies and lures only) can be found on Skaneateateles Creek, Chittenango Creek, Genegantslet Creek and West Canada Creek. For more specifics, see the DEC fishing guide.</p> <p>*Finger Lake tributary rules: They vary, so it really pays to read the DEC fishing guide beforehand. Tributaries are defined as waterways that flow into a lake. Nine Mile Creek, which flows out of Otisco Lake, is not a tributary of Otisco. On tributaries flowing into Skaneateles and Owasco lakes, for example, the minimum size limits for brown and rainbow trout is nine inches, and 15 inches for lake trout and landlocked salmon. For Cayuga Lake tributaries, it’s 15 inches for all trout and 18 inches for landlocked salmon. In addition, anglers on these waterways are only allowed to keep three fish. On the tributaries of the western Finger Lakes (Seneca Lake and westward), it’s still three fish in combination, but no more than one rainbow trout.</p> <p>One exception is Spafford Creek, which flows into Otisco Lake. Anglers fishing that waterway, can keep five fish, with no more than two fish measuring longer than 12 inches.</p> <p> In addition, fishing is not allowed on Finger Lake tributaries between sunset and sunrise, and anglers are not allowed to use a fishing line with any more than a single hook. Possession of hooks with a gap greater than a half inch are prohibited. The use of lures on these waters with treble hooks, with certain exceptions, are also banned.</p> <p><br /><strong>**<a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html"> For more specifics on fishing regulations, see the DEC fishing guide or check out the DEC website.</a> One final note: Do not fish on posted land. That's trespassing and violators face getting a ticket.<br /></strong></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

They are moving from wintering grounds mainly in the Appalachians, but also from other remote rural areas. Tom Carrolan, of Liverpool, shared these photos and the following: "April is when most of the young goldens, hatched last summer, return. They are moving from wintering grounds mainly in the Appalachians, but also from other remote rural areas (might even be in upstate NY). They are headed back to their homelands mostly in roadless areas of Ontario and Quebec, mountainous areas in the Maritimes, plus Labrador and Newfoundland." The first photo is a juvenile golden, taken at Derby Hill, along the shore of Lake Ontario, he said. The second photo, wrote Carrolan, is a young golden being chased by a crow (for size diff). Many, but not all juvenile golden eagles have bright white areas at the base of their flight feathers. This one doesn't. Tom Carrolan View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I’d like to encourage those who’ve caught their first trout ever on opening day – young and old – to send me their photographs. Get them to me by noon Wednesday. Every year I get a flood of photographs from successful anglers on opening day and during the first few weeks of the trout fishing season. I’d like to encourage those who’ve caught their first trout ever on opening day – young and old – to send me photographs as well. I plan to put a photo slideshow together of these photos by Thursday. Deadline for submitting first catches is noon Wednesday. Send photos to [email protected] and include the full name, hometown of the angler in the photo and length of the fish. Also include your daytime phone number for further questions. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Staff writer/meteorologist David Eichorn went back 20 years to see what the temperature and precipitation patterns have been on April 1. My memories of the opening day of trout fishing season can be summed in two words: cold and wet. This week, staff writer/meteorologist David Eichorn went back 20 years to see what the temperature and precipitation patterns have been on April 1. “Based on the last 20 years, the average high temperature for opening day of trout season is about 52 degrees. That’s pretty close to the 30-year average high of 50,” he said. “We all know though that in reality, early April can vary a lot from the average,” he added. “So with all the variability we experience this time of year, what is the most probable temperature range we can bet on? It’s roughly 6 degrees either side (above or below) the average. That means it’s more likely we’ll face temperatures between 45 and 58 degrees. “And then there are “those years,” the ones which defy the averages. The coldest day was in 2003 with a high of 33 degrees, and the warmest was in 2010 with a high of 75.” Eichorn had this to say about precipitation. “If you have ever gone out on opening day and not gotten either rained or snowed on, then you were very lucky,” he said. “In the last 20 years, there have only been 5 years when we did not have either rain or snow.” There's nothing like a little rain or snow while you're on the water to make things seem colder. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The plan,among other things focuses on includes expanding public use opportunities, including the development of two discovery areas and an observation tower, and developing new wildlife observation trails. The following is a press release: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Regional Director has approved the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Montezuma NWR, the refuge), according to Refuge Manager Tom Jasikoff. In May 2012, we released the draft CCP and Environmental Assessment for the refuge for public review and comment. Based on the comments we received, we completed a final CCP. This plan will serve as a 15-year blueprint for managing wildlife and habitats, and enhancing public use programs and infrastructure on the refuge and easement. “This plan represents several years of effort among the Service, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, other Federal and State agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders.It builds off of established partnerships working to conserve the exceptional resources of the region. We feel that this final plan provides the best balance in sustaining or improving the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the refuge. It also provides the best balance of expanding recreational opportunities that are in high demand with limiting impacts to wildlife and habitats,” said Jasikoff. Jasikoff explained that the Service adopted the draft CCP and Environmental Assessment’s preferred alternative (alternative , with minor modifications that respond to public comments. A few highlights of the final 15-year plan include the following: -Expanding public use opportunities, including the development of two discovery areas and an observation tower, and developing new wildlife observation trails. -Increasing shrubland acreage to about 400 acres and continuing to maintain grassland habitat. Expanding emergent marsh and riparian forest restoration efforts to maintain foraging and breeding habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. - Offering new environmental interpretation programs and materials. Working with partners to develop environmental education materials and outdoor laboratory opportunities to augment teachers’ existing curricula and meet New York State learning standards. - Developing new partnerships with organizations that will help expand the environmental education and interpretation program and accomplish biological monitoring, research, and habitat management goals. - Expanding the refuge’s approved acquisition boundary by 1,223 acres. The plan and other related information can be found online. Paper copies and CD-ROMs can be requested by mail or in person at Montezuma NWR Headquarters at 3395 US Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY 13148; by phone at (315) 568-5987; or by email. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog