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It was a tough morning to be out trout fishing. Syracuse, N.Y. -- It was a tough morning to be out trout fishing. Many waterways were high and chocolate-colored. The temperature for most of the time was below freezing. Still, it was opening day and many anglers managed to get out and made the best of it. I interviewed fishermen on Nine Mile Creek, Grout Brook and Butternut Creek for his video. I approached each with a simple question: "Any luck?" Read more about opening day. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Anglers spirits were high, but so were most streams and creeks - and muddy, too. Syracuse, N.Y. - This morning's opener of the statewide trout fishing season in Central New York had lots of chills and few thrills. Anglers spirits were high, but so were most streams and creeks - and muddy, too. The temperature at 6:30 a.m. on Nine Mile Creek in Marcellus was a frosty, 24 degrees. Cold water and cold air makes for inactive, slow-moving fish. Many of today's early birds on the streams and creeks did not make out too well. Of nearly two dozen anglers polled between 7 and 9 a.m. Nine Mile Creek., only one had a fish in his five-gallon bucket. It was a 10 inch brown. "Ah, but it's opening day of fishing season, man," smiled Michael Wrobleski, of Syracuse. "I've been out on opening day 25 of the last 26 years." Jeremiah Helsel, of Syracuse, got out on Nine Mile at 5:30 a.m. with his girlfriend, Samantha Gabriell. The temperature was in the low 20s when they started. "My feet were freezing. I have hand warmers in my boots," Gabriell said. The two were using salted minnows. When approached at 8:30 a.m., neither had had a bite. "Same for everyone around us. Everyone was trying something different and having the same result - a runny nose," Helsel said. Jake DeCapio, owner of the Wayfarer Co., a tackle shop on Nine Mile, said it was a tough morning. "Only about 10 percent of the anglers I talked to caught one trout," he said. "The largest fish that I know of that was caught today was released. It was a 23-inch brown from Skaneateles Creek." An informal poll by this reporter of anglers at Nine Mile, Grout Brook and Butternut Creek revealed the best morning action was on Grout Brook. I tweeted my observations from the streams from 7 to 11 a.m. Joe Manion, of Memphis, caught a 16-inch rainbow on Grout measuring around 16 inches. He said he also caught and released a 10-incher. Upstream from him, the action was hot and heavy with anglers catching some nice bows, ranging in size from 18 to 27 inches. David Ward, of Constantia, caught a 25 incher on an orange egg sac at about 7:30 a.m. "I missed another about the same size just before I caught this one," he said. Fishing buddies Chad Whible, of Truxton; Coty Cute, of Cortland; James Miller, of McGraw, and Ronald Miller, of Cortland, all had fish to show. Whible's rainbow measured 18 inches, James Miller's fish measured 24 1/2 inches and his brother Ronald's fish measured 21 inches. The biggest rainbow was caught by Cute. It was a 27 incher. The all got them on orange egg sacs tied by James Miller. Miller said the weekend's rain and melt "washed a lot of fish out of here. "The water is high. It's real cold. The fish are tucked up tight to everything. I just think it's going to be a tough first week," he said. Butternut Creek was up and chocolate colored. Of the half dozen anglers interviewed, only one had caught a fish. Eugene Blum, of Baldwinsville, landed a 13-inch brown on the stream at about 8 a.m. "Got him on a night crawler," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'll be making the rounds early this morning, checking on anglers at a number of local streams to see how things are going, using Twitter. So, how are things going today on the opening day of trout fishing season? I'll be making the rounds early this morning, checking on anglers at a number of local streams to see how things are going, using Twitter. My tweets will appear below. Follow me @davidjfigura. Want to join in the fun? Use the hashtag of #cnyfishing and your tweets will appear below as well. Please include reports about stream conditions and whether the fish are biting or not for those unable to get out that morning. View Twitter updates on mobile app or RSS reader View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The "Stand Up for Your Rights" rally is being organized by SCOPE (Shooters Committee on Political Education. Syracuse, N.Y. -- Central New York opponents to the SAFE ACT have chartered three buses this morning to attend a rally against the controversial gun control law in Albany. Donald Trump is scheduled to be the "special guest speaker" The "Stand Up for Your Rights" rally, which is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. at the mall outside the Legislative Office Building, is being organized by SCOPE (Shooters Committee on Political Education. Trump is one of several speakers on the event's agenda, according to the group's website. Two of the buses have been secured by the Onondaga and Oswego Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. With some last-minute riders expected, David Simmons, president of the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, said Monday evening that there should be around 100 making the trip. '"There are also people driving from here to Albany in their own vehicles because they don't like bus rides," he said. Another bus has been chartered by the Pathfinder Fish and Game Club in Fulton, said John Pavel, a club member who is handling the arrangements.. "I have 41 riders that have already paid and six more that are likely to show," he said Monday evening.. For more on the rally, see the SCOPE website at scopeny.org View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"It's definitely a safety concern and will have to be dealt with," said John Houser, code enforcement officer for the town of Marcellus. Marcellus, N.Y. -- An end section of a dam on Nine Mile Creek alongside the former Matisco Paper Company has washed away. John Houser, code enforcement officer for the town of Marcellus, checked out the dam soon after a reporter called him about it this afternoon. He inspected the grounds and noted a crack in the parking lot near the retaining wall above the dam that wasn't there before. "It's definitely a safety concern and will have to be dealt with," he said. The opening in the dam is affecting the stream's flow. Before the chunk of the dam gave way, the stream was flowing over the top. Now it's flowing heavily on one side. Just downstream is a popular fishing area and anglers will mostly notice the increased flow. The state Department of Environmental Conservation has been notified and is also looking into it the situation, confirmed Stephanie Harrington, a DEC spokeswoman. The business has been closed for about eight years. A sign on the building says it's for sale through Caldwell Banker. A call to the real estate company, though, revealed it is no longer handling the property. David Lehman, the real estate agent who was handling it for Caldwell for several months last year, said he was dealings with the property were with Joseph King, who had an office in Nedrow. "The whole time he was doing salvage work (inside the building," Lehman said. King could not be reached for comment. Lehman, who now works for Hunt Real Estate, did not know the status of the property. "I don' t know if it's still for sale," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> As for lures, DeCapio said the rule of thumb is "the darker the water, the darker the lure color." </p> <p><br />Syracuse, N.Y -- So you come to your favorite trout stream Tuesday morning and the water is high and brown. Now what?</p> <p>It's fishable water. One just has to tailor his fishing technique to the conditions, said Jake DeCapio, owner of the Wayfarer Co. fishing supply store on Nine Mile Creek.</p> <p>If you're a bait fisherman, DeCapio said the best bet is to get your bait (a work or a salted minnow) down deep close to the bottom using sinkers (split shots).</p> <p>"You want to get down on the 'soft edge' of the current where the fish are hanging, or along the shore where they won't have to fight the current so much," he said. "Make sure your bait is moving slower than the velocity of the water."</p> <p>DeCapio said slowing the bait down will give the fish time to pick up the scent of the bait.</p> <div id="asset-14604323" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img src="/static/common/img/blank.gif" class="lazy adv-photo" data-original="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/14604323-large.jpg" alt="2011-03-25-db-Lure1.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption">Several popular lures used by trout fisherman. The rule of thumb is the darker the water, the darker color lure should be used.</span><span class="byline">Dick Blume | [email protected]</span></span></span> </div> <p>"And with the cooler water, they'll be moving slower," he said.</p> <p>He said the best bet for the fly guys this time of year is a nymph, using the same "low and slow" technique. As for what artificial fly to use, DeCapio said the clearer the water "the smaller the fly.</p> <p>"If you have dark, higher water, use something the trout can see. I'd recommend something like a black wooly bugger," he said.</p> <p>As for lures, DeCapio said the rule of thumb is "the darker the water, the darker the lure color."</p> <p>He said if the bigger streams are too high and muddy, change your location and try out smaller tributaries or creeks. They tend to clear up and go down quicker than the larger waters, making them more fishable.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

What's everyone else seeing out there? How are Limestone, Butternut and Chittenango creeks. Send me an email at [email protected] or give me a quick call at 470-6066. Pictures would be appreciated. Syracuse, N.Y. -- After hearing about flood warnings this weekend on several Central New York creeks and rivers, I got out this morning and checked the conditions on a few popular trout fishing streams. Tuesday is the opening of trout season and many anglers are obviously concerned about what they are going to find tomorrow morning on their favorite streams. I visited Skaneateles Creek, Nine Mile Creek, Grout Brook, Dresserville Brook and the Owasco Lake Inlet. I found Skaneateles to be a little high, but with water clarity. Nine Mile was high and brown, but fishable. It should clear up a little before tomorrow morning. Grout Brook looked great. Water was a little up and discolored, but that's what you want this time of year. Dresserville Brook was roaring, but should come down a little by tomorrow. The Owasco Lake Inlet looked the worst of the bunch It was up and brown. What's everyone else seeing out there? How are Limestone, Butternut and Chittenango creeks. Send me an email at [email protected] or give me a quick call at 470-6066. Pictures would be appreciated. I'll update this story at 5 p.m. today. I'll also post a story with tips for fishing streams that are high and discolored. Stay tuned. Here's what I've heard from readers so far: Limestone Creek: Water very high and muddy. Swift current. -- Cheryl Matt Nine Mile: Dave, I know nine mile was high and very muddy yesterday! I'm assuming limestone and butternut are the same if not worse! Grout and the other finger lake tributaries will be a better flow and clarity! Hope this helps! -- Dave Rusczyk View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Onondaga Lake was identified as an "important bird area," by Audubon New York back in 1997, particularly because of the wintering waterfowl that frequent its waters. The featured photographers whose work was displayed in the "Winter Birds of Onondaga Lake," left to right, were L - R John Savage, Willson Cummer, Bob Walker, Tom & Cheryl Lloyd, Michele Neligan and Greg Craybas. (Not pictured:Suzanne Ray). David Figura | [email protected] Geddes, N.Y. -- This weekend's "Winter Birds of Onondaga Lake" photography exhibit, hosted by Audubon New York at the Onondaga Lake Visitor's Center, was an eye-opener. It featured 30 impressive images of bald eagles, common mergansers, American black ducks and other birds, along with several shots highlighting the picturesque habitat of the lake. Audubon New York allowed syracuse.com to share with its readers all the photos in the exhibit, which are shown above. Featured photographers include Greg Craybas, Willson Cummer, Suzanne Ray, Michele Neligan, Cheryl and Tom Lloyd, Bob Walker and John Savage. The event, held Saturday and Sunday, was set up with the idea of sending out a message about Onondaga Lake, said Erin Crotty, executive director of the state Audubon chapter. "It was meant to remind the community about the vibrancy of the lake as it gets cleaned up and that it's our responsibility in the long term to come up with a management plan, and to ensure it continues to be a healthy, vibrant habitat," Crotty said. Crotty said Onondaga Lake was identified as an "important bird area," by Audubon New York back in 1997, particularly because of the wintering waterfowl that frequent its waters. It is one of 136 such areas in the state, she said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Use your iphone or cell phone can take a picture of trout stream near you and send it to me by lunch-time today. If you can't take a picture, please send me an email by lunchtime today about how these streams are looking. Syracuse, N.Y. -- I read this morning that flood warnings were issued Sunday for several Central New York creeks and rivers. It got me worried. That's a big concern for trout anglers looking forward to tomorrow's opener of the trout fishing season. How bad are the streams? I'm hoping in my car right now to check out four streams: Skaneateles Creek, the Owasco Inlet, Grout Brook and Nine Mile Creek. I plan to put up a video by this early afternoon so readers can see the state of these streams. How are things elsewhere? Use your iPhone or cell phone and take a picture of other streams in our area and send them to me. I'm particularly interested in Chittenango, Limestone and Butternut creeks. If you can't send a picture, just send a brief note to me by lunchtime about what these streams look like right now. My email address is [email protected] and my phone number is 470-6066. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Skunks generally do not go after adult birds. They'll focus on a few chicks and consume their abdomens. Syracuse, N.Y. -- Having just read the book, "Omnivore's Dilemma," by Michael Pollan, I'm giving serious thought to going "organic" and raising my own chickens in my backyard for their eggs and meat. However, I know there's a host of animals out there that could potentially prey of my birds - some living in the woods bordering my back lawn. I did a little research this morning and found the following information on what wild animals could feast on my birds and how to tell if you find a dead bird what killed it. All the following information was taken from avianaquamiser.com. Mink and Weasel. The chickens will show signs of an attack by either of these animals on the sides of their heads. These animals have a tendency to go after several birds and after killing them, piling them neatly in a pile together. Interestingly, both these animals only eat the back of the head and neck of the birds. Raccoon. These guys usually will visit once every 5 to 7 days and after killing a bird, will only eat its head and crop. If they're hungry enough, they'll sometimes dine on more than one bird. Opossum. An opossum usually only kills one chicken per visit. They will then only devour its abdomen. The main focus of the visit, though, is usually eggs. Owl. Great horned owl will sometimes go after poulty. This large owl will usually only after one of two birds, using its talons to pierce the chicken's brain. These big birds will only devour the chicken's head and neck. Look for feathers on a fence post near where you keep your chickens. Fox and Coyote. These bad boys are very smart and difficult to catch in the act. They frequently carry the dead birds away and eat them elsewhere, living no trace. They usually visit very early in the morning. The only way of determining losses may be a head count. Your best bet to prevent attacks from these two animals is keep your chickens in a secure pen or poultry house until late morning. Skunks. These critters generally do not go after adult birds. They'll focus on a few chicks and consume their abdomens. Their big focus is the eggs. How can you tell if one has stopped by? A lingering skunky smell is a good sign. ALSO: Dogs. Domestic canines usually take out chickens for the sport of doing it. If you come across several mauled chicken carcasses it's usually that s sign that a dog did it. They tend to stop by during the day, rather than at night. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Texas’ state wildlife agency may ban the common practice of pumping gas fumes into holes to flush out rattlesnakes. View the full article

Riffle wowed the crowd by wrestling with a 10-foot gator named "Al." Verona, N.Y. -- Jimmy Riffle, one of the stars of the "Gator Boys" TV show on the Animal Planet channel, is the big attraction at this weekend's The Big East Camping & Outdoors Sports Show at the Turning Stone Casino Event Center. I checked out Riffle's opening show this morning. He wrestled with a male 10-foot, 250-pound alligator named "Al" and wowed the crowd by sticking his hand in its mouth. As a warm up to the alligator wrestling, Riffle and three of his spotters (guys who were ready to pull the gator off him if needed) showed the crowd several turtles native to Florida, including a huge alligator snapping turtle, the largest freshwater turtle in the world based on weight. These bad boys can get up to more than 300 pounds. Riffle said he has two adult gators for the show. He wrestled with one in the first show, while the other was inside a 20-foot trailer which contains a small, heated swimming pool. Riffle said he feeds the gators chicken meat and fish. He said this time of year they only have to eat about twice or three times a month. The Big East Show runs until 7 p.m. tonight and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $9 at the door; kids 6-13, $3 and children 5 and under free. Get $1 off with a Turning Stone Diamond Card or Price Chopper Advantage Card. Riffle is scheduled to appear today at 2 and 5 p.m., and at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday. For more, see bigeastshows.com/. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Send your stories (keep them under 250 words) and photos to [email protected]. The opening day of trout season never fails to produce a host of memorable moments and pictures. I'd like to hear from Central New York anglers about their their successes, their failures, their most interesting and funniest moments this Tuesday. And of course, I'd like to see pictures of the big ones that didn't get away, along with the smiles of those holding the first trout of their lives. Send your stories (keep them under 250 words) and photos to [email protected]. I will making the rounds Tuesday morning, checking on anglers at a number of local streams to see how things are going. I plan to tweet every 15-20 minutes or so, beginning at 6 a.m. (or possibly earlier). My tweets will appear on my outdoors blog on syracuse.com. Follow me @davidjfigura. Want to join in the fun? Use the hashtag of #cnyfishing and your tweets will appear on my blog as well. Please include reports about stream conditions and whether the fish are biting or not for those unable to get out that morning. Good luck out there. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Last year, more than 300 youngsters and adults attended the free, day-long event. Mike Riordan gives raffle winner Shaniah Peters, 6, of Jordan, her prizeâa brand new fishing rod at the 2013 fishing seminar. Sarah Taddeo | The Post-Standard Brewerton - The Calvary Baptist Church is holding its 8th annual fishing seminar Saturday in the church. "This is a hands-on day for kids and parents," said Mike Riordan, the event's founder and coordinator. "We provide everything. Everyone in attendance will receive a free New York State Beginners Guide to Fresh Water Fishing, a tackle kit with hooks bobbers, sinkers, lures, and many other types of fishing tackle." Topics covered at the seminar will include: identifying the state's freshwater fish, learning about what fish eat and where they live, the basics about fishing equipment, how to handle your catch, fishing knots and how to tie them, handling bait, casting and how to clean a fish. Last year, more than 300 youngsters and adults attended the free, day-long event. For more information Call Riordan at 374-2997 or email him at [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Most of the land along the lower stretch of Nine Mile is owned by Honeywell, which only recently has opened it up to public fishing. Camillus, N.Y. -- Most of the lower section of Nine Mile Creek will be open for trout fishing beginning opening day Tuesday. Last year, the state announced it was considering transforming the two-mile stretch into a catch and release, "no kill" area. That has not happened yet. Regular trout fishing regulations will apply this year. Nine Mile Creek runs north from Otisco Lake into Onondaga Lake. The stretch being considered is roughly from the Amboy Dam down to Route 690, in the towns of Camillus and Geddes. It is close to the lake and downstream from the creek's heavily fished areas. David Lemon, regional fisheries manager for DEC's Region 7, said a public comment period will be held this summer on the proposal to change the regulations along the stretch, along with other proposed fishing regulation changes the DEC has announced, Most of the land along the lower stretch of Nine Mile is owned by Honeywell, which only recently opened it up to public fishing. Lemon added, though, that some the property along the stream remains posted by other property owners. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The course will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on April 17, 24, and May 1, 8. Elbridge, N.Y. -- The Iroquois Chapter of Trout Unlimited is once again offering a four-day, fly fishing seminar at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery this spring. The seminar will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on April 17, 24, and May 1, 8. The cost is $65 ($50 if paid before Tuesday). Students will be taught the basics of rod and reel set-up, casting, knot tying, basic insect identification and how to read a stream. Each student will also receive an introductory membership to Trout Unlimited. (First time members only.) Checks should be made out to "Trout Unlimited Iroquois Chapter #002" and be sent to Marty Ivery at 2763 Route 370, Cato. NY 13033. For more, call Ivery at 626-6453 or 374-5776. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> I particularly like the one about Grout Brook, which features J. Michael Kelly, the former outdoors writer for The Post-Standard. </p> <p><br />Syracuse, N.Y. -- During the past couple of years, I have written stories with accompanying videos of several popular Central New York trout streams.</p> <p>Check them out. They should whet your appetite to get out on opening day Tuesday. I just looked at them again and they had that effect on me. </p> <p>I particularly like the video about <a href="http://videos.syracuse.com/post-standard/2011/03/great_trout_fishing_at_grout_b.html">Grout Brook, which features J. Michael Kelly, the former outdoors writer for The Post-Standard. </a>That one is particularly good for viewing prior to the opener.</p> <p>The other three streams: <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2012/05/trout_fishing_stream_profile_a.html">Butternut Creek</a>, <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2012/05/limestone_creek_easy_to_forget.html">Limestone Creek </a>and <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2012/05/limestone_creek_easy_to_forget.html">Chittenango Creek</a>, were done as part of a series I did on year-round trout streams (which by the way, means you can fish them prior to Tuesday's opener if you want).</p> <p>The profiles of these three streams also include maps showing where the public fishing rights stretches are located.That's good information to know if you haven't fished these waterways before. <br /><a href="http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/03/onondaga_county_top_of_list_for_anglers_on_opening_day_of_trout_fishing_season.html#incart_river_default">Read why Onondaga County will be a hot spot for trout fishermen Tuesday,</a></p> <p>Finally, for those who are interested, check the video of<a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2010/03/video_electro-shocking_rainbow.html"> DEC electroshocking big rainbow trout on Catharine Creek,</a> at the southern end of Seneca Lake prior to the start of the 2010 season.</p> <p><br />Good luck on Tuesday!</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p>Elbridge, N.Y. -- The following is a summary of what streams and creeks in Onondaga County have been stocked during the month of March in preparation for this year's trout season opener on Tuesday. The hatchery's preseason goal was to stock some 18,300 trout. Due to weather conditions, though, Green Lake and Spruce Pond did not get any fish...</p> <p></p> <p>Elbridge, N.Y. -- The following is a summary of what streams and creeks in Onondaga County have been stocked during the month of March in preparation for this year's trout season opener on Tuesday.</p> <p>The hatchery's preseason goal was to stock some 18,300 trout. Due to weather conditions, though, Green Lake and Spruce Pond did not get any fish in March. As a result, the total amount of fish stocked during the preseason was around 16,300.</p> <p>Keep in mind, the hatchery will continue stocking county waterways through the spring and will eventually stock more than 70,300 fish by May 20.</p> <p><strong>Carpenter Brook Preseason Stocking Summary:</strong></p> <p>-Butternut Creek , 2,100 fish<br />-Nine Mile Creek, 5,800 fish<br />-Limestone Creek, 3,600<br />-Limetone Creek (West Branch), 400 fish<br />-Onondaga Creek, 500 fish<br />-Onondaga Creek (West Branch), 280<br />-Carpenter's Brook, 550 fish<br />-Fabius Brook, 800 fish<br />-Furnace Broo, 200 fish<br />-Geddes Brook, 675 fish<br />-Spafford Brook, 490 fish<br />-Tannery Creek, 150 fish<br />-Skaneateles Creek, 300 fish<br />-Pools Brook, 300 fish<br />-Green Lake, 1,300 fish*<br />-Spruce Pond, 600 fish*</p> <p>*These two waterways have not been stocked yet due to weather conditions. The road leading to Spruce Pond had too much snow to get the hatchery stock safely in and out, and Green Lake was frozen over.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Dave Fish, of Syracuse, caught this impressive 30-inch, 7-pound lake trout while jigging for perch on Cayuga Lake recently. He wrote: "It was a pleasant surprise and my 4 pound test held long enough to get it through the 6 inch ice hole. We were fishing in 12 feet of water so again it was quite the surprise when... Dave Fish, of Syracuse, caught this impressive 30-inch, 7-pound lake trout while jigging for perch on Cayuga Lake recently. He wrote: "It was a pleasant surprise and my 4 pound test held long enough to get it through the 6 inch ice hole. We were fishing in 12 feet of water so again it was quite the surprise when you are expecting perch." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A variety of fish for ponds will be available, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, channel catfish and minnows. Sennett, N.Y. -- The Cayuga County Soil and Water District will be holding a sale of several different kinds of fish to stock private ponds this spring. Orders are now being taken. A variety of fish for ponds will be available, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, channel catfish and minnows. Grass carp will also be available, but landowners must have a state Department of Environmental Conservation permit to buy them. To get an order form, got to the soil and water district website at cayugaswcd.org, or call 252-4171, or stop by the office on County Road in Sennett., The office is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Ignorance is no excuse. Anglers need to know the law before hitting the streams and rivers Tuesday. Syracuse, N.Y. -- Before heading out to fish on the opening day of the trout fishing season Tuesday, it's a good idea to review the rules and regulations. There's general regulations, along with a number of the specific regulations on certain waterways. Ignorance of the law is no excuse if you're caught doing something illegal by a state Department of Environmental Conservation officer. The season on most waterways and lakes begins at 12:01 a.m., with the exception of the Finger Lake tributaries, where it starts at sunrise (6:47 a.m. on Tuesday). The following is a brief run-down of what anglers need to know: *A fishing license ($29) is required to fish. It must be carried by an angler at all times while fishing. Anglers 15 and younger are not required to have a license. * 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. *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. *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. 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. 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. ** For more specifics on fishing regulations, see the DEC fishing guide or check out the DEC website. Better yet, contact the DEC environmental conservation office in your region. The headquarters in Region 7 is in Syracuse and can be reached at 426-7431. The DEC fishing guide also has a listing in the back of conservation officers assigned to each county and their contact numbers. There's also a general number, 1-877-457-5680. To give confidential information concerning significant illegal actitivities, you can also call 1-800-TIPP-DEC.to speak to a dispatcher. One final note: Do not fish on posted land. That's trespassing and violators face getting a ticket. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Your answers may sway my game plan for Tuesday morning. Every year I make the rounds on the morning of opening day of trout fishing season, checking out stream conditions and who's catching what. I'll be doing the same this Tuesday on opening day, starting with Nine Mile, possibly hitting Limestone or Butternut Creek, and then driving over to Grout Brook, the Owasco Inlet and finishing up at Skaneateles Creek. What will you be using to catch trout on opening day?In the above video, I asked anglers at last weekend's "Tie One On" fly tying rendezvous at Barbagallos Restaurant in DeWitt where they planned to be Tuesday. Where are you going to be opening day this year? Please put your plans in the comments section below this story. Your answers may sway my game plan. Meanwhile, our weather guy, Glenn Coin, has put together a chart showing a listing of popular local streams and what the weather is supposed to be like on those waterways Tuesday morning. Hint: dress warm. Good luck to everyone on Tuesday. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

See a poacher while fishing or hunting? Call the DEC hotline number at 1-800-TIPP-DEC. Thanks to the help of Capt. Matt Revenaugh, who heads the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Region 7 law enforcement team headquartered in Syracuse, I'm offering the latest in an on-going series entitled, "Keeping Watch." The idea is to give readers insight to the final disposition of tickets issued by our local environmental conservation officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The cases that appear here are cases where the defendant has either pleaded guilty or found guilty after trial. This is not intended to be all-inclusive list of cases handled, but is representative of dispositions received by the Region 7 law enforcement office. Click on the link below to see the most recent cases: R7 Fine 3-13-14.xlsx View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> A word of caution:Ice conditions can change quickly this time of year with rain and warm temperatures. </p> <p><br /><strong>CNY FISHING REPORT</strong></p> <p><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=100355764367821392533.00048c1449e56444f07e7&z=7">Bait stores (list and map).</a></p> <p><strong>*Reminders:</strong> Opening day of trout fishing season is Tuesday. Also, from Nov. 1 to May 1, all person aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet regardless of age must wear a personal flotation device while underway.</p> <p><strong>**A word of caution:</strong> Ice conditions can change quickly this time of year with rain and warm temperatures. Use extra caution around the edges of lakes, in addition to areas of flowing water such as streams or river mouths, ditches or culverts. Tips include using a spud to check ice thickness as you venture out, fishing with a buddy and making sure you bring along a rope and ice picks.</p> <p><strong>LOCAL INLAND TROUT STREAMS</strong>: Steam flows are currently up a bit, but clarity is fine. Unless there's some big weather event, the warm weather predicted to start Monday shouldn't negatively impact local streams. Look for good conditions on opening day Tuesday.</p> <p><strong>SALMON RIVER</strong><br />Most of the pressure continues to be taking place in the deeper pools in the upper river, from Pineville to Altmar. Anglers fishing the lower river have been getting some "fresh" steelhead. A fresh fish refers to a fish that has recently entered the river, they tend to be silver; as compared to fish that has been in the river for a while, which tend to be dark colored. Slush ice continues to be a problem with the cold temperatures. If float fishing or bottom bouncing, try egg sacs with blue mesh or pink trout worms. Fly anglers have been using nymphs or single egg patterns.</p> <p><strong>OSWEGO RIVER </strong><br />The river is up. This flow makes shore fishing difficult with the exception of along the walkway, Kiddie and Birdie pools and behind the hotels. Drift boat anglers did better over the weekend with some nice steelhead being caught. Remember, the bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) zones on the river.</p> <p><strong>ONEIDA LAKE </strong><br />With the walleye season over, the game continues to be the panfishing. The bite remains strong. The ice is still good and the hot spots include Chapman Park, Sylvan Beach, South Shore Boat Launch (Dutchman's Island) and Polar Beach. Fish shallow, around 8 to 12 feet. They're moving in close this time of year and the fish are aggressive. Best baits are spikes and emerald shiners (buckeye shiners).</p> <p><strong>CAYUGA LAKE </strong><br />Anglers are still fishing the north end with 8-10 inches of ice being reported, but as always use caution as ice thickness varies greatly in this area. Yellow perch are being taken on small minnows. Anglers fishing from shore around Taughannock are getting a few browns and Atlantics. Milleken Station has also been good for brown trout, with minnows working well.</p> <p><strong>SANDY POND</strong><br />No change from last week. There is 20-plus inches of ice being reported on the pond. Perch fishing has picked up on the pond and anglers using small minnows or jigs tipped with spikes are catching them. Anglers still need to sort through numbers of small ones to get keepers though. Pike are being taken on large minnows fished under tip-ups. Some black crappie are starting to be caught on jigs tipped with minnows or spikes, or just on minnows.</p> <p><strong>SENECA LAKE</strong><br />Little has changed from last week with the continued cold temperatures and wind. There are still some anglers going out of Severne in boats and getting perch in 20 to 30 foot of water.</p> <p><strong>OWASCO LAKE</strong><br />Ice reports range from 10 to 20 inches, use caution around areas of flowing water and around the lake's edges. Once you get on the ice it's thick. Anglers fishing the north and south ends and are getting yellow perch on small minnows and spikes in 20 to 60 feet of water. Lake trout are being taken around Ensenore Point on minnows and on tip-ups, or with jigging with spoons or plastics. This is mainly deep water fishing, 150 or more feet, so make sure you have a lot of line on your spools.</p> <p><strong>OTISCO LAKE</strong><br />There is still 12-18 inches of ice being reported on the north end. Be careful around the edges of the lake. Bluegill and pumpkinseeds are still being taken on the north end, but many are small.</p> <p><strong>SKANEATELES LAKE</strong><br />The entire lake is still frozen over which is extremely rare for Skaneateles Lake. Anglers are fishing both the north and south ends with 8-14 inches of ice being reported. Lake trout are being taken in 30-60 foot of water on both ends with fathead minnows and shiners, along with some yellow perch.</p> <p><strong>SODUS BAY</strong><br />Perch fishing remains slow but anglers moving around and trying different baits are getting some. Small jigs tipped with spikes have been working, as have small minnows.</p> <p><strong>ST. LAWRENCE RIVER</strong><br />Lots of fishable ice, with some bays still having ice up 36 inches thick. Popular spots continue to be Eel Bay, Lake of the Isles, Round Island , Chippewa Bay and all the nearby inland lakes. Continued reports of especially good perch fishing on Chippewa and Chaumont bays and the head of Round Island near Clayton. Live bait (fathead minnows, shiners and spikes) continues to be the ticket.</p> <p><strong>WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR</strong> <br />The Otselic River at the north end of the lake is causing some open water on the north end of the reservoir. A few anglers are getting out for panfish, but conditions are questionable.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The event, which is free and open to the public, will include images of bald eagles, common mergansers, American black dogs and other waterfowl. </p> <p></p> <p>Geddes, N.Y. -- This weekend's "Birds of Onondaga Lake" photography, hosted by Audubon New York at the Onondaga Lake Visitor's Center, hopes to get a message across.</p> <p>"It's meant to remind the community about the vibrancy of the lake as it gets cleaned up. Also, that it's our responsibility in the long term to come up with a management plan and to ensure it continues to be a healthy, vibrant habitat," said Erin Crotty, executive director of Audubon New York.</p> <p>The 30-photo exhibit, which is receiving support from Honeywell and the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, will include the work of several Central New York wildlife photographers. Featured photographers include Greg Craybas, Willson Cummer, Suzanne Ray, Cheryl and Tom Lloyd, Bob Walker and John Savage.</p> <p>The event, which is free and open to the public, will include images of bald eagles, common mergansers, American black dogs and other waterfowl. The exhibit will run from 9 to 4 p.m. Saturday, and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.<br /> <br />Crotty said Onondaga Lake was identified as an "important bird area," by Audubon New York back in 1997, particularly because of the wintering waterfowl that frequent its waters. It is one of 136 such areas in the state, she said.</p> <p>"There's black ducks, mergansers - and bald eagles. How cool is that that you have bald eagles and all this waterfowl returning to the lake year after year? " she said.</p> <p>Crotty applauded the photographers whose work is being displayed.</p> <p>"They often spent a whole day getting the one perfect shot. You have to be incredibly patient. These photographers captured the spirit of the birds and show the community's pride in the species that are at the lake," she said.</p> <p>Crotty also gave kudos to the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, a group of volunteers dedicated to restoring or beefing up the lake's habitat for birds and wildlife alike.</p> <p>"As soon as spring comes, the Conservation Corps will start to put together its plans for projects, including invasive species pulls, and native plant plantings," she said.</p> <p>In addition to meeting with the photographers, visitors to this weekend's exhibit will also get an opportunity to learn from habitat experts from Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps founding members; Montezuma Audubon Center , Onondaga Audubon Society; Obrien and Gere, Parsons and Honeywell.</p> <p><strong>To get to the visitor's center:</strong></p> <p><strong>From the west:</strong> Take Route 690 East, and take Exit 7, turn left on to State Fair Boulevard, take first left passing under Route I-690, drive straight to the lake and follow signs to the visitor's center.</p> <p><strong>From the east: </strong>Take Route 690 W, take Exit 7, turn left at bottom of exit and follow signs to the visitor's center.</p> <p>To learn more about the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps or to participate in future activities email [email protected] or call 365-3588.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog