HuntingNY-News

This spring alone, Dan Morgan has caught and released five brown on Chittenango Creek in the 20-plus inch range. Watch video Year-round streams Since 1996, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has permitted anglers to fish year-round in designated sections of more than 30 trout streams. Three of those streams are in Onondaga/Madison counties: Butternut Creek, Limestone Creek and Chittenango Creek. Today: Chittenango Creek May 25: Limestone Creek May 18 : Butternut Creek Dan Morgan was quietly and patiently fly fishing a pool on Chittenango Creek, a few hundred yards above Chittenango Falls.Suddenly, a fish smacked his tiny, hare's ear nymph.“Nice trout,” smiled Morgan, as his rod arched and bobbed repeatedly. He soon landed the plump, 16-inch brown. He held it for a minute, savored its bright spots and colors, and then let it go.“I love this stream,” he said. “There’s the scenic beauty, along with a variety of water and landscapes that it passes through.”Morgan, 32, of Cazenovia, has caught and released a good number of “nice trout” on the section of this creek that’s open year-round. On occasion, he has snowshoed out to fish it in the dead of winter. This spring, he said, he’s caught and released five browns in the 20-plus inch range.Morgan works as social media manager for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, a national, non-profit group that assists in the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings.He described the stream as extremely accessible. He said the upper part resembles a narrow, slow-moving, meandering western stream, where the fish are easily spooked. Further on down, it’s more like a classic northeast, New England/Adirondack stream – rocky and fast moving, with lots of riffles, pocket waters and pools. Below the falls, it eventually flattens and widens out, emptying into Oneida Lake.“Trout are an indicator species. I’ve caught brook trout in the upper stretches and a lot of large fish (browns) in the lower sections,” he said. “Their presence is a classic sign that this stream is healthy.”CHITTENANGO AT A GLANCE: Chittenango Creek starts southeast of, and flows through the village of Cazenovia. It then flows northward through the village of Chittenango, turning westward to merge with Limestone and Butternut creeks, and empties into Oneida Lake. The year-round section, where fish can be kept year-round — limit of five fish, with two no longer than 12 inches —stretches north from Route 20 to the Conrail Railroad line, north of the village of Chittenango. Fishing is prohibited, though, from May 16 to opening of walleye season from the creek’s mouth upstream to Conrail Railroad Line because of spawning walleyes from Oneida Lake. Type of fish: Chittenango offers stocked and wild brown trout and wild brook trout. The stream is stocked annually with 14,300 one-year-old brown trout (8 to 9 inches) and 1,900 two-year-old brown trout. Public fishing: There are a number of easy access points. For maps and more, see the DEC Web site .Catch-and-release area /Handicapped access fishing platform: There’s a 1.8 mile, catch and release/ artificial lures only section from the Town of Fenner/Town of Sullivan town line at mile marker 1219 on Route 13 to mile marker 1237 south of the village of Chittenango. There is a also a handicapped access fishing platform on the stream in the village of Cazenonia. For the fly guys: The best spots are from Route 20 north. Good insect hatches, but the most successful anglers fish wet flies or streamers, and often get them down with sinkers. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Taken near the Route 89 bridge, heading from Montezuma to Savannah. Paul Pflanz photoPaul Pflanz, of Syracuse, sent in these nice photographs of a pair of nesting ospreys.He wrote: "They're in their nest on top of a power pole on the northwest side of the Route 89 bridge over the Barge Canal heading from Montezuma to Savanah."The photographs were taken around 3:30 p.m. May 23.Paul Pflanz photoPaul Pflanz photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

On Owasco Lake, anglers are catching perch on fathead minnows fishing in 10 to 15 feet, along with browns and rainbow trout fishing with minnows in about 25 feet of water halfway up the lake. CNY FISHING FORECAST Bait stores (list and map).Reminder: The regular bass season doesn’t open until June 16. INLAND TROUT STREAMSStreams across the area are low, clear and could use some rain. To find out how many trout (and what kind) are stocked in your favorite Onondaga County stream, call 689-0003. To hear the DEC’s weekly fishing report, which includes a list of which streams have been stocked in Region 7, call 607-753-1551.LAKE ONTARIOFishing has slowed down lately. Anglers report catching lake trout out in 120 feet of water on the bottom, using cowbells (a series of flashers) with peanut rigs ( floating jighead, with beads and a treble hook).SALMON RIVER Water has gone up recently. A few smallmouth are being caught and released in lower end, with an occasional sighting of a Skamania or an Atlantic salmon.OSWEGO RIVERWalleye are hitting nightcrawlers, leeches, bucktail jigs and large stickbaits. Sheepshead and rock bass are active throughout the river with crayfish or worms working.ONEIDA LAKEWalleye fishing continues to be good. Many anglers are getting up early, fishing with bucktail jigs tipped with night crawlers and limiting out. The fish are scattered throughout the lake. It’s getting time to start trolling or drifting with worm harnesses. Meanwhile, catch-and-release bass angling on the lake and the Oneida River is producing a lot of fish.CROSS LAKE/SENECA RIVERNorthern pike fishing continues to be slow, but anglers are catching lots of panfish and catfish on the lake. Nothing to report from the river.CAYUGA LAKEAnglers trolling are getting lake trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon. Lake trout are coming on flasher and fly rigs fished in 150 to 180 feet of water. Fishing stickbaits or spoons from the surface down to 30 feet, in 40 to 100 feet of water is still working for brown trout and Atlantic salmon. Lake trout jigging is good with fish ranging from around 50 feet out to 150 feet of water.SENECA LAKEAtlantic salmon and brown trout fishing continues to be good fishing 15 to 20 feet down. Spoons fished off Dipsey Divers have been working well. Lake trout fishing has been good for anglers trolling flasher/flies or spoons with downriggers. Lakers are near bottom over a wide variety of depths ranging from 40 to 120 feet.OWASCO LAKEAnglers are catching perch on fathead minnows fishing in 10 to 15 feet, along with browns and rainbow trout fishing with minnows in about 25 feet of water, halfway up the lake. Bullhead bite from bite is pretty much over.OTISCO LAKEBass fishing has been good for anglers getting out for the catch-and-release season with jigs working well. An occasional tiger muskie is being taken around the lake on minnows, and a few walleye are being taken off the causeway and other locations off shore after dark.SKANEATELES LAKEBass fishing along the shore has been good with plastics, remember its catch and release only until June 16. Perch are still hitting in the north end of the lake in the 20- to 30- foot range using small minnows.SODUS BAYBoat and pier anglers have been doing well on perch using small minnows. Most perch are still being caught in less than 10 feet of water.SANDY PONDNorthern pike fishing has been good and fish are being taken on Rapalas and spinnerbaits. Walleye fishing has been slow on the pond.ST. LAWRENCE RIVERThe river water is warming up and the northern pike have started moving to deeper water. Try a Rapala Husky Jig or a bucktail jig in about 15 to 25 feet. Perch are in same depth. Try fathead minnows. Reports of some 15 to 16 inchers being caught.WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIRReservoir is clearing up and fishing continues to get better. Lots of walleyes continue to be caught by anglers trolling with night-crawler harnesses and drifting with jigs tipped with night crawlers. Anglers fishing from the shore have been cashing in with night crawlers and leeches as well. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"The fishing was fantastic with several, 20-pound kings caught," wrote one of the anglers. BSubmitted photoBBob Cuddeback, holds up a nice, 25-pound, 2-ounce chinook salmon he caught during the LOC Derby on Lake Ontario held May 11.Cuddeback was fishing with Bill Pepin, owner of "Peptalk," the boat they were on. Dick Cuddeback was also aboard. They were fishing out of Wilson Harbor. All three anglers are from Skaneateles.Pepin wrote: "The fishing was fantastic with several, 20-pound kings caught." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The following is a press release: Just in time for the New York State bass fishing opener later this month, Cayuga Community College (CCC) will offer a new series of “Ultimate Bass Fishing Classes starting on Thursday, June 7 at 6 pm and running each Thursday for 3 straight weeks. The new outdoor classes are a part of their... Submitted photoGeorge FiorilleThe following is a press release:Just in time for the New York State bass fishing opener later this month, Cayuga Community College (CCC) will offer a new series of “Ultimate Bass Fishing Classes starting on Thursday, June 7 at 6 pm and running each Thursday for 3 straight weeks. The new outdoor classes are a part of their Community Education and Workforce Development 2012 Summer Credit-Free Courses.Whether you fish from the bank, kayak or a fancy bass boat, students will learn in these detailed classes about smallmouth and largemouth bass habits and habitats. The class will teach you how to catch more and bigger bass this year. Learn how to tie knots, rig the hottest baits, what lures and colors trigger fish better, secrets to casting better along with secrets of the professional bass anglers.The course will be taught by former professional bass fishing guide George Fiorille of Moravia. Fiorille has shared a boat with several top Bassmaster Classic winners such as Kevin Van Dam, Denny Brauer, Davey Hite, Hank Parker, Mark Davis, George Cockran, Tommy Martin and several others.Cost of the course is $79 and registration is available by calling315-294-8841 or by going on the college's Web site .For more news information, contact [email protected] or at 315-224-9021. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The best thing to do when you come across newborn fawn is snap your photo and move on. Don't try to touch or spend too much time near it. Michael Sattler, of Cazenovia snapped this photo last weekend of a fawn.He wrote: "We were walking by Sterling Creek in the Fair Haven area on Saturday. We looked down a ridge we were standing on and about 10 feet below us laid this little fawn hiding in the tall grass."I've written before this. The best thing to do when you come across a scene like this is is to snap your photo and move on. Don't try to touch or spend too much time near it.Read more about this. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The brothers caught big fish using corn as bait. Submitted photoAdam with his 24-pound lunker. Adam King 10, and his brother, Kyle, 16, cashed in while fishing on May 19 with their grandfather, John Kapelewski on Otisco Lake.Adam caught a 24 -pound carp on a piece of corn.His brother, Kyle, caught an 18-pounder, also using corn.Submitted photoKyle with his 18-pounder. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Still looking for someone who fishes on Oneida Lake the old-fashion way, pulling copper wire for walleyes. Know someone who does? Call me at 470-6066 or email me at [email protected] Frank Ordonez/The Post-StandardStudents try out their hand-made bows in their primitive skills class.Here's what's on tap for this week's Outdoors pages in The Post-Standard.FRIDAY: Main bar.. last of a three-part series on year-round trout fishing streams in Onondaga County. Today we focus on Chittenango Creek.Column: 50th anniversary of the Finger Lakes Trail is this Saturday. Hiking groups across the state and planning celebrations and hiking outings.SUNDAY: MAIN BAR: Primitive hunting/outdoors skills workshops being offered. Want to make a bow and arrow from scratch that will actually take down wild game?Column: Bits and pieces. Winner of last weekend's trout derby on Seneca Lake; local state lawmaker has authored bill that would allow the hunting of mourning doves in this state.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.-Folks I'd like to get in contact with for future stories/columns:- Planning on starting a series of stories on "Favorite Fishing Spots," which will profile off-shore locations that continue to draw anglers year after year -- I'm talking about such places as the causeway on Otisco, or the breakwater at Verona Beach. I need some help here.- Someone who fishes on Oneida Lake the old-fashion way, pulling copper wire for walleyes. - Individuals who has, continues to successfully hunt wild boar in the Cortland County/Onondaga county area.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

The only other launch site on the lake is the county-owned marina at Onondaga Lake Park on the northern shore in the village of Liverpool. It carries a $7.50 launch fee. Fairmont resident Mike Morgan wrote me recently, inquiring about the status of the unofficial boat launch on Onondaga Lake, just off Route 690 West in Solvay. The property, near the New York State Fairgrounds, is owned by the state Department of Transportation.Morgan said Honeywell workers are busily working at the site, setting up a crane and other equipment to dredge the lake as part of the company’s overall cleanup project.“Usually during the day (the launch) is blocked by machinery and materials. Sometimes at night they leave room to use the launch, but other times the dredge is blocking the path to the lake or material is blocking the launch,” he said.The only other launch site on the lake is the county-owned marina at Onondaga Lake Park on the northern shore in the village of Liverpool. It carries a $7.50 launch fee.Late last week, the Solvay boat launch was not open.“Access to the boat launch on DOT property will be open, except for times when the site is needed for lake cleanup operations and when necessary to restrict access to maintain public safety,” said Victoria Steitfeld, spokeswoman for Honeywell.There is a silver lining.The dredging project is expected to last four years, Steitfeld said. Once finished, Honeywell has committed to building a new, two-bay boat launch for trailered boats and a separate launch site for car-top craft (canoes, kayaks) at the location. It will be turned over to the state Department of Environmental Conservation to run.Plans also call for 60 parking spaces and a handicapped fishing ramp stretching into the lake. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

With proper precautions taken, morels are a safe and delicious way to enjoy a renewable source of wild food. Jim Commentucci/The Post-StandardA yellow morel emerges from leaves near an ash tree in the Morgan Hill area south of Apulia in Onondaga CountyBy Jim Commentucci Staff writer The appearance of morel mushrooms is an annual rite of spring. For a few weeks in May and early June in Central New York, they peek through leaves and vegetation drawing mushroom hunters to our local woods.Last weekend about a dozen people, most members of the Central New York Mycological Society, gathered in a wooded area on public land in the Morgan Hill area south of Apulia. They were searching for the often-elusive morel.And the tasty mushrooms proved elusive, indeed. They very rarely make themselves obvious. It takes a trained eye and patient study of the ground to spot these woodland gems.On this day, there was considerable discussion among the enthusiasts as to whether the season was just starting or nearly over. There was evidence of successful hunters.The morel season is fluid, progressing northward as spring advances. Morels are typically found in early April in this state, south of here, and toward Canada in June.Morel hunters are generally a secretive lot, often as evasive as their quarry.Jim Commentucci/The Post-StandardJean Fahey picks a yellow morel mushroom from near an ash tree on public land in the Morgan Hill area south of Apulia.Jean Fahey, of Syracuse, brought along an impressive specimen she would only say was picked in an area east of Syracuse. Like a favorite fishing spot, a good morel-picking location is likely to be productive year after year and is carefully kept to oneself.Specifically, morels are likely to be found growing near ash trees, dead or dying elms, spruce, and abandoned apple orchards. But they can appear elsewhere, too.“I think they grow where they want to,” said Bernie Carr, who participated in the foray.Care should be taken to avoid picking mushrooms in active orchards or other areas where pesticides or other chemicals may be present as the mushrooms absorb them.The yellow morel is easy to identify with its wavy cap. It is further distinguished from the false morel, which is inedible, by its hollow interior. It makes good sense to make your first foray with someone who has experience.With those precautions taken, morels are a safe and delicious way to enjoy a renewable source of wild food. If you don’t care to convene with the black flies or the mushrooms manage to hide from you, they can be found in some local markets.They can be prepared in infinite ways, but none better than sauteed in butter.Jim Commentucci/The Post-StandardJean Fahey collected this 5-inch-long morel mushroom from an area east of Syracuse. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The winner of the “Carp Angler of the Year” was Scott Russell, of Pennsylvania, who received $1,375 for his finish. Jason Bernhardt and Sean Sauda will probably be seeing carp in their sleep for the next several weeks.The two co-directors of Wild Carp Week in Baldwinsville wrapped up their fifth and final competition for the week Friday afternoon, the JGB Triathlon. The three-day series, which lasted Wednesday, Thursday and Friday featured one-day, carp- fishing contests for The Big Fish, Total Weight (of fish caught) and the The Big Four (weight of four largest fish caught.Following Friday’s Big Four contest, the more than 30 contestants who participated in all three events, had total points talled. The winner of the “Carp Angler of the Year” was Scott Russell, of Pennsylvania, who received $1,375 for his finish.Russell had the biggest fish Wednesday (33 pounds, 4 ounces) and was second behind Istvan Gyori, of Chicago, Thursday in the Total Weight contest. Friday’s Big Four contest was won by Tom Chairvollotti, of Syracuse.Wednesday’s winners were calculated by the hour, with top fish earning $525 each hour. Winners for Thursday’s and Friday’s contests were paid $1,100 each, Bernhardt said.In total, between the Celebrity Carp Challenge; the 50-hour Wild Carp Classic and the JGB Triathlon, Bernhardt and Siuda’s Wild Carp Companies, handed out more than $30,000 in prize money.“It’s been one heck of a week,” Bernhardt said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A wildlife conservation writer says we need to look at the state wildlife agency system. View the full article

Look column presents photos of a woman posing with her hunting trophies, and who has chosen to remain anonymous for fear of attracting threats from animal rights activists. Photos (M)0 View the full article

Georgescu was among the competitors in the JGB Triathlon, a series of carp fishing contests during Wild Carp Week in Baldwinsville Watch video Radu Georgescu sat in a camping chair and with a sling shot, flinging bait ball after bait ball into the Seneca River in front of his assigned fishing area. “They’re made of corn, oats and all kinds of secret ingredients. I make my own,” he smiled. Georgescu, 56, was among the anglers fishing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the JGB Triathlon, a series of individual, day-long, carp fishing contests on the tail end of Wild Carp Week in Baldwinsville. He did not fish in the 50-hour Wild Carp Classic earlier last week, the first time he hasn’t since 2008. He said he was too busy with work. “I had concerts. We had a tour at Carnegie Hall. I was very busy,” he said. Georgescu is a violinist with the Nashville Symphony, a position he has held since 1996. Music is his life. But where does carp fishing come in? “I grew up in Romania,” he said. “I’ve been fishing since I was 12. My father would take me carp fishing every weekend. I love it. I’ve been fishing competitively in Europe and this country for more than 20 years.” He explained that carp fishing, or any fishing for that matter, offers much for musicians.Stephen D. Cannerelli / The Post-StandardRadu Georgescu is a concert violinist who is also an avid fisherman. Georgescu fishes on the Seneca River as he competes in the JGB Triathlon on Wednesday. “Musicians use their hearing on a regular basis. Fishing is quieting, relaxing. It gives our hearing a rest,” he said. Having fished for carp for years, he has a great deal of respect for them. “It’s a big fish, a big fighter,” he said. “Many of these other fish, they’re small. You hook them, pull them on to shore with little or no fight. They end up on a grill and that’s it.” He added that carp are smart. “You have to compete with his smartness. We live here, he lives out there,” he said, pointing out to the river. “You have to kind of understand what’s going on. Why he’s biting? Why he’s not biting? Let me try this. No, that didn’t work. Let me try that. There’s always something to do.” He said he’s been playing violin since he was 7. “It’s the most beautiful instrument. The sound, it’s very edgy... and of course, there’s the music,” he said, adding from an early age his mother and others noted he had perfect pitch. He remembers singing with his mother when he was 3 and 4. But back to carp fishing. Georgescu said his best competitive finish to date was sixth in last September’s world championships on the St. Lawrence River. His biggest carp ever was a 39-pound, 7-ouncer he caught during a tournament in Texas. Most competitive carp tournaments are run with a catch-and-release format. Has Georgescu ever eaten one? “Today, no. But while I was a child, my father would occasionally bring one home, put it on the grill, put some tomatoes on top. It was very good. It was sold in the local markets (in Romania),” he said. This past week, Georgescu teamed up with 16-year-old Michael Cummings, of Waddington, who last year won the International Junior Carp Tournament on the St. Lawrence River. He said he likes to mentor young carp anglers, sharing his years of experience. “Many youngsters are staying inside, watching TV or in front of a computer,” he said. “This way, they’re spending time in fresh air, catching a carp or two... or five or 10. It’s much more interesting.” David Figura can be reached at 470-6066 or [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The catch was off the coast of Summerland, Key Florida during the April school break. Submitted photoOlivia and Brandon Ford, of Cato, 11 and 15, respectively, caught these nice mahi mahi (dolphin fish) aboard the "Gotta Do" owned by Wes Gregory (also pictured here).The boat was captained by Captain Todd Bade. The catch was off the coast of Summerland, Key Florida during the April school break. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The top team, the Woodcocks, consisting of Bill Purcell, Kevin McGann and Chris Spagnoli, logged 148 different birds. Last weekend’s 24-hour Birdathon, put on by the Onondaga Audubon Chapter, saw 28 teams participating and a total of 196 species recorded.The top team, the Woodcocks, consisting of Bill Purcell, Kevin McGann and Chris Spagnoli, logged 148 different birds.Winner of the most species seen category with the least amount of gas used was team Osprey Can You See, consisting of Dave Nash, with 96 species. The most unusual bird of the day was a laughing gull sighted over Onondaga Lake by the Sun-bit Bitterns, a team composed of Tom McKay and Jim Stacey.“Team names are optional, but as you can see birders tend to favor puns,” said Rose Burdick, of Skaneateles, who helped coordinate the event. “Some of my favorites are Wrenegades, Mad Cowbirds, Wandering Ataloss, Loonatics and I like Shrike.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He caught it on a Dream Weaver spoon. Submitted photoPaul White, of Syracuse, holds a 17-pound, 2-ounce brown trout that was the big fish winner in last weekend’s Mexico Bay Brown Trout Derby on Lake Ontario.White was fishing with charter boat captain Mike Conroy of Proteus Sport Fishing. It was caught on a Dream Weaver spoon. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The 48th annual National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake begins at 6 a.m. Saturday and finishes Monday afternoon. The fishing contest features $21,225 in cash prizes and a grand prize of $5,000 for the biggest fish. Organizers are expecting a mad rush today as anglers sign up for the biggest fishing derby in the Finger Lakes this Memorial Day weekend.It’s the 48th annual National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake. The event begins at 6 a.m. Saturday and finishes Monday afternoon. The fishing contest features $21,225 in cash prizes and a grand prize of $5,000 for the biggest fish. There are lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and landlocked salmon categories.Colin Moorehouse, of Geneva, who’s helped run the derby for more than 40 years said last year a total of 1,263 anglers participated. Only 550 anglers had signed up by late Wednesday afternoon.“Yep, Thursday and Friday area going to be the big sign-up days,” he said. He noted the tournament doesn’t take registrations online because it won’t accept credit cards. For locations to sign up, go to the event's Web site or call 781-2195.Last year’s biggest fish was a 13.44-pound, lake trout caught by Jeffrey Toombs, of Oneonta. The majority of the time, the tournament’s biggest fish is a laker. Moorehead noted back in 2004, an 11.21-pound brown trout took the big fish prize.Moorehouse said each year the tournament sees anglers from all over the country. For many, it’s a Memorial Day tradition.“Starting in the early winter, I send out applications by mail to fishermen in 26 different states,” he said.The final weigh-in is at 3 p.m. Monday at the northern end of the lake at the Chamber of Commerce building. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Much of it runs directly through the town of Manlius and the villages of Manlius and Fayetteville, which is a highly residential area. It runs by a golf course, through several parks, behind people's houses. It's kind of an urban or suburban fishery, said one angler. Watch video John Berry/The Post-StandardJohn Dobricki has been fishing Limestone Creek for about 30 years.Year-round streams Since 1996, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has permitted anglers to fish year-round in designated sections of more than 30 trout streams. Three of those streams are in Onondaga County: Butternut Creek, Limestone Creek and Chittenango Creek. May 18: Butternut CreekToday: Limestone CreekJune 1: Chittenango Creek John Dobricki says the unique thing about Limestone Creek is that, in some spots, it gives the illusion that you’re way out in the middle of nowhere while fishing it.“Actually, much of it runs directly through the town of Manlius and the villages of Manlius and Fayetteville, which is a highly residential area. It runs by a golf course, through several parks, behind people’s houses. It’s kind of an urban or suburban fishery,” he said.The state Department of Environmental Conservation has purchased only some 1.6 miles of public fishing access along its meandering 25-mile course from its headwaters at the DeRuyter Reservoir to its mouth. However, Dobricki points out, trout anglers have little trouble finding stretches to fish.“Access is pretty good, although a lot of the stream banks are privately owned. There’s very few posted signs,” he said.Dobricki, 50, of Taunton, said he’s been fly fishing Limestone Creek for about 30 years. The stream contains both wild and stocked brown and brook trout. He practices catch-and-release fishing.His biggest trout on the stream to date was a 17-inch brown he hooked using a hare’s ear nymph.“I was dragging it deep that day in a hole. He hit and cleared the water twice,” he smiled.Dobricki said most of the stream can be fished easily with hip boots, although a few deeper stretches call for chest waders.He said the stream offers a wide variety of challenges and varying depths and width.“It’s not consistent. You’ll have fast waters, pocket water, deeper pools ... in some stretches it gets skinny; in others fat,” he said.“I’ve been told there’s a 700-foot drop in elevation from Edwards Falls (in Manlius) to the village of Fayetteville, which makes it great trout water.”The extensive canopy and occasional steep banks shield the angler’s views of nearby buildings and houses.“Like I said, it’s easy to forget where you are,” he said.LIMESTONE AT A GLANCE:Limestone Creek, located in Onondaga and Madison counties, consists of a main branch and a west branch. The main creek/east branch starts as an outflow of the DeRuyter Reservoir and flows northward. The west branches merges with the main stem in Manlius and the main creek then continues to its confluence with Butternut Creek, which then flows into Chittenango Creek. The year-round section, where fish can be kept year-round — limit of five fish, with two no longer than 12 inches —stretches from its mouth (where it combines with Butternut Creek) upstream to Route 20. Type of fish: Limestone offers stocked and wild brown and brook trout. The Onondaga section of Limestone’s main stem (from Route 20 north to Fayetteville) is stocked with more than 8,000 one-year-old browns; 4,200 two-year-old browns (12-14 inches) and 1,000 one-year-old brook trout (9-11 inches). The main branch, south of Route 20 in Madison County, is stocked with 1,000 one-year-old, brown trout (8-9 inches). The west branch in Onondaga County is also stocked with 500 one-year-old browns; 175 two-year-old browns and 200 one-year-old brook trout. Hold over fish are common in the main creek and occasional 20-inch fish come from the lower section. Public fishing: There are a number of easy access points and little posted property. Most stretches can be fished with hip boots. The upper section of the stream and the west branch are narrow and brushy. The main stem/east branch is the better fishery of the two. As you get north of Route 20, the main steam stream becomes wider and more open. The area from Route 20 to Fayetteville has the most suitable habitat for trout. From Fayetteville downstream the stream slows down and widens further. For maps and more about this stream, see the DEC Web site For the fly guys: The stream varies in width and open areas. Overall, it’s moderately challenging for casting. Moderate insect hatches. Best artificial flies, depending on the time of year, include caddis, sulphurs, streamers and nymphs. The best fly fishing can be found in the stretch from Manlius to Fayetteville. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Whether you like boating, cycling, history, nature, or simply spending time with friends and relatives, you’ll find things to do and places to discover all summer long,” said a press release about this map. The following is a press release:The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission has released its free, 2012 Erie Canalway Map & Guide to introduce residents and visitors to the many things to see and do in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. People can obtain a copy at visitor centers, libraries, cultural heritage sites, and canal locks all along the New York State Canal System.The guide is also available for download online.“Whether you like boating, cycling, history, nature, or simply spending time with friends and relatives, you’ll find things to do and places to discover all summer long,” said Erie Canalway Director Beth Sciumeca.The eight page newspaper-style guide includes a map of the National Heritage Corridor, as well as a list of canal-related cultural heritage sites, boat rental and tour companies, places to cycle on the Erie Canalway Trail, and more.New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton said: "The annual Erie Canalway Map and Guide is a great way to get the word out on all there is to see and do across New York's historic, scenic Canal Corridor throughout the year. We are proud to partner with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor on this excellent publication to help make it possible."Funding support for the guide was provided by the New York State Canal Corporation and Brookfield Renewable Energy Group. The guide reinforces Brookfield’s message regarding the importance of safety on the waterway.The map and guide, along with the website , are among the efforts by the heritage corridor commission to increase awareness about the waterway, trail, and national significance of the Erie Canal. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

In nearly all cases, that is the best thing for the animal. Jim Commentucci/The Post-StandardThe following is a DEC press release:New Yorkers should keep their distance and not to disturb newborn fawns or other young wildlife as many animals are in the peak season for giving birth, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today cautioned. It is not unusual to see a young bird crouched in the yard or a young rabbit in the flower garden, both apparently abandoned. Finding a fawn deer lying by itself is also fairly common. Many people assume that young wildlife found alone are helpless and need assistance for their survival, however, in nearly all cases this is a mistake and typically human interaction does more damage than good. Those that see a fawn or other newborn wildlife should enjoy their encounter but keep it brief, maintain some distance and do not attempt to touch the animal. Young wildlife quickly venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings. While most are learning survival from one or both parents, some normally receive little or no care. Often, wild animal parents stay away from their young when people are near. For all of these young animals, the perils of survival are a natural part of life in the wild.White-tailed deer fawns present a good example of how human intervention with young wildlife can be problematic. Most fawns are born during late May and the first half of June. While fawns are able to walk shortly after birth, they spend most of their first several days lying still. During this period a fawn is also usually left alone by the adult female (doe) except when nursing. People occasionally find a lone fawn and mistakenly assume it has been orphaned or abandoned, which is very rare. Fawns should never be picked up. If human presence is detected by the doe, the doe may delay its next visit to nurse. A fawn’s best chance to survive is by being raised by the adult doe. Fawns nurse three to four times a day, usually for less than 30 minutes at a time, but otherwise the doe keeps her distance. This helps reduce the chance that she will attract a predator to the fawn. The fawn’s protective coloration and ability to remain motionless all help it avoid detection by predators and people. By the end of its second week, a fawn begins to move about more and spend more time with the doe. It also begins to eat grass and leaves. At about ten weeks of age, fawns are no longer dependent on milk, although they continue to nurse occasionally into the fall. During August, all deer begin to grow their winter coat and fawns lose their spots during this process.Should you find a fawn or other young wildlife, If You Care, Leave It There. In nearly all cases that is the best thing for the animal. DO NOT consider young wildlife as possible pets. This is illegal and is bad for the animal. Wild animals are not well suited for life in captivity and they may carry diseases that can be given to people. Resist the temptation to take them out of the wild. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about young wildlife, visit the DEC website . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Planning on starting a series of stories on "Favorite Fishing Spots," which will profile off-shore locations that continue to draw anglers year after year -- I'm talking about such places as the causeway on Otisco, or the breakwater at Verona Beach. I need some help here. Call me at 470-6066 or email me at [email protected] John Berry/The Post-StandardJohn Dobricki casts for trout recently on Limestone Creek.First off, sorry about filing this report a day late. I usually file it on Tuesday afternoon, but the carp fishing tournament in Baldwinsville and a personal problem caused me to be a bit scatterbrained.Anyway, here's the update on what's coming in this week's Outdoors pages of The Post-Standard.FRIDAY: Second in a three-part series on local year-round trout streams. This week we visit Limestone Creek. We go fishing with a John Dobricki, local angler who's wet his line on these waters for more than 20 years and tell what makes this stream so special for him (and others).Column: Wrapup of several things, including last weekend's birdathon, an eye-opening hike some locals are planning to take and a run-in I had recently with a tree-climbing ground hog.SUNDAY: Staff Photographer Jim Commentucci writes and supplies the photos for a recent morel hunting expedition. These are tasty wild mushrooms.Column: Still mulling my options.. 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.-Folks I'd like to get in contact with for future stories/columns:- Planning on starting a series of stories on "Favorite Fishing Spots," which will profile off-shore locations that continue to draw anglers year after year -- I'm talking about such places as the causeway on Otisco, or the breakwater at Verona Beach. I need some help here.- Someone who fishes on Oneida Lake the old-fashion way, pulling copper wire for walleyes. - Individuals who has, continues to successfully hunt wild boar in the Cortland County/Onondaga county area.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

Wild Carp Week continues Wednesday with the start of the JGB Triathlon -- three, individual, day-long competitions that include the Big Carp Challenge (Wednesday), Watch video Cousins Dan Kelsey, of Attica, and Jason Long, of Batavia, promised they wouldn’t oversleep this time around.The two were the top-finishing team Tuesday in the 50-hour, Wild Carp Classic on the Seneca River. They bested 45 other teams in the competition which ended at noon.The two won $5,400 for having caught 57 fish weighing 956 pounds and 8 ounces. They will also get an additional $1,080 for having the biggest common carp — a 39-pound, 13-ounce lunker that Kelsey reeled in at about 9:30 a.m. Monday morning.As the tournament was about to end, Long jokingly recalled how in 2008 when they finished second in this competition they went back to their hotel rooms after the grueling competition and promptly fell asleep, missing the awards ceremony.Not this time, they promised. The two will also receive a $600 voucher toward a future Wild Carp Companies competition. Taking second was Kent Appleby and Bill Markle, both of Pulaski, who logged 45 fish for a total weight of 799 pounds, 4 ounces. They won $3,240, along with a $400 voucher toward a future tournamentFinishing third were Chris Jackson and Scott Russell, of Pennsylvania and Texas, respectively. They landed 40 fish, with a total weight of 784 pounds, 6 oz. They won $2,592 and plus a $300 voucher. They also won The Big Four award (total weight of four largest fish), earning $1,080 for their final tally of 129 pounds, 9 ounces.Leading early on and fading to fourth on the final day was the determined duo of Christine Stout and Justin Keaton, from Indianapolis, who drove 10 hours to Baldwinsville to compete. They caught 47 fish, totaling 765 pounds, 3 ounces.The biggest mirror carp (a species of carp with scales that some say resemble mirrors) was caught by the New Jersey team of Attila Agh and Matt Janiszewski. It weighed 24 pounds, 11 ounces. They won $1,080.Wild Carp Week continues today with the start of the JGB Triathlon -- three, individual, day-long competitions that include the Big Carp Challenge (today), the Big 4 Challenge (Thursday) and the Total Weight Challenge (Friday).For more, see the Wild Carp Companies Web site carp or click on “Wild Carp Classic” on Facebook.For more on the Wild Carp Classic, see Wednesday's edition of The Post-Standard.2012 Wild Carp Tournament Results View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Dan Kelsey, of Attica, and Jason Long, of Batavia, finished at the top of the pack in the 50-hour-long competition, which ended at noon today. The two caught 57 fish weighing a total of 956 pounds and 8 ounces. They also caught the biggest fish of the tournament. Ellen Blalock/The Post-StandardJason Long and Dan KelseyCousins Dan Kelsey, of Attica, and Jason Long, of Batavia, teamed up to win the Wild Carp Classic today on the Seneca River.The two had the most total weight of fish, catching 57 for a total of 956 pounds and 8 ounces. There were 45, two-person teams entered in the 50-hour, catch-and-release style tournament which began at 11 a.m. Sunday and ended at noon today.The two won $5,400 for having the most weight. They will also get an additional $1,080 for having the biggest fish -- a 39-pound, 13-ounce lunker that Kelsey reeled in at about 9:30 a.m. this morning.The team has fished the Seneca River carp tournament for the past five years, finishing second in 2008. Following their finish that year, the two returned to their hotel room and fell asleep, missing the award presentation.Not this time, they promised."We don't have a room. We'll wait in our truck," Kelsey said, referring to today's 4 p.m. awards banquet.Other official finishes and results will be available at 4 p.m., according to Jason Bernhardt, tournament co-director. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

."I just want others to know we do have river monsters out here and I know there'seven bigger ones out there!!" he said. Submitted photoNick Swanberg, of Baldwinsville holds up a 20-pound catfish he caught recently near the Three Rivers area.He wrote: "It's not everyday you see a channel cat like this one pulled out of the water around here and happens to be one of my biggest fish and Ive been fishing my whole life. The other fish that I caught that could rival it was a 46 -inch northern pike I caught in the same spot years ago. I'm an advocate for catch and release so I landed it, took a few photos and let it go on its way, but most people I show the photos to say it's the biggest fish they've ever seen someone catch around here so I'm pretty proud of it."I was fishing in Caughdenoy and nothing was biting so I decided to head to the spot nearThree Rivers that I knew of. I set up everything and within 5 minutes I had this fish hooked, my buddy didn't even have his pole in the water yet, it took about 10-15 minutes to land and once in the net it almost broke it, When we got it on land my buddy and Ilooked at each other and were like "no way" This thing was huge!! I caught it using a simple bobber and bass shiner combination.""I just want others to know we do have river monsters out here and I know there'seven bigger ones out there!!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog