Syracuse.com - Figura writing about rainbow trout egg collection, gizzard shad and frisky birds

[HuntingNY-News]

I'd like to do something about the early spring brown trout fishing on Lake Ontario. Last spring it was on fire.

DEC staff strip wild rainbow trout of its eggs at the DEC-run fishway on the Cayuga Lake Inlet. David Figura | [email protected]  

Ok, it's spring and lots of things are starting to really ramp up on the Central New York outdoors scene.

Things I've been working on this week, along with my Syracuse University Intern Sarah Taddeo, include:

- the DEC's annual collection of wild rainbow trout eggs from spawning trout in the Cayuga Lake inlet.

- Last fall's gizzard shad bloom in Oneida Lake..will affect the walleye fishing on opening day in a few weeks?

- the annual yellow spotted lizard migration at Labrador Hollow

- Spring. It's the time when birds 'do it." Intern Sarah Taddeo interviews bird expert Laura Erickson to find out interesting facts, including which birds are the early breeders, the late breeders, the most prolific breeders....and other stuff.

- The new, TV mini-series "The Run," a four show series about the Salmon River that's airing on the Sportsman's Channel later this month.

- Climate change (variability, is a better word), and how it's affecting ice fishing, skiing/snowboarding...along with wildlife (birds, insects and plant life). This is part of an Earth Day package we're working on for April 22. No mention of cause. Just the facts of what scientist are seeing out there.

- An update on crossbow legislation.

Other "stuff" I'm working on:

- The early spring brown trout bite on Lake Ontario.

- An update on the Governor's "gag order" on the DEC.

- Commercial gill net fishing for perch on Lake Ontario 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.

- bullhead fishing (Note to readers of this report, give me a heads up as soon as the bite starts. -- [email protected] or 470-6066)

- DEC study on wild turkeys

- A proposal to turn Onondaga County into a rifle county for deer 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.

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