Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 26 in Altmar

September 14, 2009 Contributor
Children of all ages will be able to take part in a variety of activities at the DEC’s open house at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar. Pictured are DEC aquatic biologist Jim Everard and Oswego County Public Information Officer Jessica Burt at last year’s open house. Burt correctly identified a largemouth bass in the DEC’s fish identification game.
Children of all ages will be able to take part in a variety of activities at the DEC’s open house at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar. Pictured are DEC aquatic biologist Jim Everard and Oswego County Public Information Officer Jessica Burt at last year’s open house. Burt correctly identified a largemouth bass in the DEC’s fish identification game.

ALTMAR – A full day of children’s activities, fishing seminars and outdoor programs are planned for this year’s open house on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Saturday, Sept. 26, at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Salmon River Fish Hatchery.

This is the 14th annual open house at the hatchery, located at 2133 county Route 22 in Altmar. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. There is no admission charge.

“This is the one opportunity during the year where the public is able to access the working parts of the hatchery with a personal tour,” said Fran Verdoliva, Salmon River Program coordinator. “The underwater video camera will be installed in the fish ladder for an up-close look at the migrating salmon and trout. Visitors can watch migrating salmon, see an exhibit on rare and endangered fish, and learn about the many opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation along the Salmon River.”

A special carp fishing seminar with guide Mike McGrath will be held Friday evening, Sept. 25 in the hatchery auditorium. McGrath will share carp angling techniques and his experiences on the Lake Ontario tributaries at 7:30 p.m. Space is limited to 75 people and pre-registration is required. Call 315-298-7605 or stop by the hatchery and register at the lobby desk.

Visitors to the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar get a close-up view of salmon on their fall migration. The hatchery will host an open house on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 26. (Photo courtesy of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.)
Visitors to the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar get a close-up view of salmon on their fall migration. The hatchery will host an open house on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 26. (Photo courtesy of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.)

On Saturday, visitors can learn how to cast, tie flies, and fly fish. There are several activities for children, including fish identification, the popular “Backyard Bass” and “Hook and Ladders” fishing programs. The very popular Oswego County Cooperative Extension 4-H Shooting Sports lazer shooting range (a simulation hunting/trapshooting game) will be on site and tours of the falls will be available.

Tours of the hatchery will be given every 30 minutes starting at 10:30 a.m.

Along with the special presentations, many conservation organizations and agencies will provide exhibits and information about outdoor recreation and conservation in the Salmon River ecosystem.

Members of the Sea Grant Salmon River Stewards Program will conduct tours of the nearby Salmon River Falls. The 110-foot waterfall offers trails and viewing areas with spectacular scenery. A new trail stairway to the top of the falls was completed this summer. To register for a scheduled tour, e-mail [email protected] or sign up at the hatchery open house at the Sea Grant table.

The Lake Ontario Steelhead Association (LOSA) will demonstrate float-rod fishing and fly fishing techniques in stream fishing workshops at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Class size is limited to 10 persons. To pre-register, call Verdoliva at 315-298-7605 or sign up at the desk in the hatchery lobby or at the LOSA table.

Also on Saturday, the Greater Pulaski Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce will host an open house from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the nearby International Sportfishing Museum. Author and noted angler Dr. Bob Rock will demonstrate fly-tying. Refreshments will be available.

The museum features the former “South Bend Gladding Collection” of fishing gear, artwork and literature about the history of the sportfishing industry. The museum is located in the Salmon River Visitor Center, 3044 state Route 13, about two miles west of the fish hatchery.

For more information contact the Salmon River Hatchery at (315) 298-7605. missing or outdated ad config

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