Fishing Access to ‘the High Wall’ and Leto Island Remains Closed

OSWEGO COUNTY – It’s that time of year when the Oswego River is once more filled with hopeful anglers eager to reel in a record catch – a real fish story to tell their friends!

“The fall salmon run is a time when anglers come to Central New York in droves to enjoy a world-class fishery,” said Daniel Breitweg, deputy director of Oswego County Tourism. “With access to Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, the Oswego and Salmon rivers, and dozens of bountiful tributaries, lakes and ponds, Oswego County is a renowned fishing destination.”

The Oswego River, one of those prime locations, has experienced fishing access issues in recent years due to various construction projects and safety issues. Currently, the riverwalk area located behind the U.S. Post Office, known as ‘the high wall,’ and Leto Island, located in the river behind the post office, both remain closed to the public.

Oswego County and City officials acknowledge the frustration anglers feel about the situation.

“We try to make sure residents and visitors have the best fishing experiences possible here,” said Breitweg. “However, public safety is our first concern, so we ask that everyone follow the signage to ensure a safe and fun experience.”

Oswego City Mayor Rob Corradino agreed. “The City is proud to support a vital recreational activity with a balance of community access and public safety,” said Mayor Corradino. “I want to thank our residents and visitors for their continued patience and cooperation as we continue to make Oswego a celebrated destination.”

Both officials also noted that, despite the ongoing issues with ‘the high wall’ and Leto Island, the Oswego River is still a largely accessible fishery, with many other river and road entry points available along West First Street, as well as public parking locations.

Anglers can access the Oswego River at the following locations:

• West Riverwalk behind Bridie Manor Restaurant
• Behind public parking lot south of the post office to the Brookfield Renewable U.S. power plant, including the “switchback” wheelchair accessibility ramp
• Varick Dam
• Both sides of the Oswego River north of Utica Street to the mouth of the river
• Oswego harbor around Breitbeck Park and Cahill Pier
  • Please note that all city parks are open from dawn to dusk and night fishing is not allowed in these areas.

Parking is allowed at no charge in the following public lots on West First Street:

• south of Bridie Manor Restaurant
• around the former Ritz Diner
• south of the U.S. Post Office
• in the former Shapiro Motors property (between Niagara and Ohio streets)

With the re-development of West First Street (NYS Rte. 48) last year, there is also ample, and free, off-street parking on either side of the roadway south of the post office. The free public parking lot at the former Shapiro Motors property, 410 W. First St., was also established.

Ritch Batchelor of RTB Tackle – the only tackle shop in the city of Oswego – also works to enhance anglers’ fishing experience, especially with access to ‘the high wall’ area being limited. He worked with county and city officials to install drop nets in that section for anglers to use at no charge for hauling up their catches.

Anglers are also reminded that life vests or personal floatation devices (PFDs) are required for everyone wading into the Oswego River. People who don’t have a PFD can go to RTB Bait and Tackle, located at 1830 Bridie Manor, Oswego, and rent one for $3 or purchase their own.

These PFDs, life rings and throw bags are available thanks to Brookfield Renewable US and the Oswego City Fire Department. Some of these items have also been placed at river safety stations located and marked along the Oswego River for quick accessibility in the event of an emergency.

For more information about Oswego County’s year-round fishery, including locations, river guides and resources, or to request a free Fishing and Hunting Guide, go to www.visitoswegocounty.com.