Local Officials Provide Update on Oswego River Fishing Access

by Contributor | September 25, 2025 2:27 pm

OSWEGO COUNTY – The fall salmon run is a time when anglers come to Central New York in droves to enjoy a world-class fishery. 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. New in 2025, is the re-development of West First Street (NYS Rte. 48) in Oswego, which began on June 2.

Oswego County and City officials acknowledge the frustration anglers feel about ongoing construction and ask for their continued patience and cooperation.

“We work hard to make sure residents and visitors have the best fishing experience possible here,” said Daniel Breitweg, deputy director of Oswego County Tourism. “Despite the current situation, the Oswego River remains a largely accessible fishery.”

He added, “It’s also important to remember that, when these construction projects are finished, anglers will enjoy better access to portions of the Oswego River for many years to come. Until then, public safety remains our biggest concern, so we want to make sure that everyone knows where they can be and how to get there safely.”

Anglers can access the Oswego River at the following locations:

• West Riverwalk behind Bridie Manor Restaurant
• 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. Night fishing is not allowed in these areas.

While river access behind the U.S. Post Office on West First Street remains closed pending further repairs, there are many other river and road entry points available along that stretch, as well as public parking locations.

Pedestrian access to the river is available through road construction on West First Street at:

• Bridie Manor Drive
• north of, and in front of, Napa Auto Parts
• on either side of, and in front of, the post office
• at the public parking lot south of the post office

Angler 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

County officials are also working with Ritch Batchelor of RTB Tackle – the only tackle shop in the city of Oswego – to help make fishing nets available to anglers. With drop-nets that reach to the river at its lowest level, anglers can haul in their catches without putting themselves in danger of entering the closed-off sections of the Riverwalk.

In addition, Oswego City Mayor Robert Corradino issued an executive order on July 22 of this year, allowing night fishing along East and West Linear Park from the Railroad Bridge to the mouth of the Oswego River.

“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 the concerned residents and anglers who reached out on this issue. Your voices matter.”

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 borrow one at no charge from the Oswego East Side Fire Station at 35 E. Cayuga St. or rent one for $1 at RTB Bait and Tackle at 1830 Bridie Manor, Oswego.

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[1].

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/local-officials-provide-update-on-oswego-river-fishing-access/

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