City Of Oswego, New York Executive Order No. 2025-06 Authorizing Overnight Fishing In Designated Areas

OSWEGO –  The City of Oswego is a world-famous destination for sport fishing, from professional anglers who trawl the Oswego Harbor and waterways to recreationalists who enjoy casting off the Oswego River. As Mayor, I recognize the opportunities to fish are not always confined to daylight hours, and some of the best fishing in Oswego occurs overnight, after the sun sets and certain species of fish turn out to feed. No better example is the renowned presence of walleye along the Oswego River, especially at night. Night fishing for walleye is a popular and effective method, as walleye are known to be more active feeders in the dark, often moving into shallower areas to hunt. Successful night fishing for walleye involves understanding their behavior, using the right lures and techniques, and prioritizing safety.

Nearly one year ago, in response to several incidents involving people entering our public parks and other public spaces and often lingering throughout the night, the Common Council adopted modifications to Chapter 173, Parks and Recreation, closing playground areas, recreational/sporting facilities, and all Oswego City parks to all persons from sunset to sunrise, except for City-approved events. See, Chapter 173, §170-1.

Given the popularity of night fishing along the Oswego River, as well as the ability to control the limited number of individuals engaged in this recreational activity in a relatively confined area, I hereby declare night fishing a City-approved recreational/sporting activity designated for a certain area of the Oswego River as defined by the Oswego Police Department.

I hereby direct the Commissioner of Public Works to affix signs along the Oswego River in spaces designated by the Chief of Police or his designee that permit fishing during sunset and sunrise.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Departments will be working together to develop and install signs along waterways where overnight fishing is authorized. We ask for the public’s patience, flexibility and understanding as the City works diligently to execute this order.

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