Improvements and Repairs to Oswego’s West Riverwalk Continue

OSWEGO COUNTY – Fall will soon be in the air and that can only mean one thing: the annual “salmon run!” It’s a time when anglers the world over descend upon Oswego County to try their hand at reeling in a record catch – or taking home an incredible fish story. Home to New York State’s largest lakes, two renowned rivers and dozens of bountiful tributaries, lakes and ponds, Oswego County is ripe with opportunity.

Last year’s run saw access changes to the Oswego River, one of the area’s premiere fishing destinations. Construction had begun on its west bank to repair and stabilize the retaining wall and sidewalks that were compromised by flooding in 2019.

While much progress has been made over the last year and certain sections have re-opened, some rehabilitation efforts are ongoing. Oswego County and City officials announced the following updates to continue raising awareness about the project and ensure angler safety.

The section of riverwalk behind Bridie Manor Restaurant was completed and re-opened; however, access behind the U.S. Post Office on West First Street, or NYS Rte. 48, remains closed as the City of Oswego and its contractors work to assess additional damage found on-site.

Barton and Loguidice will perform a geotechnical analysis to evaluate this unstable portion known as the “high wall” and determine possible repair options.

City officials are pursuing additional funding from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and hazard mitigation sources to design and implement a permanent solution that will provide safe fishing access for years to come.

Oswego County and City officials acknowledge the frustration anglers feel about this set-back and ask for their patience going forward.

The City has made public parking available at the former Leon Shapiro Motors car dealership, 410 W. First St., located across from the public parking lot south of the post office.

County officials are 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 an extension handle net that reaches 12 feet or more, anglers can haul in their catches without putting themselves in danger of entering the closed-off sections of the riverwalk.

The Oswego River remains a largely accessible and viable fishery. Once again, the section of riverwalk on either side of Bridie Manor is now open following repairs over the last year. The portion of the “high wall” area from the public parking lot south of the post office up to the Brookfield Renewable U.S. power plant – including the “switchback” wheelchair accessibility ramp – remains open. Fishing continues to be allowed at the Varick Dam as well.

Anglers should also note that fishing on both sides of the Oswego River north of the Utica Street bridge to the mouth of the river continues to offer prime angling real estate – as does the area around Breitbeck Park in the Oswego Harbor.

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

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