This report courtesy of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning.
Oswego River report
The river flow has again been up and down over the last few days running between 4,800 and 7,200cfs. This morning it is running at 6,800cfs. There has not been much to report from the river. The City received over two feet of snow overnight on Tuesday and with the bitter cold temperatures and wind chills, there has not been much activity. When conditions moderate, look for steelhead and rainbows throughout the river.
Notice: The bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) zones on the river. For more information, visit our website at www.visitoswegocounty.com and click on the Fishing Report along the top bar on the home page.
Salmon River report:
According to the Douglaston Salmon Run:
It was cold and quiet on the run yesterday. We did not have any anglers venture out on the water. As far as the trail and water conditions, we received about three feet of snow over the past few days and everyone has been digging their way out. At the DSR, we’ve cleared the trails to each set of steps and cleared the steps but beyond that, it’s a trail waiting to be blazed. The water temperature is 31 degrees and is running at 335cfs.
According to Whitaker’s Sport Shop & Motel:
Wednesday was another cold day and the temperature was in the single digits for most of the day. We did have calm conditions along with some sunshine in the afternoon. Slush ice was a factor in the lower end of the river and it did not clear. The few anglers we spoke with reported that slush ice was not a factor in the mid to upper end of the river. They also reported that most of the public access parking lots had been cleared. Very cold temperatures are expected over the next several days.
Oneida Lake report:
The ice we have been waiting for is forming with the very cold temperatures we are experiencing. Winds early in the week made for wavy conditions on the lake causing some uneven ice so be careful as you go. With the forecasted very cold temperatures over the next week, conditions should steadily improve. Anglers are reporting about 5 inches on Big Bay and areas along the north shore. As always, check the ice as you venture out.
Sandy Pond report:
According to Woody’s Tackle:
We were waiting for cold temperatures – and now we have them. With cold temperatures the last few days and the thermometer not expected to reach 20 degrees over the next week, the ice fishing season is about to begin. Anglers have been on the pond but the area also received significant snowfall this week. Please use caution if you venture out and check the ice as you go.
Winter Trails Report:
Snowmobiling:
According to the Mexico Trail Riders:
All three groomers have been out tonight and are still going. We are currently working on opening gates on the power lines. Tucker 1 has gone from Lycoming to George Rd. tucker 2 has gone from the groomer barn to Town Park and on to the Eis House. There has been a small tril change in Webers Field where the junction is in the center of the field. Please follow the detour and watch for logging equipment. Tucker 3 has some mechanical issues on the trail in Palermo so please use caution.
According to the Redfield Snowmobile Club:
We have received lots of snow – more to the north with a little less to the south. Some areas received 4-5 feet of snow. We were able to groom all of the trails south of town. It was very difficult to do the trails to the north after the heavy snowfall but we have been working on them the last couple of days. As always please use caution and stay on the trails.
According to the Pulaski/Boylston Snowmobile Club:
Crews have been out opening trails. This is not a fast process as there are many downed trees that need to be cut and also many huge water holes that need to be filled. We have gotten some great snow system wide but it fell on very wet ground that did not have a chance to freeze. This has taken its toll on our equipment and volunteers. Crews have been working every day either on the trails or on the equipment.
According to the Square Valley Trail Blazers:
Trails are open but expect fair conditions in areas where we still have some water holes. The snow has helped along with the cold so things are improving quickly. We are doing our normal daily grooming.
According to Winona Forest Recreation Association:
The trails received about 5 feet of new snow this week. The road crossings have 7-10 foot banks. We were able to break open most of the main corridor trails, widen and pack them with the roller.
Cross Country Skiing:
According to the Winona Forest Recreation Association:
Four to five feet of snow fell in the area this week. We were able to get Bill’s Belly, Winona Way and Sally’s Ride broken open on Wednesday. Yesterday Winona Way to Hawley was groomed and tracked. Opened other trails last night so most trails should be groomed and tracked for the weekend.
