This report courtesy of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning.
Oswego River/Lake Ontario report:
After being between 12,000-13,000cfs for a few days, the river level has dropped to 10,500cfs this morning. The high levels make it challenging for shore anglers but the driftboats are enjoying successful trips. Anglers are finding steelhead and brown trout using trout beads, egg sacs and pink worms.
According to Capt. Kevin Davis of Catch the Drift:
We started the week with great weather and great fishing. Then a cold front came in which meant a tough bite. We still managed a double-digit day even with the brutal winds messing up our drift. We might have needed a bigger net for one that was lost. It was good to see a bunch of new steelhead showing up yesterday. It might be a good winter!
The bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are Mandatory Personal Flotation Device (PFD) zones on the Oswego River below the Varick Dam. For more information, view the Oswego County Tourism web site at www.visitoswegocounty.com and look for the fishing report under fishing and hunting. The Oswego Fire Department offers loaner life jackets at no charge through its “Loaner For Life” program. For more information contact the fire station, 35 E. Cayuga St., at 315-343-2161.
Salmon River report:
According to Garrett Brancy of the Douglaston Salmon Run:
Slush ice was a factor yesterday as it usually is this time of year. It was there until about 11 a.m. Anglers reported a tough day having covered a lot of water with little or no results. The water level is still high but coming down slowly. The water level is expected to remain at 750cfs through tomorrow evening.
According to Whitaker’s Sport Shop & Motel:
As of early this morning we picked up over 15 inches of lake effect snow overnight. We got mixed reports from anglers who fished the lower end of the river. One angler fishing the DSR landed some fresh fish while float fishing with blue egg sacs. A few anglers staying in the motel reported having a good day in the upper end of the river. Those who fly fished the upper end of the river reported doing well on stoneflies and single egg patterns.
Oneida Lake report:
Our above average temperatures have moved out and a good cold snap is settling in for the next few days with the exception of the weekend which will be near 40 degrees. Nighttime lows will be in the teens and single digits for early next week. Some very light ice is beginning to form on the surface of areas near Big Bay. We will keep you informed of conditions over the next few days.
Sandy Pond report:
The forecast was correct with temperatures dropping below freezing for a few days with the exception of this weekend. They will again dip into the teens with nighttime lows in the single digits as we go into next week. We will keep you updated with reports on ice formation.
