This report courtesy of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning.
Oswego River report:
The water level has been gradually dropping over the last few days running at 3,300cfs this morning. The cold temperatures are still with us with daytime highs in the teens and nighttime lows below zero for a couple more days. The weekend shows some improvement.
According to Capt. Andy Bliss of Chasin’ Tail Adventures:
With the weather conditions we haven’t been out on the river much. But we are getting ready tuning up and re-spooling reels, new rods and new tackle. As long as it doesn’t warm up too fast we should have good water all the way into May. This will make for great steelhead fishing plus it will provide plenty of runoff to keep the brown trout action along the shoreline on fire!
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 the Douglaston Salmon Run:
The weather continues to be cold but not as cold as it has been the past month. We had about 20 degrees Tuesday, but with the windy conditions it felt much colder. Shelf and anchor ice are very prominent on the run. The closer we get to spring we will see some tolerable conditions. It only takes a couple degree bump to get fish active so take advantage of those days when we have a couple or more days above 40 and watch the steelhead explode out of their winter lethargy!
Oneida Lake report:
After very cold temperatures and wind chills, the weekend is looking better. That is until later Sunday when snow is in the forecast again. ATVs are out of the question for travelling on the lake. Snowmobiles are having some issues too with the slush under the snow. Those reports that we have received are indicating a slow bite for those who have made their way out. A few perch have been reported and an occasional walleye.
Sandy Pond report:
According to Dave Wood of Woody’s Tackle:
The weather forecast is showing signs of some warmer temperatures coming in for the weekend and the beginning of next week. The snow is deep and the bite has been slow. Anglers have found a crappie bite at Greene Point and a few pike but the perch activity has been non-existent.
Winter Trail Report
Cross Country Skiing:
According to the Winona Forest Recreation:
The annual Winona Forest Tourathon will take place this Saturday. If you haven’t register online, registration will only be open from 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. at the CCC Camp. We have excellent trail conditions – it’s going to be a great weekend to ski.
According to Hugh Quinn of the Osceola Tug Hill Ski Club:
We are expecting a chilly start on Saturday but not a lot of wind. High temperature should be about 16 with Sunday 23 and some afternoon snow. This will be a good weekend to ski with skate lanes and set tracks. We are probably 40-60 inches below normal for snowfall at this time and yet with the consistently cold temperatures, we have excellent conditions and a 30+ inch base.
Snowmobiling:
According to the Mexico Trail Riders:
S52 from Mexico to Parish was groomed yesterday. The MTR club/family ride will take place this Sunday, March 1. Plan to leave from the EIS House at 12:30, ride to Happy Valley, Altmar, Pulaski and back to Mexico on the rail bed: 45-50 miles total. All snowmobilers are welcome.
According to the Pulaski-Boylston Snowmobile Club:
TRAIL CLOSED ALERT!! We regret to inform you that the trail through the woods from Blount Mills Road to Route 17 near the Old Lake Effect Inn is currently CLOSED. Please respect the landowner’s decision and refrain from riding this trail. We will also not be able to groom outside the banks of Blount Mills Road as this property belongs to the same land owner. Use S51B to access Little John Road as an alternate. Thank you for your cooperation. Today all four groomers were out grooming the trails so we should have some very nice riding over the next few days.
According to the Redfield Snowmobile and Recreation Association:
Continued snow and cold combined with moderate traffic has resulted in some excellent conditions throughout the region. Regular grooming will continue through the week and weekend. Our BR180 now has some new idler wheels and went back in service last Thursday night. Fortunately we were able to keep up with the Tucker while it was down. Thanks to those who helped make it all happen!
