This report a courtesy of Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning.
The following notice has been posted for Lake Ontario waters:
Remember the area around the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Facility is off limits to boating. The restricted area stretches 1,000 yards offshore and extends from the Alcan plant to the Sunset Bay area along Lake Ontario, east of the city of Oswego.
Oswego River/Lake Ontario report:
Oswego River report:
The water level has dropped substantially running at just over 9,000cfs this morning but the artic air has arrived. It is expected to be very cold today and tomorrow with daytime temperatures only in the low teens and wind chill will be a factor. Temperatures are expected to moderate into the upper 20s for Sunday. Steelhead and brown trout are responding to the same bait – troutbeads, nightcrawlers, wax worms, eggs sacs and minnows.
Salmon River/Pulaski Area report:
According to Whitaker’s Sport Shop & Motel:
On Thursday we had high winds and lake effect snow which caused heavy squalls and white out conditions at times. Just a few anglers stopped into the shop and they reported hooking into a few fish in Altmar but did not land them. We are expecting a bit more lake effect snow along with very cold temperatures, so please check the weather. The water level will be running at 1,000cfs today and drop to 750cfs from later tonight through Monday night.
According to the Douglaston Salmon Run:
The power company is going to drop the water level some but not drastically. This should lead to some very good fishing for the next few days on the entire river. Some of the big tributaries should be good the next few days as well.
Oneida Lake report:
With the rain and snowmelt last week some of the shore ice was lost so getting on the ice may be more difficult. Ice thickness is varying around the lake with 2-10 inches reported so use extreme caution and check the ice frequently. Colder weather has returned so ice conditions should improve. The fishing reportedly remains slow.
Sandy Pond report:
According to Dave Wood of Woody’s Tackle:
It will be pretty cold on the ice, but the fishing is good. We have 10-14 inches of ice and the slush that was on the ice has frozen up with the colder temperatures. The perch bite remains good with emerald shiners and fathead minnows; northern pike bite has been good on large shiners and sucker minnows and jigs tipped with spikes are working for panfish.
Winter Trail Reports:
Cross Country Ski Trails:
According to Dick Drosse of Great Bear Recreation Association:
The rain last week had washed away snow on the trails and left some bare spots. Snow yesterday has lightly covered the trails. GB Road, side roads and some trails will be slippery. The north end of Purple/Tow Path and Flow Lands connecting the east mainland section of Purple will be icy/wet under the snow. Access between Whiskey Island and the mainland at the northeast end maybe impassable.
According to Hugh Quinn of the Osceola Tug Hill Ski Club:
Good skiing has returned this week. Tuesday night into Wednesday, we received 6 inches plus of snow and anther 6 inches since yesterday. We have gone from skiable but not much fun early in the week to mid season conditions in a couple of days. Trails have been groomed and tracks set. Looks to be another good weekend to enjoy skiing.
Snowmobile Trails:
According to the Redfield Sno-Rec Club:
We received heavy lake effect snow yesterday. We have 4-5 inches of new snow covering any icy base. Groomers have been out – north to SRR and on the south end.
According to the Mexico Trail Riders Snowmobile Club:
We have had a couple of days well below freezing and a little snow. Not enough to ride as yet, but maybe soon. Some snow is in the forecast for the next few days so we will have to see what happens.
According to the Square Valley Snowmobile Club:
We have been getting blowing and drifting snow with anywhere from 3 to 8 inches of new snow. Groomers have not gone out yet but it will be like starting over. With the rain and snow melting last week, conditions will likely be very icy.
