Best wishes from our staff for a healthy and Happy New Year!
This report courtesy of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning.
Oswego River report:
The river has been running between 11,000cfs and 14,000cfs over the last few days. This morning it is just under 13,000cfs. This flow still makes much of the river unfishable. Down behind the hotels along the walkway would be a suggested spot to try. Driftboats are active on the river again although very cold temperatures over the next few days may cause some ice conditions. 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, click on the Brookfield Varick Fish Safely Brochure below.
Click here for the Brookfield Varick Fish Safely Brochure:
Click here for the current water flow.
According to Capt. Kevin Davis of Catch the Drift:
We were able to get back on the water over the weekend. Saturday, even with the high, colored water, we picked at them in every spot. Sunday was a tough bite but we did manage to get a young angler his first steelhead and a little more action throughout the trip.
Pulaski area/Salmon River report:
According to Salmon Heaven Lodge:
On Saturday we had a good outing with fish caught on floats and flies. There are a lot of fish between Altmar and Pineville. The hot items were an Oregon cheese egg imitation and blue egg sacs under floats. There are a lot of fresh, chrome fish with some darker fish that have been in the river longer mixed in.
According to Whitaker’s Sport Shop and Motel:
With the cold and wind on Monday, most of the anglers we spoke with headed home early. A few groups toughed it out and got into some fish in the upper end of the river between Altmar and Pineville. The Lower Fly Zone, Schoolhouse, Wire Hole, Trestle Pool, Pineville and Sportsman saw some action. Egg sacs, beads, single egg patterns and nymphs are working well.
According to Douglaston Salmon Run:
Yesterday morning’s fishing report from one rugged angler who braved the cold temperatures is that there are still plenty of fish hanging around but things were starting to get a little slushy. Flows are to remain at 500cfs through midnight tonight, but daytime temperatures are expected to be in the teens and single digits over the next few days. With snow along with a wind chill below 0 at times, it will be very cold so dress warm if you plan to come out.
Click here for the current water flow.
Oneida Lake report:
The cold temperatures this week are definitely working in the ice angler’s favor. Areas such as Big Bay and Constantia have some solid ice with very little snow cover. Heavy lake effect snow is predicted for Oswego County tonight but we will have to see how much accumulation we get. The coldest temperatures of the season are expected Thursday and Friday. Anglers are finding a decent walleye bite and crappie and blue gills are active in the Big Bay area.
Sandy Pond report:
According to Woody’s Tackle:
The forecast for this week was correct as we are experiencing some cold temperatures. More ice is building daily. Anglers have found a perch bite with a few pike mixed in. Heavy lake effect snow is predicted this evening and overnight so we will have to see how much accumulation we get on the pond.