DEC Announces Record Breaking Fishing

[mudflat]

DEC Delivers Press Release -Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Share or view as a web page || Update preferences or unsubscribe   DEC Announces Record-Breaking Fishing in Lake Ontario Survey Reveals Catch Rates of Chinook Salmon Double the Five-Year Average during Spring and Early Summer 2018 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that fishing for trout and salmon in Lake Ontario has set records this year, with veteran anglers reporting some of the best fishing in decades. "The New York waters of Lake Ontario provide a world-famous recreational fishery for trout and salmon, and fishing has been exceptional this summer," Commissioner Seggos said. "Preliminary results from the Lake Ontario Fishing Boat Survey indicate that fishing for Chinook salmon has been outstanding along the entire New York shoreline." Fishing success is measured by "catch rate," which is the number of fish caught per boat trip. The catch rate for Chinook salmon during April to June 2018 set a record that was 227 percent above the previous five-year average. The catch rate for all trout and salmon species combined also surpassed the previous record high, more than 37 percent above the previous five-year average. Fishing for brown trout and coho salmon has also been excellent in 2018, with catch rates 38 and 21 percent higher than their respective, previous five-year averages. Atlantic salmon represent a relatively small portion of the Lake Ontario fishery but catch rates for Atlantic salmon were 73 percent above the previous five-year average. Chuck Parker, President of the New York State Conservation Council (NYSCC), said, "This is the second year in a row that the take of Chinook has been above average at Oswego, as reported by Council members. There are so many variables that can and do affect the quality of the fishing opportunities we have. We at the NYSCC recognize that the science-based management practices of the DEC's Bureau of Fisheries are an integral force in sustaining the New York's world class Lake Ontario fishery." Captain Vince Pierleoni, of Olcott, said, "It's the best Chinook fishing I've seen since 1989." Captain Bob Songin, of Pt. Breeze, said, "The fishing out of Wilson Harbor to the Niagara River has been spectacular, with many Chinook and coho salmon hitting as well as the occasional lake trout mixed in." Fishing for Chinook salmon and brown trout has also been great in Eastern Lake Ontario with large numbers of fish caught all along the shoreline. Oswego produced a 28.1-pound Chinook salmon that won the grand prize in the Spring Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Trout and Salmon Derby. Lake Ontario is consistently ranked among the top fishing destinations in the country by national publications. Lake Ontario and its embayments and tributaries comprise more than 2.7 million acres and support thriving populations of fish, including a variety of trout, salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch, and panfish. A recent statewide angler survey estimated that more than 2.6 million angler days were spent on Lake Ontario and major tributaries. The estimated value of these fisheries exceeded $112 million annually to local economies. DEC encourages anglers to head out on Lake Ontario and experience some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the U.S. Additional information about fishing Lake Ontario can be found on DEC's website. https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation respects your right to privacy and welcomes your feedback  |  Update preferences or unsubscribe  |  Learn more about DEC Delivers. Connect with DEC:          Are you registered to vote? Register to vote or update your information online today or search your voter registration status.. Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor  *  Basil Seggos, Commissioner

[Todd in NY]

That's great news, but it didn't seem like a record breaking season for those of us fishing out of the Henderson area.

[Todd in NY]

Oh wait... maybe the worst walleye fishing in many years...

[GAMBLER]

That's great news, but it didn't seem like a record breaking season for those of us fishing out of the Henderson area.

It was for the rest of the South shore. This season was insane for all salmonids.


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[Lucky13]

On the Canadian side of the lake, not so much!

[GAMBLER]

On the Canadian side of the lake, not so much!

The fishing was good just not what they are used to. Lots of two year olds and not many three from the reports I read.


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[Todd in NY]

4 hours ago, GAMBLER said:

It was for the rest of the South shore. This season was insane for all salmonids.


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Yep, the south shore and the northeast shore (US side) are two completely different fisheries. This summer proved that beyond a doubt. I'm glad you guys on the south shore had a great year.

[Gill-T]

Definitely a record breaker for my boat.  When you only catch 20 salmon because of an East wind and you wonder why the bite is off .....you realize your prospective has changed.  Here is some good Canadian FUBAR TV.  

 

 

[Frogger]

We should give praise to the fisheries, volunteer groups for pen project etc. A lot of concerns last year with lake trout and sticking levels and such. Glad they made it what it was this year! Sure was a bunch of work done to create it for us.


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[Gill-T]

Lots of cool stuff being done on both sides of the lake.  Here is a how a video bean counter is being used on Canadian side.  Great management tool that will help keep track of the health of run.

 

 

[tuffishooker]

On ‎8‎/‎31‎/‎2018 at 10:48 AM, GAMBLER said:

fishing

Ditto for us on south Canadian side not great !

[jimski2]

Both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario suffer a warm water condition in the North Eastern basins in the late summer due to generally prevailing South West winds where warm surface winds stack up to the Lake bottom and cold water fish end up moving westward seeking their preferred water temperatures.


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