| More updates coming... For fishing info
see the fishing conditions page. Good news for Oak Orchard River
public fishing access! Hard work and a spirit of cooperation allow for trout
and salmon fishing on the Oak Orchard! Anglers are surely thankful for Orleans
County's efforts and the good spirit of the negotiating party. See the following
Orleans County press release... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday
September 21, 2007 Contact:
Wayne Hale,
Jr.
whale@orleansny.com
585/589-3187 Orleans
County signs agreement for Oak Orchard River Access The
Orleans County Legislature has signed a three year lease agreement with a local
landowner to provide year-round public fishing access on the Oak Orchard River
at an annual cost of $7,500. The agreement provides over 4,000 linear feet of
river access on a portion of the east river bank for fall, winter and spring world-class
fly fishing for trout and salmon. The free public fishing area includes the renowned
"Sycamore Hole," a mid-stream island and part of the peninsula north
of the power dam. "We felt that opening this part of the river again to the
public was important to enhance the economic impact on our restaurants, lodging
bussinesses, and tackle shops," said George Bower, County Legislature chairman,
who with Legislator Ken Rush, negotiated the agreement. The NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation estimates that anglers produce $9 million in annual
expenditures while fishing Orleans County. Rules
have been adopted and will be posted along with a map of the site, officially
named, 'Oak Orchard River Access Area.' Anglers are encouraged above all to respect
the rights of the area property owners and to observe posted signs while enjoying
the world-class fishery. There is ample public and private parking available.
The new land should be accessed via the North and South NYSDEC access points.
As with any stream fishing, care should be taken on trails and in swift moving
water.
Thanks to OOBA (Oak Orchard Business Association,
www.oakorchardba.org) for the Oak Orchard River cleanup on April 18, 2009.
The community minded volunteers picked up trash along the waterway and parking
areas keeping it looking good for all to enjoy. Tributary Fly Fishing
Class will be held in March 2010. Tentative Saturday date of Mar 20th. Join
us and shop guides for the spring class for a whole day of instruction. Run timing,
casting, equipment and the three main fly fishing techniques are covered. Everything
beginners or intermediates need to know to get started in fly fishing for Great
Lakes tributary trout and salmon will be covered. Lunch is provided and call soon
585 682 4546 to reserve your spot. Lodging dates available for
summer 2009 and fall 2009. Call soon for fall 2009 reservations. Reservation
cancellations are required at least two days in advance or charges will be incurred.
Day before arrival cancellations will incur charges. Sportsman's Archers
Club of St. Mary's Fly Fishing Contest will be held on Oct 21, 22, and 23, 2009.
No contestant will likely go away hungry or thirsty from the three days of
great fun! Join the Archers Club for the three day contest including breakfast
and lunch with lots of prizes and parking for 2009. Sign up early and park and
fish all week. Thanks to the Archer's Club who have been staunch supporters of
out of the area fishermen. Contact us Fly
tying class completed Jan/Feb 2008/2009. A 6 week class on Thursday evenings
at 600PM. All materials and tools are provided to tie three patterns each night.
Egg flies, buggers, nymphs and streamers are all covered. Call or email soon to
reserve your spot for 2009/2010. Right next door, The Carlton Four Seasons
Family Restaurant is now open. New owners have added a brand new kitchen
facility. A top notch eatery and now with bar open. Great food and drink also
awaits at Tillman's Village Inn 2 miles south on Route 98. Big
savings on tributary tackle like rods, reels, waders and wading jackets for the
summer! We have fly, float and spin gear with some great close-out savings.
Let us make you a great deal at a time when we can take some extra time to set
up a great rig for you. Just contact us and see what we can put together for you.
Also look for the red button to visit our
Big Tackle Sale and New Trib Gear page for other tackle sale items. The
Oak Orchard Pen Rearing Association received approx 82,500 King salmon and
14,000 steelhead for pen rearing on Apr 15, 2009. The nets are placed in the Oak
Orchard River at Lake Breeze Marina and the fish were released at the mouth of
the Oak Orchard. Many thanks to the Charter fishing community who shoulders most
of the work with often disappointing turnout from tributary fishermen.
Contact us to help out the Oak Orchard Pen Rearing Association with feeding or
cleaning in 2009. The NYSDEC concluded a two year Lake Ontario
tributary angler creel survey started in the fall of 2005 through 2007. The
survey will help DEC to continue to effectively manage the important trib fishery
and gather info on population trends, habitat preferences, angler effort and more.
Many anglers voiced their opinions about brown trout creel limits in the tribs
with support for a regulation change (similiar to the current steelhead trib limit).
Visit NYSDEC's website and comment on any proposed reg changes and/or comment
on the importance of brown trout creel limits. Working on behalf of the
Oak Orchard River (especially!) and WNY tribs, Licorice Man | 
