| More updates coming... For fishing info
and bridge construction info see the 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 LOSA (Lake Ontario Steelhead Association,
www.losafishing.com) and OOBA (Oak Orchard Business Association,www.oakorchardba.org)
for the Oak Orchard River cleanup on April 19, 2008. The community minded
volunteers picked up trash along the waterway and parking areas keeping it looking
good for all to enjoy. Tributary steelhead Fly Fishing Class was held
on Sat, April 5, 2008. Join us and shop guides for the fall class on Oct 04, 2008
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 spring/summer 2008. Reservations
now accepted for fall 2008. Call soon to reserve your stay for brown trout,
steelhead or salmon action. Sportsman's Archers Club of St. Mary's Fly
Fishing Contest on Oct 22, 23 and 24, 2008. No contestant will 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. Sign
up early and park and fish all week. Applications at the shop or email us. 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. 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. The
Carlton Hojack Station restaurant is now unfortunately closed. Great food
and drink still awaits at the Village Inn 2 miles south on Route 98. Some
tremendous savings on rods, reels, waders and wading jackets with our End of Season
Sale. The long cold winter and bridge construction on Route 98 has left us
overstocked on gear and we are hoping to blow most of it out for the summer months.
See the conditions page for details on savings up to 20% off. The Oak
Orchard Pen Rearing Association received approx 46,000 King salmon and 15,000
steelhead for pen rearing in Apr 2008. The nets are placed in the Oak Orchard
River at Lake Breeze Marina and the fish will be 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. 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) building
for the next appropriate reg cycle. Working on behalf of the Oak Orchard
River (especially!) and WNY tribs, Licorice Man | 
