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OUR MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Due to the win: Orwell, Laney, and Trout Brook are open to the anglers to fish. New developments are in the process. The DEC in their infinite wisdom are once again trying to put a stop to snagging. This time they are trying to limit floating diving lures (CRANKBAITS) to a single free swinging hook attached to the body (Jay Plugs, Hot+Tots, Rapalas etc.). Also up for rule changes, is use of sinkers below the hook. At the same time they are trying to slip in shortening of the leader to a maximum of 4ft. We believe that after many years of evolution to the point that we are now at, that this is a critical mistake and will bring back the old practice of captain rip tear (snagging). A Public meeting was held this summer (2001), and even with the hand picked panel of their choice, they were shown that the public was in favor of a long leader. Even so they plan to forge ahead implementing these new laws. The next step will be placing these rule changes in the state register: on or about Jan 2002.

At this time December 27,2001 the DEC has posted rule changes for the year 2002!!!Here are the ones on the Great Lakes + Salmon River

(4) Decrease daily creel limit for walleye in Lake Erie from 5 fish/ day to 4 fish/day

(5) Increase the minimum size limit for muskellunge and tiger muskellunge to 48 inches in the Upper Niagara River (downstream of the Peace Bridge), the Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River

(6) Increase the minimum size limit for muskellunge and tiger muskellunge to 54 inches in Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River (upstream of the Peace Bridge)

(7) Decrease the daily creel limit of trout and salmon in the Lower Niagara River to 3 fish/day in any combination

(8) Establish, through regulations, rules currently posted on site governing fishing in the two fly-fishing only/ catch-and-release areas on the Salmon River

(9) For the Salmon River and its tributaries: Change the dates when Special Regulations are in effect from September 1 through March 31, to August 15 through April 15.

(10) For tributaries located in Oswego and Cayuga Counties from September 1 through March 31; the Salmon River and its tributaries, from August 15 through April 15, except from Lake Ontario upstream to the Route 3 bridge from April 1 through April 15; and the Genesee River from the Driving Park Bridge upstream to the Lower Falls from September 1 through November 30: Weight may not be added to the line, leader, swivels, artificial fly or lure in any manner such that the weight hangs lower than the attached hook, artificial fly or lure when the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod.

(11) For tributaries located in Oswego and Cayuga Counties, except the Oswego River, from September 1 through March 31; the Salmon River and its tributaries from August 15 through October 31; and the Genesee River from the Driving Park Bridge upstream to the Lower Falls from September 1 through November 30: Use of more than one hook, and use of hooks with more than one point are prohibited.

(12) For the Salmon River and its tributaries from August 15 through April 15, and all other tributaries from September 1 through March 31: - The distance between the hook, artificial fly or lure and any weight attached to the line or leader, whether fixed or sliding, may not exceed four feet. - Hooks must be attached to a floating lure with a ring or swivel. - The distance between the body of a floating lure and the points of any attached hooks may not exceed one and one-half inches.

(13) Close Trout Brook, Orwell Brook and their tributaries to fishing from November 1 through April 15

In keeping with there normal policy of trying to slip one in on the public, they are once again trying to close the side creeks of the salmon river(#13). This was not discussed at the meetings and once again it is not being done according to the proper process of rule changes. Also note on rule #9 that although it was agreed upon to change the special salmon river regulations to Aug 15 in order to protect early run salmon. THERE WAS NO AGREEMENT OR MENTION OF CHANGING THE DATE IN THE SPRING (WHEN THERE ARE NO SALMON IN THE RIVER) TO APRIL 15. AT THIS TIME THE RIVER IS RUNNING VERY HIGH WITH SPRING RUNOFF AND THE ONLY PLACE TO FISH IS THE SIDE CREEKS.

In order to make your voice heard you can send them a letter stating your opinion on this matter. The only way to be sure to get a response to your opinion is to send carbon copies to these other interested Government Offices.

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