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Environment DEC


From the October 2007 issue

Low Water Levels force a Delay of Fishing Season on a Small Portion of the Salmon River

a Chinook salmonProviding enough Chinook salmon for hatchery egg production is the goal of the delay

In response to dry conditions and low water levels, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently delayed the opening of fly fishing catch-and-release season for one month along a quarter-mile stretch of the Salmon River in Altmar, Oswego County. The start date changed from September 15 to October 15 for this small portion of the river.

Area Affected by the Delay

The quarter-mile area affected runs from the County Route 52 bridge in Altmar to just below the mouth of Beaverdam Brook and is the staging area for trout and salmon waiting to enter DEC's Salmon River Fish Hatchery. As a result, fish density is high in this area. DEC is concerned that catch-and-release mortality would increase under current river conditions. Low flow, combined with relatively warm weather and high density will be stressful to fish health. DEC has already noticed higher mortality in the lower 15 miles of the Salmon River that remain open to angling.

Emergency Regulations Issued

DEC has issued emergency regulations to delay the season and provide necessary protection to fish in the lower fly area, ensuring that enough salmon will enter the hatchery to meet egg production requirements. Taking eggs from Chinook salmon at the hatchery begins on October 9. By mid-October, water temperatures should drop, and expected fall rains should increase base flows for the Salmon River, which should enhance fishing opportunities in the portion of the river affected by the delayed opening.

More Information

The special regulations fly-fishing area on the upper Salmon River, located above the hatchery, remains open to anglers. The Great Lakes section of DEC's Fishing Regulations Guide provides information about this and other special regulations.

DEC's Salmon River Fish Hatchery supplies almost all the trout and salmon for New York's world-renown Great Lakes fisheries. Each year, the hatchery stocks 3.5 million trout and salmon, and nine million walleye fry. Serving an eleven-county area, hatchery personnel travel many miles delivering fish to their designated stocking sites. See the Salmon River Fish Hatchery web page on DEC's website for more information.