|
Fishing for Steelhead in Great Lakes Tributaries
One of the best times to fish for steelhead (a migratory rainbow trout) is late October through November, before the water turns colder. They feed aggressively in the tributaries of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie during this time. As the water temperature drops below 40 degrees, the run slows down, but warmer periods will bring new fish into the tributaries in January and February. There are 22 Lake Ontario tributaries and 9 Lake Erie tributaries--ranging from small creeks to large, powerful rivers--that have steelhead runs supported by DEC stocking efforts. Fishing for returning adult steelhead is generally best on the stocked tributaries; however, steelhead can run any stream that flows into Lakes Erie or Ontario. To become a successful steelhead angler, spend a lot of time getting to know one or two rivers of the size and type you prefer to fish.
Check Steelhead fishing in Lake Erie tributaries and Steelhead fishing in Lake Ontario tributaries for more information.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Hike of the Month: Thacher Park Geology Walk, November 10
Hike along the fossil-rich Helderberg cliffs and see for yourself what happened millions of years ago when this area was under the water at the edge of a vast sea. New York State Museum geologist Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten will lead geology buffs on a three-mile, moderately difficult hike, with plenty of time for discussion and questions. Wear hiking gear suitable for the trails, brush and rocks found at Thacher State Park near Albany, NY. Call 518-872-0800 to register for the hike.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Leonid Meteor Showers
One of Mother Nature's most spectacular displays is the annual appearance of the Leonid meteor showers, which generally peak around November 17. Meteor showers happen when Earth moves through a meteoroid stream of particles left from the passage of a comet. Most years, observers can see around ten meteors per hour during the Leonids, but some years there have been hundreds or thousands per hour!
Tips for watching meteor showers:
- Watch from a dark area; get away from all city, town, and shopping mall lights.
- Watch as late in the night as you can; usually there are many more meteors visible near dawn than dusk.
- Watch from an unobstructed spot, ideally on a clear night. Look high enough in the sky so that no part of the horizon blocks your view.
--------------------------------------------------------------
A Different View of the Hudson River
 Want a bird's-eye view of the Hudson River and its shores? Visit the Walkway Over the Hudson, an old abandoned railroad bridge transformed for pedestrians into a New York State park. The Walkway, which spans the river between Highland and Poughkeepsie, was dedicated in 2009 for the Quadricentennial of Henry Hudson's voyage up the Hudson River. At 212 feet tall and 1.28 miles long, it is the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world! Don't let colder temperatures keep you from enjoying the view; the Walkway is open year-round.
|
