YOUR OUTDOOR SPORT RESOURCE SHOW 2011 ISSUE [ ]

ICING YELLOW PERCH December - February AND WINTER IN THE NIAGARA IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS

+ DESTINATION ALASKA RAINBOW POINT LODGE

FRABILL TA S K GLOVE

ICE FISHING SODUS BAY PAGE 24

Volume 17, Issue 1

CONTENTS SHOW 2011 ISSUE

SEE PAGE 22 SEE PAGE 21

SEE PAGE 32 It, sequo del moluptatus maximi, ipid utatust lant aut aut pelignatibus doluptat. Tur acietus dusamusdae cum SEEaut PAGEre od 17mint. SEE PAGE 27 STEERING THE COURSE • 4 BY LEO MALONEY SODUS BAY • 27 ON THE COVER BY CHRIS KENYON THE CONSERVATION COLUMNS • 7 BY BILL HILTS, SR. JUMBO BROWNS OF THE EASTERN END • 29 NYMPH FISHING FOR BY CAPT. BILL SAIFF III WINTER STEELHEAD • 9 BY JAY PECK WINTER FISHING IN THE NIAGARA IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS • 33 CORMORANTS UPDATE • 11 BY BILL HILTS, JR. BY DOUG FUEGEL SPRING WALLEYE OUTDOOR NEWS • 13 AND PIKE • 37 BY LOO STAFF BY BOB DICK

FROM THE VISE • 15 ICING YELLOW PERCH AND BY BRAD BERLIN NORTHERN PIKE • 39 BY MIKE SEYMOUR PLAYING THE WEATHER GAME WITH WINTER STEELHEAD • 17 CALENDAR • 41 BY BRIAN KELLY BY LOO STAFF © Photo by Jeff Feverston

ICE OUT BASS FISHING • 19 PHOTO CONTEST • 41 BY BURNIE HANEY BY LOO STAFF Subscribe DESTINATION ALASKA RAINBOW TOAST AND ROAST • 43 Online Today POINT LODGE • 21 BY LOO STAFF and have LOO delivered right BY TROY CREASY to your door! CURING STEELHEAD EGGS • 44 PRODUCT REVIEWS • 23 BY BRIAN KELLY LakeOntarioOutdoors.com/Subscribe BY LOO STAFF

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EDITOR LEO MALONEY • Access to the River • Fish Cleaning & Custom Smoking CONSULTING EDITOR TROY CREASY • Open All Year DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING TED DOBS • 8 Efficiency Cabins & Main Lodge 315-264-6624 Roger Wolfe & Darlene Mackinder 2740 State Route 13, Altmar, NY 13302 • Campsites Available CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BRAD BERLIN www.Foxhollowsalmonriverlodge.com • Free Internet Access TROY CREASY BOB DICK DOUG FUEGEL Tackle C ® BURNIE HANEY rch o. I BILL HILTS, JR., hu nc BILL HILTS, SR., C . BRIAN KELLY NEW! CHRIS KENYON TX-44 SUPER PLANER JAY PECK NEW! BILL SAIFF, III A New Concept in Fishing with planers! MIKE SEYMOUR

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Lake Ontario Outdoors is published four times annually: December, March, June and September. Spring loaded Lake Ontario Outdoors and the LOO logo are trademarks of FishUS, rear pin for fast release LLC. All contents © copyright 2010 by FishUS, LLC. All rights reserved. Vise Clip is standard with No portion of Lake Ontario Outdoors may be reproduced without written the TX-44, no accidental release, permission. Readers correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome, no extras to buy. but we assume no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material. Church Tackle’s new TX-44 Super Planer is designed for lead core, copper, wire, or when using drop weights or hard pulling The acceptance of advertisements by Lake Ontario Outdoors does not lures. In addition the TX-44 works with Dipsy Divers® , Jet Divers® , Slide Divers® , Dive Bombs and Torpedo Divers® , which opens an all new way to fish with planer boards. This is just what the salmon, striper, muskie, northern and walleye constitute an endorsement of the product or services advertised. fishermen have been asking for, something designed for pulling more weight. The TX-44 can handle lead core, copper or wire lines along with 1 pound of weight attached, but it can be used with mono and the super braids as well. The size of the TX-44 makes it harder for fish to pull the board under, however it is still easy to retrieve. The TX-44 sets upright in the water right out of the gate, which gives it the ability to troll extremely slow without restricting performance at higher speeds. This Super Planer is also reversible, it can be assembled to run port or starboard. The TX-44 Super Planer comes with a standard flag that folds down for easy storage and has the same patented* rear pin as all of Church Tackle’s boards. The new Vise Clip, which was especially designed for lead core and SUBSCRIPTIONS copper, makes accidental release almost impossible and comes standard with the TX-44 Super Planer.

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2 SHOW 2011 ISSUE Niagara_HalfPg-SHOW2011_Niagara_HalfPg.qxd 11/22/10 6:18 PM Page 1 FISHING NIAGARA “Smile Capital of the Great Lakes” hether it’s trophy trout and salmon fishing on the lower Niagara River, deep water trolling out of the popular ports of Youngstown, Wilson or Olcott on Lake W Ontario or casting a line at Burt Dam in Newfane on 18-Mile Creek – Niagara County, New York’s sportfishing jewel has it all in the way of action. Monster muskie, super smallmouth bass, trophy trout and superior salmon fishing are all available on a year-round basis in the Greater Niagara Region. Add in the family attraction and a little water falls called “Niagara,” and you’ve got the complete package for a great family vacation, a getaway with your fishing buddies or a peaceful hideaway to simply relax. Don't forget these important dates: April 29-May 8, 2011 – Spring Trout and Salmon Derby June 4-5, 2011 – Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament www.fishodyssey.net (877) FALLS US For more information, contact: Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp. 10 Rainbow Blvd. • Niagara Falls, NY 14303 Fishing Hotline / Travel Guide / Fish Map / Outdoor Guide: (877) FALLS US www.niagara-usa.com • www.outdoorsniagara.com • www.lakeontarioproam.net Whitakers_09.qxd:Layout 1 8/11/09 9:34 AM Page 1

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LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 3 FROM THE EDITOR

Steering the Course LEO MALONEY It has been an unusual fishing season this past fall on EDITOR the Lake Ontario tributaries.

Once the salmon runs cues of several others on sepa- Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. of Lake Ontario to the oth- started, the fishing action rate occasions raised concerns Please do your part to respect er- whether it be on the lake, was very good. There were about safety there. Meetings this magnificent fish and in- the docks, or fishing the trib- lots of anglers taking advan- with Brookfield Power Com- sure the . When releas- utaries. Add that to the con- tage of the opportunity, and pany, the DEC, Oswego Coun- ing the fish, please do so care- tacts I already had in the Fin- some very impressive trout ty Tourism, and the City of fully and in a way that insures ger Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and salmon were caught. This Oswego sought to address the survival. and the Adirondacks and I re- shows the world-class fish- issue. We will keep you in- Don’t just throw them ceived an earful of opinions. ery that we have been talking formed of any news or chang- back. Cradle the fish and As you might expect, there about. es to fishing in this area. carefully remove the hook. was a wide range of opinions However, the fishing ac- Safety should always be an Hold them in the water fac- on what the fishery should be, tion was not evenly distrib- issue when fishing the tribu- ing the current so the water what the DEC should be do- uted. While rains fell on the taries in winter as well. Deep flows through their gills until ing, and even what this mag- eastern basin, and for a time snow, cold water, and icy rocks they regain their strength and azine should feature. We will made the major streams un- combine with swift current to swim off on their own. continue to bring you the best fishable, the western basin re- create potentially dangerous We know that most upstate experts in the field and give a mained dry and streams were situations. For example, when sportsmen and women, in- variety of articles on the cur- low. For several days, raging wading larger streams like the cluding readers of this maga- rent season as well as the up- water levels on the Salmon or Salmon River, spiked wad- zine, enjoy a variety of outdoor coming season, in addition Oswego Rivers closed them ing sandals or “korkers” are a activities. This issue addresses to the features that you have to fishing. Meanwhile, some must. Of course, many veter- many of those interests with come to enjoy and expect. streams in the western part an guides will tell you that if informative articles on steel- Of course, winter is time of the lake had too little water you are wading in over your head , ice for outdoor shows and this to have a salmon run or even ankles, you are often wading fishing tips and areas, as well “Show Issue” brings you a an early run of steelhead and where the fish are. Know your as looking forward to spring calendar to inform you of the brown trout. limits and fish carefully. fishing from the Niagara River various outdoor shows around Unfortunately, the fishing Steelhead are one of our to the Golden Crescent. the state, as well as some of the season was marked by trage- most exciting fish, and they at- Throughout the summer upcoming derbies or events dy. The death of two anglers tract anglers from all over the and fall I got to meet a lot in the spring so you can mark in the Oswego River and res- northeast to the tributaries of of sportsmen from one end your personal calendar. In ad- FISHWISH_04.QXD:FISHWISH_04.QXD 11/15/09 10:57 AM Page 1 St. Peter’s Outfitter Boating and Fishing Made Miraculous Boating and Fishing Service Center

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6 SHOW 2011 ISSUE The

Conservation Column BY BILL HILTS, SR. Information and comments on conservation issues pertinent to Lake Ontario and New York State.

who headed up the bureau of Those structures are huge, DEC IS A MESS!!! ; Russ Biss, the Re- ASIAN CARP and when erected, become Sportsmen and women gion 9 natural resources su- CONTINUE GREAT very serious detriments to the are continually fighting for pervisor; and the list contin- LAKES THREAT environmental beauty of the ues! Then you add the fish area. Safari Club Internation- their rights and programs, The entire Asian carp hatchery managers for four al recently published a most whether it is hunting or fish- threat to the Great Lakes con- stations at Chateaugay, Ad- interesting item concerning ing seasons, Second Amend- tinues to be a muddled mess. irondack, Catskill and Ran- “Windmills and Wildlife”:“If ment attacks, license fees, Like most issues in the U.S., dolph … and no replace- wind farms get contracts to etc. Now, it appears that we it has been thrown into the ments on tap. It is common build on large tracts of fed- are heading for the fight of courts and a resolution could talk that several of the fish eral lands, could public areas our lives in order to main- take forever. However, Cana- rearing stations are head- become de facto no-hunting tain the very existence of da has launched a major initia- ed for the budget chopping areas? Walk onto a modern our great outdoor sports in tive to asses the risk of Asian block.Yet, unlike the other wind farm and you’ll feel like New York State. The cur- carp in the Great Lakes. The agencies, sportsmen pay for an ant in a field of sunflowers. rent budget crisis we are ex- U.S. will join in the study, but their hunting and fishing by Modern wind turbines stand periencing is stripping all of we all know how long these purchasing licenses. A friend 30-50 stories tall. Their blades the stateagencies of not just programs can take. In the within the DEC says that it swinging high above can be equipment, funds and nec- meantime, those pesky inva- is up to the sportsmen to all more than 130 feet long. Their essary facilities, but also of sive species come ever closer to come together and work to steel towers are anchored in those people vital to keep- entering that great waterway– put an end to this conserva- platforms more than a thou- ing the programs and ser- some think they are already tion death spiral. We can’t do sand tons of cement and steel vices going. Now, the Gover- there– which is so vital to it by arguing over the petty rebar, which are typically 30 nor is calling for even more sport and things such as deer antler re- to 50 feet across and anywhere personnel cuts, on top of interests to the tune of more strictions, crossbows, etc. If from 6 to 30 feet deep.” the back-breaking moves al- than $7 billion. For more infor- we fail to do it, no one is go- Then stick those structures ready rendered to the de- mation see www.asiancarp.org. partment. ing to do it for us!!! out into our most vital Great The massive early retire- Lakes, along the shoreline on ments are devastating to WINDMILLS AND top of reefs and shoals and LEAD SHOT OK what a mess we will have!!! DEC, especially in fish and … LEAD SINKERS NO? WILDLIFE wildlife. Not only have we Wind farms in Lakes On- The EPA has dropped lost “bodies”, but we have tario and Erie continue to be their case against the use of DICK KIRBY DIES AT 67 lost a ton of expertise, which a serious issue among anglers lead shot for hunting, but An icon of the game-call- takes years to accumulate. and shoreline property own- they have decided to contin- ing world has left our ranks, And New York State had ers. The New York Power ue reviewing a petition from and he will be sadly missed some of the very best in the Authority is proposing mas- environmentalists to ban the by legions of followers. Dick world. The list goes on seem- sive power producing wind use of lead in . was the founder of the popu- ingly forever, with such con- farms in one, if not both, of Because of their persistence, lar Quaker Boy Game Calls, servation stalwarts as John those Great Lakes, and the op- Senator Blanche Lincoln of based in his hometown of Major, wildlife bureau chief; position continues to mount. Arkansas has introduced Orchard Park, NY. Dick Bill Culligan, who head- Fishermen are especially in- S.3850 into the U.S. Senate, was one-of-a-kind, who tru- ed up the very successful censed because those huge which seeks to prevent an ly changed the sport of hunt- Great Lakes fisheries pro- towers, if erected in the wa- over-reaching federal ban on ing. He also changed people’s gram; Mike Murphy, DEC’s ter, would be located over lead in lives, becoming an ambassa- top pheasant guru; the leg- reefs, shoals and shallow wa- tackle. If enacted, this ban dor to the outdoor fraternity. endary Ward Stone, DEC’s ter shelves– the favorite liv- will have a significant eco- On September 30, the game- fish and wildlife pathologist; ing areas for fish. Those areas nomic impact on anglers and calling legend received his fi- Peter Nye, endangered spe- would then be termed safety the recreational fishing indus- nal calling following a surgery cies specialist and architect and security zones, and fish- try, as reported by the Great complication. He will be sadly of our famous bald eagle re- ing and boating would not be Lakes Sport Fishing Council. missed by all. Sincere condo- covery program; Art Newell, allowed. lences to his fine family. LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 7 GetAwayFishCharter.qxd:Layout 1 11/15/09 12:35 PM Page 1 New York’s Great Lakes water- WOMEN IMPACT shed. The final report is avail- HUNTER RANKS able at http://www.dec.ny.gov/ lands/56095.html. Believe it or not you guys, Key recommendations more women than men took up include: Salmon - Trout - Bass hunting last year. While total hunters in the U.S. decreased • Pass legislation to regulate Capt. Dane Brown slightly (.05 percent) between water withdrawals Sodus Point, NY 2008 and 2009, the number of statewide. female hunters increased by 5.4 • Increase information percent, netting some 163,000 collection on aquifer and new participants. The gals stream flows. 585-217-3033 have really taken to blackpow- • Establish incentives [email protected] • www.getawayfishingcharters.com der sports (up 134.6 percent), to promote business bowhunting (up 30.7 percent) and residential water and hunting with firearms (up 3.5 percent). Women also out- conservation. paced the men among net new- • Invest substantially to comers to target shooting with reduce leaks in water a rifle, where female participa- infrastructure. M 1995 to tion grew by 4.1 percent. 2010 Bill Hilts Sr. is a veteran outdoor writer NY GREAT LAKES who has been covering the ADVISORY COUNCIL outdoor beat for nearly 50 More ThanJust A Campground! RECOMMENDATIONS years. His credits include New York’s Great Lakes Ba- several regional and national Make the Next Fishing Trip sin Advisory Council has re- publications, television, and radio. For 39 years, he edited A Family Event! leased its final report, “Our the NYS Conservation Council © Sites - day, week, season © RV Park Models Great Lakes Water Resourc- newspaper. 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8 SHOW 2011 ISSUE BY JAY PECK Nymph Fishing For Winter Steelhead

Big fish are taken on small flies

hen it comes bottom. For these eggs to go feeding opportunities for the nymph bite will start up. As to winter adrift, it takes a surge of high steelhead. Obviously, this the winter season progresses, W s t e e l h e a d water to knock the eggs loose would include both eggs and each pulse of high water will fishing, egg flies get a lot of from the river bottom. nymphs. stir up fewer eggs and more attention, and rightfully so. We have a tendency to At first, the eggs will be nymphs. Keep in mind that However, our fly boxes need complain about constant at the top of the menu for the the nymph population will to have a healthy selection of fluctuations in water flows steelhead. But as water flows continue to grow throughout nymphs to complement the egg flies. To understand why during the winter, but the come down and the surplus of the winter. By late winter, nymphs can be as important se fluctuations are actually eggs go away, nymphs become nymphs can make up the bulk as egg patterns, you need to important in keeping the more important. The water of the food that is available to understand what is happening fishing fresh. The fluctuating levels do not always need to the steelhead. with the natural eggs in water flows draw in fresh come down. A constant flow You may not think about the river bottom during the fish from the lake and of water will do the same; that winter as a prime time for winter. reenergize the steelhead that is, allow the stray eggs to settle fishing nymphs. The winter By the time mid-December have been sitting in the pools out and not be available for the months are prime growing rolls around, the rivers settle throughout the river. Another fish to feed on. time for aquatic insects. Every into the normal winter fishing advantage to continuous Predicting when to fish bug that will be hatching in pattern. The surplus of salmon water fluctuations is that the with nymphs is easier than the spring and through the eggs that have been drifting river bottom is stirred up one might think. Simply give summer is growing in the loose in the river are now during a high water event. the water flow about a week rivers through the winter. all but gone. What is left is When this happens, a lot of to stabilize or drop. The egg Some of these aquatic insects securely buried in to the river food is sent adrift providing bite will wind down and the are more active than others, LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 9 MaxwellCreek_1-8.qxd:Layout 1 5/22/09 10:30 AM Page 1 and as a result, they are years, I have found that when hooks, often referred to as “2X available for the fish to feed it comes to steelhead fishing, heavy”. Standard trout hooks on. one needs to show these fish a are often made from lighter A classic example of this fly big enough to consistently wire and will bend easily with is stone flies. These insects get their attention. This is not a big fish. are predators, and so they are to say that at times smaller flys We always like to talk actively crawling around the will not work, it’s just that the about what flys we are using. stream bottom hunting for larger flys have a tendency However, when comes to food. This activity makes some to work more consistently. catching fish, it is more about liable to becoming dislodged When it comes to color, think the presentation. On any and sent adrift. This is one earth tones, such as dark olive, given day we can catch fish reason why stone fly nymphs black, and hare’s ear. Brown with six different patterns, are so effective in rivers such will match most of the colors as long as they are presented as the Salmon River. Other of the nymphs living within properly. Obviously, this is insects such as Caddis larva the typical rivers and streams. no different when it comes to will connect themselves to Steelhead are not that fishing nymphs for steelhead. the edges of rocks and allow selective when it comes to Drifting nymphs is similar to the currents to bring food to feeding on nymphs. A good drifting egg flys. them. Obviously, being tied to general attractor pattern is However, there are some a rock goes a long way toward often all it takes - remember subtle differences between the keeping you in one place -- not that black stone fly nymph. two presentations. The first is as prone to becoming a meal. I have had great success by that you do not need to keep These are two examples of the taking black stone flies and your flys as tight to the river extremes; most nymphs fall adding a flash back and bottom as you do with egg somewhere in between. rubber legs to the fly. Some of flies. Nymphs have a tendency Fortunately for us, we do the most productive steelhead to get knocked loose and not have to precisely imitate nymphs are traditional trout drift slightly above the river Located on the shores of Lake Ontario between every single type of nymph patterns jazzed up. This can bottom. As result, the flys do Rochester and Oswego that swims in our steelhead be done by adding a little flash not need to be drifted as close rivers. Good general purpose to the bodies or incorporating to the bottom with constant extend the drift, rather than nymph patterns will work some of the steelhead’s favorite contact. I refer to this as a soft to detect takes. With a little just fine. In fact, it is hard to colors to various parts of drift– your fly is close to the experimenting and some beat a black stone fly nymph. the fly. bottom, but does not need to practice, you can learn to What is important is to match Another consideration constantly hit the bottom. swing a fly both vertically the general size and color of with fly selection is that we This will take a little and horizontally through the average size of the nymph. are also talking about catching practice to achieve and some the water. This often imitates This is easier than it sounds. a large fish. Using somewhat constant adjusting. But the natural movement of the For most rivers, fly size larger flys and larger hooks remember, you need to keep nymphs during the winter-– ranging from a 12 to a size 8 also increases our landing your fly within the nymph’s a little presentation trick that will work just fine. There are percentage. This is why often zone, which is the bottom six steelhead find hard to resist. lots of nymphs in the rivers the smallest nymphs I use are inches of the river. Another M thisColeman1-8.qxd time of the year 11/9/08 that are 4:40size PM 12. Page I also 1 tie my nymph consideration to keep in Jay Peck smaller than a size 12. Over the patterns onto heavy wire mind is that nymphs are is a fishing guide, fishing the Lake Ontario living, crawling, swimming ABLE•PATE•ROSS•TIBOR•LAMSON•REDINGTON• • A U Q P M U • N A M F F O H • D N A L T R O C tributaries- the Salmon River for creatures. Letting your fly Chinook salmon and steelhead GUIDE SERVICE/ swing a little on the end of the FULL SERVICE FLY SHOP from September to October, and drift can often trigger a take. then Sandy Creek in Monroe FLYSHOP Your one-stop resource (585) 352-4775 One of my favorite methods County and lower Genesee for fly fishing in Upstate New York since 1964! 4786 Ridge Road West • Spencerport, NY 14559 of presenting nymphs during for brown trout and steelhead the winter is to use strike from November on. He then e specialize in Fly Hours: fishes the Salmon River from WFishing for Salmon,Brown trout and Tuesday– Saturday., 10am - indicators and long fine Steelhead from the Salmon River to the 5pm, Tuesday & Thursday leaders. The long fine leaders mid to late spring for steelhead. Niagara River. Fly Fishing for wild To contact Jay, e-mail him at brown trout on inland streams year- Evenings. 6-9 give me the chance to get my [email protected] round. 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10 SHOW 2011 ISSUE BY DOUG FUEGEL Double Crested Cormorants Update

and trout were devoured by the birds, and the dollar loss to the fishing community was staggering. By 1996 there were more than 8,000 active cormo- rant nests on Little Galloo Is-

PHOTO BY JOELLUCKS.COM land alone, plus many more nests on neighboring Cana- dian islands. Perhaps it was these numbers and the dev- astation wrought by the birds Studies of cormorant impact that pushed a group of an- glers to go above the law and included examining stomach contents destroy thousands of birds on Little Galloo Island during hirty-some years system that affected the birds’ with a vengeance. Numer- this period. ago, if the double- diet and egg production. In ous public meetings all across Beginning in 1999, even T crested cormorant 1972, our nation passed the the lake’s shores were held, though the FWS had not yet came up in conversation along Clean Water Act that all but state and local legislators be- approved a full-blown cormo- Lake Ontario’s eastern basin eliminated the use of these came involved, tempers flared rant management plan, our among anglers or business pro- chemicals, and the impact of as businesses closed, stocked DEC was allowed to imple- prietors, it likely didn’t conjure that legislation was dramatic. fish were lost due to predation ment some measures in an at- up much interest. However, as By the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, by the birds, and smallmouth tempt to control the bird’s the years went by, the mention there was a noticeable explo- bass numbers declined dra- nesting capabilities on Lit- of that bird spread fear and sion of the cormorant popula- matically. tle Gallo Island. Although anxiety among that commu- tion along the eastern basin, The cormorant is a non- the limited management did nity, and for good reason. and the mention of cormorant game migratory species that not include lethal methods, it There was always a small no longer fostered a “ho-hum” is federally protected under did allow egg-oiling, spraying population around the eastern attitude. the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish eggs in the nests with vegeta- basin during the mid- century, Suddenly, there was a wave & Wildlife Service (FWS); any ble oil to suffocate the embryo, but it was small enough that it of interest as anglers, fishery management control of the and harassment practices. existed almost unnoticed. It biologists, business leaders birds during the decades of the Our DEC was also allowed to was estimated that there were and tourist agencies learned ‘80s and ‘90s was almost non- do nest removal on both Gull about 900 nests throughout the that the fish-eating birds were existent. The wheels of gov- and Bass Islands beginning in Great Lakes system at its peak consuming up to one and a ernment turned ever so slow- 1994; Calf Island was added to population around 1950. How- half pounds of fish each per ly as our New York DEC was the list in 1997. Beginning in ever, by 1970, estimates ranged day during their approximate- required to prepare a massive 2004, the cormorant manage- as low as 114 nests in the entire ly six-month stay in our region. environmental impact state- ment plan employed by our Great Lakes with perhaps only Diet studies confirmed that ment (EIS). First were sever- DEC included: egg-oiling, de- two producing nests on Lake the cormorants were eating the al drafts that required public stroying nests, harassment, Ontario’s Little Galloo Island. salmon and trout’s main for- hearings, public comment pe- and destruction by shooting or The dramatic decline in bird age: alewives, freshly stocked riods, and statements, until the cervical dislocation. population was attributed to salmon and trout, small mouth final EIS was accepted. Dur- Although the goal of 1,500 the widespread use of hard bass and an assortment of pan ing this long process, fishing breeding pairs (including pesticides like DDT, PCBs, fish. During the late ‘80s and success– especially on small- chicks and non-breeding and other toxic contaminants into the ‘90s, the fishing busi- mouth bass– continued to de- birds) on Little Galloo Island found in the Great Lake eco- ness community awakened cline, freshly stocked salmon has not yet been reached, ac- LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 11 cording to the DEC, significant Their sheer numbers may nesting period, is very labor management of the birds on progress has been made to- have proven to be a blessing to intensive, requiring sever- five private islands with land- ward reaching the target cor- the alewife population, young al trips to the islands inhab- owner permission. Farquhar morant population on the is- salmon and trout, bass, and ited by the birds, and involv- confirmed that cormorants are land. Significant progress has panfish, as the opportunis- ing several DEC employees. It opportunist concerning diet. been made from the peak nest tic cormorants have turned to is imperative that anglers, the In fact, recent pellet samples count of more than 8,000 in round gobies as a main source business community, and our from the cormorants in that ar- 1996 to this 2010 breeding sea- of diet. According to Russ legislators continue support- ea confirm gobies are the main son when the mid-June 2010 McCullough, DEC’s Region 6 ing the management program source of diet. peak nest count treated with Fishery Biologist and lead on and ensure funding continues Since the early part of this egg oiling was approximately the eastern basin cormorant to be available. decade when nearly 10,000 cor- 1,750. The DEC’s management management program, round Management of the cormo- morant nests inhabited Little practices were successful in al- gobies now make up to 90 per- rants on islands in the Hen- Galloo Island and neighbor- lowing no successful nesting ing Canadian islands, tremen- on Gull Island in 2010. Addi- dous strides have been made tionally, no nests were record- in managing the total popula- ed on Bass or Calf Island’s in tion of the birds. The effects 2010. of this management are to- Cormorant management tally responsible for the sus- and several changes in stock- tained world-class fishery we ing practices (including off- enjoy. It is likely that the cor- shore barge stoking) that al- morant will never be reclassi- lowed the young fish to evade fied as a game species where predation, as well as several hunting could be a major fac- volunteer net pen programs tor in management; conse- across the lakes shore line, quently, the USDA-authorized have been successful in main- program that we now have in taining the world class salm- place to manage the bird pop- on and trout fishery. A mys- ulation must be ongoing year CORMORANT STOMACH CONTENTS tery in this somewhat success after year. It is imperative REVEAL AMOUNT OF FISH CONSUMER scenario is the continuing dis- that the fishing business com- appointing smallmouth bass cent of the bird’s diet in the derson Harbor region of the munity be aware of this man- fishing along the lakes south eastern basin. eastern basin has likely been agement and the funding re- shoreline and the eastern ba- Since 2004 the FWS accept- partly responsible for the quired. Vigilance was not sin. Theories concerning the ed the final environmental im- bird’s increased presence on forthcoming concerning cor- slow return of the “good old pact statement from our DEC Canadian islands and sev- morant management on Onei- days” of bass success are as and granted them full man- eral islands in the St. Law- da Lake for 2010, and again for varied as stories of the big one agement over the cormorant rence River. Like on the lake, 2011, but that’s a story for an- that got away. population that includes all the diet of the birds in the St. other time. M My personal opinion, for the practices employed today. Lawrence has shifted in re- what it’s worth, leans toward Anglers, tourists’ interests, cent years from perch, bass, Doug Fuegel has written for the round goby, both a curse and the business community and other game species to go- Woods & Waters USA, New and possibly a blessing. The are enjoying the tremendous bies. However, managing the York Sportsman Magazine, round goby, an invasive spe- effort that the DEC puts forth numbers is much more diffi- New York Outdoor Times, and Empire Outdoor Journal. He cies first discovered in our each year. The DEC’s targeted cult for our DEC since many has contributed to the Palladi- lakes’ ecosystem a few short cormorant population on Lit- of the bird inhabited islands um Times, Great Lakes Fisher- years ago, has exploded in tle Galloo Island, although not are in private ownership or in man, and other regional publi- numbers beyond comprehen- at the goal set by the plan, con- Canadian water, and the fact cations. He is a member of the sion and now drives anglers tinues to decline each year. that Canada (Ontario) has little Outdoor Writers’ Association crazy, as they steal expensive According to McCullough, or no cormorant management of America and past president bait continually off anglers’ unless some unforeseen force strategy. According to DEC’s of New York State Outdoor hooks from Lake Ontario and dramatically affects the cor- Jim Farquhar, management on Writers’ Association, President of Eastern Lake Ontario Salm- the St. Lawrence River. The morant population, the man- the U. S. portion of the river on & Trout Association, and theory is that the goby will agement of the birds must be includes nest removal and le- member of the Lake Ontario raid bass nests and consume an ongoing endeavor year af- thal removal of birds if neces- Sportfishing Promotion Coun- the eggs and young hatched ter year. Management of the sary. During the 2010 nesting cil. You can reach him at (315) bass. birds, especially during the season, our DEC was allowed 668-9492.

12 SHOW 2011 ISSUE Outdoor News BY LOO STAFF DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis Fired  by Governor Paterson; Receives “Friend of the Outdoors Award” From NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association

In October, DEC Commis- the New York State Outdoor ous groups within New York Council. This group was sioner Pete Grannis was fired Writers’ Association (NYSO- State government and facil- formed in 2007 with the in- by Governor Paterson for al- WA) to someone who has itate solutions to crises is il- tent of taking an active role legedly leaking a memo that gone beyond the call of du- lustrated with the success- in improving fishing in the explained the devastating ty to protect and promote the ful efforts to save the DEC tributaries to Lake Ontario effects that Paterson’s fur- outdoor experience. It recog- Pheasant Farm and his keep- by a variety of methods. ther budget cuts would have. nizes the individual or orga- ing the Moose River Plains The group was formed in Grannis denied leaking the nization that has made sig- Recreation Area open in the 2007 when the entire Lake memo, but only in the bi- nificant and long-lasting face of state budget cuts. Ontario basin was hit with zarre world of Albany poli- contributions to preserving Throughout his years severe drought conditions tics would a statement of the and enhancing the outdoors in office, Pete Grannis has and the streams were at re- obvious truth be considered experience. maintained a dedication to cord low levels. There was insubordination by a lame Commissioner Grannis the environment, to the pro- concern about salmon egg duck governor. was selected for positive con- tection of New York’s natu- gathering which was finally Sources within the DEC tributions and changes that ral resources, and to encour- accomplished with the help have said that there was he has made during his ten- aging and helping citizens of anglers gathering salmon more than meets the eye, in- ure as DEC Commission- to take advantage of these. for the DEC. Many sports- cluding a vendetta by Gover- er. Among the changes that A recent example of this is men were also upset with nor Paterson because he did he is credited with is the in- the acquisition of property what they saw as blatant not get his way in re-open- creased communication with on Canadice and Hemlock unsportsmanlike like, un- ing contracts with state em- DEC personnel and the me- Lakes in western New York ethical, or illegal practices ployees. Meanwhile, sports- dia. Ease of communications to protect them from devel- among some anglers taking men were left shaking their and access have contribut- opment and keep them open advantage of low water con- heads at the developments ed to greater information for to sportsmen. Construction ditions. and wondering what fur- the outdoors media, and con- of new boat launches in var- The organization is dedi- ther negative impacts there sequently for the sportsmen ious parts of the state has in- cated to the overall improve- would be on fish and wildlife and women of New York creased access for fishermen ment of fishing on the tribu- programs. State. Scheduled press days and other recreational users. taries. It believes that Lake The New York State Out- and conferences have fur- As a group of profession- Ontario’s tributaries are a door Writers’ Association ther increased information al outdoor writers and media vital part of the ecosystem honored Department of En- and understanding of the is- personnel that regularly cov- and support a viable fishery vironmental Conservation sues facing the DEC and the er outdoor sporting oppor- producing maximum recre- Commissioner Pete Gran- sporting community. tunities and issues regard- ational opportunities. LO- nis with its “Friends of the Grannis has proven him- ing our natural environment, TAC believes that the trib- Outdoors Award” at its an- self as a friend of the sports- NYSOWA strongly supports utaries should be better nual fall conference in Octo- men by his support, advice, these goals. For these rea- accommodated in develop- ber, 2010. Grannis was rec- and encouragement of such sons, they formally recog- ing fishery management pol- ognized for his commitment issues as the Youth Hunt- nized DEC Commissioner icies. to the enjoyment of outdoor ing and Trapping bills, and Pete Grannis for his contin- The group is also con- recreational opportunities allowing the use of rifles in ued efforts. cerned with the current state throughout the state and his many southern zone coun- fiscal crisis and the closure continued efforts to encour- ties. He has instituted a L.O.T.A.C. of several state parks remov- age sportsmen to enjoy the 10-year pheasant manage- ing opportunities for fish- natural resources that New ment program, and has initi- If you are not familiar ing. It hopes to improve York State has to offer. ated new management plans with LOTAC, you should fishing and bring needed This award is a special for deer and bear. His will- be. LOTAC stands for Lake attention by lobbying, edu- honor given periodically by ingness to work with vari- Ontario Tributary Angler’s cation, and active clean-up LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 13 campaigns. were also encouraged to bring This past November the in more bags. The fish that group had its first “Catch and were caught and the collect- Clean” Day at the Salmon Riv- ed bags of trash were entered er. Basically this was a catch into a raffle with lots of nice and release fishing contest prizes. In addition to helping 1st CARRIAGE HOUSE REALTY, INC. with anglers fishing in pairs to clean up the river, LOTAC’s 3958 Port St. and witnessing the catch. goals were publicized, and Pulaski, NY 13142 However, before they were al- all had a good time. lowed to fish, each angler had For more information 1-800-697-1860 to bring in a large trash bag about the organization, check E-mail: [email protected] filled with rubbish they gath- their website at www.lotac.org. Members of the Multiple Listing Service ered along the river. Anglers M

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14 SHOW 2011 ISSUE From the Vise BY BRAD BERLIN GOLD RIBBED HARES EAR Note: If you want to weight your drift let the nymph swing this fly, use a bead head or wrap up off the bottom. You’ll be thin lead wire .015 or .025 on surprised at how many fish will the hook. When tying small- hit on the upswing. Tie a cou- er sizes you can substitute the ple up and give them a try. I’m gold tinsel with thin gold wire. sure this nymph tied in a vari- ety of ways will keep finding its way into your fly box. whether you’re bouncing them off the bottom or floating them Good Luck in the film. I don’t think you and Tight Lines! would be able to find a nymph Brad on a stream without a variety of Hare’s Ears in their Brad Berlin has been nymph box. tying flys s and fly fishing There are many different many of the local streams nymphing tactics, and all pro- in northeastern and central Pennsylvania for over 20 years. HARE’S EAR IS A VERSATILE NYMPH THAT BELONGS duce fish. This fly is best when He guides on the area’s streams IN YOUR TACKLE BOX. bouncing close or right on the and the Susquehanna River. bottom. Mend your line for Brad teaches classes in fly tying HOOK – Mustad 3906b (nymph) • Pull wing case over thorax a drag-free drift, keep the rod and casting. He currently or equivalent size 18 - 10 and secure. tip up and raise your rod at ev- serves as Vice President of THREAD – 8/0 – 6/0 (depending • Build a neat head tapering ery pause or jerk at your line or Columbia County Chapter of on hook size) from the thorax to the eye strike indicator. At the end of Trout Unlimited. WEIGHTED - Optional lead wire and tie off. or bead head • Add a drop of thin head ce- TAIL- hare’s mask, rooster tail ment on the head (I usual- fibers or squirrel tail ly add a drop on the wing FISH307.com RIBBING – small gold tinsel, case). copper wire • If using a bead head, just tie Ice Fishing Superstore BODY – hare’s mask off behind the bead. THORAX – hare’s mask • For quick and simple legs, WING CASE – turkey quill use your needle or dubbing Arctic brush and pull out some of Sleds Shelters and Accessories Armor the thorax dubbing on both Suits TYING INSTRUCTIONS sides. I also run the dub- bing brush over the abdo- • Wrap thread to rear of hook men. Online bend.-Tie in tail hare’s mask • Remember, the more you Auger Blade or red squirrel. pick/brush, the buggier it Exchange/ • Tie in the ribbing. gets; and fish love bugs. Sharpening • Dub in a slightly tapered Nils Master hare’s mask body; approx- The Hare’s Ear is a very ver- Tanaka Power imately 2/3 of hook (leave satile nymph tied in a variety Auger enough room for the thorax of colors, light or dark, using Custom 42” Bit and wing case). the hare’s mask or store-bought • Wrap ribbing over body in dubbing material. Depending Marmooska the opposite direction of on the size and color you tie, Jigs! dubbing and secure. the Hare’s Ear imitates many Kahtoola • Keep the ribbing spacing different types of nymphs in MICROspikes equal. your local river or stream. • Tie in wing case. On your local stream/river, • Dub in a fat hare’s mask nymph fishing is a great tactic thorax. in early, mid- and late season, http://www.fish307.com LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 15 narbys09.qxd:Layout 1 5/22/09 7:29 AM Page 1 BUSINESS FOR SALE

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CHRIS MULPAGANO SAYS STABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE Brian Kelly has chased steel- BEST FOR STEELHEAD DESPITE A head from British Columbia to New FROSTY MORNING York and enjoys teaching others about this great sport, as well as testing his skill on new waters. ishing for win- they are moving or migrating, so keeping an eye on the barom- ter steelhead can eter will help you be on the water at peak times. Here’s some F be a maddening advice from Chris Mulpagano, a longtime fishing guide on affair at times. One day they bite really well, only to go quiet the Salmon River who has been chasing steelhead for over 20 the next. It’s enough to make you shake your head and wonder years: “First, try to avoid fishing in extremely low pressure (un- why you left a warm bed for all of this. But don’t fret; paying der 29.50) or high pressure situations (over 30.10). These tend attention to the weather details can help you choose the right to have a negative affect on the fish’s moods, and will put them time to be on the water and cash in on a hot bite window. Expe- off the bite for prolonged periods of time. Calm, stable weather rienced anglers have learned these tricks after years of watch- periods are best, as the fish will be in a comfortable and biting ing the weather and piecing together the weather puzzle after mood. Look for barometer range of 29.90 to 30.05; this means good days and bad. Here are a couple factors to pay close at- stable weather and a consistent bite.” tention to. Chris also offers this advice– “Watch for an incoming or out- going system that causes the barometer to rise or fall. Some of BAROMETER the best action can be when a prolonged high pressure begins to move out of the area and the barometer starts to fall. This Barometric pressure affects steelhead in the winter more pressure change is the trigger to a hot bite.” Generally, paying than any other time of the year, due to the stationary nature of close attention to the barometer this winter will put the odds in winter steelhead. Winter steelhead are holding far more than your favor.

LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 17 BY DOUG FUEGEL WATER TEMPERATURE ry. Either way, there are plenty when the fish ignore the rules Once you find a pattern, stick of opportunities to catch steel- and bite well at first light no with it. Winter steelhead tend Water temp is another head all winter long in a variety matter how cold it is. This was to be creatures of habit, and you variable to consider for win- of stream types throughout the the case on the Salmon River can take advantage of this by ter steelheading. Winter wa- region. several years ago when Chris paying attention to the details. ter temps in the Great and I found a hot pod of the It’s these details that separate Lakes can range from a the 5% of the anglers who catch low of 32.5 to 36 degrees 95% of the fish from in most streams. Rivers the rest of the pack. with hydroelectric dams Some enjoy the tend to have a more con- peace and solitude of stant temperature range winter steelheading throughout the winter. more than any other Since these dams draw season. Maybe it’s the water from the top of the solitude, or the peace- lake that they create, the ful, scenic surround- water temp usually stays ings that draw some in a range of 33 to 35 de- to the river in the win- grees. Obviously, this ter. No matter what the will change the farther call, it is a great time away you get from the Brian Kelly and Tim Brooks with a fine to get rid of the cab- dam, as feeder creeks winter steelhead from the Salmon River in fever and bend the can warm the water by rod. Just like fishing a few degrees, or ex- for these magnificent tremely cold weather can freeze fish at other times of the up the lower ends of these river TIME OF DAY fish that hit everything we year, knowing where to systems. threw at them, even in single- look and what to use can lead to Brenda_2009_Layout 1 11/19/10 11:22 AM Page 1 The advantage to fishing The final factor in the win- digit temperatures! some fantastic opportunities. M such streams is that you can ter steelhead puzzle is the time fish them all winter long, since of day that you are going to the flows from the dam keep fish. The old adage of fishing them from freezing up. The the middle of the day in the DOUBLE TROUBLE disadvantage is that they take wintertime often holds true, as much longer to warm up, so this is the warmest part of the CHARTERS you may not see any fresh fish day and the fish can become Mexico Bay & Oneida Lake Salmon, Steelhead, Brown & Lake Trout, Bass & Walleye for a longer period of time. The very active from late morn- Salmon River is a prime exam- ing until early afternoon. This MOTEL ROOM SPECIAL – Nov. - April ple– the upper river towards is especially true on rocky $20 PER PERSON, PER NIGHT Altmar will stay open all win- streams with very little or no ter, while the lower river to- ground water influence. Of- 16 Room Motel, 5 Cabins, wards Pulaski can jam up with ten these streams will be full 3 Bedroom House & (Located Between Pulaski and Altmar) ice and slush during a pro - of slush and ice until the heat Campsites Available longed cold snap. of the day melts them off. It’s w/ Full Hook-ups, Fishermen Welcomed Rivers that free flow for a no coincidence that this is usu- Call Brenda or Capt. Ron 315-298-2268 or 888-298-5054 (toll free) long distance or aren’t influ- ally the time when you’ll find a Email: [email protected] Web: www.brendasmotel.com enced by a power dam can steelhead or two willing to bite 644 County Rt.48 Altmar, NY 13302 warm and cool much more your offering. quickly. This can result in fresh Another point to keep in runs of steelhead in the middle mind is finding a pool that of winter if the weather turns sees direct sunlight in the win- mild and warms the stream ter. Watch the angle of the sun quickly. The problem is, when during the warmest part of the confronted with long stretch- day to see which of your favor- es of below-freezing temps, ite pools get the majority of the these streams tend to ice over sun. Those that get the best and stay that way until spring. light at the best time tend to The Sandy Creeks in Jefferson produce better than the rest. County fall under this catego- However, there are times 18 SHOW 2011 ISSUE BY BURNIE HANEY Ice Out Bass

Ice-out bass fishing isn’t for to flats. Ridges and everyone, and it takes a will- secondary points ingness to explore and keep ex- coming out of deep ploring to find the right area for water into these ar- that given day. The good news eas serve as a navi- is that once you find a quali- gation aid, and they ty area, the odds are that it will seem to attract good produce year after year, and for numbers of fish if it good reason; during that time has scattered rock or of the year it possess every- wood along it- all the thing a bass needs as it tran- better. sitions from the hard water of R ig ht winter into the open water pe- after ice- riod of spring. out the Here in New York, we’ve w a t e r only recently implemented a is very state-wide “catch-and- imme- c l e a r out bass Burnie Haney with ice diate-release /artificial-lure- and very stickbait. taken on Slim Shad only” season for black bass c o l d which runs from December 1 w i t h For crankbaits, I through the third Saturday in temper- fish and draw like a medium diver that runs June, when the catch and keep atures running 33-40 a strike. At cer- 7-9 ft (Slim Shad D7 or Slim season opens. However, not all degrees, and those near shore tain times, one will out-produce Shad D-9), and for minnow im- regions were required to adopt hard bottom areas absorb any the other, and it’s your job to fig- itators I use a suspending jerk- that rule, so be sure to check sunlight, which warms the wa- ure out which one works best on bait (Pointer 100), or the spoon- the local regulations for the re- ter and attracts the fish. Quite any given day. bill version (Pointer 100 DD) gion and county that you’re often, an area that seemed de- I’ve enjoyed most of my ice- when I need to get a tad deeper fishing in. void of life will suddenly hold out success with hard baits, so in the water column. Both lures many fish once it warms up just let’s review a few lure choices have served me well and I usu- WHAT TO LOOK FOR a few degrees. and techniques that might ap- ally employ the crankbait first ply to your local waters. I al- on a steady retrieve using a 6.3.1 When starting your search LURE CHOICES ways try to keep it simple and reel or a slower 5.4:1 gear ratio. for ice-out bass, the top three stick with colors that replicate Remember, we’re scouting su- things to remember are: depth, There are two schools of shad patterns- a dark back, sil- per-cold water for lethargic bass structure, and sunlight. It’s thought on lure choice for this ver sides and a white belly. moving up to put on the feed- considered common knowl- time of year. Some anglers se- There are countless lures on the bag before the pre-spawn cal- edge that most lakes and wa- lect plastics such as tubes, small market that fit that description, endar period arrives; crankbaits tersheds warm up faster along creature baits, or lead head jigs but I use Lucky Craft products. allow an angler to cover a lot of the north and northwestern in an attempt to imitate ter- Their color code Aurora Black or water quickly. shoreline, so that’s a great spot restrials or crawfish or gobies; American Shad are two of my In my experience, you can’t to start your search. Look for while others select hard baits best-producing ice-out lures, bar work crankbaits too slow, but hard bottom areas leading in- (small crankbaits or minnow none, and my experience tells you do need to cover water to the backs of coves or up on- baits), hoping to imitate bait me our New York bass agree. and a 6.3:1 reel helps with that. LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 19 However, if you can’t gener- turns, stop, wait a couple of sec- SAFETY ate a strike and you’re marking onds and repeat; that’s a Stop CONSIDERATIONS fish on the graph, then switch to & Go retrieve. For the jerkbait, the 5.4:1 gear ratio and see what I’ll cast it out, crank it down New York has a happens. Oftentimes, that sub- five or six turns of the reel, and law that requires all tle change in retrieve speed is then use a jerk- pause- jerk- jerk- recreational anglers all you need to get the fish bit- pause retrieve. I usually start in boats to wear a ing. with five to six second pauses Coast Guard ap- Once I’ve located (caught) between jerks and then extend proved person- a few fish on the crankbait, I’ll the length of pause until I start al floatation device let the area rest a few minutes getting bites. (PDF) from No- and then go back through with When casting hard baits for vember 1 through the jerkbait to pickoff any reluc- ice-out bass, consider using flu- the first Satur- tant biters. I’ve also found times orocarbon, or at least a fluoro- day in May. Re- when the crankbait just won’t carbon leader. I use Bass Pro member, the wa- generate a strike and the jerk- Shops XPS Fluorocarbon in 8 or ter is extremely bait is the lure of choice. I don’t 10 lb. test and it works great for cold, so always know of any magic rule or short me. Remember that gin clear bring an extra set of clothes answer on when to throw which water we talked about earlier? to change into if you get wet. Burnie Haney is a BASS Pro one, but I do recommend that Well, the fluorocarbon line re- You’ll be glad you did. Avoid Shops Nitro Boat State Team if you aren’t getting bit, then ally comes into play as the lure fishing alone, if at all possi- member, member of the NY change the cadence of your re- sits suspended in open water. ble, and if you do fish alone, State Outdoor Writers’ Asso- trieve and don’t be afraid to That’s also why I choose Lucky this time of year have your cell ciation, Conservation Direc- slow down. Craft lures; their color patterns phone charged and keep it in a tor and Public Relations Offi- If your crankbait retrieve are so lifelike that no matter water-proof bag. Above all, use cer for the NY BASS Chapter is steady, then switch to a stop how long a fish has to look at common sense, dress in layers, Federation, Regional Bass tour- & go retrieve. Simply cast out, them it seems he’ll ultimately bring a thermos of your favorite nament angler, and Pro Staff crank the reel three of four strike. warm beverage, and have fun member for Dobyns Rods, The chasing some of those cold wa- Rod Glove, Lucky Craft Lures ter ice-out bass. M and US Reels. WerOnUm.qxd:Layout 1 2/21/09 9:05 AM Page 1

Year ‘Round Hunting and Fishing Adventures

4826 Salina Street Pulaski New York 13142 www.salmonriversportsshop.com ICE FISHING HOTLINE: • We Buy Perch & Panfish 315-298-4343 • Terminal Tackle • Ice Shanty Rentals WE NOW HAVE • Ice Fishing Supplies NYS HUNTING AND • Live Bait FISHING LICENSES Located on Salmon River’s Guide Services famous Town Pool Available 20 SHOW 2011 ISSUE Destination Alaska Rainbow Point Lodge by Captain TroyBY TROY A. Creasy CREASY

laska! Just saying the word brings back memories and dear friend, Dr. Stephen Shapiro, whom I have guided to those of us who have been there, and intrigue here at home for over 20 years and in Southwest Alaska three Ato those who have not. Photos and videos of past times in the ‘90s, told me, “You are going back to Alaska as our adventures do little to satisfy the yearning to return to one guest, not our guide, and we want you to set it all up.” How of God’s greatest achievements. It is home to some of the best could I say no? salmon and rainbow trout fishing in There would be four of us– Steve, the world. Gary, Chuck and I. I began to call If you are contemplating an numerous lodges and camps to get Alaskan vacation, choosing the prices and find a place that only took place to spend your hard-earned small groups of eight or less. We wanted dollars can be mind-boggling. There something quiet and personable with are thousands of choices, and many good fishing that we didn’t have to will have just what you are looking fly out to each day. (Remember, fly- for-– but how do you know? The out lodges are wonderful, but if that is owner or marketing person can their only program and the weather is promise you the world, but until too bad to fly, you don’t fish). you talk to someone who has been We decided against a tent camp there, you are taking a chance. I went to Alaska last June, and mainly because we are getting older and wanted to be here is a summary of what I had the tremendous fortune of pampered. We wanted daily showers, without having to experiencing. travel outside to a shower house. We wanted clean, warm beds I spent 10 seasons guiding on the remote rivers and streams and good food. We needed a nice porch or deck to enjoy our in Southwest Alaska and have slept on the tundra, in boats, wine, scotch and cigars in the evening, and of course, we were tents, camps, and million-dollar lodges. So when a great client looking for a good number of wild-leopard spotted rainbows.

LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 21 Benavidez is from Santa wading between spots. Fé, New Mexico, and is a I could go on forever about renowned saucier chef. His the fishing, scenery, wildlife, creations and passion for food and more, but you can food will boggle your mind! see that when you get there. The taste, presentation, and The fishery on the Copper variety– including desserts and Gibraltar Rivers (their to die for– will be enough to home waters) are thriving. make you want to come back. The fish are there just waiting The fishing program was for you and your fly. If you just what we wanted– no are considering an Alaskan “0dark thirty” starts, no adventure, then you owe it crowded rivers, no long plane to yourself to contact Mark rides to get to the water, and Higgins, Brad Hughes or me. plenty of fish willing to suck Although I am blessed ATYPICAL DINNER AT RAINBOW POINT in our flys! to fish for a living everyday, Our guides Mike Goeser this was the only true fishing We ultimately picked the there! and Michael Reynolds were vacation that I have ever Iliamna area, as it was only The lodge has all the young enthusiastic guides taken. I am not sure how it an hour from Anchorage, yet amenities that you would who were willing to help us could have been any better. very remote. expect in a fine hotel. We had as needed. Their true love Perhaps a box full of fresh It only took about five calls spacious bedrooms with wall- for the bush and respect sockeye to bring home, but and a voice answered the to-wall carpet, daily maid for the fishery was evident that is next year! I want phone that knew me. Mark service, and private baths throughout the week. We to thank all of the staff at Higgins, now co-owner of with plenty of hot water. had the best weather of the Rainbow Point Lodge for Rainbow Point Lodge, is originally from Hamden,,Connecticut and had done some Their true love for the bush and respect for the fishery guiding on the was evident throughout the week. Salmon River. We had previously met at the Portly Angler Lodge many, many years ago. Mark Dining takes on a whole new summer with temperatures making my trip a dream come was also guiding in Alaska, meaning as Chef “Slam” in the ‘60s, and we only had a true. where he met Brad Hughes created appetizers, entrees few showers the entire week. For more information, go from Casper, Wyoming, who and desserts that rival any The small jet boats that they to www.akrpl.com, or call was the chef at the lodge 5-star restaurant! use to access the shallow runs 1-877-850-5858. To anyone that he worked out of. They I have to tell you a little were perfect for keeping us who may be interested in hooked up, decided to do about Slam. Michael “Slam” in the best water with little booking at Rainbow Point, their own thing, and the rest I am currently working on is history. putting a trip together for After a few minutes on 2011. The dates will be June the phone with Mark, his 27 – July 2. We still have four enthusiasm and description openings. If you would like of their lodge and fishing to discuss it you can reach me program won me over and at Troy@lakeontariooutdoors. it was a done deal. We were com, or call me at heading to Rainbow Point (315) 298-2410. M Lodge on Lake Iliamna for a week of catching rainbows on dry flys In order not to bore you Captain Troy Creasy is with travel details I will tell the owner of High Adventure you that it is simple to get Sportfishing on Lake Ontario there. Fly to Anchorage, and the Salmon River. He spend the night, fly 50 has fished extensively in New minutes to Iliamna the next York and Alaska. He is the morning and you are former owner and editor of immediately picked up. Then Lake Ontario Outdoors and A LEOPARD SPOTTED WILD RAINBOW TROUT. it’s just a short hop over the currently serves as Consult- IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER lake to the lodge and you are . ing Editor.

22 SHOW 2011 ISSUE Product Reviews BY LOO STAFF

DAIWA POWER ASSIST mote light line sport fishing All reels include easy-to-read battling big fish. ELECTRIC REELS and attempt to match my gear LCD readouts among other fea- The nicest thing for me was to the specie I am targeting. So tures that make the entire prod- By Captain Troy that I didn’t have to have to why do I run copper? Because it uct line super high quality. crank it in. Just hit the power le- A. Creasy produces fish, plain and simple. ver for instant control of speed I will not go into the reason and power and in it comes all by s it works so well, as most of TANACOM BULL(TM) TB 100 itself. Better yet, it stops when us already know why. What I This is the reel that I fished for the lure reaches the surface. want to do is make life easier, two months. Amazing is the Yes, you read that correctly- the and fishing copper reel automatically stops! I am more enjoyable. giving the reel two thumbs up So all you cop- and have nothing negative to per long liners out say about it, except perhaps the there, meet the size. It is like a full-size truck; Daiwa Tanacom you love the extra room but you Bull and the Sea- have to put up with the fuel borg 500 & 750MT. costs. It is big and a person with These Daiwa elec- a smaller hand has a hard time Summer 2010 and the fish tric fishing reels are gripping the rod just above the are deep. My Okuma Titus leading the way in reel as the reel is very wide, but and Shimano Tekota reels are innovation to make it needs to be in order to hold all packed full with 500 to 700 feet a fisherman’s job of that copper. Did I mention I of copper wire that will have less complicated. hate copper? If you are like me, me scratching bottom in over The Daiwa name is this is your answer to the cop- 100 feet of water! I love these synonymous with per hand cramps! reels but they are truly client high-quality reels, killers. Even worse is when you and their electric need to reel them in to make a reels are no differ- lure change at the end of a long ent. Tanacom Bull™ TB 1000 hot afternoon charter. You bet- The Daiwa Features: ter have a bionic arm as it will reels line includes hurt you. six high-quality • Programmable The fact is, many of us hate reels, but for cop- function running copper; I will be the • Brass and aluminum per and wire applications, we first thing first to admit that I do. I pro- will discuss just three of them. word comes to mind. RJ bronze gearing Birchler and Associates out of • Four ball bearings Rochester is Daiwa’s rep group • Rod clamp in the northeast, and if any of • Daiwa’s unique Power Le- you know Rob Birchler like I ver™ for instant control of do, then you know his passion winding speed and power GET HOOKED for fishing and his determina- • Digital readout that mea- tion for finding the best way to sures line let-out and dis- get the job done. Rob set me up tance retrieved from the ON SERVICE! with this reel, and the rest- I am bottom certain- will be history. Pulaski, Salmon River, Sandy Pond, Lake Ontario • Programmable Auto We tugged on some large Chi- Stop™ feature stops wind- nooks and this reel is a power ing when lure reaches the Camps to Castles – We Have It All! house. Yes it is big, but it does surface not feel that heavy for its size. Manual winding option Sure, it weighs in at over three • (315) 298-4600 • (888) 387-4387 pounds but 700 feet of copper • Convenient 12-volt DC op- has some weight to it as well. eration www.bryconrealty.com The drag is super smooth and if • Washable design with you get fatigued, you can fight sealed electronics [email protected] the fish using the power assist. • Power cord and reel bag In fact, this reel will fight the included 3849 Rome Rd (Rt 13) fish for you if you want it to! You truly have the option of Pulaski NY 13142 manual or power assist when

LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 23 Product Reviews

SEABORG ™ SINGLE SPEED if on cue, Frabill® considered • LCD readout • Castable 750MT all of these wants and needs • Maximum winding • Daiwa’s unique Power and rendered a solution- and Although I did not have the power 29 lbs. continuous/ Lever™ for instant control it goes by the name Frabill All privilege of running this reel, I momentary 165 lbs. of winding speed and Purpose Task Glove. heard great things about it from power Quite simply, these are the another captain. This reel was a Another nice feature that all best ice fishing gloves I’ve ev- prototype sent from Japan, but the reels have is a 30-minute • Digital readout that er tested. And testing in my it will be available in the states memory if the power needs to measures line let-out and world means hundreds of in the near future. It is smaller be disconnected. You have two distance retrieved from hours on the ice, drilling thou- than the Bull (which is exactly choices for power. You can run the bottom sands of holes. From a design what we need), but the problem the power cord from your boat • Programmable Auto standpoint, it all begins with is that it will only hold about battery or any power source, or Stop™ feature stops an ergonomically curved, rug- 350 feet of copper and 300 yards you can opt for the recharge- winding when lure ged oxford nylon shell, which of backing. This reel will still able lithium battery pack that reaches the surface serves as the outer wall in have numerous applications, retails for $289.00 with a char- • Manual winding option Leonard’s 100% waterproof, but it would be nice if it held 500 ger. • Convenient 12-volts DC windproof, and breathable lay- feet of copper. Regardless, I am operation ering system. Inside, your fin- sure it will still find a place in gers are treated to a soft, yet many anglers’ arsenal. SEABORG 500FE • Washable design with sealed electronics durable brushed-tricot lining. Clear a diver rod faster than • Power cord and reel bag “Solid-grip” palm material is you can let it out! double stitched with heavy du- Seaborg ™ SB750MT included Features: The 500Fe is, and will be, the ty thread. And you’ll really ap- Costs for the reels will vary perfect reel for wire diver ap- preciate the neoprene, gusset- • Single-speed range power from $650.00 to $1,050.00. While plications. ed cuff with an adjustable strap assist winding some will say that is too much to totally customize the final Like all of Daiwa’s Dendoh • Daiwa’s patented Power to spend for a reel, hardcore fit. Leonard’s final design mark Power Assist Reels, the 500Fe Lever® for instant control tackle junkies and serious cop- on the Frabill All-Purpose makes accessing the depths of winding speed and per aficionados will likely have Task Glove is the special nose and landing big, great-tasting power two or more! These Daiwa wipe material that surrounds game fish a breeze. Available electric fishing reels will write • Programmable Auto the thumb. Say goodbye to the with interchangeable compact the next chapter in Great Lakes sniffles… Stop™ feature stops batteries, it will give you excel- trolling technology. Stay tuned The Frabill All-Purpose winding when lure lent mobility on the boat. for more this coming summer. Task Glove is an official mem- reaches the surface Seaborg 500Fe Features: For more information go to ber of Frabill’s complete line- • Automated jigging www.daiwa.com. up of ice fishing specific appar- function • Programmable jigging el that includes ICESUIT, FXE • Line counter and depth function Snosuit, and various articles of memory • 11 ball bearings plus roller premium headwear, handwear, • 23 ball bearing drive bearing PREMIUM FRABILL ALL- and midlayer garments. system • Compact battery that PURPOSE TASK GLOVE For more information go • Convenient 12-volt DC mounts to reel for www.frabill.com. operation portability There is a perpetual tug-of- • eration (12-16.8V) • Compact design war on the ice. On one hand – quite literally– the gritty ice an- gler demands handwear that delivers the obvious: warm fin- gers. On the other hand, the same winter warrior wants a glove with dexterity, cus- tom fitted to the natural cur- vature of the human hand and with the ability to transmit the smack of a walleye and firm- ly grip the handles of a pow- er auger. Then, of course, there are “wish list” features, like breathability and being 100% waterproof and windproof. As

24 SHOW 2011 ISSUE BY LOO STAFF

CHARGECARD™ of an inch in height, Charge- ing. to your device. Push the silver Portable Battery Pow- Card is the lightest, slimmest I recently had the oppor- power button on the face of the portable charger available to- tunity to try the ChargeCard, ChargeCard to initiate charg- er Now Small Enough day. With a 2000 mAh lithium and I was amazed at how sim- ing. The green indicators lights to Fit in Your Wallet battery, ChargeCard has twice ple and effective it is. Using the will flash once to signal that it the capacity of the typical cell ChargeCard is simple. To pow- is working. Each ChargeCard comes with a mini-USB master cord, 15 tips to fit the most popular handheld devices, and a con- venient travel pouch. Charge- Card retails for $59.95 and can be purchased at www.stuffjunc- tion.com. (LM)

CHURCH TACKLE TX-44 PLANER BOARD

For many years, planer boards have been part of the arsenal of Lake Ontario fisher- men. These devices are great for getting your lure out away from boat noise or disturbanc- es when you are fishing the clear shallow water that many Electronic devices such as phone battery, and comes out- er up the device, you just species inhabit, especially early cell phones, Smartphones, and fitted with tips to fit a variety the accompanying USB cord in- in the season. But as more and GPS, etc., have become an im- of popular cell phones, smart- to your computer and then at- more captains and avid anglers portant part of an outdoors- phones, PDAs, iPods, MP3 play- tach the ChargeCard to the experiment with new lines, man’s gear. However, if you ers, PSP devices and handheld mini-USB end. The ChargeCard weights, and other chang- leave home and forget to charge GPS units. will reach full charge capaci- es, some of the planer boards your handheld devices, or run ChargeCard embodies the ty after 3-4 hours. Four green proved unsatisfactory. out of power on the go, find- latest in ultra-thin lithium indicator lights flash while the Church Tackle has devel- ing an outlet on the water or in polymer technology, matched device is charging and change oped a new, improved planer the woods is an impossible feat. with advanced charge-con- to a steady glow one by one as board- the TX-44- that works Now, with the new ChargeCard trol circuitry. A touch button the ChargeCard becomes full. with heavier weights, in rough you can carry a power source provides instant feedback on Then, when you need water, and is easy to use. The in your wallet to charge devic- the ChargeCard’s power level. to transfer power from the reversible planer is simple to es no matter where you are or The ChargeCard also recogniz- ChargeCard to another device, assemble and use. The size what you are doing. es the power needs of your de- simply select the correct tip, is 14 inches by 4 inches by 7/8 vice, and automatically protects connect it to the master cord, Weighing only 2 ounces FishFab_1_8.qxd 5/15/06 1:33inches. PM Page 1 andRainbowTroutLodge.qxd:Layout measuring just over 1/4” 1 2/21/09against 8:39 over- AM Pageand under-charg1 - and connect the ChargeCard Church Tackle’s new TX-44

Private Party Lodging Daily or Weekly Rental 315-409-5796 Fabricati sh on i s F Fast RAINBOW TROUT LODGE Turnaround Time From A 7434 State Route 104 West Full Time Oswego, NY 13126 Taxidermy Professional! www.RtLodgeOswego.com True Life Fish Mounts Year round drop off at Larry's Call Dave At 607-936-8657 3.6 Miles from the Oswego River Salmon Shop in Oswego and 4007 Meads Creek 2 Miles from Oswego State University All Seasons Sports in Pulaski. Painted Post, NY 14870

LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 25 Product Reviews

Super Planer is designed for many years and makes a great fine after a full day of hunt- lead core, copper, wire, or when variety of boots to fit every out- ing. Both are constructed with using drop weights or hard doorsman’s needs. They come Gore-Tex and Thinsulate to pulling lures. In addition, the in a variety of materials, styles, keep my feet warm and dry TX-44 works with Dipsy Divers and options. Whether it is hik- in all conditions. My Ridge- , Jet Divers , Slide Divers , Dive ing the Rocky Mountains in line Xtreme are 9-inch boots Bombs and Torpedo Divers, search of elk or hunting deer with 1000 grams of Thinsulate which opens an all new way to in the cold and snow of the Ad- for wintry conditions while the fish with planer boards. This is irondack Mountains, Wolver- King Caribou are 8-inch with just what the salmon, striper, ine boots have been my boot of 800 grams of Thinsulate for muskie, northern, and walleye choice. less extreme weather. fishermen have been asking that I have found that best fit Two of my newest pairs are These, as well as the other for- something designed for these needs, as well as keep my neoprene, weatherproof, and pairs that I own, are all quali- pulling more weight. The TX- feet warm and dry, are Wol- come with a tough sole. De- ty made and are long-lasting. 44 can handle lead core, cop- verines. Wolverine is a quality spite this, they are light and For more information see per, or wire lines, along with 1 boot that has been around for comfortable and my feet feel www.wolverine.com. (LM) M pound of weight attached, but it can be used with mono and the super braids as well. The size of the TX-44 makes it harder for fish to pull the board under; however, it is still easy to retrieve. The TX-44 sets upright in the water right out of the gate, which gives it the ability to troll extremely slow- ly, without restricting perfor- mance at higher speeds. This Super Planer is also reversible- it can be assembled to run port or starboard. The TX-44 Su- per Planer comes with a stan- dard flag that folds down for easy storage and has the same patented* rear pin, as do all of Church Tackle’s boards. The new Vise Clip, which was de- signed especially for lead core and copper, makes accidental release almost impossible and comes standard with the TX-44 Super Planer. For more information see CHURCH TACKLE CO. DIGITAL WATER www.churchtackle.com. or call TEMPERATURE (269) 934-8528 AND DEPTH

WOLVERINE BOOTS

Next to my guns, my most important piece of hunting equipment is my boots. During the course of the long hunting seasons I put countless miles on them. I am out in all types of weather, and often traverse Made in U.S.A. Patent Pending some rugged or wet country. Comfort, light weight, and grip are important. The boots

26 SHOW 2011 ISSUE It’s ice season in Wayne County SEASONAL BY CHRIS KENYON Ice Fishing Sodus Bay

he area around LeRoy Island is a popular to Sodus at Shaker Heights T destination for Sodus Bay ice fishermen Road. The walleye are at Third Creek, and you need to go deep. To fish these 30-foot The prominent ice fish- anglers will set tip-ups in water tend to go deep. Pike depths requires quite a hike ing location along the Seaway large patterns; running shin- will also move, though they from shore. Many anglers Trail is Sodus Bay, located in ers at the bottom, 12 to 18 feet. will remain at the weed lines. bring their “machines” to find Wayne County. Anglers have Blue gills will also appear ear- Fish the weeds, catch the pike. walleye hide outs. driven two hours from Buffa- ly in the season. This loca- Go deep, catch the perch. For bait, the minnows lo to bore holes in this 3,200 tion is a hot spot; however, ice During the 2010 sea- work fine, but you can do acre body of water. That’s a thickness varies greatly be- son, anglers were catching just as well with Kastmas- fairly long drive. One would cause of a slight current, and some nice perch in the cove ters, Swedish Pimples, or oth- have to set the alarm for 4 a.m. the wise angler carries a spud north of the Waypoint Res- er heavy jigging spoons. Rig- for a decent day on the ice. ging big also attracts jumbo Sodus is a large bay, and perch in this area of the bay. therefore a little intimidating If you are using minnows to first time anglers; never- From the first ice at LeRoy Island  with your tip-ups, be pre- theless, ice fishing should be until the last remaining safe ice near pared to pay $9 per dozen. At a fun-filled adventure, not a the south end, Sodus Bay consistently that price, those little fish be- daunting task, so let’s look at come a rare commodity; an some tried and true hot areas. produces phenomenal fishing. investment that requires ten- Of course, one of the essen- der loving care. Lose a min- tial requirements for ice fish- now while rigging and $.75 ing is to have those 3,200 acres during early ice. taurant. The fish actually re- swims away. of water freeze. Sometimes Just south of LeRoy Island mained in that area for the en- From the first ice at LeRoy Sodus gets safe ice by Christ- is another early-ice haven, es- tire winter. They were hitting Island until the last remain- mas…lucky for us. However, pecially for perch and blue in 18 to 20 feet of water. The ing safe ice near the south there have been a few winter gills. Straight out from Con- bait remained the ‘ole stand- end, Sodus Bay consistently seasons without any ice. nelly’s Cove Restaurant, an- by jig, however, some anglers produces phenomenal fishing. Historically, the first ice on glers will find tons of these like the excitement of tip- Whether you target a specific Sodus Bay appears on the east fine pan-tasting fish. The wa- down action, and were using species, or just want to enjoy side of LeRoy Island. LeRoy ter is four to five feet deep, perch minnows under their whatever comes up through is one of the bay’s three is- and if you dangle a chartreuse holes, rigged near the bottom. the hole, this bay will not dis- lands, all located at the north teardrop jig at the bottom, When the perch are hitting appoint you. end of the embayment. Park- you’ll connect. Try a spike on tip-downs, there is plenty of Word gets out fast within ing is limited; however, you the end of the jig, then switch slipping and sliding on the ice the ice fishing community. As should be able to find a spot at to perch eyes. as anglers check their set-ups. the fish move, the shanties ap- the end of LeRoy Island Road, As the ice season pro- Late February and early pear at different locations. If which is off of Lake Bluff gresses, the quarry that you March is walleye time under you are new to ice fishing, just Road. are seeking tends to move Sodus Bay ice. The action is at follow the shanties. Usually if Trophy-sized pike always around. The schooling perch the south end of the bay near it’s crowded, the action is fast. swim around LeRoy, and ice that were initially in shallow Third Creek, which flows in- For weekly ice conditions, LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 27 log onto www.waynecountytour- able for expert advice, and they ism.com, and go to “Fishing Up- have all the equipment need- date”, or call Davenport Marina ed for some productive hours at (315) 587-4434, or Bay Bridge on the ice. They are located Sport Shop at (315) 587-9508. at 8487 Greig St. Sodus Point, Davenports and Bay Bridge are New York 14555. Call (315) 483- full-service bait shops, located 2183, or e-mail troywarren02@ at the south end of Sodus Bay yahoo.com. on Ridge Road. All these bait shops are At the north end of Sodus open the entire year. If you are Bay, in the village of Sodus traveling quite a distance, the Point, there is the Sodus Point last thing you want to see is a Bait Shop, another full-service closed sign…that will not hap- establishment.Troy, Dawn, and pen at Sodus Bay. M Kayci Warren are always avail- Henchen.qxd:Layout 1 11/15/09 12:09 PM Page 1 LOC Derby Weigh In HENCHEN MARINA&FISHINGCAMP PO Box 36, Henderson Harbor, NY 13651 AT 4:15 PM, 45 MINUTES SHY OF THE TOURNAMENT DEAD- LINE, THOMAS FOEHNER BROUGHT IN A MONSTER PIKE AND (315) 938-5313 Toll Free 1-888-848-3821 THE OFFICIAL SCALE READ 12 LB. 8 OZ. Email: [email protected] Furnished Lodging with FREE Dockage Chris Kenyon is an Outdoor Columnist for the Sodus Record-Sun and the Finger Lakes Times and freelances for several outdoor publications. ✭ LARGE TACKLE SHOP ✭ He is a member of New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association and Live Bait, Gas & Diesel, Ice, Licenses, the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. He is also the Outdoor ATM, Groceries, Cold Beer, Gift Shop, Clothing Recreational Coordinator for Wayne County Tourism. FishOn_1-4.qxd:LayoutWEBSITE: henchenmarina.com 1 5/19/09 9:43 AM Page 1

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Lure package deals like 10 Rapalas, or 10 Mepps Spinners, or 10 Eppinger The “Marathon Charter” Daredeveles, or Lucky Craft, Spro, Sebile, Yo-Zuri, and just about all other 24 hrs Straight Fishing top brand name lures for +/- $10.00 Fish for 3 limits! Call Mike! Just about any Fishing item will be up for auction from Cannon, Scotty, Big Jon Downriggers, Berkley, Luhr Jensen, Humminbird, Sebile Lures, One Of The Largest & FISH-ON! MOTEL'S NEW Eppinger, Storm, EagleClaw, Gapen Lures, MarCum, Lindy, Penn Reels, Best Equipped Fishing Cotton Cordell, Blue Fox, Panther Martin, and much more that you can win CHARTER BOAT- 41' LONG & for pennies on the dollar! Boats On The Great Lakes! 14'3" WIDE - TROJAN

Please visit the site at www.huntingfishingauctions.com You can read Over 19K Pounds of Fiberglass, That Takes A 6' Sea & Turns It Into A Kiddie Pool! the Terms and Conditions for the site. You can also register for free and receive 10 free bids, You will also be able to buy bids and be ready to get some unbelievable deals. If you have any questions, email me at Guaranteed Fish Trips Available Every Day [email protected] On Our Lake Charters Or River Drift Boats! The site is presently being built, very near completion, and will go live very soon. But, you can still register now and get those free bids. If the site is Check Out Our Catch On FISHONMOTEL.COM ready to go live sooner, I will notify you via email if you are registered. & Call Captain Mike Fiumano at 315-298-3847

28 SHOW 2011 ISSUE BY CAPTAIN BILL SAIFF III BY CAPTAIN BILL SAIFFJumbo III Browns of the

Capt. Bill Saiff III owns and operates Lake Ontario’s largest professional fishing fleet. Eastern End The Westview Lodge in Henderson Harbor is headquarters for the Saiff Charter fishing team. They can be reached at the lodge by calling 315-938-5285 or by cell at 315-771-3514. Visit them online at www.BillSaiffOutdoors.com

Brown trout taken from clear water near shoreline in early May on natural color Michigan Stinger.

The show issue of Lake Ontario Outdoors Magazine is a critical io warms more slowly than the southern shore. In late April, fish are issue for anglers who are looking to ply new waters, learn the latest already moving off shore in areas like Sodus Point, Fair Haven and technique, or research the hottest new tackle item. It’s winter now Pultneyville. In Henderson and surrounding areas, anglers will still and the Saiff Fleet often looks back on the last season and discuss- find fish in five to ten feet of water. es trends in our ever-changing fishery. Avid readers of this -maga zine know that in the month of April, my heart lies in Pultneyville, WORKING THE SHORELINE IN LATE APRIL & MAY New York with the many browns and coho salmon that swim along A late April hot spot is the shoreline from Black Pond to South- its shoreline. When May arrives, this angler switches gears and be- wick Beach State Park. Anglers must watch local wind forecasts to gins a two and a half month odyssey that connects him with the big- determine where the warmest water will be found. West winds will gest brown trout of the entire fishing season. Here’s where to go and pocket warm water in the Black Pond area and behind the shoal on what to use from early May through the month of July. Drowned Island. North winds will move warm water down the shoreline to the south and in front of Southwick’s Beach. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Late April usually brings warming daytime temperatures. This Henderson Harbor and Stony Creek sit at a pivotal juncture for warming trend increases the run-off temperature of local streams and anglers looking to connect on spring and early summer brown trout. tributaries. A hot spot during slack wind would be the estuary of the Henderson Harbor and Stony Creek are both situated where large Sandy Creeks and the outflow of Colwell Pond near Montario Point. stockings of brown trout fingerlings occur each season. Nearly 15,000 Run-off from these outflows is generally warmer than the surround- browns are stocked each April on the docks of the Westview Lodge ing lake water and the turbid nature of the water helps anglers hide alone. These small browns use the shoreline docks to hide from avian their bait presentations from feeding fish. predators as they acclimate to their new surroundings. Spoon and plug combinations from planer boards get the nod when The early April stockings also take place before the bulk of the fishing skinny water. A dynamite set-up would be 12 lb. test Trilene cormorant migration, allowing for a higher survival rate among the Big Game with a seven foot Segaur fluorocarbon tippet. young fish. Additional stockings in Stony Creek provide a solid base The terminal end should be rigged with a #2 Berkley round nosed for the eastern end of Lake Ontario. The eastern end of Lake Ontar-

LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 29 cross-lock snap. This will allow tic breaks in temperature. These chooses. When fish are spooky, the are known for their great produc- all baits to swim freely on the con- breaks will hold schools of bait Dive Bomb can be run further up tion of warm water species. Local nection point and anglers will and the big browns that are feed- the line and away from the trolled guides also know that when the have the added benefit of chang- ing on them. Trolling big open wa- bait. When fish are more active, bait balls up on these points, big ing baits more quickly. ter is a planer board fisherman’s Dive Bombs can be fished just in brown trout will be just above the If stick baits are your prefer- dream and eight to ten rod set-ups front of the fluorocarbon tippet pike and walleye feeding on the ence, Dave’s Ka-Boom baits are will keep anglers into lots of fish. where their many colors can be same bait schools. A brown’s abili- an excellent choice. The smallest used as an added attractor for fish. ty to tolerate warm water lets them version of these baits dive just one target and stay on this to three feet making them perfect bait even as for shallow water fishing. Mich- the temper- igan Stinger trolling spoons get ature rises the nod from spoon fishermen as through the their incredible color schemes and mid sixties. action are irresistible to spring Middle browns. Trolling speeds of 1.5 to Shoal and 2.5 knots will serve anglers well the green in cloudy water conditions where can buoy on baits presentations are easily hid- Point Penin- den. When waters are clear, an- sula are also glers should boost the speed spots where through 3.5 knots to cover more anglers can trolling area and trigger reaction target browns strikes from shoreline Browns. during this time frame. DEEPER WATER FROM Natural col- LATE MAY TO MID JUNE ored Michi- gan Stinger The alewife run in east- spoons are the ern Lake Ontario is incredi- best choice un- ble during the month of May. der clear condi- Huge schools of this baitfish tions. Patterns type make their spawning runs like emerald and jumbo browns are usual- shiner, tuxe- ly found near concentrations of do, alewife and this bait. The 25 to 50 foot con- blue smelt are tour directly in front of Stony local favorites. Creek will hold massive bait When condi- schools during this time pe- tions are murky, riod. Brown trout can still be gold perch, sodus taken from planer board rigs point buckeye, early in the morning, but by nuclear green 9:00 a.m., browns have usually and the shanster located in deeper water. are the bait col- The use of downriggers ors of choice. July and Dipsy Divers are the best Browns: way to target these deeper The “Moun- fish. Spoon fishing general- tain” off Stony ly produces the most strikes Point lighthouse at this time of year. Huge A PAIR OF JUMBO BROWN TROUT TAKEN ON SPOONS IN is the fisherman’s browns are gorging them- 50 FEET OF WATER IN FRONT Mecca for big sum- selves on bait and the “Pig” OF STONY CREEK. mer browns. The browns that every angler key to summer dreams of are right in the fray. brown trout fish- Spoon fishing with larger hard- Devices like Gibb weights, Mini A vari- ing is finding where ened treble hooks will help fisher- Jon Divers and Dive Bombs will ety of sizes will let fishermen ad- the thermocline meets the bottom. men stay connected with the big- help planer board fishermen get just to almost any set of circum- The steep structure of the moun- gest browns. When baitfish moves down to these deeper fish. stances. tain is attractive to baitfish and in from deeper water browns can All of these weights and div- In recent years, baitfish schools it is generally easy for fishermen be accessed 15 to 40 feet down ing attachments will catch fish, have massed near traditional wall- to find where the thermal break over water as deep as 150 feet. but the new Dive Bomb weighted eye and pike haunts in the east- meets bottom. During the month Satellite thermal imaging diving planer by Advance Tack- ern basin. Structure like Bull of July, anglers will usually find maps of the lake will give anglers le gives the fisherman the luxury Rock and Everleigh Point along the break from 65 to 100 feet down. the approximate location of dras- of placing the weight wherever he the north shore of Black River Bay Trolling the edge of this structure

30 SHOW 2011 ISSUE at the thermal break depth will keep tice strikes from these deeper fish. tario. Walleye, pike, browns, steel- their limits have been achieved by rods popping on browns. Spreading the pattern during July head, lake trout and king salmon mid-morning. These same fisher- The deep rigging of spoons is another way to increase the like- are all found throughout the time men will often deep troll for “Hog” on downriggers is the best way lihood of brown trout bites. Fish- that brown trout are available. If lake trout after a successful morn- to stay in contact with these fish. ermen can employ the use of wire the brown trout waters of eastern ing of browns. In today’s world, NK-28 spoons and Michigan Sting- Dipsy Diver combination to target Lake Ontario are too rough to fish we are all looking to maximize our er spoons are the best hardware to the 90 and 100-foot depths. These in early May, anglers can always fishing dollars and our time. Ply- run during this time. Black/Silver silent stalkers have always been head to the shelter of back bays for ing the waters of the eastern basin NK-28s are superb on these deep deadly on summer browns. great action on walleye and north- gives fishermen great opportunity, browns as anglers troll them just 20 ern pike. While fishing summer but also provides them with one of feet behind the ball. Natural pat- AN ADDED BONUS TO browns, deeper sets can help an- the best back-up plans in all of fish- terns in the Stinger lineup are also ANGLERS glers target king salmon as a bonus ing. This season, I hope you plan to working well at this time of year. to their . whet your brown trout lines in the BillSaif1.qxd Local fishermen 8/20/07 use pat4:36- PMThe Page eastern 1 basin is one of the Many fishermen find that the eastern basin of the “Big Pond.” I’ll most diverse fisheries on Lake On- terns like the Grim Reaper to en- brown trout fishing is so good that see you there! M

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LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 31 Oswego County, NY It’s great fishing! ®NYSDED Blessed with four seasons of fantastic fishing! Make Oswego County your top choice for winter fishing in the northeast! You will find open water rivers teeming with steelhead, while frozen ponds and lakes offer walleye, perch and pike aplenty.

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32 SHOW 2011 ISSUE Winter in Niagara SEASONAL BY BILL HILTS, JR. Winter Fishing in the Niagara Is As Good As It Gets verage size for steelhead is six to eight lbs. A but Frank Campbell displays a 17 lb. steelhead

addition to other stockings what conditions may be en- catching – fish in a barrel- an of nearly 200,000 Chinook countered for a Western New excellent analogy given the salmon, 25,000 Coho salm- York winter. daredevil antics associated on, and 25,000 walleye. The “It can get pretty cold with Niagara Falls over the river is often the benefac- in January and February,” years. tor of bonus fish when other says Campbell, who serves waters become too warm in as chairman of the Niaga- PICK THE RIGHT GEAR the spring, adding to the riv- ra County Fisheries Adviso- er’s mystique. ry Board. “We may have ice This is winter in Niagara. “One of the best things floes to contend with at the First and foremost, you have about this river is the fact launch ramp and in the river, to be dressed for the part. Lay- you never know what you so it’s important to keep the ers of clothing are the way to are going to catch,” says launch area open. Lewiston go; keeping that warmth in as Capt. Frank Campbell of does an excellent job in keep- much as possible. There are Niagara Falls. As the pro- ing the ramp open and main- days when you can be over- s the water from the up- prietor of Niagara Region tained with sand or gravel on dressed, so being able to take Aper four Great Lakes Charters, he should know- the incline.” off some of those clothes can comes crashing down 200 feet spending more than 200 days One of the reasons for these be just as important. And no over the Cataracts at Niaga- on the water every year. “It’s fish to be attracted to this low- matter how cold it can get – ra Falls, the river of the same not unusual to catch steel- er stretch of river is the tre- remember that water flowing name is already starting to head, brown trout, lake trout, mendous amount of bait- down through is pegged at 32 work its magic to attract fish in walleye and muskellunge all fish. At various times, runs degrees – when you are catch- this lower section of waterway on the same day during a win- of smelt, alewives, gizzard ing fish, it just doesn’t seem to that extends some 15 miles ter fishing adventure.” shad, emerald shiners, and feel all that cold. to Lake Ontario. For anglers Because of the tumultuous more can be found; enticing Thanks to a new law that looking to catch open-water current that rips through the the larger predator fish in- was enacted in 2009, all boat- trout in the winter months, it gorge area, this water doesn’t to the system for a meal or ers are now required to wear a just doesn’t get any better than freeze up – giving boaters ac- two. The oxygenation that personal flotation device from this. cess to some of the best fishing these waters provide is anoth- November 1 through May 1 Rich in oxygen, the Niagara in the country. While access er important factor. And with – unless you are on a charter River receives a healthy dose can be gained at Fort Niaga- many of these fish being im- boat. Charter vessels are ex- of trout stockings from the ra State Park and the Village printed to the waters flowing empt from this new legisla- state’s Department of Environ- of Youngstown through their down from Lake Erie, this is tion. That said, it’s still not a mental Conservation. In 2009 boat launch sites, the best boat where these trout call home bad idea either way. We do alone, the river was the re- access occurs in the Village when it comes time to suc- recommend fishing with a cipient of over 144,000 brown of Lewiston where the Public cumb to their spawning urges charter person your first time trout, 47,000 steelhead; and a Works Department keeps the or look for a meal. Sometimes or two on the river to learn bonus of 54,000 brook trout in launch ramp open, no matter it really is like shooting – or the ropes. Capt. Campbell ac-

LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 33 tually provides survival suits the bottom eye is a foot of lead- also serves as co-chairman of on any given day seems to be for his customers as an add- er with some type of a weight the Niagara Tourism and Con- an intuition that Campbell has. ed precaution – and to help attached. For winter fishing, vention Corporation’s Board of Then again, being on the water keep his clients warm. It’s not every single day doesn’t hurt a bad idea. His personal touch- either. “Keep a good supply of es keep his customers coming different baits on your boat,” back year after year. reflects Campbell, “From min- For the fishing end of things, nows and yarn balls, to egg Campbell has some person- sacks and Kwikfish, I can’t be al preferences that all contrib- caught without something that ute to his success. For example, will work on any given day.” his choice of rod allows him to catch more fish. He says, “I use BOAT CONTROL IS KEY a Quantum Tour Edition seven- and-a-half-foot medium action Presenting your fish offer- rod with a soft tip. I’ve found ings in a way that’s appealing that the fish like to hang on to to them is critical for consis- the bait for a period of time and tent success. the soft rod tip will help keep “You have to figure out the fish available to custom- what the fish want based on ers longer. A stiffer tip will let the conditions – be it clear the fish feel the resistance soon- water or wind direction. Of- er, causing them to let go of ten it’s both. Boat control is the bait offering, whatever that essential for catching fish,” may be – such as egg sacks, sin- Campbell says. gle eggs, egg imitations such as One of the hot lures on the yarn balls, or live bait, like min- river is a Kwikfish. Similar nows. There will be more on to a flatfish, this banana-type this a bit later. The rod also has bait gives a wobbling motion slightly larger guides that will that trigger trout to hit. Last not freeze up as quickly in the year, with quite a bit of wind cold.” from the south or southwest, The next most important those baits were on fire for component is the reel. Camp- Campbell prefers starting out Directors. “We have to adapt all trout – steelhead, brown, bell’s personal preference is a with a one-ounce pencil lead. If to those clear conditions by and lake trout. Wind from Quantum Energy Baitcasting the water is really clear and he downsizing our bait, lighten- these directions will push reel, outfitted with eight you down pound test Cajun fluoro- the river and carbon line. “I use fluoro- The Niagara River produces great variety of fish,  give these carbon line for the visibil- baits the mo- ity factor, especially when including trophy brown trout tion required the water is clear,” insists to make them Campbell. “I also don’t most effec- get as much line stretch, so it needs to get the bait away from ing up our line, and fishing in tive. However, every one helps with the . And the boat, he’ll trim that lead a bit deeper water. My hook of the boats (Campbell op- when the water becomes super down – sometimes in half – to size could be as small as a No. erates a 21-foot deep V alu- clear, I’ll drop my leader off the get the presentation required to 12, down from the normal No. minum Lund boat, the pre- three-way down to six pound catch fish. He may have to add 6 or 8 that I normally use. Last ferred choice on the Niagara) test and even extend the leader weight if he’s fishing in deeper year, one of my best baits when that fish these waters for hire a foot or two.” water; again, another consider- the water was clear was a single have a bow-mount trolling A three-way rig is the tried ation when facing clear condi- salmon egg treated with Pautz- motor. If a northerly wind is and true method for taking tions. ke natural cure. It gave the egg holding you up, you can al- these trout in the winter. Using “In the winter, when the ice a nice orange tint to it and I ways pull yourself along and a three-way swivel, they will bridge forms below Niaga- would put that single egg into a increase your speed to adjust extend a leader off the trailing ra Falls, and Lake Erie has fro- sack. It seemed to make a dif- and make just about any bait eye five to seven feet back be- zen over, water clarity becomes ference for me,” work for you. fore they attach the bait. Off an issue,” says Campbell, who Knowing what the fish want The best sizes for Kwik-

34 SHOW 2011 ISSUE fish are K-8 and K-9. Top col- charge for anyone interest- ors are silver, silver-blue, ed in learning more about the silver-green, silver-pink, sil- river. In addition, a weekly ver-chartreuse and gold, fishing hotline is available at again, depending on the con- the same phone number. That ditions of the water. Most of information can also be found the guides will remove the set at www.outdoorsniagara.com. of treble hooks on the belly of The Niagara River offers an- the lure, especially if catch- glers the complete package. and-release is practiced. And One aspect that we didn’t like the other baits, a three- even touch upon is the fact way rig is used with a slight- that some excellent shore fish- ly shorter leader. Maintain- ing also exists, and the Hot- ing contact with the bottom is spot Fishing Map, mentioned important to keep your offer- earlier, is a good source for ings in the prime fish zone on access points. DEC also has Throw the tournament winning all accounts. information on its website at Reef Runner crankbaits with their unique actions, seductive finishes, and VMC reverse barb trebles… When wind isn’t as much www.dec.ny.gov. The gorge they won’t know they’ve been had till they’re hooked! of a factor, the trolling motor area is the place to be, along can be used to keep your boat Artpark, Devil’s Hole, and the sideways. Egg presentations Whirlpool – all state parks PO Box 450 are normally the same speed with respectable access to the as the current or slightly fast- river shoreline. Pay this river Marblehead, OH 43440 er, so keeping your line per- a great deal of respect in the 419-798-9125 pendicular to the bottom can winter – it deserves a lot. Not Fax: 419-798-9012 be a factor – but not always. only is it a great year-round www.ReefRunner.com “Stay away from the pack fishery, but it’s also one of of boats and find active fish on the most scenic rivers on the Made in the USA your own,” says Campbell. “If planet. you can find active fish, you While the name “Niagara” can stay on them all day and may mean “thundering wa- he Pulaski Chamber can help you plan your next not be bothered by anyone ters” to the Native Americans, Tfamily vacation. Whether it's enjoying our beautiful else. You can also find fish modern fishermen would ar- beaches, golfing, fishing, antiquing or camping, throughout the river, from gue that it could also mean contact us today for your information packet. Lewiston all the way down to “great fishing” – especially the mouth on the Niagara Bar for winter trout. Give the Ni- and all points in between. Be- agara a try; you won’t be dis- cause this is a shared resource appointed. And if the winter with the Province of Ontar- is just a bit too cold for you, io, having a Canadian fish- many of these trout will re- ing license is a bonus; open- main in the river into the ear- ing up new waters when the ly part of June. M conditions require flexibility. However, you can get away with just a New York license just fine.” Bill Hilts, Jr. is Niagara For more information con- County Sportfishing Promotion Chair and Outdoor Sports tact Frank Campbell at 716- Specialist for Niagara Tourism & 523-0013 or check the website Convention Corp. He is currently www.NiagaraCharter.com. president of the Association of Another good source for in- Great Lakes Outdoor Writers and formation is through the Ni- a past president of NYS Outdoor agara Tourism and Conven- Writers’ Association. He currently EXPERIENCE PULASKI/EASTERN SHORE tion Corporation at www. serves as president of Lake Ontario Call (315) 298-2213or E-mail: niagara-usa.com, or 877-FALLS Sportfishing Council and is an [email protected] US. A Greater Niagara fFish- active member of OWAA, POMA, and NRA. E-mail: BHiltsjr69@ For calendar of events visit ing Map is available free of cs.com. www.pulaskieasternshorechamber.com

LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 35 STEELIES AND SALMON AND SMALLMOUTH, OH MY!

2011 DERBY & TOURNAMENT DATES Spring LOC April 29–May 8 Orleans County Pro-Am June 10–12 Summer LOC June 18–July 17 Orleans Rotary Derby August 6–21 Fall LOC August 19–September 5

And lake and brown trout, chinook and coho, trophy fi sh. Finish your day at a waterfront restaurant rainbows and largemouth.  e diversity and production and lay your head in one of a variety of a ordable of the Orleans County fi shery is the nest on the lodging choices. Come for a day or a week - Great Lakes. Off our shores on Lake Ontario, an you’re guaranteed to go home with a keeper! excellent charter  eet will help you fi nd and land a I LOVE NEW YORK logo is a registered trademark/service mark of the NYS Dept. of Economic Development, used with permission.

www.orleanscountyfi shing.com FISHING HOTLINE 585-589-3220 TOURISM INFO 800-724-0314

36 SHOW 2011 ISSUE BY BOB DICK Trolling Spring Walleye and Pike

lead drops, downriggers, dodg- w a y s er/flasher rigs, and the like- are important to keep track of not needed. A fisherman can hits in any slight turn or large be quite successful running turn as you can determine if body baits from in-line plan- the fish prefer a faster or slow- ers or large planer boards along er speed. with a few well-placed floaters When you start fishing and divers. deeper water, several methods Most of the season we like to can put more lures in a fish’s run large double-boarded plan- face. The most obvious is to ers by Prince Mastercraft. They lengthen leads on the planer have florescent orange striped boards, and if you’re running sides along with flags that are divers, let them back a little fur- easily visible in rougher wa- ther. You can add small slip ter. Depending on boat traffic, weights in front of the swiv- we like to run them from 75-150 el when running leaders or feet out, away from the boat. I run split shot on your line four like to run three to four lines feet above the lure which also off each side attached with off- works to catch grass, etc. that Aisling Kelly from Boston proudly shore releases anywhere from will interfere with the action shows 12 lb., 13 oz. walleye taken 150-250 feet back on the farthest and presentation of the lure. line out, shortening the lead 10- Some anglers like to run mini- on a Husky Jerk lure.contents 12 feet on each rod put out. divers from Luhr-Jensen and The rods that I like the most Big Jon. Small spoons with 50- are 7 _ foot graphite (I use Dai- 100 foot leads off planer boards Fishing trophy walleye ly what they need. Catch-and- wa) with Daiwa LC 27 line are as successful as body baits, and northerns in the eastern release is very important to counter reels, spooled with 12- but sometimes inhibit the use- end of Lake Ontario’s “Golden this fishery, so don’t take them 15 pound Trilene or Cortland fulness of the mini-divers. Crescent” has been affected by just for show; use good judg- line with 8-12 pound fluorocar- Lures, lures, lures!!! What many things over the last few ment for each situation. We bon leaders. I am one that likes are you using? Probably the years, including clearer wa- have some groups that release to use downriggers no mat- most often asked question out ter. Although the sheer num- them all, some take only one ter how deep the water is. De- of a fisherman’s mouth. I’ve bers of walleye in large schools or two to eat, some take one to pending on how many people always found that whatever have declined, many walleye mount, and others take whatev- are in the boat (you are allowed you’re confident in, and catches swim in smaller groups that er they catch- as they pay a lot two rods per person), I will run fish for you, is the most impor- are more widely dispersed with of money for that right. Over- all four downriggers with dif- tant fact. When fishing with plenty of action available. With all, in a whole season, we feel ferent baits. Generally, we will my friends, I’ve found that we the excellent quality and quan- it works out. It is rewarding to run 8-12 rods in the water at can be trolling the same area at tity in this area, it is the best op- hear about the large amount of one time. You must constantly the same speed, and if one guy portunity for all types of fish- fishermen who are practicing adjust and fine-tune your setup is catching fish on something in ermen to catch trophy walleye catch-and-release recently in when the conditions and loca- particular, I will switch, with and northern pike without a this area to help keep this fabu- tion of the fish change. no results, and vice-versa. But substantial investment in new lous fishery alive and well. If you start fishing shallow generally speaking, if the fish equipment. Many people think Most of the fishing we do in water, you might want to ad- are banging a lure steady on that you just go out and catch the spring is in 10-35 feet of wa- just to shorter leads somewhere one boat, you definitely should lots of walleye, etc. This is not ter, but occasionally 35-60 feet. between 80-150 feet behind the have a couple out. a numbers fishery (although This means that the deeper fish boat. Also, consider switching Color selection is a key, and some days it can be); it is a tro- can be easily reached with dip- to lures that track tightly, can the right color could change ev- phy fishery, noted for big fish. sy divers, mini-divers, lead, or be trolled faster, and don’t dive ery couple hours. Walleye def- One thing that I would like deep diving body baits. The as much as others, so that you initely have color preferences, to make clear is that all fisher- most complex setups- includ- can cover more ground with largely related to water clarity men are responsible to take on- ing wire rods, lead core lines, less chance of tangling. It’s al- and the amount of light pres- LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 37 ent. When fishing stained wa- eas. With many points, edges, us in Henderson Harbor. fish to target in the Gold- ter, or in overcast conditions, and drop-offs, plus the deep- A good way to learn a bit en Crescent and its tributar- bright or fluorescent colors er 50-60 foot belly in the mid- about the area and some of ies. Productive walleye and such as chartreuse, orange, northern pike set-ups can be red, and green, seems to work quite simple with patience well. When fishing clear wa- and persistence and not being ter or under bright conditions, afraid to experiment. How- shiny metallic colors such as ever, it is always important to gold, silver, copper, and black remember some main points produce. when fishing for walleye. Lo- Lures that I like best? I cation is the key to success; really like the old Thunder- you need to be where the sticks! My opinion is that fish ARE. This is especially they are always the best out true of walleye because they of the box without any or very have a tendency to school so little tuning. When water tightly. temps are below 58 degrees, Secondly, make sure your I like stick baits with small baits are in the range where diving bills and a longer the fish are more active, and thinner body such as Rapa- present them with a lure that las, Thundersticks, Bombers, they will respond to. Finally, Smithwicks, Husky Jerks and select a color that gives them Reef Runners. When water maximum visibility and ad- temps are above 58 degrees, just your speed to their feed- and you are fishing deeper ing habits. Again – speed can water, crank baits with mod- sometimes be determined erate action and larger diving simply by watching your baits will produce more flash turns to see if they prefer the and vibration. Storm Deep fast or slow side of the boat. Jr. Thundersticks, Deep Div- Keeping these tips in ing Little Rip- mind, and with a solid effort, per Reef Run- A MAGNUM SOUTHWICK LURE TOOK THIS 12 LB. hopefully they will help your ners, Husky WALLEYE IN CHAUMONT BAY FOR JOHN FULTS fishing success; especial- Jerks and Ra- ABOARD MOBY DICK CHARTERS. ly if you’re just starting out. pala Shad Raps Remember to have fun try- all produce. the methods used ing, and to take a kid fishing! It is always good to make dle, it has the structure, bait, is to book a trip with a local M sure that your lures are run- and water flow that create ex- charter fishing guide. It usu- ning true by letting out some cellent walleye fishing. Some ally pays off in the long run, Capt. Bob Dick line off the side of the boat other areas that produce con- just in the knowledge gained. owns and operates Moby Dick and checking out the action. sistently are Everleigh Point, Most guides are very gener- Charters out of Henderson Don’t be afraid to give some Bull Rock, Sherwin’s Bay, Pil- ous with tips about where to Harbor, NY. Capt. Bob has extra sharp jerks to see how lar Point, Guffin’s Bay, Ad- fish, what to use and how to lived in and fished this area his it reacts in case you get into am’s Cove, Chaumont Bay, use it. entire life, and is also a member some rougher water. Three Mile Bay, Middle Shoal, There are unlimited choic- of New York State Outdoor Is trolling the only way Point Peninsula, Hidden Har- es of baits, rigs, depths of wa- Writers’ Association to go? No; but most charter bor, Fox Island, Grenadier Is- ter, structures, and types of WillsTaxidermy.qxd:Layout 1 8/11/09 8:28 AM Page 1 guides feel it is the most pro- land, and the Stony-Calf-Gal- ductive when it comes to get- loo Islands. ting bigger fish and more of Others include: Hender- them. It also allows you to son Harbor, Bass and Gull WILL’S FISH be able to cover more terri- Islands, High Rocks, Stony tory more quickly. Worm Point, Ray’s and Sawyer’s Bay, TAXIDERMY harnesses and jigs are very Stony Creek and Drowned Is- productive and come in an land, plus many others too assortment of colors and siz- numerous to mention. A cou- es. ple shops and marinas where There are so many good you can get information on places to fish in May and June “what’s happening” are: B&J in the Golden Crescent that Bait, owned by Judy and Bill Gancarcik it’s hard to mention them all. Claude Kirch in Dexter on the 3253 St. Rt.13 The Black River and Bay area Black River; and Henchen’s Pulaski, NY 13142 are of the most frequented ar- Marina, owned by John Killi- (973) 670-3480

38 SHOW 2011 ISSUE BY MIKE SEYMOUR Icing Yellow Perch and Northern Pike ce fishing remains a popular winter pastime along Lake Ontario and the I St. Lawrence. sets his or her five minnow- Ice an- glers and are popular des- WINTER PATTERNS baited tip-ups for northern glers have the tinations winter after win- pike, and then jigs for perch opportunity to pursue wall- ter. Even individuals who are During the early-ice pe- in the remaining holes. In ad- eyes, pickerel, lake trout, unfamiliar with Lake Ontar- riod, perch and pike will be dition to the possibility of at- rainbow trout, brown trout, io, the St. Lawrence River, or found throughout weedy tracting northern pike, tip- crappies, bluegills, pump- other large bodies of water bays and along weedy shore- ups also attract activity from kinseeds, and more. Still, can look at a chart and easi- lines. As winter progresses, yellow perch that trip the flag the two most popular species ly identify the big, protect- though, colder water temper- and run very little line off across the Lake Ontario re- ed bays that are the prima- atures, decreased light pene- the spool. This occurrence is gion at this time of the year ry home of perch and pike at tration, reduced oxygen lev- called a “perch flag” and is an are yellow perch and north- this time of the year. Many el, and angling pressure result excellent way to locate a roam- ern pike. inland lakes are also good in the majority of fish mov- ing school of perch. Such a Perch and pike reign as bets, and when unfamiliar ing to deeper water. For the flag calls for the angler to re- prince and king among ice with winter opportunities, a best mid-winter results, an- move the tip-up and do some anglers, and rightfully so. phone call or an actual visit glers should concentrate their jigging in that hole until the For one thing, productive wa- to a local bait shop is an ex- efforts on deep-water weed- action slows, and the tip-up is ters for both species lie with- cellent method of identifying edges, deep-water flats, deep- then reset. in a short drive Also, just of most anglers. the opposite For another, the Ice anglers are encouraged to practice some scenario oc- public docks and catch-and-release or to implement selective harvest curs for an- boat launches at glers who are such waters offer jigging for easy access. Most important- potential waters. water points, and other deep- perch. When the perch ac- ly, however, might be the fact Perch and pike thrive in water structures– particularly tion suddenly ceases, the cause that, unlike other species, large bays and shallow-wa- near the outer portions of bays. may be that a northern pike yellow perch and northern ter lakes because of the ex- As late winter approach- has moved into the area. In pike remain active and catch- tensive weed cover that offers es, yellow perch and northern such situations, anglers should able throughout the winter. both cover and an abundance pike will again migrate to the consider placing a minnow- Hopefully, the following of prey. Favorite locations for shallower, weedy areas where baited tip-up, or utilizing their information will make you the two species include the the fish feed aggressively and pike-jigging setup in that hole more perch-wise and pike- outside weed-edge areas of put themselves in position for or a nearby one. wise when heading to the ice scattered weed growth, man- the approaching spawn that this winter. made channels through the will take place shortly after ACTIVE ANGLING weed-beds, and other open- ice-out. LOCATION ings in the weeds. Flats ad- Just as open-water an- jacent to the weeds also hold SETTING UP glers rely on mobility to in- For the most part, prime both species. Other good crease their fish catches, so, too ice-fishing spots for perch bets for pike are shoreline Traditionally, ice anglers should ice anglers be active in and pike are not well-guard- drop-offs, nearby reef edg- set up in a given area for the their ventures. The degree of ed secrets as these locations es, and drop-offs outside the day. After strategically drill- mobility, though, is directly are well known among an- weeds. ing 10 or so holes, the angler related to the presence of oth- LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 39 er anglers on the ice. By select- pose. Certainly the traditional, jigs should be presented within to over-fishing. As a result, ice ing areas with few anglers pres- wait-the-fish-out method catch- three feet of the bottom. Perch anglers are encouraged to prac- ent or by fishing at low-pressure es winter perch and pike be- of a similar size tend to school tice some catch-and-release or times, anglers afford themselves cause both species are roam- together, but it is worth noting to implement selective harvest, ers by nature. Still, purposeful that a fresh grub at jig’s end of- a practice where smaller fish are mobility will produce the better ten entices the larger perch in kept for eating and larger ones catches, day in and day out. the school to bite. are released. Releasing large Northern pike may sus- perch and pike is a sound prac- FEEDING BEHAVIORS pend, but they typically hold tice especially during late-ice, near the bottom. Since a pike’s a time when egg-laden females Because yellow perch and eyes are positioned so that he are extremely vulnerable to an- northern pike are sight feeders, feeds best by attacking prey gling pressure. M they do not feed at night. In- above him, anglers should set the opportunity to stay on the stead, they are most active in their baits three or so feet off Captain Mike move. Active angling calls for the morning and late afternoon the bottom. Seymour is a licensed Coast Guard and NYS guide who fishers to routinely auger holes hours. These feeding patterns has guided extensively on the throughout the day, to move in- are especially true for larger SELECTIVE HARVEST St. Lawrence River, Black Lake active tip-ups to new locations, fish. Unfortunately for anglers, and within western Alaska. He and to go from hole to hole with these times are also the coldest Studies, as well as person- is former president of the New the jigging rod. Such activi- ones of the day. More so than al observations, have shown York State Outdoor Writers’ ty can give clues to the best ar- their summer counterparts, that ice fishing can negatively Association, and is an active eas, structures, depths, bait size, however, winter perch and pike impact the fish population in a writer for many publications. type of lure, presentation style are fairly active throughout the given area. This is especially In addition to fishing the St. (subtle to aggressive) and more day. true during early-ice and late- Lawrence River, he is actively for that particular day. Yellow perch are a bot- ice, times when yellow perch fishing Lake Ontario, the The key to mobility on the tom-oriented species, and the and northern pike congregate Adirondacks, and other waters of the state. Contact him at ice is to not just move blindly, most active fish are typical- in bays and along near-shore [email protected]. but to move with a sense of pur- ly a few feet off the bottom, so structures and are susceptible

40 SHOW 2011 ISSUE Calendar BY LOO STAFF

AND PREPARED FOR EVENTS DURING THE WINTER AND SPRING, WE ARE INCLUDING A CALENDAR FOR WINTER AND TO HELP KEEP EARLY SPRING. FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AS THESE EVENTS APPROACH, PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITES: YOU INFORMED WWW.LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM OR WWW.FISHNY.COM.

NORTHEASTERN SPORTS SHOW WORLD FISHING & OUTDOOR EXPO NORTHEAST OUTDOORS SHOW PADDLEFEST CANOE & KAYAK EXPO January 21 – 23, 2011 March 3 – 6, 2011 March 19 – 20, 2011 May 20 – 22, 2011 State Fairgrounds, Syracuse Rockland Community Empire Plaza, Albany Old Forge, NY (315) 824-3227 College, Suffern (518) 383-6183 (315) 369-6672 www.northeasternsportss- www.sportshows.com www.adirondackpaddlefest. how.com com NAPLES TROUT DERBY ROCHESTER SPORTSMAN SHOW April 1, 2011 CENTRAL NEW YORK March 4 – 6, 2011 Naples, NY/ Canandaigua ADIRONDACK FISHING EXPO SPORTSMAN’S SHOW Monroe County Fairgrounds Lake May 21 – 22, 2011 February 5, 2011 (413) 467-2071 (518) 374-2782 Old Forge Community Center Kallet Civic Center, Oneida www.rochestersportsmansex- (315) 363-3896 (315) 363-1669 po.com www.nysohof.org LAKE ONTARIO COUNTIES (LOC) DERBY ADIRONDACK OUTDOORSMAN SHOW WESTERN NEW YORK SPORT & April 29 – May 8 NATIONAL LAKE TROUT DERBY February 19 – 20, 2011 TRAVEL EXPO Spring Derby throughout Lake May 28 – 29, 2011 Rt. 30A - North, Johnstown March 10 – 13, 2011 Ontario Geneva, NY/ Seneca Lake (518) 725-5565 Fairgrounds, Hamburg 888-733-5246 (315) 781-2195 www.adkshow.com www.sportandtravelexpo.com www.loc.org www.laketroutderby.org

PHOTO CONTEST

Name: David T. 5 3 Location: Lake Ontario Notes: Fishing with 1 High Adventure Sportfishing Name: Andrew M. 5 Location: Lake Ontario 3 Name: Bill B. Notes: Andrew Molitoris and his father proudly show off Location: Johnson Creek the King Salmon he caught in Lake Ontario this past July. 2 Notes: Fall 2010 Andrew used a spoon lure provided by T-Spoon Lures for being the 2009 LOO magazine grand prize winner.

LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 41 42 SHOW 2011 ISSUE Toast and Roast BY LOO STAFF DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE RECIPE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? PASS IT ALONG TO US AND WE WILL PUBLISH IT IN FUTURE ISSUES.

Salmon – Grilled with orange & mint Walleye & Wine INGREDIENTS: Eight – 6 Four skinless INGREDIENTS: oz. salmon fillets (with walleye fillets. White wine of skin on), 12 navel oranges, your choice (perhaps medium dry 1 c. red onion (chopped finely), 4 radishes to medium sweet) (sliced thin), 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. red pepper (crushed), MARINADE: 1/4 c. white wine, 2 tbsp. vegetable or olive oil, 1/4 c. fresh mint (minced) 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 clove garlic Heat grill. Peel oranges, removing all white pith and cut (diced), 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, 1/4 crushed bay orange along the membranes, allowing section and juice to leaf, 4 walleye fillets, 2 green peppers (thinly sliced), fall into bowl. Stir in red onions, radishes, salt, and red pep- 2 medium onions (thinly sliced), 4 cherry tomatoes (quartered) per. Cover, and store at room temperature. Place fish in marinade for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 Brush vegetable or olive oil over rack. Brush salmon fil- degrees. Place each fillet of marinated fish in piece of alu- lets with oil and season with salt and red pepper. minum foil with onion & green pepper slices. Pour small amount of marinade over fillets, top with tomatoes and com- Grill salmon skin side up for 5 - 6 minutes, then pletely enclose in foil. turn and grill other side for 3 – 4 minutes. * Can also be cooked on grill Stir mint into orange mixture. Arrange salmon (skin side heat over medium coals 20 – 30 min. down) on large platter and top with orange and mint mix- ture and garnish with mint sprigs. MountainAsh.qxd:MountainAsh.qxd 8/11/09 9:39 AM Page 1

Dick & Lori Krebs 405 Weaver Road Sandy Creek, NY

Home: 315-387-5562 Work: 315-298-6939 www.empireelk.com AND COUNTRY STORE [email protected]

ELK MEAT CUTS Tenderloin (boneless)...... $21.00/lb. Filet ...... $21.00/lb. Presents Delmonico Steaks ...... $21.00/lb. Future Angler and Hunter Outreach Weekend NY Strip ...... $21.00/lb. on April 23, 2011 Eye Round Steaks...... $17.00/lb. Sirloin Steaks...... $15.00/lb. These events are to expose parents and their children to the joy of Elk Sandwich Steak...... $12.00/lb. outdoor sports, through fishing and spring youth turkey hunting. Roasts ...... $13.00/lb. Many children want to learn to hunt and fish and don’t always have Elk Cubes...... $8.50/lb. the resources to do so. Their parents may have never had those Ground Burger Patties...... $6.50/lb. resources or known how or where to find them. These events will Ground Burger...... $6.00/lb. bring you and your child together with experienced outdoorsman. Hot Sausage...... $7.00/lb. This will be an opportunity for you and your child learn some basics Bratwurst ...... $7.00/lb. of how to fish or hunt. For more information please check out our Elk Pepperoni...... $9.50/lb. website below. Elk Kielbasa...... $9.50/lb Elk Pepper Sticks ...... $1.50/stick 24/case...... $25.00 www.Shotsinc.Org ❤ EAT HEART SMART ❤

LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM 43 Curing Steelhead with Pautzke Borx O Fire BY BRIAN KELLY

hen winter steelhead season sets in the Lake Ontario region, W hardcore anglers brave the elements for the chance to tangle with a hard charging steelhead. Since the water temps are at their coldest point of the season, once eager biting fish are now more lethargic which requires a bait with strong scent properties to draw strikes during this challenging period. With the salmon run long over, the only until all the eggs are free. The eggs at this stage have readily available fish eggs come from steelhead whose a high moisture content and need to be laid on dry eggs are in the “skein”, meaning they are immature paper towel until they get “tacky” or sticky to the eggs that are still connected to the reproductive touch. At this point, it is time to cure. Fat Nancy’s Tackle Shop organs. The eggs in this stage are packed with proteins With the eggs spread out on a layer of paper towel, and enzymes that provide a powerful scent trail in sprinkle a light coating of the Borx O Fire cure on the the water. The key to obtaining these eggs is to first eggs. Then roll the eggs around to absorb the cure; be Cabelas.comCabelas .com catch a female steelhead and gently remove the egg sure to wear latex gloves when doing this step as to skeins from the fish. Be sure to wipe as much blood avoid putting any unwanted scents on the eggs. off the eggs as possible; it helps if you bleed any fish Once the eggs are thoroughly coated, place them All that you intend to harvest immediately by cutting the in the fridge uncovered for no more than 30 minutes. Seasons gills where the jaw connects to the body as this will This will help draw out any excess moisture and help Sports ensure that very little blood gets on the eggs when to firm up the eggs. you clean the fish. Once the eggs are clean, wrap them Once the eggs are ready, transfer them to a gallon in multiple layers of paper towel and keep them cool sized zip top bag and store them in the fridge till until it is time to cure them. Do not leave them sit you need to them. The longer the eggs sit in the cure, for more than 24 hours as they will soften and break the better as they will continue to absorb the Borx O during the process. Fire cure. Eggs cured in this manner will last up 3 Before any cure touches the eggs, carefully scrape or 4 months in the fridge, then can be frozen and re- the eggs loose from the skein. Lay the skeins flat with used the next season. Give this simple cure a shot this the eggs exposed and lightly scrape along the skin steelhead season and you will be putting more trophy with a spoon to loosen the eggs. Repeat this process fish on the bank!M

44 SHOW 2011 ISSUE We guarantee You’ve never fished SPAWN SACKS

LIKE THESE! We engineered our to be the most complete egg cure ever. And did we succeed? You be the judge: Spawn sacks cured in our killer new borax-based cure milk out longer and better than any cure on the market, and they fish far better than fresh, uncured eggs. PAUTZKE pro-staffer Troy Creasy says that provides you the “First drift, every drift” on Lake Ontario’s rivers!

CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE CURING VIDEOS AND BLOGS FROM OUR PROS AT www.pautzke.com FOLLOW TEAM PAUTZKE ON FACEBOOK! DAILY UPDATES, VIDEOS,LAKEONTARIOOUTDOORS.COM BLOGS, PHOTOS AND TIPS! 45 NEW!

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