| More updates coming... For fishing info
see the fishing conditions page. Good news for Oak Orchard River
public fishing access! Hard work and a spirit of cooperation allow for trout
and salmon fishing on the Oak Orchard! Anglers are surely thankful for Orleans
County's efforts and the good spirit of the negotiating party. See the following
Orleans County press release... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday
September 21, 2007 Contact:
Wayne Hale,
Jr.
whale@orleansny.com
585/589-3187 Orleans
County signs agreement for Oak Orchard River Access The
Orleans County Legislature has signed a three year lease agreement with a local
landowner to provide year-round public fishing access on the Oak Orchard River
at an annual cost of $7,500. The agreement provides over 4,000 linear feet of
river access on a portion of the east river bank for fall, winter and spring world-class
fly fishing for trout and salmon. The free public fishing area includes the renowned
"Sycamore Hole," a mid-stream island and part of the peninsula north
of the power dam. "We felt that opening this part of the river again to the
public was important to enhance the economic impact on our restaurants, lodging
bussinesses, and tackle shops," said George Bower, County Legislature chairman,
who with Legislator Ken Rush, negotiated the agreement. The NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation estimates that anglers produce $9 million in annual
expenditures while fishing Orleans County. Rules
have been adopted and will be posted along with a map of the site, officially
named, 'Oak Orchard River Access Area.' Anglers are encouraged above all to respect
the rights of the area property owners and to observe posted signs while enjoying
the world-class fishery. There is ample public and private parking available.
The new land should be accessed via the North and South NYSDEC access points.
As with any stream fishing, care should be taken on trails and in swift moving
water.
Niagara County Fish Odyssey takes place Sept 18
- 26, 2010. Great opportunity for the caster or small boat troller to get
in on some fun salmon competition. Other catagories include steelhead/brown trout,
Lake trout, smallmouth bass, walleye and carp. $2,000.00 grand prize. Orleans
County waters are eligible so come compete in 2010! Thanks to OOBA (Oak
Orchard Business Association, www.oakorchardba.org) for the Oak Orchard River
cleanup in April 2010. The community minded volunteers picked up trash along
the waterway and parking areas keeping it looking good for all to enjoy. Tributary
Fly Fishing Class will be held in March 2011. Tentative Saturday date of Mar
26th. Join us and shop guides for the spring class for a whole day of instruction.
Run timing, casting, equipment and the three main fly fishing techniques are covered.
Everything beginners or intermediates need to know to get started in fly fishing
for Great Lakes tributary trout and salmon will be covered. Lunch is provided
and call soon 585 682 4546 to reserve your spot. Lodging dates available
for fall 2010 and winter/spring 2011. Reservation cancellations are
required one week in advance or charges will be incurred. Cancellations from 1
- 6 days before your reserved date will incur charges. Sportsman's Archers
Club of St. Mary's Fly Fishing Contest will be held on Oct 20, 21, and 22, 2010.
No contestant will likely go away hungry or thirsty from the three days of
great fun! Join the Archers Club for the three day contest including breakfast
and lunch with lots of prizes and parking. Sign up early and park and fish all
week. Thanks to the Archer's Club who have been staunch supporters of out of the
area fishermen. Contact us Fly tying
class will be held Jan/Feb 2011. A 6 week class on Thursday evenings at 600PM.
All materials and tools are provided to tie three patterns each night. Egg flies,
buggers, nymphs and streamers are all covered. Call or email soon to reserve your
spot. Right next door, The Carlton Four Seasons Restaurant is open.
New owners chef Steven and Sandy have added a brand new kitchen facility. A top
notch eatery with unrivaled food preperation here in Orleans County and now with
full bar open. Great food and drink also awaits at Tillman's Village Inn 2
miles south on Route 98. Big Summer Savings on tributary rods and reels!
We have fly, float and spin gear with some great savings. You can take 10%
off any rod or reel and then take 20% on a rod or reel if you purchase a combo
(both rod and reel). Let us make you a great deal at a time when we can take some
extra time to set up a great rig for you. Just contact us and see what we can
put together for you. Look for the red button
to visit our Big Tackle Sale and New Trib Gear page. The Oak Orchard
Pen Rearing Association received approx 82,500 King salmon and 14,000 steelhead
for pen rearing in April 2010. The nets are placed in the Oak Orchard River at
Lake Breeze Marina and the fish were released at the mouth of the Oak Orchard.
Many thanks to the Charter fishing community who shoulders most of the work with
often disappointing turnout from tributary fishermen.
Contact us to help out the Oak Orchard Pen Rearing Association with feeding or
cleaning in 2011. The NYSDEC will initiate another Lake
Ontario tributary angler creel survey in the fall of 2010. The survey helps
DEC to continue to effectively manage the important trib fishery and gather info
on population trends, habitat preferences, angler effort and more. Anglers can
voice their opinions about brown trout creel limits in the tribs with support
for a regulation change (similiar to the current steelhead trib limit). Also visit
NYSDEC's website and comment on any proposed reg changes and/or comment on the
importance of brown trout creel limits for the upcoming 2012 regulation cycle. Working
on behalf of the Oak Orchard River (especially!) and WNY tribs, Licorice
Man | 
