| 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.
Thanks to LOSA (Lake Ontario Steelhead Association,
www.losafishing.com) and OOBA (Oak Orchard Business Association, www.oakorchardba.org)
for the Oak Orchard River cleanup on April 19, 2008. The community minded
volunteers picked up trash along the waterway and parking areas keeping it looking
good for all to enjoy. Tributary steelhead Fly Fishing Class was held
on Sat, April 5, 2008. Join us and shop guides for the fall class on Oct 04, 2008
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 2008. Prime dates are
booking up so call soon to reserve your stay for brown trout, steelhead or salmon
action. Available dates are listed on the fishing conditions page. Our first new
lodge rates in 4 or 5 years effective Sept 2008. Each person with at least double
occupancy is $29/night plus sales and Orleans County occupancy tax. Single occupancy
for one person is $50/night plus sales and Orleans County occupancy tax. A group
rate may be applied for 8 or more persons occupying the whole lodge's three units. Sportsman's
Archers Club of St. Mary's Fly Fishing Contest on Oct 22, 23 and 24, 2008. No
contestant will 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. Niagara
County 2008 Fish Odyssey takes place Sept 20 thru the 28. Orleans County
waters are eligible. Applications at the shop or email us. Thanks to the Archer's
Club who have been staunch supporters of out of the area fishermen. Contact
us Fly tying class completed Jan/Feb 2008. 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 for 2009. The Carlton Hojack
Station restaurant is closed. New owners rumored to be re-opening soon. Great
food and drink still awaits at the Village Inn 2 miles south on Route 98.
Bbig savings on tributary tackle like rods, reels, waders and wading jackets
for September only! We have fly, float and spin gear with savings and incentives
so great we can't publish them. Lots of great fly gear, see the fishing conditions
page for more info. Let us make you a great deal at a time when we can really
focus on setting up a great rig for you. Just contact us and see what we can put
together for you. Also look for the red button
to visit our Big Tackle Sale and New Trib Gear page for other tackle sale
items. The Oak Orchard Pen Rearing Association received approx 46,000
King salmon and 15,000 steelhead for pen rearing in Apr 2008. 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 2009. The NYSDEC concluded a two year Lake Ontario
tributary angler creel survey started in the fall of 2005 through 2007. The
survey will help DEC to continue to effectively manage the important trib fishery
and gather info on population trends, habitat preferences, angler effort and more.
Many anglers voiced their opinions about brown trout creel limits in the tribs
with support for a regulation change (similiar to the current steelhead trib limit)
building for the next appropriate reg cycle. Working on behalf of the Oak
Orchard River (especially!) and WNY tribs, Licorice Man | 
