Spring weather finally arrives for outdoor fun

With the gorgeous days earlier this week and the promise of more to come it seems as if spring has finally arrived. It is a great time of year when spring really arrives after winter and the gray days of April. This year the heavy rains and unseasonably colder weather of early May made people wonder if Spring was ever going to arrive.

There is so much that we want to do and much that we feel we should do that there isn’t enough time to do it all. Whether it is turkey hunting, fishing, hiking or paddling we just want to get out- side and enjoy the weather and nature at its finest.

The earth is at its greenest without the hints of brown grass, ugly vines and other signs that remind us that summer will pass too quickly. The hillsides reflect the various shades of green, the apple and cherry trees are in bloom and there are countless wildflowers to enjoy. Now we can welcome the pleasant weather, the opportunities for outdoor recreation, and the beauty of Central New York

Trout fishing in the streams is coming into prime time. Much of April as well as early May was tough for trout fishermen because the water was cold and some heavy rains frequently raised water levels to flood stage. High and fast water levels along with muddy conditions made trout fishing challenging or even impossible for much of the early season. In recent weeks the water levels have been down and the warmer temperatures have made the trout more active.

If you are fishing streams use extreme stealth and care. Remember that with the low, clear water conditions the fish can see anglers approaching. Wade carefully, fish upstream whenever possible and avoid approaching the banks where you intend to fish. Wear drab clothing and keep a low profile. May is also the best time for fly fishing since there will be a multitude of

mayfly hatches occurring through May and early June.

Lake Ontario fishermen are enjoying decent catches of brown and lake trout according to my friend Bob Dick, captain of Moby Dick Charters out of Henderson Harbor. At this time of year the browns will flock to the warmer waters along shore and gorge on the bait fish found there. Areas where the tributaries dump warmer and discolored water into the lake are the prime spots. Other good spots are off the sandy shores where water is water will also have fish in early morning.

As the sun climbs higher in the sky and penetrates the water, the spooky browns head for deeper water. Anglers will then move into deeper water after them or fish the deeper bottom structure for lake trout. Long lines or planer boards which help get the lure away from boat noise are usually necessary when fishing for brown trout at this time of year. Michigan Stinger spoons or Southwick and Rebel stickbaits are the most popular lures at this time of year.

Heavy rainfalls for several weeks combined with the flow from the upper Great Lakes have meant near record high water levels on Lake Ontario and some other waters. The Barge Canal and areas where it flows through natural waterways like the Seneca River are closed to boat traffic. The St. Lawrence River is several feet above normal and docks are flooded so the normal activity of fishing for pike and walleye is postponed for now.

If you are a paddler be careful of high water levels in many areas. Make sure that you wear your personal flotation device and some non-cotton clothing because water temperatures remain cold. Use extra caution because a dunking at this time of year could easily result in hypothermia.

We may have to adjust our schedules or change some of our usual spring locations but there is still lots to enjoy. Get outside for some activity and enjoy this magical time of the year.

SHORT CASTS

Paddlefest: Adirondack Paddlefest, the largest onwater canoe and kayak show in the Northeast returns to Old Forge May 1921. Following the recent change the sales and exhibits will be at Mountainman Outdoors store complex at the entrance to Old Forge. The test paddles will be held at the Old Forge Pond behind the Visitors Center. Visitors are urged to park at Enchanted Forest parking lot and use the free shuttle between locations.

There will be free admission to Paddlefest, paddling all weekend for a fee that is refunded with purchase, skill classes, free clinics and other displays. Classes include adult and kid classes in paddling skills, safety and rescue and more. There is a modest fee for these classes which last up to two hours. Free clinics involve choosing a canoe or kayak, several on kayak fishing and skills for Stand Up Paddleboards, canoes or kayaks. Check the website mountainmanoutdoors.com for details and lists of clinics or classes.

There will also be a kayak fishing contest with the top prize a Wilderness Fishing Kayak. Complete rules and information will be available at the Wilderness Systems booth. The Outdoor Clothing and Gear Shops next door will also have free clinics and demos at the same time. For information call (315) 369-6672.

“The Otter” Paddlesorts Demo: Frisky Otter Tours in Inlet will have free demo of kayaks, canoes, and SUPs on May 19-21. You can try a variety of boats and accessories for free at the beachfront at the Woods Inn. There will also be a health and wellness fair at the Woods Inn. Call 315357-3444 for information.

Crossbow Bill Update: It was recently announced that the bill that would give crossbows full inclusion in bow hunting seasons has cleared the Senate Conservation Committee. This is a big step but it still must pass the full Senate as well as be acted upon by the Assembly. Those in favor of it are urged to contact their legislators, especially members of the Assembly EnCon Committee.

Emerald Ash Borer: The DEC recently announced that it has expanded the E.A.B. Restriction Zone to encompass virtually all of southern, central and western NY. This prohibits the movement of ash wood and wood chips of any type outside this area. The restrictions on moving any firewood beyond a 50-mile limit remains in effect.

Region 6 Trails and Roads Open: The DEC recently opened all mud gates to trails and roads for seasonal access to Forest Preserve Lands in Region 6. This includes Oneida, Herkimer, Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.

Waterfowl Season Dates: The DEC recently an- nounced the dates and regulations for the 2017 waterfowl seasons. Youth Hunts will be Sept. 16-17 in the southeast zone and Sept. 23-24 in the northeast zone. Duck season will open on Oct. 7 in both of these zones. See the DEC website for complete information, new limits and other changes.

Muddy Trail Advisory for Adirondack High Peaks: As a new season of outdoor hiking in the Adirondacks approaches, the DEC adviser hikers to be cautious and postpone hikes on trails above 2,500 feet until high elevation trails have dried and hardened.

Spring conditions are present throughout the state and the lower elevations of the Adirondacks. However, backcountry trails in the highest el- evations are still covered in slowly melting ice and snow. Steep trails with thin soils can become a mix of ice and mud as the ice melts and frost leaves the ground, making the trails slippery and vulnerable to erosion by hikers.

DEC asks hikers to help avoid damage to hiking trails and sensitive high elevation vegetation by avoiding trails above 2,500 feet, particularly high elevation trails in the Dix, Giant and High Peaks Wilderness areas in the northern Adirondacks. Hikers are also warned that many streams have high water conditions and many of the bridges have been damaged over the winter.

Check the DEC website for lists of roads recently opened, trails that remain closed, and alternate suggestions for hikes.