Oswego County offers variety of outdoor fun

From fishing to turkey hunting, Oswego County has plenty for the outdoor enthusiast.

Sunrise was a pink line along the eastern horizon as several anglers gathered at the Oswego Harbor Marina. Soon we were heading out of the river mouth in search of brown trout and other fish. We didn’t have to travel far as we turned and trolled the shoreline near the eastern edge of Oswego while Captain Andy Bliss who was working the “Cold Steel” charter boat that day set the lines. Nearby Troy Creasy guided “High Adventures” on a similar pattern.

By 8 a.m. both boats had caught enough fish to fill their limits although we all kept only a few fish and released the others so we could keep on fishing. That day we were trolling Michigan Stinger spoons in 15 feet of water and taking lots of small to medium sized brown trout. In the week or two previous to this the charter boats had been catching some steelhead and king salmon in the same depths and patterns. That day both captains offered to run out a little further and explore for salmon but we were having a good

time and lots of action so we declined and continued to fish the shallows.

Like the old tale of people taking something in their vicinity for granted, many people forget that world class fishing is right in our backyard. Last year high water caused problems for people along the Lake Ontario shoreline, but the fishing was great. This year water levels are under control and the fishing promises to be as good or better. We have written about this several times but great news like this bears repeating.

The occasion was a gathering of writers from the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association at Selkirk State Park to explore and enjoy the many attractions of Oswego County. For information on fishing charters contact Tom Burke (Cold Steel, 315298-2500), Troy Creasy (High Adventure, 315243-2389), Andy Bliss (Chasin’ Tail Adventures, 315-591- 4578). Also involved in the outings were Zach Reno (Dixie Dandy), and Dave Silver (Reel Silver). Ask for the complete Oswego County Fishing & Hunting Guide from Oswego County Tourism at 1-800-248- 4FUN.

Janet Clerkin of Os- wego County Tourism put together a fun-filled weekend to expose the writers to some of the many attractions that Oswego County has to offer. Of course it is impossible to get more than a sample in a weekend, or even two weeks. Many of us who only live an hour or less away are not even familiar with the many great attractions or events available. Contact Oswego County Tourism at 1-800-248- 4FUN or check their website visitoswegocounty.com for the 56 page booklet that lists the incredible amount of opportunities, information, and contact numbers.

Of course, I was interested in turkey hunting and it proved every bit as exciting as you might expect from a county that ranks number five on the counties of New York State for the annual harvest of birds. I was fortunate to hook up with Stan Ouellette, owner of Deer Creek Motel just north of Port Ontario and Deer Creek Outfitters. Stan is an interesting and pleasant person to be around, and he is one of the most knowledgeable people I have met when it comes to turkey hunting. He took Mike Kelly, former outdoor columnist for the Syracuse Post Standard, and me to one of his blinds and imparted lots of key advice. His calling and advice paid off with two toms being bagged by shortly after 7 a.m.

We also saw several others that stayed just out of range or came into the area after we had already filled our tags. I have no doubt that we could have taken a couple monsters if we had waited long enough, instead of being concerned about the incoming nasty weather. But we were very satisfied with the toms that we took, the experience we had, and the enjoyable time and information we gained as we toured the area after breakfast. Stan also guides extensively in South Carolina and Florida and operates a pheasant shooting preserve in the Pulaski area. Contact Stan at 315-298-3730 for more information.

Our headquarters for the three days was Selkirk Shores State Park along the shores of Lake Ontario just west of Pulaski. In addition to a large, beautiful park, spectacular views of the lake, boat access to the lower Salmon River, and camping area, there are many housekeeping cabins that have been modernized and well kept. Check with the Park Office at 315-298-5737 for information or make reservations at www.ReserveAmerica.com.

One evening we were treated to a great dinner at the Tailwater Lodge in Altmar hosted by the Os- wego County Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs. In addition to a delicious meal at an amazing facility, it was great to visit and spend time with old friends in the area who are involved with sportsman’s organizations. You have to see Tailwater Lodge for yourself but in the meantime check their website www.tailwaterlodge.com.

After a busy weekend we enjoyed a great chicken barbeque at the enclosed pavilion at Selkirk State Park, hosted and prepared by Oswego County Tourism and Development. Other activities included luncheon and tour of Douglaston Salmon Run on the lower Salmon River, fishing there for lingering steelhead or smallmouth bass, as well as other locations and smaller streams, kayaking at Deer Creek Marsh, hiking to Salmon River Falls, a visit to the International Sport Fishing Museum west of Altmar, and a tour of the Salmon River Hatchery. All of these deserve more attention and we will provide it in future columns.

There is also a lot more to offer in the Pulaski area and the rest of Oswego County. Get the guides previously mentioned and plan your visits to the area. The problem is that there is so much to do, it will be difficult to choose which to do first.