Cove Road Boat Launch Complete

The DEC Announced the completion of the new accessible Cove Road Boat Ramp on the Barge Canal. The newly constructed launch, which enhances fishing and boating recreational opportunities for all visitors, including people with disabilities, connects to Oneida Lake and provides additional access to the lakes world-class fishing.

The DEC is expanding recreational opportunities for people of all abilities and this site was designed and constructed with several Americans with Disabilities Act compliant features. The site now includes a two lane concrete ramp with floating docks, canoe/kayak launch, fishing pier, parking area with 24 car and 49 car/trailer parking spaces, including some accessible parking, and port-a-johns.

Now complete, anglers have expanded boating access to Oneida Lake, New York's most heavily fished inland water. Oneida Lake is the largest lake lying wholly within New York State with a surface area of 50,894 acres. The lake's waters support walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish. Other species found in much smaller numbers include landlocked salmon and tiger muskies. Lake sturgeon can be found in the lake and tributaries, however they are on New York’ s threatened species list and cannot be fished for or possessed.

Federated Sportsman Club of Oneida County Secretary, and CFAB Representative Scott Faulkner said, "the Cove Road Boat Launch has been a long time coming and we are excited to see a safe water boat launch at the east end of Oneida Lake."

Oneida Lake Association (OLA) President Gina Duggleby said, "on behalf of the Oneida Lake Association, I am delighted to express our utmost satisfaction and appreciation for the completion of the Cove Road Launch by the DEC. We understand the effort that has gone into making this project a reality and extend our sincerest gratitude to the DEC for enhancing our lake's access and enjoyment."

Senator Joe Griffo said "This addition will improve access to Oneida Lake and enhance fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreational opportunities in this area. DEC reminds boaters to clean, drain, and dry their boats and trailers and disinfect their fishing gear before recreating in NY's waters to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species. All water recreationists should follow these steps to make sure their equipment isn't harboring A.I.S. Clean mud, plants, and animals off trailer bunks, axles, lights, etc. and discard the material in a trash can or receptacle. Drain all water-holding compartments, including ballast tanks, live wells, etc. before leaving an access site. Dry everything thoroughly before using boats or equipment in another waterbody. Drying times can vary but a maximum of five to seven days is recommended. When there isn't time to drybetween uses, disinfect things with hot water that is at least 140 degrees or visit a decontamination site.

SHORT CASTS

Lake Ontario Action

Fishing has not been easy around Mexico Point. Even the lakers, a staple of the fishery, have started their northern migration. However overall 140-165 feet has been the most consistent depth for fishing. Browns are still being caught in 15 – 40 feet of water. Fishing in front of Selkirk has been relatively good. Or head west to Catfish Creek and troll the buoy lines. Browns have been suspended from surface to bottom so spread out lines and cover the area. Try to find active pods of fish. There are a few kings mixed in.

Closer to Oswego brown trout are the fish of choice. The best bite is 10 – 40 feet.

Early the browns are in shallow water but as the sun comes up, the 20 – 40 foot zone is the most productive. The recommendation is starting with flatlines in shallow water water, then when you move out start applying 2 – 5 color leaders. Try using dark and natural color lures early with brighter colors in high sun conditions. Smaller size spoons are working best. Popular lures have been Gold perch, Fat Nancys, Yellow Tuxedo, and Pickle Seed.

Kings have been spread out and harder to find, but 90 – 250 foot depths have been the best. Meat rigs, running deep, have been taking some bigger kings.

Spey Nation Returns 2023: By popular demand Spey Nation returns with a different twist. This year it will be a three-day event at Pineville and Tailwater Lodge. It will feature c combination of presentations open to the public as well as casting and fishing classes requiring a fee and pre-registration.

Free demonstrations will take place from 8 a.m until 2 p.m. at the Pinveville Boat Launch on Saturday June 12.

8:30 a.m. lines, tips, riggings (Rick Kustich)

9:15 a.m. waterborne casts (Nick Pionessa)

10 a.m. touch & go casts (Topher Browne)

10:45 a.m. creative & effective presentations for swinging flies (Walt Geryk)

1 p.m. adjusting the cast for fishing conditions (Jeff Liskaz)

Kids Fishing Derby

The Vernon Rod & Gun Club will hold its annual kids fishing derby on June 9, 2023 from 6 to 8 pm. Rain date is June 16. Location is at the Vernon Rod & Gun Club on Stuhlman Road across from Vernon Downs. Ages are 1 – 15. There will be hot dogs & drinks for the kids and prizes for all the kids. Come and enjoy the fun.

Apex Stick Worms from MTO Lures

Former Elite Series Bass Pro Darrin Schwenckbeck has been winning local bass tournaments because of a new plastic worm. They don't have any special shape or smell but they can catch 10 lunker bass on the same worm. The new patent-pending plastic baits have soft action, multiple color choices, scent impregnated, and are chewy but most of all they are durable. They are made by MTO Lure Company, which is none other than Bill Alexander's company.

Many of us are familiar with Bill Alexander who has won some major tournaments using his jigs (MTO stands for Made To Order) and has been a quiet force in the bass fishing world and now is fishing with Wacky Worms. Since he retired from the aerospace manufacturing world he has been working on a plastic worm that does not break off. He wanted to develop a worm that would last.

For those not familiar, wacky worms are hooked through the middle and the hook is in the right position on every cast. You get a much better hook-up ratio, With the Apex Worm you do not have bass biting or breaking the worm off. You do not spend time re-rigging or leaving parts of plastic worms all over the lake.

In a recent story by Forrest Fisher, Bill said that his baits are made from recycled plastic and does not melt in your tackle box. After several years of prototype manufacturing with his partner Williams, they worked to develop new plastic worm that can help everyone from bass pros to parents fishing with their kids. Both groups can have more fishing fun. Bill admitted that the packaging was not fancy, but he never caught a bass on the package before.

His on the water trials with Elite Series bass pro anglers Schwenckbeck and others have convinced him to apply for a patent. One key to catching quick multiple fish was tossing right back to the same spot with no loss of time. On one day using 4/0 circle hooks and the Apex Stick Worm every hookup was perfect. The three anglers did not lose any of the wacky rigged Apex Stick Worms for the whole day.

Fishing with Gary Day and Forrest Fisher, the three guys caught 26 bass in four hours all using the same worm they started with. All were rigged with circle hooks and fishing the worms wacky style. All were using open-faced reels and braided line.

The basic Apex Stick Worm comes in a bubble pack of 5 and is 5.25 inches long.

They are fat and come in several basic colors. You can order this new product directly from MTO Lures at PO Box286, Sylvan Beach, NY 13157. For prices and information, simply email Bill Alexander at [email protected]

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