Why, it is enough to make a person say, screw this, Im going fishing. At least I hope that is what most Lake Ontario anglers are thinking.  After a two year, much too long and too expensive presidential race, and a disgusting continuation of the idiocy seeping from the politically correct movement, I say go fishing; it is good for the soul or whatever you prefer. It surely is better than the gobbledygook we have been fed for far too long.  So, take a deep breath, exhale slowly and think about fishing. Now isnt that better?  Now for some good news.

2008 Egg Harvest:

Salmon returns to the hatchery were excellent. Actually, we set a record by taking over three million Chinook eggs in the shortest period of time ever. With the 2008 water flow levels at or above normal, spawning salmon returned in droves and easily made it to the hatchery fish ladder and it was jump, jump, jump, jump, and a final splashing return to their place of birth. How nice! 2009 will see normal stocking numbers restored. Now that is good news.

Chinook Size:

This past year saw the average size of Chinook salmon jump to about 18 pounds which was a 3 pound increase over the 2007 season. In fact, on the Dixie Dandy we definitely saw plenty of mid twenty and a few 30 pound plus giants. This of course made for happy anglers and a happy Captain. Now that is also good news.

Net Pen Activity:

Our annual net pen rearing program continues to provide excellent returns of salmon and steelhead. This proven stocking method has really helped our Oswego, NY fishery to maintain its world class status. The recent financial settlement stemming from the old Hooker Chemical pollution fiasco has been received by NYS with the money specifically dedicated to the Lake Ontario Sport Fishery. We now have funds to pay for future net pen materials such as netting, cleaning supplies, etc. Now that is good news.

NYS Budget Cuts:

Finally, NYS has realized that former out of control spending binges have got to be cut! The Wall Street debacle has resulted in a sizeable reduction to NYS Tax coffers. With their not too strong political backs against the wall, they know it is time to cut. So let the games begin as every agency will begin lobbying for their cause. Dont cut me, cut the other guy, will be the mantra of the day. These infighting battles should be very interesting indeed.

Our Fish and Wildlife Division will also be facing funding cuts. Those of us deeply involved in the trout and salmon fishery are already hard at work with our lobbying effort drawing attention to just how much money is raised through license sales and LO generated revenues associated with the angling effort.  It is millions and millions man!!!

While several staffing cuts will be made, our Lake Ontario trout and salmon stocking programs will continue with no cuts in 2009 stocking levels. Now that is good news.

Fuel Prices:

It looks like 2009 gas cost will be less than the inflated prices we saw last year. Experts predict that the economic slowdown results in lower fuel consumption as John Q Public adjusts driving habits. For example, a recent stakeholder meeting was held at a location some 45 miles west of Syracuse. In the past, all participants probably would have driven their cars to the site. This year four of us pooled in one car and split the cost to save fuel. Take that OPEC guys! You bet lower fuel costs will make it better for all of us.

Now that is also good news.

2009 Looking Good:

I am excited about this years fishing outlook. When you couple our dedicated DEC fishery staff, a successful net pen program, wild fish production, and a skillfully managed put, grow and take management philosophy, good fishing will result. That certainly is good news. Let me take that back, it is great news!

Hope you will choose to fish with us in 2009.  Fishing can be so soothing and I for one need a good soothing.

Oh yeah, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or if you prefer, Happy Holidays.