This page was last updated: 4/30/2010
On The Lake
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Eastern Basin
National Weather Service
On-shore & Off-shore
Detailed National and local
FISHING HOTLINES
Jefferson County
315.785.2262
Cayuga County
315.785.2262
Owsego County
1.800.248.4386
315.349.8322
Exercise Caution:

the area off-shore from the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Plants east of Oswego remains off limits to all boating and fishing. The restricted area extends approximately 1000 yards out from the shoreline along the entire reach from Lake View east to Sunset Bay. The penalties for violating this area could be substantial.

Military vessels occasionally visit the Port of Oswego to participate in various  promotional events They provide great photo Op's . But!!!! be reminded that there is a 100 yard nationwide restricted zone that applies whether they are anchored, at a dock, or underway. Recreational vessels must also proceed at minimum speed when passing within a 500 yard radius. Obviously, these distances could present a dilemma to boaters within the confines of Oswego harbor and, to trollers who are encroached upon  in the channels??? Contacting the CG or the approaching vessel on channel 16 would be advisable. The penalties for establilshed violations is extremely severe.
Watch That Wake!!!

As a boat's operator you are legally responsible for the wake you create and the damage or personal injury it causes, no matter how large or small the wake. Think about it! The cost of a fine, repairing someone's boat or dock, or paying their medical bills will far outweigh any inconvenience imposed by a slightly slower speed. The maximum speed within 100 feet of the shoreline or an anchored boat is 5mph.  However, driving a boat at or under this speed does not relieve the operator from any damage the resulting wake causes. It has also been determined that a wakes in excess of 5mph may initiate environmental damage to exposed shorelines.
Flotsam and Jetsam
A word of caution - Ontario's water levels are generally averaging about 8 inches below the long term normal operating rule curve for the date. This places the level at about 18 inches below the higher than normal levels experienced on this same date last year Navigation problems on the Little Salmon River and other still water ports,such as Sandy Pond. can be hazardous. Concerned boaters have therefore, unofficially, placed a series of alert markers at a four foot depth in the upper reach of the Little Salmon extending from  Blunt's to Mike's marinas. Remember "RED RIGHT RETURNING" . Keep to the left of these markers while underway upstream. As always, operator vigilance is a priority, 04/27/2010
The Boat Reporting Issue?
It appears that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has relaxed it's position regarding the need for US fishing boats and anglers to personally report when returning home from a run into Ontario waters ... including anchoring or drifting. The reporting mandate still applies to boats returning to US ports if they have landed at a port in Ontario and, reported to Canadian customs. Both Ontario and New York fishing and boating regulations apply which allow law enforcement officials to ask for an acceptable ID with proof of residency. Anglers planning to visit Canadian waters are advised to become fully acquainted with current custom's requirements in their particular area.
Who needs a NYS fishing license???

NYS fishing and hunting licenses - (Oct. 1 , 2009 - Sept. 30, 2010 license year) are  available for purchase at  license issuing outlets or through the mail  by calling 1-866-472-4332. In addition licenses can be purchased  through DEC's new INTERNET SPORTING LICENSE SALES (DECALS) . NOTE: - The DEC ID Number listed on a previous license is required for returning buyers to access their internet accounts. First time buyers must  purchase their license at a license issuing outlet or by phone. 

Current DEC Fishing Regulations - As ammended June 9 2008
Note:
The temporary license receipt received via computer at the time of your Internet order is only valid for 14 days  of fishing from the date of its issuance.
Hunters and Trappers must wait, up to 14 days, until they receive the original in the mail or, purchase from a license issuing agent.
Recreational Boating Accident Report

"Federal law requires the operator – or owner, if the operator is deceased or unable to make the report – to file a boating accident report with the State reporting authority when, as a result of an occurrence that involves a boat or its equipment:
•A person dies
•A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury
•A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid
•Damage to vessels and other property totals $2,000 (lower amounts in some states and territories) or more
•The boat is destroyed.
You can help the Coast Guard and its boating safety partners to save lives by understanding and complying with this requirement"
"No owner or operator of a pleasure vessel less than twenty-one feet, including rowboats, canoes, and kayaks shall permit its operation, between November first and May first, unless each person on board such vessel is wearing a securely fastened United States Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device of an appropriate size when such vessel is underway".

NO!
YES.
Red Right Returning