Sandypondsportsmens

Sandy Pond HAB (Harmful Algal Bloom) results for the week of 8/26/24:
Sampling was conducted on Tuesday (8/27) and Wednesday (8/28) at a variety of sites on North and South Pond. Results are shown on the attached generic map (colors on this one are not reflective of current conditions). You can also see where the bloom was currently most prominent (bright green coloration) on the attached satellite photo from Tuesday.
In general, the bloom continues across most of North Pond south of Greene Point at moderate levels. The microcystin (toxin) levels are at low to moderate levels in the samples. These can vary based on wind and current conditions, so the best advice is to avoid areas where you observe the heaviest blooms, indicated by bright green coloration and surface swirls or streaks.
Most of South Pond appears to be less affected. However, samples taken in quiet areas along the shore do show blue-green algae and low levels of toxins.
Ron Fisher, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune Coalition (ELODC) Landowners Committee Chair’

Kick Off Labor Day Weekend with a FREE FISHING DAY

Saturday, August 31 marks a new Free Fishing Day in New York! Looking to squeeze one more fun activity in before school starts? Why not head outdoors for a fun day of fishing? On Free Fishing Days a freshwater fishing license isn’t required, however all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

DEC Announces Temporary Closure of Altmar Boat Launch Site and Angler Parking Area on Salmon River

Paving Project at Popular Destinations Begins Sept. 4

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the temporary closure of the Altmar North Boat Launch Site and adjacent angler parking area on the Salmon River. Beginning Sept. 4, visitors will be unable to access the launch and parking area on County Route 52 in the hamlet of Altmar for up to two days next week to allow for a scheduled paving project, weather permitting.

DEC encourages boaters to seek alternative launch sites on the Salmon River including:

DEC Pineville Drift Boat Launch on County Route 48;

Oswego County Compactor Pool Drift Boat Launch on County Route 2A; and

Village of Pulaski Ballpark Drift Boat Launch on U.S. Route 11.

For shore anglers wishing to fish downstream of the County Route 52 bridge in Altmar, a parking area is available at the Pulaski Street intersection.

More information about the Salmon River, including a map of public launch locations, is available on DEC’s website
https://dec.ny.gov/places/salmon-river

We have something Every weekend in September!
**This Sunday is music on the patio. Bring your friends and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with Dave Domicolo.
**Saturday, September 14 is our annual Chicken and Biscuits dinner. This year we are donating all the proceeds to the Sandy Pond Channel Maintenance Association. Come out and enjoy a delicious meal while helping a cause important to all of us!
**Saturday, September 21 is our annual Wild Game dinner to benefit the Wounded Warrior’s Outdoor Adventures. Last year we raised $$4400 for this cause and we are hoping to top that. There will be a LOT of food, raffles and more.
**Finally on Saturday, September 28 is the NEW Witches and Warlocks Ball. This is a new event for us and we’re looking forward to an evening of scary fun.
Plan your month, mark your calendar and spend some time at the Sandy Pond Sportsmen’s Association, helping us to help others in our community.

The final results from our Bartender Challenge have been computed and checks have been mailed to the individual first responders chosen by the participating establishments. The total raised was $13,394! The funds paid to participate and the monies raised by the patrons of each place were kept dedicated to their local first responders. All the raffle and shirt money raised during the event was split by percentage of participants among the various departments. These photos show the breakdown along with samples of two of the letters sent with the checks. We wanted to be sure to give credit to the establishments that helped raise the funds. Sandy Pond Sportsmen’s Association is thrilled to have been a part of this event and helping our community! Thank you to ALL who participated, supported and came out to enjoy the day with us.
Please Note: It should say Williamstown Fire Department . That error was found and corrected!

Come enjoy an adult beverage and music to close the unofficial summer season.

HuntFishNY is the official NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation mobile app.

HuntFishNY features:
instant, mobile access to your sporting licenses, privileges, and permits;
quick and easy submission of Game Harvest Reports;
links to current year Hunting and Trapping and Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guides;
sunrise/sunset information and season date summaries;
fishing information, including the new Tackle Box Feature;
DEC contact list; and
much more!
If you are experiencing issues logging into the app, and for all other technical issues, please call the DECALS call center at 866-933-2257 or email DEC staff at [email protected].

The app is available through the Apple App Store or Google Play! For information on HuntFishNY, please visit our website.

Have You Downloaded the HuntFishNY Mobile App?

DEC's HuntFishNY app provides hunters and anglers with an easy way to display sporting licenses and privileges and view important hunting and fishing related information through the convenience of your smartphone. In addition to providing instant mobile access to electronic versions of your sporting licenses and privileges, the app offers the ability to report game harvests immediately while afield even when not in cell service, as well as links to useful information like season date summaries, regulations guides, a DEC contact list, and much more. Download HuntFishNY today from the Apple App and Google Play stores.

https://dec.ny.gov/get-involved/huntfishny-mobile-app

HAB (harmful algal bloom) report for the week of 8/19/24:
With the heavy rains and cool weather this week, the visible HAB's have significantly decreased for the moment. You can still see some evidence in spots, especially near the shorelines and calm areas. We only ran tests on one area on North Pond this week and results did show Microcystin, the toxin produced by blue-green algae, but at a relatively lower level than previous samples. See attached graphic for more details.
Upstate Freshwater Institute will be here next Wednesday to confirm what conditions are like at that point and to test some samples before the long weekend. Results should be available next Friday.
Ron Fisher, ELODC (Eastern Lake Ontario Dune Coalition) Landowner Committee Chair.

DEC: When hunters harvest antlerless (primarily female) deer, they help keep New York’s deer population in balance with available habitat and reduce deer-related conflicts and impacts, such as deer vehicle collisions and crop damage. Female deer are the main drivers of population growth and must be managed to ensure deer populations do not become overabundant. When deer populations exceed habitat capacity, each deer is less likely to be able to meet its daily and seasonal nutritional requirements. As a result, deer can become food- and nutrient-limited and may have smaller body sizes, smaller antlers, and produce fewer fawns.

To prevent this, DEC adjusts the number of antlerless deer tags that are available to hunters in each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) through annual allocations of Deer Management Permits (DMPs). DMPs provide hunters additional opportunities to harvest antlerless deer to meet deer population management objectives.

From Aug. 5 – Oct. 1, hunters may apply for two DMPs within the same or two different WMUs, depending on availability. The chances of being selected to receive a DMP are based on the number of DMPs available, and the number of hunters expected to apply in a particular WMU, but applying early does not increase the likelihood of being selected. Hunters may also transfer or receive up to two DMPs from other hunters and any leftover DMPs may become available again through license issuing agents beginning November 1. In WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C, hunters can receive an unlimited number of replacement Bonus DMPs after reporting that a DMP was filled. Learn how to report your harvest, here: https://on.ny.gov/4dMW5zS.

For 2024, DEC has maintained high DMP allocations across most of the state, largely in response to growing deer populations that are not in balance with available habitat. Head to https://on.ny.gov/3WTjLMj for a map indicating which WMUs will have DMP opportunities this year. Unfortunately, DEC is not authorized to issue DMPs in several WMUs spanning the Adirondacks and Tug Hill Plateau.

To learn more about how DEC determines deer population management objectives: https://on.ny.gov/3WRm5Dw.

📷: John Lehmann

We're starting to hear reports that salmon are being spotted in the river! The run may start a bit earlier this year, so be sure you're prepared. Check out https://visitoswegocounty.com/fishing/ for fishing information in Oswego County, including fishing spots on the Salmon River. Be sure to sign up for our weekly fishing reports for weekly tips on fishing in Oswego County!

Tight lines! 🎣

HAB update for the week of 8/12/24: Upstate Freshwater Institute was here Wednesday (8/14) to check conditions and take samples. The attached satellite photo shows the extent of the bloom on North Pond. In general, the brighter green areas represent stronger blooms. Testing confirmed the presence of blue-green algae and toxins at both sites sampled along the eastern shore. South Sandy, although generally clearer, did have a bloom along the shore that registered relatively high toxin levels. As always, the best advice is to avoid areas with the blooms, especially for pets and children.
Ron Fisher, Eastern Lake Ontario Dune Coalition Landowner Committee Chair

🛑🛑 HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOM TESTING RESULTS 🛑🛑

The attached chart shows results to date for HAB (Harmful Algal Bloom) on North and South Sandy Pond. In last week's sample, a heavy nearshore bloom in the cove by the boardwalk showed high toxin levels. It is unclear yet what impact the heavy rains and stream runoff will have on the blooms....testing will be conducted tomorrow 8/14/24 and results available at the end of the week. There are also reports of a bloom on South Pond at this point. The best advice is to avoid areas with visible blooms.

Ron Fisher - Eastern Lake Ontario Dune Coalition Landowners Committee Chair

‼️ Hunter Education Program Courses Available Before Fall Hunting Seasons ‼️

All first-time hunters planning to go afield this fall must first complete a mandatory hunter education course before they can purchase a hunting license. In-person, instructor-led hunter education courses are being offered throughout NYS during August, September, and October.

Bowhunter education and trapper education courses are also available.

All in-person courses offer hands-on experience and are free of charge. To locate a hunter education, bowhunter education, or trapper education course near you, visit the Hunter Education Program Courses and Certifications webpage. https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/hunter-education/courses-certifications

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Hunter Education Program staff are not in the office every day. Call (1-888-486-8332) or email ([email protected]) for assistance. Email will generally result in a faster reply.

DEC Highlights Outstanding Great Lakes Fishing Opportunities

Local Captains Tout Fishing throughout Region

Anglers Encouraged to Experience Some of the Best Fishing the Great Lakes Have to Offer

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today highlighted the record-breaking fishing season on New York’s Great Lakes. Lake Erie and Lake Ontario provide year-round excitement for anglers of all experience levels and contribute significantly to local economies.

“The New York State waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario provide world-famous recreational fisheries and fishing in 2024 has been exceptional,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “Angler reports and DEC data indicate fishing for walleye in Lake Erie and Chinook salmon in Lake Ontario have been outstanding since the beginning of the season. In fact, we may have yet another record-breaking year of fishing on hand, so I encourage all anglers to get on the water and experience the excellent fishing these lakes have to offer.”

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "New York State is home to some of America's best fisheries, which welcome countless anglers from around the world every year, and Lakes Erie and Ontario are providing exceptionally strong opportunities this season. Any fishing trip can easily become an extended getaway when coupled with unique lodging, dynamic food and craft beverage experiences, and exciting outdoor recreation opportunities, making it so easy to love New York."

Lake Erie In recent years, Lake Erie’s remarkable walleye fishing has been driven by an unprecedented run of hatching success over the past decade. That trend continued into 2024, with June fishing setting a new record based on DEC’s 37-year angler survey.

In addition to record-setting walleye fishing, anglers are having success catching smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and tributary steelhead this year. New York stocks nearly 200,000 steelhead into the Lake Erie tributaries each year; the yellow perch and smallmouth bass fisheries are supported entirely by natural reproduction.

Captain Jim Skoczylas, Vice President of the Southtowns Walleye Association of Western New York, said, “Right now is some of the greatest opportunities on Lake Erie to catch walleye for the novice and expert angler. We have seen a tremendous number of fish being taken over the past several weeks across the lake due to our strong fishery. As of today, there are multiple year classes of fish being taken and the bite has been very consistent. Whether you are bottom bouncing in Buffalo, pulling boards or dipsey divers, or running riggers in open water, there are plenty of walleye to be had. If you are considering going out for walleye, right now is a great time to put quality time on the water.”

Captain Jim Steel, President of the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, said, “Fishing on Lake Erie is truly an amazing experience. The fish population is thriving and keeps getting better every year. Our captains are on the water almost every day and are experiencing fishing we’ll be talking about for years. Now is the time to enjoy a fun-filled day of fishing.”

Lake Ontario Spring and early summer Chinook salmon fishing is historically best in western New York and this year has been one of the best on record. Fishing for Chinook salmon is also exceptional in eastern Lake Ontario with limits of fish being reported all along the shoreline. In addition to Chinook salmon, anglers are also catching strong numbers of Coho salmon, steelhead, brown trout, lake trout, and Atlantic salmon. The salmon and trout fishery in Lake Ontario is supported by a combination of stocking and naturally reproducing fish, and New York stocks Lake Ontario with approximately 2.7 million salmon and trout each year.

Outstanding Chinook salmon fishing in Lake Ontario is an indicator that fall salmon runs in Lake Ontario tributaries will also be great this year. Chinook salmon enter Lake Ontario tributaries to spawn in late September through October. Tributary fishing offers anglers the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish from shore, with fish returning to tributaries all along the lakeshore.

Captain Frank Campbell, Tourism Director for Destination Niagara, said, “In over 30 years of chartering and several years as sportfishing promotions director for Niagara County, I have never witnessed Lake Ontario fish so well for king salmon. Not only are the numbers of fish present, but also the size to make Lake Ontario the hottest salmonid fishery in the world. I've heard countless anglers say that even though they heard fishing has been on fire, it far exceeded their expectations.”

Joe Yeager, President of the Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association, said, “This year for June through mid-July, Lake Ontario has provided anglers fishing the west end of the lake with the best Chinook salmon fishing ever. The fishery has been amazing for the consistent day-after-day large catches of all year classes of Chinook. The fishing has occurred relatively close to shore providing anglers with smaller boats the opportunity to also enjoy the best Chinook salmon fishing anywhere in the country!”

Captain Tom Burke of Oswego, said, “The 2024 Lake Ontario king salmon fishing has been incredible. The combination of the salmon stocking program, natural reproduction, and conducive weather patterns leading to a resurgence of the baitfish population has all come together to make this the best king salmon fishing on the planet at this time!”

For more information on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario fisheries management, visit DEC’s website. https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/fisheries-management-research/lake-ontario

Aspiring anglers interested in fishing Lake Erie or Lake Ontario tributaries are encouraged to venture out and bring friends along for DEC’s free fishing day on Sept. 28. New and experienced anglers alike are encouraged to check out DEC's 'Tackle Box' feature in the HuntFishNY mobile app, which provides anglers one-stop shopping for waterbody-specific information on fishing regulations, stocking, and fishing/boating access sites.

Additional information is available regarding fishing opportunities, including a charter boat directory. https://lakeontariofishing.com/

DEC Announces New York State 2024-25 Hunting and Trapping Licenses and Deer Management Permits Now On Sale

The sale kicks off the first time that all hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and associated tags will be printed on plain paper rather than plastic stock.

Interim DEC Commissioner Mahar said. "The ability for people to receive their license electronically and print tags at home will make it quicker and easier to get outdoors and connect with nature through hunting and fishing."

Licenses and permits can be purchased online https://decals.east.licensing.app/
at any of DEC's license issuing agents
https://decals.east.licensing.app/vendor_location_search
or by telephone at 866-933-2257. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31 each year, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.

Additional information on the transition to plain paper licenses and how to properly tag your harvested deer, bear, or turkey using paper tags can be found on DEC’s website.
https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting

Additional information on the transition to plain paper licenses and how to properly tag your harvested deer, bear, or turkey using paper tags can be found on DEC’s website.

Member Appreciation is this Friday, August 9 at 5 pm. Food will be catered by Richland Hotel (member Crystal Myers). It’s sure to be delicious! Music by Mike Place, who always entertains. NOTE: This is a members only event, unlike most of our functions.

From: Ron Fisher, ELODC (Eastern Lake Ontario Dune Coalition) Landowner Committee Chair

🛑🛑 The lab results from Tuesday's 7/30/2024 water samples (from Sandy Pond) back from Upstate Freshwater Institute.

The two nearshore surface samples that were analyzed (sites 2 and 3) did show the presence of Microcystin toxins❗️
These were present at relatively low levels, but will likely increase as the bloom continues.

Chlorophyll-a levels, which show the amount of algae present, were at high levels❗️
Furthermore, analysis of the algae composition showed it was dominated by high levels of blue-green algae (BGA), the ones that produce the toxins and cause the harmful algal blooms (HAB's).

The surface sample collected on South Pond had considerably less cholorphyll-a (less algae), although blue-green algae again dominated what was present❗️
It is likely that Microcystin toxins will be produced by these blue-green algae as they continue to multiply.

The next samples will be taken early next week and I (Ron Fisher) will provide those results as soon as they are available.

I've also attached a couple of pictures of the bloom at the cove (boardwalk area) today as well as the map showing where samples were taken this past Tuesday.

Ron Fisher, ELODC (Eastern Lake Ontario Dune Coalition) Landowner Committee Chair

Because we posted this so late, we’ve decided to keep the sales open through Friday so our weekend people have the chance to purchase advance sale tickets. It’s a wonderful meal, so be sure to grab your tickets and come enjoy with us.

It’s our third annual Pig 🐷Roast. Get your tickets at the Bar today. Member Dan Schill cooks the pig to perfection and Gwen and Debbie do amazing side dishes. If possible, get your tickets early so we can make sure we have plenty of food. See you there!

NORTH POND HAB Bloom as of 7/30/24
FROM: [email protected]

We now have a verified HAB (Harmful Algal Bloom...aka Blue-green algal bloom) on North Pond. Attached is a satellite photo that shows the bright green areas affecting most of North Pond. Renshaw Bay and South Pond do not appear to be affected at this time. Also attached are some pictures showing what the water looks like...with the bright green coloration, grainy appearance, and surface streaking characteristic of a bloom. Upstate Freshwater Institute was here today to take samples for analysis. I will send out those results when they are available later this week. Testing will continue periodically through the remainder of the summer.

The following page is a good reminder of what HAB's are and some of the precautions you may want to consider:
https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quality/harmful-algal-blooms

Ron Fisher, ELODC (Eastern Lake Ontario Dune Coalition) Landowner Committee Chair

Temporary Closure of Wildlife Management Areas and Fishing Access Sites in Jefferson County

Closure to Support Scheduled Maintenance of Popular Destinations, Aug. 1 through Aug. 14

DEC announced the scheduled temporary closure of three popular destinations in Jefferson County. Visitors will be unable to access the following locations for a three-to-four-day period between Aug. 1 and Aug. 14, 2024, to allow for scheduled maintenance of the parking areas:

‼️South Sandy Creek Boat Launch, Lakeview Wildlife Management Area (WMA), town of Ellisburg

The public is encouraged to pre-plan and utilize alternate access options during this time.

SPCMA Meeting TODAY 10AM Sun July 28
Pond Sportsmens Assn

Everyone that uses our channel or has property on the pond should attend. Please mark your calendars

Everyone that uses our channel or has property on the pond should attend. Please mark your calendars

It’s our third annual Pig 🐷Roast. Get your tickets at the Bar today. Member Dan Schill cooks the pig to perfection and Gwen and Debbie do amazing side dishes. If possible, get your tickets early so we can make sure we have plenty of food. See you there!

Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) monitoring ongoing 2024.
Final Report 2022 and 2023 Sandy Pond Management Plan for review:
https://tughill.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/FINAL_North-Sandy-Pond_Management-Plan_UFI-November2023.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3nRzE4VaX4N3LpTEwH7EPtD7umz3lXwgE-ZpxYkIKm0KYU9_70w5jKckA_aem_fdqHBX2E_rw7yDVYmgyl9g

DEC Announces Temporary Closure of Wildlife Management Areas and Fishing Access Sites in Jefferson County

Closure to Support Scheduled Maintenance of Popular Destinations, Aug. 1 through Aug. 14

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the scheduled temporary closure of three popular destinations in Jefferson County. Visitors will be unable to access the following locations for a three-to-four-day period between Aug. 1 and Aug. 14, 2024, to allow for scheduled maintenance of the parking areas:

South Sandy Creek Boat Launch, Lakeview Wildlife Management Area (WMA), town of Ellisburg;
Vaadi Road and NYS Route 12 Seven Bridges Parking Areas, Perch River WMA, town of Brownville; and
Isthmus Fishing Access Site on Lake Ontario (formerly Golden’s Marina), town of Lyme.
The public is encouraged to pre-plan and utilize alternate access options during this time.

Questions regarding the temporary closures can be directed to the Division of Fish and Wildlife by calling 315-785-2263, or emailing [email protected] with the subject line – Jefferson County Access Closures.