Chinook Growth 2008 – We have analyzed the 2008 Chinook salmon growth data and age-2 and age-3 fish of both sexes were significantly heavier than the record lows observed in 2007 but still below their historical averages. Wet weight condition (weight relative to length) improved markedly and was actually above the historical average for the first time in the last 7 years. The predicted weight of a 36 inch Chinook was 16.8 pounds which is over 2 pounds heavier than the record low observed last year. Scott Prindle and Dan Bishop have submitted a draft report for the Lake Ontario Committee annual report.

Potential Salmon River Regulations – Fran Verdoliva, Captain Woody Erickson and Dan Bishop have been working on some proposals to refine regulations on the Salmon River. One issue is the liberalization of hooks used on floating lures during the salmon season. Guides came to us saying they needed a little more leeway on the floating lure regulations to effectively hook and land fish. We set up a pilot permit program which allowed permit holders to use some lures which allow for a slightly larger hook gap, a bead chain directly attached to the lure, and a greater allowable distance from the lure to the hook point. The purpose of the permit program is to evaluate the permitted lures so we can get the new regulation right when the time comes. So far, results look promising.

The other issues revolve around the use of "beads" or other "attractors" fished on the line above a bare hook and the associated allowable distance (i.e., at what point is it simply a lining device?) from the bead or attractor to the hook point. We are looking at the regulation in Alaska which is 2 inches as guidance. See http://www.moffittangling.com/ and click on "read our blog" for the latest in lining fish with a fly used as an attractor. We are also addressing the allowable distance from a non-floating lure to the hook point(s) because ECOs are often asked what is allowable and there is currently no answer.

Cayuga Inlet Sea Lampreys – We documented the presence of the 2007 year class in the Inlet above the fishway. We had excessively high water in the lake in 2007 and some lamprey got above the fishway. We need to do further assessment to determine the extent of the infestation and subsequently determine if a chemical treatment is warranted. We think we completely blocked the 2008 spawning migration.

Whitney Point Reservoir Habitat Project – Dave Lemon plans to start installing "fish scrapes" later this month. Fish scrapes are a series of ditches perpendicular to shore to break up the flat, monotonous mud bottom to diversify habitat. Rock piles and stumps will also be placed in the outer ends of the ditches. The project is a cooperative effort between the DEC, ACOE, and the Whitney Point Sportsmen’s Association.

Chittenango Creek – Jeff Robins and Dan Bishop will meet with the Trout Unlimited group 12/19/08 to discuss progress on the proposed regulation to create a catch and release area. Postcard returns to date show a very high percentage of anglers favor the proposal.

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