Initial reports indicate between 7-14 inches of snow fell across Oneida Lake during the storm. It is rough going out there with a good amount of slush underneath the new snow. Wheelers and side by sides are going to be a big big challenge for the foreseeable future. Finding a bright spot, it looks like nice conditions for those with sleds. Winds out of the north today at 5-15 will contribute to some drifts. Walkers are going to have a real battle on their hands, the best advice is to wait for some trails to get set up out of the popular access points.
If you must, we have gotten some decent reports later in the day this week from some shallow spots 8-10 FOW. We mention this because of the current challenges associated with getting to deeper spots. The limited reports that came in yesterday though were terrific with some tank perch and nice walleye being taken. As a caveat, the bulk of those were from deeper water. Cold again tomorrow with some more wind might keep the bulk of people on the sidelines until Sunday. We have been spoiled with a nice drag this year, that is over for now. Warmer air next week with some patches of rain will keep things challenging.
You have until February 6 to submit comments on the New York State Department of Environmental Conversations proposed new fishing regulations for 2022. These changes were announced last December and are scheduled to take effect around mid-March prior to the trout season opening. Comments can be submitted via email to regulations.fish@dec.ny.gov.
Notice the date these changes take effect, we have been asked to rely that this means the walleye limit on Oneida Lake is currently three fish despite what you might see on social media. There is a laundry list of changes, with a couple most significantly for Oneida Lake. First, to streamline regulations, the DEC is moving toward hard starting dates. May 1 for walleye and northern pike and June 15 for large and smallmouth bass. Those we talk to have mixed feelings on the walleye opener as for years it brought a certain excitement to the area on the Friday before the opener. That must be a minority opinion though as the results of an angler poll conducted in 2021 drove the change to the hard dates.
The second big change is the daily limit of walleye will be upped to 5 from the current 3. The current 15-inch minimum remains the same. This is due to the abundant adult walleye population and projections indicate it will be sustained for the next several years. Source materials can be found here and here. So to summarize, yes the limit is increasing from 3 to 5, but not yet.
Be First to Comment