March 2016 Column - Explore Erie County’s fishing industry

Being a grandparent of eight keeps me extremely busy. It has been a joy to be involved in my grandkids’ activities, but one of the hobbies I look forward to most is being able to fish in the summer with them. At their young ages they have already experienced the great fishing that Western New York has to offer, and I encourage you all to learn more about this “best kept secret.”

 

There are times when I mention we have some of the best fishing in the country and locals don’t believe me. They are missing out. While the Erie County Fish Advisory Board works hard to promote our great local fishing industry, I am happy to help deliver the message to those who aren’t aware. I have been fortunate to attend an excursion every year with the Chautauqua and Erie County Fish Advisory Boards. They invite the county legislators, members of the media and others to attend, leaving from Dunkirk to experience a day of fishing on Lake Erie. It is a great event and I tell everyone who is interested to get out there and experience local fishing.

 

Booking a charter is one option, or you can set out on your own with the Hotspot Fishing Maps, available online at www2.erie.gov/hotspot. The maps help anyone looking to enhance their fishing experience. Working in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, a Fishing Hotline is also available to anglers. For the Lake Erie Fishing Hotline, call (716) 855-FISH. For additional information, please visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishhotlines.html.

 

Another popular event organized by the Fisheries Advisory Board is the free local fishing clinic. One of the clinics is held annually at Chestnut Ridge Park and is extremely popular. This event discusses basic fish identification, aquatic ecology, fishing equipment and techniques for all ages. Keep an eye out for the 2016 date.

 

This summer is a great opportunity to explore Erie County’s fishing spots in a variety of ways.

 

On another note, I know we would all rather talk about summer activities such as fishing and not snow, but Erie County is currently in negotiations with the towns to settle new snowplowing contracts. The towns offer a great service to the county, helping to ensure the hundreds of lane miles are plowed and safe for drivers. I am hopeful that both sides will agree to terms that are fair and ensure the work will be done efficiently.

 

I also want to remind anyone who is planning to order through the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual Conservation Tree & Shrub Seedling Program that orders are due Friday, March 18. The District offers an annual sale and distribution of evergreen and deciduous seedlings and transplants for the conservation of natural resources and the enhancement of forestry resources, wildlife habitat and economic development in Erie County. To request an order form, please contact my office at 858-8850 or at john.mills@erie.gov. You can also find forms online at www.ecswcd.org/html/treeshrub.html