Adirondack Almanack provides this weekly Hunting and Fishing Report each Thursday evening, year round. The Almanack also provides weekly backcountry recreation conditions reports for those headed into the woods or onto the waters.

Listen for the weekly Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Report Friday mornings on WNBZ (AM 920 & 1240, FM 105 & 102.1), WSLP (93.3) and the stations of North Country Public Radio.

SPECIAL NOTICES FOR THIS WEEKEND

** indicates new or revised items.

** SUMMER CONDITIONS
The weather looks to be drier this coming weekend, and waters are at their seasonal lows. The Park’s busiest areas, such as the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness will be crowded on fair weather weekends through Labor Day so plan accordingly. Remember that conditions can change suddenly with weather so be prepared and carry a flashlight, first aid kit, food, water and extra clothing. Conditions on summits are always more extreme; avoid lightening and make sure campfires are completely out.

LIGHTENING SAFETY REMINDER
The possibility of encountering thunderstorms is raised at this time of year. There is NO safe place outside in a thunderstorm, follow local weather closely and avoid storms. Hundreds of people are killed or permanently injured each year by being struck by lightening. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance so seek safe shelter immediately. If you are caught outdoors away from the safety of cars or buildings, then avoid open fields, hill-tops, and isolated trees, and stay away from water. You should never be above treeline or on water when there is lightning.

** KNOW THE LATEST WEATHER
Check the weather before entering the woods and be aware of weather conditions at all times — if weather worsens, head out of the woods. The National Weather Service (NWS) at Burlington and Albany cover the Adirondack region. NWS Burlington provides a weather forecast for elevations above 3,000 feet and spot forecasts for the summits of a handful of the highest peaks in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties. [LINK]

** Fire Danger: MODERATE
There have been nearly 20 wildfires in the Adirondacks since July 1st that have burned some 30 acres. Half of the Adirondack wildfires this July were started by campfires that were not put out completely. The U.S. Drought Monitor is also reporting abnormally dry conditions throughout the Adirondacks and a moderate drought in the Southwestern Adirondacks. Be sure campfires are out by drowning them with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again.

** DROUGHT CONDITIONS
Despite rains this week, the US Drought Monitor continues to reporting abnormally dry conditions throughout the Adirondacks and moderate drought conditions in the Western and Southwestern Adirondacks. Drought conditions are reported weekly by the National Climatic Data Center.

** 90-DAY BURN BAN IN EFFECT
A 90-day burn ban is in effect until October 10.

** ROUTE 86 ROADWORK
Repaving of the Route 86 between Lake Placid and Wilmington is expected to continue into mid-September. Motorists can expect delays and should consider detours such as through Keene and Jay.

BEAR ENCOUNTERS ON THE RISE
Bear sightings and encounters have been occurring more frequently than usual this summer leading to a a spike in bear-related calls to DEC this month. Wildlife biologists say the increased encounters may be the result of dry conditions that have reduced natural food sources such as skunk cabbage and berries. Higher reports of encounters with bears have been coming from the High Peaks. Black bears will take advantage of readily available food sources, including bird feeders and garbage. To prevent encounters with bears, you should never intentionally feed them, and you should discourage them from seeking food from sources near your home or camp. The use of bear canisters is required by campers in the Eastern High Peaks from April 1 to November 30 and recommended throughout the Adirondacks. Pack all food, toiletries and garbage in canisters. DEC has issued a Guidance to Discourage Black Bear Encounters.

** WATERS RUNNING AT SEASONAL LOWS
Water levels are at seasonal low levels and the Raquette River is running below normal. Be watchful for sand bars, shoals, rocks, stumps, limbs and other navigation hazards that may be exposed or lying just under the water surface. Consult the latest streamgage data if you are venturing onto the region’s waters.

** 2012-13 SPORTING LICENSES ON SALE AUGUST 13th
Beginning Monday, August 13, 2012-13 freshwater fishing, hunting and trapping licenses go on sale. You can purchase licenses online, by phone or in person at several DEC offices and most sporting good stores and town clerk offices. The 2012-13 licenses are valid through the recreational season, from October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013. If you plan to fish, hunt or trap prior to October 1, 2012, you must have a valid 2011-12 license. For details on available licenses and to find out how to purchase a license, visit DEC’s Sporting Licenses webpage.

BUG SEASON
It’s “Bug Season” in the Adirondacks. Now until the end of summer Black Flies, Mosquitoes, Deer Flies and/or Midges (No-see-ums) will be present. Wear light colored clothing, long sleeves and long pants; rap a rubber band around sleeves at the wrist; tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks; pack a headnet to wear when insects are thick and use an insect repellant.

NEW STATEWIDE INVASIVE SPECIES LAW
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed the Invasive Species Prevention Act, legislation designed to help prevent the spread of destructive invasive plants and animals by making it illegal to sell and transport invasive species in the state. [Read More]

FIREWOOD BAN IN EFFECT
Due to the possibility of spreading invasive species that could devastate northern New York forests (such as Emerald Ash Borer, Hemlock Wooly Adeljid and Asian Longhorn Beetle), DEC prohibits moving untreated firewood more than 50 miles from its source. Forest Rangers have been ticketing violators of the firewood ban. More details and frequently asked questions at the DEC website.

FOREST PRESERVE AND EASEMENT ROADS
The following roads or road systems remain closed. Users on foot can still travel past gates and on muddy roads. The roads will be reopened for motor vehicle use as soon as possible:

Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Lands
Sable Highlands Conservation Easement Lands – all roads except the Fishhole Pond Access Road and town roads
Darling Ford Road (Hudson River Recreation Area, Lake George Wild Forest)
Buttermilk Road Extension (Hudson River Recreation Area, Lake George Wild Forest)

MOOSE RIVER PLAINS
The Otter Brook Road is open over the South Branch of the Moose River to the Indian Lake Road and the Indian Lake Road is open to the new Squaw Lake/Indian Lake Trailhead. The Town of Inlet Highway department has installed a new rock barrier on the Indian Lake Road about 0.3 miles before the Squaw Lake Trail in accordance with the management plan for Moose River Plains Complex. Parking for the trailhead is located at a pre-existing pull-off just before the new barrier. The new parking area is signed and can hold 5 to 6 vehicles.

** DEC DRAFTING ST. LAWRENCE FLATLANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN
DEC Region 6 is preparing a unit management plan (UMP) for ten state forests and seven detached forest preserve parcels in northern St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. This plan for the new St. Lawrence Flatlands management unit is a continuation of the former Brasher UMP which began several years ago. The state forests total 30,810 acres and are located in the Franklin County towns of Bombay and Moira, and the St. Lawrence County towns of Brasher, Madrid, Norfolk and Stockholm. The unit also includes seven widely scattered parcels of detached forest preserve lands located in the towns of Lisbon, Louisville, Massena, Oswegatchie and Waddington in St. Lawrence County. Comments on the future management of this unit should be addressed to Senior Forester Aaron Graves at NYSDEC, 6739 US Highway 11, Potsdam, NY, 13676, e-mail r6ump@gw.dec.state.ny.us, or call call (315) 265-3090. The deadline for this round of public comments is August 31, 2012.

** SPORTSMEN EDUCATION COURSES PLANNED
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County, in partnership with DEC Sportsman Education volunteer instructors, will be hosting Hunter Education Classes on Saturday, September 15th and Sunday, September 16th. The following classes are being offered each day; Sportsman Education, Bow Hunter Education, or Trapper Education (you may choose ONE class per day, bow hunter students must have completed hunter education previous to registering for bow hunter education). All classes are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. They will be held from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm at Pack Forest in Warrensburg. All courses are “Home Study” courses, materials MUST be picked up by August 30. Lunch will be available to purchase. Pre-registration is required by August 30. For more information contact the CCE Education Center at (518) 623-3291 or 668-4881 or e-mail mlb222@cornell.edu.

NEW STATE LAND PURCHASE
New York State will acquire 69,000 acres of the former Finch Pruyn lands in the Adirondacks in phases over the next five years. The State has not yet purchased any of these lands at this time, so there is no public access currently available. The purchase of the first tract is expected to be completed in late 2012 or early 2013. [More Info]

ADIRONDACK FISHING REPORTS

** ADIRONDACK WATER TEMPERATURES
Ausable River (West Branch in Wilmington) water temperature is in the mid to upper-60s.
Lake Champlain (at Burlington) water temperature remains about 72 degrees.
Lake George (at Warner Bay) water temperature is about 81 degrees.

** LAKE CHAMPLAIN TOXIC ALGAE BLOOMS
Most locations around the lake reported good conditions this week. However, large amounts of blue-green algae are present in parts of Missisquoi Bay, with some locations there testing positive for low levels of toxins. A small localized bloom has been reported at Inner Malletts Bay, and another at the Alburgh Dunes State Park. Blooms have been moving with changing weather and water conditions. Avoid all contact (do not swim, bathe, or drink the water, or use it in cooking or washing) and do not allow pets in algae-contaminated water. Regular updates on algae blooms on Lake Champlain is provided by the Vermont Department of Health.

SPINY WATER FLEA FOUND IN LAKE GEORGE
Lake George is the latest lake to be infested by spiny water flea, two weeks ago the Hudson River Feeder Canal and the Champlain Canal above Lock 11 were reported to be infested with the invasive plankton. Spiny water flea is a particular concern for anglers as it can foul down-riggers and other fishing gear. It’s believed to have arrived in Lake Huron in 1984 in ship ballast water, and since spread to Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Great Sacandaga Lake, Peck Lake, and Stewarts Bridge Reservoir. Officials from Vermont have requested the New York State Canal Corporation immediately close the Champlain Canal to prevent the spread of the invasive plankton into Lake Champlain. The Canal Corporation has refused.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN REPORT ISSUED
The Lake Champlain Basin Program has released its 2012 Lake Champlain “State of the Lake Report”. The report, which is issued every 3-4 years, concludes that the water of Lake Champlain should be treated before drinking or bathing, most of the lake is safe to swim in most of the time, and some fish may be eaten, if “consumed responsibly” according to fish consumption health advisories. Read more here.

NEW FISHING REGS TAKE EFFECT OCTOBER 1, 2012
Changes to freshwater fishing regulations will be in effect starting Oct. 1, 2012, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced including these local changes:

• Prohibit fishing in the following stream sections from March 16 until the first Saturday in May (opening day for walleye) to protect spawning walleye: Lake Pleasant outlet to the mouth of the Kunjamuk River (Hamilton County).
• Change the walleye daily limit for Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River to six per day. Change minimum length for salmonids in the Upper Niagara River to any size.
• Open Lake Kushaqua and Rollins Pond (Franklin County) to ice fishing for lake trout.
• Open Blue Mountain Lake, Eagle Lake, Forked Lake, Gilman Lake, South Pond and Utowana Lake (Hamilton County) to ice fishing for landlocked salmon and reduce the daily limit for lake trout in these waters from three per day to two per day.
• Delete the catch and release trout regulation for Jordan River from Carry Falls Reservoir upstream to Franklin County line (St. Lawrence County).
• Delete the special trout regulation for Palmer Lake (Saratoga County) to match the statewide regulation.
• Delete special ice fishing regulation for Square Pond (Franklin County).
• Allow ice fishing on specific waters currently deemed as trout waters in the counties of Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and St. Lawrence Counties.
• Provide for ice fishing at privately managed water in Hamilton County (Salmon Pond).

The complete list of freshwater sportfish regulation changes can be viewed under ‘Recently Adopted Regulations (Previous Twelve Months)’ on DEC’s website.

New Raquette River Boat Access at Moody Falls
A canoe and cartop boat access trail to the Raquette River at Moody Falls in the Town of Colton, St. Lawrence County is completed. The site, located off State Route 56 north of Seveys Corners on lands owned by Lyme Adirondack Timberlands and subject to a conservation easement held by DEC, has a new trail which leads down to the Raquette River upstream of Moody Falls. There is a four-car parking lot and improved road access. There will also be an access trail along the falls that will provide access from above to below Moody Falls which should be completed later this year or early next year. All of these actions were also proposed in the Raquette-Boreal Unit Management Plan, which was completed in 2006. The official opening will be on Sunday, July 29 at 10 AM as part of the Raquette River Awareness.

Fishing Seasons Open
Trout and Landlocked Salmon, Pike, Pickerel, Tiger Muskie, Walleye, Black Bass, Perch, Sunfish, Eel, Bullhead, Catfish and other panfish seasons are open.

Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control
Treatment of five tributaries and two or three deltas are planned for 2012, these include: Great Chazy River, Mill Brook, and Mount Hope Brook, Missisquoi River and Winooski River Delta, the Saranac River delta will be treated Bayluscide in September, the Mill Brook delta will be treated in October, treatment of the Boquet River delta will depend on the findings of this summer’s ammocoetes survey.

Fish Survey Data Added to Online Map
Adirondack DEC Fish Survey data has been added to the Adirondack Regional GIS (ARGIS) interactive map. The data is up to date as of Feb 16, 2012. You can use the identify tool to get the list of species for a lake, or you can filter by species using the quick filter (right click on the layer in the table of contents–>”Properties & Display Options”–>Quick Filter).

Trout Season Report
Trout (lake, brook, rainbow, brown and hybrids, and splake) and landlocked Salmon seasons are open. Streams across the area continue to be clear and low. For catch and size limits view the freshwater fishing regulations online.

2012 Coldwater Fishing Report
Trout season has begun and anglers are concerned this year with the impact of last year’s flooding on local streams. The Ausable and Boquet River watersheds were most severely affected and anglers will find major changes in these areas, particularly in the East Branch of the Ausable. Anglers should be aware of new hazards underwater. Also some changes in the river course and topography may be present. New pools may have formed where there was previously riffles and riffles may be found where there was previously pools. The complete DEC coldwater fishing report for 2012 can be found online.

Lake Clear
The gate for the road to Lake Clear is open and access Meadow and St. Germain Ponds is restored.

Kings Bay WMA
The gates for the roadway accessing Catfish Bay on Lake Champlain are closed and locked until next season.

Ausable Marsh WMA
The gate for the access road has been closed. Hikers, birders and others on foot can still travel pass the gate. The gate and road will reopen for motor vehicle use when it has dried and firmed up.

Lewis Preserve WMA
The Brandy Brook has jumped its bank creating a braided stream channel across the main foot trail adjacent to the existing foot bridge. Hunters, hikers should use caution while attempting to cross this new stream channel as it is very deep and swift moving.

Use Baitfish Wisely
Anglers using fish for bait are reminded to be careful with how these fish are used and disposed of. Careless use of baitfish is one of the primary means by which non-native species and fish diseases are spread from water to water. Unused baitfish should be discarded in an appropriate location on dry land. A “Green List” of commercially available baitfish species that are approved for use in New York State has now been established in regulation. A discussion of these regulations and how to identify approved baitfish species is available online. Personal collection and use of baitfish other than those on the “Green List” is permitted, but only on the water from which they were collected and they may not be transported overland by motorized vehicle. Anglers are reminded that new regulations for transportation of baitfish are currently under consideration, and these proposed regulations can be viewed online.

Preventing Invasive Species and Fish Diseases
Anglers are reminded to be sure to dry or disinfect their fishing and boating equipment, including waders and boots, before entering a new body of water. This is the only way to prevent the spread of potentially damaging invasive plant and animal species (didymo and zebra mussels) and fish diseases (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) and whirling disease). Methods to clean and disinfect fishing gear can be found online.

Health Advisories on Fish
The NYSDOH has issued the 2010-2011 advisories on eating sportfish and game. Some of fish and game contain chemicals at levels that may be harmful to human health. See the DEC webpage on Fish Health Advisories for more information and links to the Department of Health information.

ADIRONDACK HUNTING REPORTS

** SUMMER WILD TURKEY SURVEY
Since 1996, DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to estimate the number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide. Weather, predation, and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood-rearing seasons can significantly impact nest success, hen survival, and poult survival. This index allows DEC to gauge reproductive success and predict fall harvest potential. During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during a participant’s normal travel. Those interested in assisting DEC with the turkey survey can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form from the DEC website. Detailed instructions are available with the survey form. Survey cards can also be obtained by contacting a local regional DEC office, calling (518) 402-8886, or by e-mailing fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (type “Turkey Survey” in the subject line).

DEC Adopts State Deer and Bear Hunting Regulations Changes
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has adopted rules affecting deer and bear hunting in New York, to implement certain parts of the state’s Five-Year Deer Management Plan [pdf]. Local changes include: Establishing a late bowhunting season concurrent with the late muzzleloader season in the Northern Zone; Adjusting the Northern Zone season dates by opening the Northern Zone regular season for 44 days, beginning on the 2nd Saturday after Columbus Day; Allowing Deer Management Permits (DMPs, “doe tags”) to be used in all seasons in the Northern Zone; and adjusting bear hunting seasons to remain concurrent with deer seasons. The full text of the adopted regulations is available online.

2012 Waterfowl Population Estimates
DEC has been conducting annual waterfowl breeding surveys since 1989 to monitor the status of populations. Survey results are combined with estimates from other states to aid in establishing waterfowl hunting seasons in the Atlantic Flyway. This year, New York’s waterfowl estimates show a declining trend: Mallard duck pairs (74,000) are the second lowest recorded and are well below the 100,000 or more breeding pairs that existed in the late 1990s. A similar trend is occurring across the Atlantic Flyway. If this decline continues, duck hunting seasons may need to be reduced in the future. Black duck pairs (2,400) have declined more than 50 percent since surveys began, whereas wood duck pairs (45,000) remain stable. Canada goose pairs (69,000) are the lowest in nearly a decade, but populations remain above desired levels in most areas. More details on these estimates are available in the May issue of the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources Monthly Highlights (link).

DEC Announces Tentative 2012-13 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons
The tentative schedule for many of New York’s 2012-13 migratory game bird seasons (including ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe and rails) is now available online. The final season dates, bag limits and other regulations for 2012-13 migratory game bird hunting seasons in New York will be announced once they are approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Tentative season dates for the Lake Champlain Zone were not included because they will be determined by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board following public meetings likely to be held in August in Whitehall, NY and Burlington, VT. DEC encourages New York waterfowl hunters who frequent the Champlain Zone to attend one of these meetings; details will be announced later this summer. Comments and suggestions about the Lake Champlain Zone may also be submitted to any DEC season-setting team member or by e-mail to wfseason@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

Lewis Preserve WMA
The Brandy Brook has jumped its bank creating a braided stream channel across the main foot trail adjacent to the existing foot bridge. Users should use caution while attempting to cross this new stream channel as it may be deep and swift moving.

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Warnings and announcements drawn from DEC, NWS, NOAA, USGS, and other sources. Detailed Adirondack Park hunting, fishing, and trapping information can be found at DEC’s webpages. A DEC map of the Adirondack Park can also be found online [pdf].

The DEC Habitat/Access Stamp is available for $5 at all outlets where sporting licenses are sold, on-line and via telephone at 1-866-933-2257. Stamp proceeds support the DEC’s efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife related recreation. A Habitat/Access Stamp is not required to hunt, fish or trap, nor do you have to purchase a sporting license to buy a habitat stamp.