The Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar will open its doors for tours, fishing demonstrations and family activities Saturday, Sept. 26, as the state Department of Environmental Conservation hosts its 27th annual open house. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 2133 County Route 22 in Oswego County.
The event will take place rain or shine and coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day. DEC Region 7 Director Dereth Glance said visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at how the hatchery supports trout and salmon fishing in New York.
Tours and hands-on activities
DEC staff will lead tours of hatchery operations. Visitors can watch migrating salmon from outdoor fish observation decks accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, although the hatchery tour itself includes a flight of concrete stairs. Indoor aquariums display other New York fish species.
On the grounds, visitors can learn to cast a fishing rod. Fly-tying practice and air archery will be offered inside the auditorium. Conservation organizations, recreation groups and fishing and hunting clubs will also host displays and activities focused on the Salmon River corridor and the Lake Ontario ecosystem.
The Salmon River is a destination for migrating trout and salmon from Lake Ontario. Nearby trails include a quarter-mile accessible crushed-stone route to two observation areas overlooking a 110-foot waterfall. DEC cautions that the river's Lower Fly Fishing Section is currently closed because of low water flows.
Visiting the hatchery
The open house marks a day designated by Congress in 1972 to encourage people to experience outdoor recreation and recognize hunters' and anglers' roles in conservation.
Outside the annual event, the hatchery generally offers self-guided tours from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, April through November. Questions about the open house can be directed to DEC environmental educator Betsy Ukeritis at 315-314-0768.
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