Salmon River Fish Hatchery to host 25th annual open house
Sep. 22—ALTMAR — The 25th annual Salmon River Fish Hatchery Open House and Family Day, sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, is set for Saturday, Sept. 28.
The free, rain-or-shine event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The hatchery is at 2133 County Route 22, Altmar in Oswego County.
"Join DEC's regional staff and local partners for a behind-the-scenes look at how DEC contributes to world-class trout and salmon fishing in Lake Ontario and its tributaries, including the exceptional Salmon River," DEC interim commissioner Sean Mahar said in a news release.
DEC will lead tours of the facility between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., providing rare behind-the-scenes access to the hatchery's inner workings. Guests can visit the redesigned fish observation decks, which are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and offer new and improved views of salmon as they migrate. Visitors can also observe New York fish in the hatchery's indoor aquaria and learn about rare and threatened fish species in New York state. Outside on the grounds, youth can learn how to cast a fishing rod. The tour of the hatchery involves one flight of stairs.
To complement scheduled program events, several conservation organizations, fishing and hunting clubs, and outdoor recreation groups will present displays and activities to share information about their role in the Salmon River corridor and the Lake Ontario ecosystem.
New York State Tug Hill Commission Executive Director Katie Malinowski congratulated the hatchery for holding this family-friendly event for 25 years. :The hatchery facility is key to the success of the Salmon River fishery, such an important part of the natural resources-based economy of Oswego County and Tug Hill," she said. "The behind-the-scenes tours for area residents and out-of-town visitors provide an increased understanding of the science and effort involved, and the opportunity for partner organization displays adds enhanced educational opportunities to the day."