2015 Artpark Smelt Run

[merkleyb]

I have not dipped smelt in 3 years and want know when the run starts.

Please post what's happening.

Donna wants smelt this year.

Thanks guys.

Mac

Go to Owasco lake. I know it's a drive, but I've run into guys that drove from Maine to smelt for a weekend.....Nuts.....

[iceman13166]

Owasco Lake has no Public Access for smelt.  Cayuga Lake has public access though.  Be smart out there and don't trespass

[fishryc]

I have not dipped smelt in 3 years and want know when the run starts.

Please post what's happening.

Donna wants smelt this year.

Thanks guys.

Mac

 Get them here, and now:
 They are Great Lakes (obviously freshwater) smelt sold frozen in cases of 12 one pound bags.
 $60 last time around.
 Delicious and highly recommended.
 I'll split a case if you want; LMK.
 You should be able to find this place pretty easily too, Mac!

Schneider's Fish & Seafood Co
Seafood Wholesaler
Address: 2150 Old Union Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Phone:(716) 668-6165

[RIVERRAT2]

o'boy what a art form, i just love them.
 
RAT

[Mac Attack]

Get them here, and now:
 They are Great Lakes (obviously freshwater) smelt sold frozen in cases of 12 one pound bags.
 $60 last time around.
 Delicious and highly recommended.
 I'll split a case if you want; LMK.
 You should be able to find this place pretty easily too, Mac!

Schneider's Fish & Seafood Co
Seafood Wholesaler
Address: 2150 Old Union Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Phone:(716) 668-6165

At least I never call my buddy up on the phone for directions every time I venture into the big city.
 


cornball


Yea, I know where it is.
But if Jeff scores me a few hundred for free...............

[fishryc]

At least I never call my buddy up on the phone for directions every time I venture into the big city.
 


cornball


Yea, I know where it is.
But if Jeff scores me a few hundred for free...............

 Not any more, as you've seen in recent years!
 I've got all of the North - South arteries down pat (Union, Harlem, Transit, Baily / South Park, etc.) as well as the East - West ones (Sheridan, Main, Walden, Clinton, Genesee, 198 / 33, etc.) and use them all with confidence.
 Now, the smelt.
 LMK what you hear; we can meet up and watch Jeff do all the work!
 Runs have been meager recent years though from what young John tells me.
 The last great year was several back, when outa nowhere, they were so thick that they actually able to be dipped while there was still some daylight, and there were plenty of places that you didn't even have to wade out!
 I think you got in on that, right?
 

[kevinmaine3]

What's your limit for smelts? A day?

[Mac Attack]

What's your limit for smelts? A day?

8 qts.

About a 1/3 of a 5-gallon bucket.

Here is the link -

http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/4026.html


gotta go way down into the regs to find the table for smelt.

[Mac Attack]

 The last great year was several back, when outa nowhere, they were so thick that they actually able to be dipped while there was still some daylight, and there were plenty of places that you didn't even have to wade out!
 I think you got in on that, right?
 

Yup, but I've gotten them twice since that night.
That was like 5 years ago.
Donna and I met Ben, Ray and Guy down there.
Ben had waders and was dipping smelt.

A few oriental gentlemen were there and they had WAY more than they should.

It was hilarious.
They tried walking up the escarpment instead of the steel stairs.
They spilled a ton on the way up.
I tipped off the DEC officer they were coming up in another area and he went over there and waited for them.
Busted!!!!

lol

The DEC sits in the parking lot almost every night when the smelt are running.

Besides, cleaning a 1/3 of a 5 gallon bucket of them takes me like 4 hrs.
I overheated and tripped out the thermal overload on my kitchen sink garbage disposal twice while cleaning them that night.
I don't get that many anymore.

They are good though when done properly.
That's for sure!
And like I've said, Donna loves them.
She eats them cold the next day.

[fitz67]

Fished the lower river this morning water temp was 35 degrees  from art park all the way to fort Niagara. Normally the smelt will be running at the 39-40 degree mark . My guess is next weekend if the forecast holds

[icelegend]

MAYBE BEN SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUSTED TOO FOR DIPPING  FOR EVERYONE ELSE'S FISH WHICH IS ILLEGAL ALSO.

[icelegend]

JUST SAYING.....CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY BUDDY

[filetandrelease]

Good point Icelegend

[Mac Attack]

Yup.
You're right.
Not a single one of us thought about that.
Thanks - fixed.


One other thing.
No need to shout.

 

[icelegend]

So anyway I cant wait to get down there. Good luck to everyone and most of all be safe and have fun and please please clean up after yourselves.