DEC reinstates walleye protection

ROSSIE — Sportsmen and Rossie residents are cheering a decision by the state Department of Environmental Conservation to restore protection to walleye spawn that were put at risk last year when patrols were pulled.

Fishing enthusiasts brought the issue to state Sen. Patricia A. Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, who pressed DEC for a change of heart at a joint Senate-Assembly hearing on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s budget proposal. Commissioner Joe Martens assured Mrs. Ritchie that DEC would increase enforcement this year, according to a release from her office.

“We’ve got a commitment they will protect the walleye. It was a big hubbub among the sporting community,” said Lawrence I. Kring, a retired DEC lieutenant who is active in the Black Lake Fish & Game Club. “A person can slide in with a spear, and within 10 minutes, they’ve got a pickup truck full of fish.”

The Rossie spawn is on its way back to its former heyday, when the Indian River at Rossie was packed with walleye.

“They were so thick you swear you could walk across the river,” said Dorothy M. Rogers, whose home overlooks the spawning bed. “It’s exciting when they’re here.”

Through the efforts of the fish and game club and DEC to introduce fry, the walleye population is rebounding. Crowds of people gather annually to see the spawning run, which typically takes place in April.

“They line the road, especially on a Sunday and if it’s a long run,” Mrs. Rogers said.

This year’s run may be earlier because of the open winter. The spawn often begins after a full moon when the temperature rises to 42 degrees, Mr. Kring said.

“The best time to see them is right after dark with a flashlight. Their eyes will light up,” he said. “They’ll impress the hell out of you.”

Last year, there was at least one case of poaching in which five people were charged after DEC cut back its 24-hour-a-day watch of spawning areas.

Rossie resident Terrance M. Murphy, who lives near the spawning bed, said he was glad the patrols will return this year.

“I was sort of upset there wouldn’t be people here,” he said. “I don’t see why not, with the money we pay for licenses.”

Mrs. Rogers said she was also glad for the return of the extended patrols.

“We’re happy to hear that because they should be protected,” she said. “They were in such decline, and they’re coming back. It’s getting much better.”