County extends lease for 5 years of fishing access at Oak Orchard

Photo by Tom Rivers: A fisherman tries to catch big fish in the Oak Orchard River in October 20, 2023.

CARLTON – The county has extended an agreement for public fishing access along the Oak Orchard River.

The County Legislature on Tuesday reached an agreement of Roy and Scott Salmon of Park Avenue in Carlton. They will give public access to 15.8 acres of property and will be paid $79,000 over the five years, or $15,800 annually beginning August 22, 2025 and ending August 21, 2030.

The agreement gives the public access along about 4,000 feet of the Oak Orchard River, including at some of the most desirable fishing spots.

The $79,000 over five years is an increase from the $69,000 in the current five-year agreement from 2020 to 2025.

The county first entered into an agreement with the Salmons in August 2007. That first agreement was $7,500 annually over three years. The county in 2007 pushed to reach a deal with the Salmons for public access after the family put about 50 posted signs along their property.

Fishing is the county’s top tourism attraction, generating about $28 million in economic activity in Orleans, according to a report from the state DEC based on 2017 data.

The Oak Orchard is a popular draw, especially in the fall during the annual salmon and trout runs with many anglers coming from around the state and country to fish in the river.

In addition to public fishing access, the agreement allows the Salmon property to keep its vegetative cover to protect water quality and riparian habitat, and to also be available for fishery and habitat management, research and educational programs.

The county has signs on the Salmon property, urging anglers to respect the land, by taking out trash and fish carcasses.