Sport fishing helped by water release

If you've noticed the draining of the canal water this year is going very slowly, there's a very interesting explanation.

For the first time, the NY Canal Corporation is selectively and strategically "dewatering" part of the canal, releasing water in area streams and creeks in an effort to maintain water levels in support of the region's sport fishing.

According to Bill Clifford, Section Supervisor for the Canal Corporation in Albion, this first attempt at a controlled spill was several years in the planning. Before the innovative project was approved, great care was taken with feasibility studies to ensure no damage would result from the scheme.

The controlled "dewatering" plan was undertaken with the cooperation of the Orleans County Tourism department which has been instrumental in the promotion of the sport fishing industry. Jerry Senecal, sports fishing specialist for the Orleans County Tourism, expects the dewatering project to extend by one month at least the water levels sufficient for stream fishing. Stream fishing is increasingly responsible for millions of dollars per year being pumped into the local economy.

Aside from a minimal increase in costs to the Canal Corporation which actually manages the strategic release of the water, no detrimental effects from controlled dewatering are anticipated. The only potential downside is the possibility for flooding, but with proper management, including allowances for weather conditions, even that risk is minimal.

So how does it work? Sixty-five miles of canal, from the guard gate near Brooks Avenue in Rochester, to the guard gate in Medina, is isolated - cut off from canal waters east and west of these gates. Canal water is then allowed to enter Oak Orchard Creek, Johnson Creek and Sandy Creek, and a few other sites, under controlled conditions. If all goes as planned, it will take a month for the canal to reach its winter level.

The canal east of the Genesee is already drained; beginning October 30 it took only about 10 days. Most all of the canal water ends up, one way or another, in Lake Ontario.

Next spring the canal west of the Genesee River will be filled with water from Lake Erie by way of the Niagara River. East, canal water comes from the Genesee and Seneca River.