Tributaries also became overcrowded by those using snagging techniques and other species such as steelhead and brown trout began to be hooked. DEC adopted regulations in 1992 to phase out snagging and eliminate it by 1994. The ban was challenged in court, leaving the issue in doubt. Governor Pataki's action this year ended the controversy. To lessen the economic impact on local merchants, DEC has formed a Salmon River Sportfishing Promotion Committee to help develop and promote the river as a year-round fishery.
Membership includes local government and business leaders.
Barnhart said DEC is working with sportsmen's groups to teach how salmon can be taken using traditional angling technigues through a video and other instructional materials. In addition, Barnhart said DEC Environmental conservation off icers would strictly enforce the ban. Volunteers from other DEC departments will assist the officers. New York's portion of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are stocked annually with more than 3 million trout and salmon reared in DEC- operated hatcheries. These fish mature and provide trophy fishing opportunities in the open waters of the lakes and when they migrate into tributaries from late August into early June.