Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Assoc.

Over 30 years have passed since a handful of local Oswego County, NY anglers formed the Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association (ELOSTA). It was evident to these far sighted individuals that the then blossoming Lake Ontario salmonid fishery was here to stay. It was also obvious at the onset that the utilization of this vast resource would draw a great deal of attention and pressure from competing interests. With that in mind, ELOSTA focused its efforts upon the development of resource management practices that provide equitable consideration for various angling preferences, the lake's unique and irreplaceablets, and, related recreational and boating interests.

Currently, and more than ever, this unique resource is being challenged by ill conceived economic constraints, such as wind farms, and other unsupportable self serving interests. In addition, invasive species including quagga mussels, round gobys, spiny water fleas, and crested cormorants etc. have severely altered or eliminated several indigenous prey species which are the foundation of the lake’s dynamic ecosystem. Today it is the Asian Carp that is pounding on our back door.

Changes are inevitable and anglers will continue to be asked to

make their positions known regarding environmental studies, stocking

proposals, State and Federal fiscal constraints, and fishing and

boating regulations. ELOSTA offers an opportunity to be Informed and to

actively participate. It also provides a monthly forum for its 300 plus

members to become acquainted, discuss fishing conditions, compare tactics,

and, on occasion, to describe in great detail where and how that big one

managed to get away.