Spring has sprung and the northern pike and walleye are spawning in the Conesus Lake Inlet earlier than usual. This week’s hike will take us right up, close and personal with the fish, amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl, raptors and song birds, and wildlife that inhabit a 1,120 acre wetland area known as the DEC Conesus Inlet Fish and Wildlife Management Area. Bring your binoculars, polarized sunglasses, and dress for a wetland adventure as we explore Conesus Inlet.

We will meet at the DEC parking area on Rt 256 (West Lake Road, West Swamp Road) just south of Sliker Hill Road (at the south end of Conesus Lake). We will have a brief organizational meeting and will then travel to the spawning areas and trails.

The organizational meeting will have several items on the agenda. In addition to reviewing our hiking rules, we would also like to agree on an official name for the organization now that we are separate from the Town of Springwater. We also need officers (a chairman and a secretary/treasurer) to handle our checking account, so please come with nominations or ready to volunteer so we can complete an election on the website next week.

Flatlanders, Tourists, and Climbers can access the trail, hike along the creek, to the dam area and along the inlet which has at least 3 short boardwalk areas into the wetland. This area is also labeled ATV handicap with permit for those that are interested. Previewing of the hike on Tuesday March 27th, there were “few” goose droppings on the trail, no mosquitos, and northern pike, walleye, followed by many smaller perch and bluegills were making their way to the dam area. An eagle and several Blue Heron were seen, red wing blackbirds, song birds, and geese were heard and there are many photographic opportunities. Due to the “silence” of this area and other local tourists that wait for the spawning every year, it is recommended that dogs are in control or left home this time so as not to scare the fish.

Intermediates and Advanced hikers will explore 4 different access areas of the Conesus Inlet including
the boat launch into Conesus Lake for canoeing/kayaking, additional access areas off RT 256, nearby dirt roads to the west, and the area off Guiltner and Swamp Roads at the south end of the inlet.

After social will be at 4:00 at the Par-Keys Lounge located in the tiny hamlet of Scottsburg on Rt. 256 (7290 New York 256) south of Guiltner Road and the intersection of 256 with E. Swamp Road.

To get to the trail head, from Springwater, take Rt15 North for 7.5 miles. Turn left on Co Rd 33 (Sliker Hill Rd) just after Stagecoach Road (Co Rd 71, Rt255) Turn left on rt256 after 2.3 miles at the end of Sliker Hill Rd. From Dansville, go north on Rt 256 about 11 miles to the parking area on the right. From Rochester, take I390 South to Exit 8 (Geneseo). Take 20A East to Rt 256. Turn Right on 256 (W Lake Road). Go 8 miles past the lake to the parking area on the left.