March 7, 2008
Update on ice -- Still 10" on the Pond area 8" on the channel. The lake has been raised to near summer level due to flooding risks. At this time it is heading back to normal Winter (lowered) levels. More flooding forecasts will most likely cause the lake to be raised again however. It's been a merry-go-round!.

Below is a copy of the News Release sent to the news media at approximately 3:45 2/14/2008 

Whitney Point, NY - It is with regret that the Whitney Point Sportsmen’s Association and the Broome County Department of Parks and Recreation announce the cancellation of the 2008 Almost-Annual New York State Crappie Derby. We had good ice early this year but the roller-coaster-like weather caused us to completely lose all ice around the middle of January. The temperature ups and downs, coupled with the lake "hold-backs" and "draw-downs" (due to potential flooding) took its’ toll on the ice consistency. This year we found thin ice in areas never seen previously. This has resulted in areas of good strong ice while close by there is ice of insufficient strength. Obviously, this could compromise safety. Thus, we are sacrificing the 2008 derby to assure the continuation of the event long term.

This year would have been the 36^th attempt to stage our "family friendly" outdoors event. In this period of time, we have canceled only 8 times. This is the first time we have had to cancel three years running. Our website, has registered over 10,000 visits so far this year (since 12/4/07) which indicates that the interest is still there. We would like to assure everyone that we are strongly motivated to make this happen next year (mother-nature permitting).

In addition to the fishing, we had a number of other attractions planned for an on-the-ice Midway. The Ross Park Zoo was to be joined by the Waterman Conservation Center this year. We were working on having Lowe’s of Binghamton and possibly the Home Depot conducting Free Craft Kit projects for the kids on the ice. The National Weather Service with their "real-time" on-the-ice Weather Station and the Broome County EMTs were planned. And of course we would have had our popular food concession station serving all kinds of food.

Next year, the derby is scheduled for the last Saturday in January 2009, which would be the 31^st of January. The derby attracts participants and visitors from a number of nearby states as well as most regions of New York State. As many as 8,000 people have attended one year. The derby is intended to be a "day out" after the typically cold months of December and January. It is frequently called "a party on the ice" due to its’ format. Please visit the Crappie Derby Website at for additional information. We’ll see you next year.

Dave Hughes

Derby Coordinator

Norwich Perch Derby has been postponed to 2/16/08.
Go to WWW.OXFORDLIONS.ORG for more information. 

For Sullivan County Ice Fishing
go to WWW.KINGOFTHEICE.COM 
 

Below table lists readings taken by Broome County Parks personnel

2006

2007

We welcome information regarding ice conditions anywhere in the Northeast and will post as many as possible for the information of our visitors.

Thanks for your visits. We hope to make them informative to you.

Pancake Breakfast is sponsored by the Point of Light Masonic Lodge, Route 26N, Whitney Point, NY. It's a great breakfast with pancake, eggs & sausage + coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc. And. . . applesauce for dessert. This year they will have the driveway go around the building to avoid turning around - this will be great, especially for those towing trailers. Don't miss it.

For Bait, etc
The Sportsmens Den is located in the village of Whitney Point (see map page). Travel West
down Main Street at the light on Rte 11. Turn left just before you get to the tracks. - About 100 yards.

Updated 3/8/2008