ONEIDA SHORES -- For Ross Pickreign, the past few days have been pretty stressful.
As Vice President of the Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club, he's been trying to coordinate the 33rd Annual Walleye Tournament. This year, it's been easier said than done because high water levels on Oneida Lake almost forced boaters off the lake entirely for the fishing tournament.
Late Friday afternoon, the Oswego County Sheriff's Department announced the western side of the Lake would be open to boaters, with a wake restriction. The eastern side of the lake toward Sylvan Beach remains off limits for boaters, but anglers can still fish from the shore.
"Oh, (it was a) big relief, big relief," said Pickreign, "A big weight of my shoulders."
The weight of more than 1700 anglers, many who waited until the last minute to decide whether to bring their boat. Others fished from the shore, a technique that has actually produced two of the last five winners of the tournament, organizers said.
All things considered, organizers say this year's tournament has been a success. They say boaters are acting responsibly on the water and adhering to the wake restriction.
This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Cicero-Mattydale Lion's club. Last year, this event brought in $20,000 -- which is used to help support the community.
