The St. Lawrence River Elite Series, slated for July 20-23, will go on as scheduled, B.A.S.S. officials say despite the increased enforcement of a no-wake zone within 600 feet of shore all along the river and on Lake Ontario.
Elevated water levels this spring has caused millions of dollars in property damage along the shores of Lake Ontario, from the mouth of Lower Niagara River all the way to Montreal, Quebec, and everywhere in between.
With no immediate relief in sight, New York officials have stepped up efforts to control boat speeds, bringing in additional law enforcement watercraft and officers for the holiday weekend. The expanded no-wake zone is in place indefinitely and B.A.S.S. officials said Elite Series anglers are aware and will be expected to operate accordingly.
“The anglers have been informed of the no-wake restrictions, and they were advised to be careful to observe those rules,” a B.A.S.S. official told BassFan via email. “ We will continue to monitor the high-water situation, and will advise the anglers accordingly prior to the start of practice. Unless the situation changes drastically, it should not affect the Elite Series tournament on the St. Lawrence River.”
The anglers will be permitted to fish only in the river and Lake Ontario waters are off limits.
