“For the protection of fish in the waters, game in the fields, and song and insectivorous birds in the fields and forests of Onondaga County for the benefit of all people."
The Anglers Association of Onondaga came into existence in the spring of 1890, spurred by local sportsmen who were outraged by the pollution and overfishing of Oneida Lake. Under the leadership of Thomas G. Alvord as chairman and the establishment of a constitution and by-laws, the Association took shape. It funded game wardens when the State Conservation Department was unable to do so and, following pressure from local businesses and Syracuse Newspapers, New York State eventually allocated funds for permanent wardens.
Webster Pond was established in 1960 following an unfortunate incident where poachers set fire to our original lake clubhouse in retaliation for receiving citations. This forced us to seek out a new location to call our own. With no insurance to cover the damages caused by the arson and limited funds at our disposal, we knew that the road ahead would be challenging.
It was during this time that we stumbled upon the plot of land now known as Webster Pond! However, the transition was far from smooth as we had to contend with the city's plans to develop low-income housing on the property, while we advocated for its preservation as a natural reserve.
Having secured a new home, we recognized the need for a sustainable source of income. Thus, the waterfowl feeding initiative was born, initially intended as a temporary measure. The plan was to purchase waterfowl and, once interest waned, donate them to the zoo. Yet, over 60 years later, the activity thrives, cherished by successive generations and firmly rooted in our community.
Abiding by this principle, The Anglers Association of Onondaga diligently sought out and reported violators of fish and game laws, resulting in 300 arrests and the collection of ten thousand dollars in fines. Additionally, the association offers the valuable service of restocking fish and wildlife, with a specific focus on replenishing brook and rainbow trout, walleye, and three thousand pheasants. Additionally, our organization stocked half a million bass. In 1960, the Anglers Association established Webster Pond as its home through a long-term lease with the city of Syracuse. Over the years, we have conducted numerous renovations to enhance the pond's appearance.
The land was originally owned by Revolutionary War Veteran Ephraim Webster. When the Anglers Association took over, the site was littered with trash and was being considered for use as a landfill. The pond was restored through extensive hard work and dedication, and has since been designated as a Forever Wild Nature Conservation Area. The wildlife in the area includes ducks, Canada geese, heron, purple marten, deer, fox, mink, raccoon, squirrel, woodchuck, opossum, turtles, and a mute swan named "Lilly". The Anglers Association of Onondaga is the oldest continuously active sportsmen’s club in New York State, celebrating its 100th birthday in 1990.
It is the only active conservation organization located within the City of Syracuse. Our organization has an esteemed membership, which includes former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan. Established in 1951, the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’ Clubs aims to bring together 33 member clubs across Onondaga County. The Anglers Association of Onondaga has been a member since its inception. They have been actively involved in The Pheasants Afield Program, The North Eastern Sports Show, Wally Taber Shows, the Sportsmen’s’ March on Albany, The Oneida Lake Fishing Pier, and National Hunting and Fishing Day.
The Anglers Association of Onondaga is the proud owner of the copyrights to the Oneida Lake Fishing Maps, which are a result of the group’s longstanding relationship with Oneida Lake. Today, the Anglers have expanded their support to include college scholarships in biological fields, magazine subscriptions, book donations, and audio/visual tapes and equipment for the Betts Branch of the Onondaga Public Library. Additionally, they have opened their doors to various groups, offering band concerts and arts & crafts shows during the summer. Since 2010, the Association has been sponsoring two children annually to a week-long DEC camp, providing them with the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, including an NRA course and survival skills training. The Association also offers the Junior Angler Fishing Program at the Pond for boys and girls aged 7-15. This program runs from the first Saturday in April until the last Saturday in September, from 8AM to 12NOON, with a yearly fishing fee of $10.00 per child. The annual banquet awards trophies for the biggest trout and bass entries, and juniors can catch and keep two trout per week of any size.
Established in 2010, our adult fishing program welcomes participants aged 16 and up from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in September. The annual registration fee to fish is $15.00, and a valid NYS fishing license is required. With 250 junior and senior members, the Anglers Association is open to new members for an annual membership cost of $15.00. Webster Pond is open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset, and donations to The Anglers Association of Onondaga can be made at the pond.
We also provide opportunities for school field trips. Please make sure to call at least two weeks in advance to arrange a visit. Students will have the chance to feed the waterfowl with corn, and weather permitting, enjoy a guided tour of our private nature trail, which includes handicap-accessible bridges. There are benches available for resting and enjoying snacks. Field trips are offered free of charge, although donations are always welcome!