By Bob McNitt

Outdoors Columnist

The middle of last month saw Oneida Lake "visited" by a large contingency of outdoor key-punchers (aka writers and editors) during the annual New York State Outdoor Writers, Inc. Spring Safari. Not to worry - these "experts" left plenty of fish in the lake to provide excellent angling throughout the rest of the year. Although noted primarily for its walleye and yellow perch fishing, Oneida holds an impressive selection of fish – 58 different species to be exact.

The hosting and lodging for the group was provided by Caroline & Pete Rich, of Anglers Bay Cottages (PO Box 143, Cleveland, 13402, phone 315-675-3662) on the north shore just east of the village of Cleveland. When we arrived, we knew our angling skills would be severely challenged due to a strong southeasterly rain-driving wind that would basically make the western and northern portions of the lake off-limits with big rollers and whitecaps.