Fran Verdoliva, Jr.

Born in Oswego, N.Y., Fran's early fascination with fish and fishing began with the waters around Lake Ontario, where much of his fisheries work continues. 

His fly fishing commenced while he was young enough to run a paper route, the proceeds from which going mostly to support his growing  tackle needs. As he was developing as a serious fly rodder, he found  the Delaware River and as a still youthful angler, he spent much time  there, on the Beaverkill and other Catskill waters. 

Graduating from Syracuse University, he did further work in outdoor  education and natural resource management, all while beginning to  earn a living guiding and otherwise working in the fishing world. Fifteen more years of guiding nearly took Fran firmly into the private  sector working in the fishing business. This valuable experience and  his keen natural awareness of the great potential of the Great Lakes  fishery all served him well. He was often called upon to counsel with  the New York DEC on fisheries and natural resource matters. He became a specialist with DEC, leading to his work with the hatchery at Altmar. 

Fran was instrumental in the first dam removal project on any Lake  Ontario tributary. This venture soon proved to be key in restoring valuable Brook Trout spawning habitat to that stream. 

He was responsible for the first "fly fishing only" section on public water in New York in 1989. 

He was the lead person on a comprehensive habitat analysis of lands around Lake Ontario. His efforts as a spokesman for the fish pioneered the teaching of anglers that the big Pacific Salmon that entered the Lake Ontario feeder streams might indeed be taken using tradition al sport fishing methods and tackle. He championed this at a time when many said snagging of these fish be allowed to continue. Fran's ethics and his resolution were ultimately key in the implementation of the "no snagging" regulations in place today, and in providing the great fishing to be found around Lake Ontario today.