Upstate New York has for many years been associated with snagging, truly the black eye of this otherwise fine fishery. Oak Orchard Creek, as well as most upstate streams and rivers, was the haunt of treble hook snaggers that wreaked havoc with these trophy fish for many years. In 1995, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) outlawed all snagging statewide. The last couple of years have been a time of tumultuous change for New York and its anglers. Most blatant snaggers have now converted to ethical sportfishing methods, or have just given up and don't go to the river anymore.

However, some have tried to circumvent anti-snagging laws by using a large, single-hook fly or lure and repeatedly jerking it through the water. To thwart the efforts of these so-called anglers, the DEC has enacted a rod manipulation law. Under this law, if an angler is observed by a game warden repeatedly jerking his rod in a manner not consistent with traditional angling methods, they can and have been arrested.