From the April 2008 issue

New York's Trout and Salmon Season Begins

April 1 is the traditional kick-off to New York's annual freshwater fishing seasons with the start of trout and salmon seasons, and DEC has some tips and reminders for anglers throughout the state.

Connect to the Outdoors with Fishing

DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, a longtime trout angler, said, "DEC's Bureau of Fisheries works hard to provide trout fishing opportunities that meet the needs and desires of New York's anglers, whether it be in a wilderness brook or a stocked water close to an urban center. Fishing is better than ever in New York State. I encourage anglers to take someone fishing this year and let them experience this wonderful way to get connected to the outdoors."

Opportunities for good trout fishing are available in all areas of the state

Trout, lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon and kokanee salmon seasons all begin on April 1 and last until October 15, except where special regulations exist. Best early season fishing can usually be found on Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley, and Western New York, which tend to warm up earlier than other sections of the state. Other good bets are the smaller tributaries to major trout waters. Early season anglers can improve their success by fishing deep and slow, and using natural baits such as worms and minnows where permitted. Fly-fishing purists should consider using weighted nymphs and large, flashy streamers, possibly coupled with a sink-tip line. Once water temperatures rise to around 50 degrees, dry-fly fishing prospects improve. Pond fishing is often best immediately after winter ice melts. As most Adirondack and Catskill ponds are likely to remain frozen for the April 1 opening day, anglers should scout out areas beforehand. Prime areas to fish are those that warm the earliest, including tributary mouths and near surface and shallow shoreline areas.

Use Extra Caution in the Early Season

Early season anglers are reminded to be extra cautious as high flows, ice and deep snow can make accessing and wading streams particularly hazardous. It should also be noted that ice fishing is prohibited in trout waters except as noted in the DEC Fishing Regulations Guide.

DEC's fish stocking efforts for catchable-size trout generally begin in late March and early April in the lower Hudson Valley, Long Island, and western New York, followed later by stocking in the Catskills and Adirondacks. A complete list of waters planned to be stocked with trout this spring is posted to the Spring Trout Stocking page on DEC's website. A listing of waters stocked last year can be found at Fishing Stocking Lists-2007 Lists by County on DEC's site.

In addition to stocked waters, New York State has thousands of miles of wild trout streams that provide excellent fishing opportunities. Regional fisheries offices, which are listed in DEC's Fishing Regulations Guide, can offer specific details about these streams.

Fishing Regulations

Anglers are reminded to check the 2006-2008 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide before their trip. The general creel limit for brook, brown and rainbow trout is five fish, and the open season for trout in most New York State waters runs from April 1 through October 15. However, there are numerous exceptions that are listed by region in the regulations guide. Anglers are also reminded that special permits are required for fishing New York City reservoirs. Information and a new on-line permit system can be found on the New York City Department of Environmental Protection website (See "Related Links" below).

Licenses and Habitat/Access Stamps

Fishing licenses can be purchased online at the Purchase a Sporting License web page on DEC's website, or by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS (1-866-933-2257). Fishing licenses can also be purchased from various sporting license outlets located throughout the state, such as town and county clerks, some major discount stores, and many tackle and sporting goods stores. When purchasing a fishing license, anglers should also consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp. This stamp is available to anyone for $5 from any sporting license issuing agent. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps are deposited into the Habitat Account and are dedicated to the development of improved public access to lakes, ponds and streams in New York, as well as habitat improvement projects. The program has already funded a number of worthwhile public access and habitat projects benefiting cold-water anglers. See the Purchase a Habitat/Access Stamp web page on DEC's site for more information.

Anglers are reminded of the dangers of early season fishing, including fast-moving streams and cold water

Access to Fishing Spots

Acquiring public access to waters in New York remains an important DEC priority. The DEC Public Fishing Rights (PFR) program purchases fishing easements from landowners with property along cold-water streams. The program has benefited recently from the consistent funding provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. Without the PFR program, access to streams-the banks and bed of which can be privately owned-would be severely limited. PFR holdings in New York State currently total more than 1,300 equivalent miles on over 400 streams. Landowners interested in selling stream rights should contact their nearest DEC office.

Public Fishing Rights signs mark PFR easements, but anglers are reminded that landowners maintain the right to post these parcels against activities other than fishing. Anglers are encouraged to contact their regional office for maps or directions to PFR holdings. In addition, maps and brochures are now available for DEC Regions 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. To obtain these maps, go to PFR on Selected Waters in New York on DEC's website or call your Regional DEC office. Maps are added and updated regularly. For lake and pond anglers, go to Lake Contour Maps on DEC's site.

Stop Invasive Species and Diseases

Anglers are reminded that a serious fish disease known as viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) has been detected in New York. As a result, restrictions on the use of baitfish and transportation of live fish have been enacted. With specific exceptions, all live baitfish sold for use on New York State waters must be certified free of VHS and a number of other potentially serious fish diseases. This restriction does not apply to commercially packaged and preserved dead baitfish such as salted minnows. Personal collection and use of baitfish is permitted, but live baitfish may only be used on the water from which they were collected and may not be transported off the body of water. For more information on VHS and actions DEC has taken to prevent its spread, go to the VHS in New York web page on DEC's site.

In order to reduce the likelihood of spreading fish diseases such as VHS and invasive plant and animal species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels, anglers need to be cautious when moving from one waterbody to another. Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata), an invasive algae species that can form a thick mat on stream bottoms, has recently been found in the East Branch and West Branch of the Delaware River in Region 4, and in the Battenkill in Region 5. Didymo can attach to waders, particularly those with felt soles, and other fishing and boating equipment. There is no known way to control or eliminate didymo which is why preventing the spread of this algae is imperative. For ways to prevent its spread, see the "More Information" section below for a link to the full press release on which this story is based.

More Information

See the full press release on which this story is based for information on good fishing spots, as well as recommendations for stopping the spread of invasive species like didymo. See "Related Links" below for other websites with information on these topics as well.

Environment DEC