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From the May 2008 issue
Opening Day Approaches for Prized Freshwater Fish Species
With the opening of the season for many popular warmwater and coolwater gamefish species, fishing season in New York State is now in full swing. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has provided some valuable tips for anglers looking forward to the May 3 opener for walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger muskellunge, as well as the catch-and-release bass season already in progress in several state waters.
Fish Consumption Advice
Walleye are popular gamefish
DEC regularly monitors fish from throughout the state for contaminants, and, based on this monitoring, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) updates health advisories annually for people wishing to consume their catch. Anglers should be aware that due to high levels of mercury in large, predatory fish such as northern pike, walleye and bass, a special fish-consumption advisory has been established for Catskill and Adirondack waters.
Preventing Spread of Fish Diseases and Invasive Species
Anglers are reminded that due to the detection of a serious fish disease, viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), new restrictions on the use of bait fish and transportation of live fish have been enacted. With some specific exceptions, all live bait fish sold for use on New York State waters must be certified to be free of VHS and a number of other potentially serious fish diseases. This restriction does not apply to commercially packaged and preserved dead bait fish such as salted minnows. Personal collection and use of bait fish is permitted, but these bait fish may be used only on the water from which they were collected and may not be transported off that body of water.
More Information
To learn about fishing in New York State, please visit DEC's website, where you'll find more information about popular game species; seasons and regulations; fishing hotlines and hotspots; permits and licenses, and diseases and invasives.
