From the April 2009 issue

DEC Welcomes Anglers as Trout Season Starts

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.

Use Extra Caution in the Early Season

Early season anglers are reminded to be extra cautious as high and fast flows, ice and deep snow can make accessing and wading cold 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-2008 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.

Follow Fishing Regulations

Anglers are reminded to check the 2008-2009 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

Angler can purchase a habitat/access stamp along with their license. The five dollar fee helps DEC conserve habitat and increase access for fish and wildlife related recreation.

Fishing licenses can be purchased online at the Purchasing 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.

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.To obtain these maps, go to the Public Fishing Rights Maps web page 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

A rock covered with the invasive alga Didymo

Be careful not to spread the invasive algae, Didymo to non-infected waters. The algae can attach to waders and other fishing and boating equipment.

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 "Related Links" section below.

New Baitfish Regulations Protect New York Fisheries

Anglers are reminded that a new "Green List" of baitfish species has been established by regulation. Only green-list baitfish can be commercially collected or sold, and even green-list species may only be used in waters where it is legal to use fish as bait.

Personal collection and use of baitfish other than those on the green list is permitted, but only on the water body from which they were collected. They must not be moved from that water body. These new regulations have been established to stem the spread of non-native baitfish and dangerous fish diseases in New York State. For a complete discussion of these regulations and how to identify approved baitfish species, download the new brochure Baitfish of New York State (1 MB pdf).

More Information

More recommendations for stopping the spread of invasive species, as well as other topical information, can be found at "Related Links" below. See the full press release for information on fishing hot spots throughout New York.

Environment DEC