Public Fishing Rights Maps
Waters with Public Fishing Rights
Public Fishing Rights (PFR's) are permanent easements purchased by the NYSDEC from willing landowners, giving anglers the right to fish and walk along the bank (usually a 33' strip on one or both banks of the stream). This right is for the purpose of fishing only and no other purpose. Treat the land with respect to insure the continuation of this right and privilege. Fishing privileges may be available on some other private lands with permission of the land owner. Courtesy toward the land-owner and respect for their property will insure their continued use.
Below are links to the generalized location maps that are intended to aid anglers in finding PFR segments and are not survey quality. Width of displayed PFR is displayed wider than reality to make it more visible on the maps. Please look for this PFR sign to ensure that you are in the right location and have legal access to the stream bank.
Prevent the Spread of Didymo! - Didymo is an invasive algae that can negatively impact trout populations. It has been found in several of New York's blue ribbon trout streams and could spread to other waters without proper precautions. Wading anglers are a primary means of spreading didymo. For more information on didymo and how you can avoid spreading it, please see the "Didymo Alert" link to the right!
More about Public Fishing Rights Maps:
- Southeastern New York - Public fishing rights maps of Southeastern New York (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester Counties).
- East-Central New York - Public fishing rights maps of East Central New York (Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Schoharie Counties).
- Northeastern New York - Maps and brochures showing location of Public Fishing Rights in Northeastern New York (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties).
- North-Central New York - Public fishing rights maps of Northcentral New York (Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, and St. Lawrence Counties).
- Central New York - Public fishing rights maps of Central New York (Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties).
- West-Central New York - Public fishing rights maps of West-Central New York (Chemung, Genessee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates Counties).
- Western New York - Public fishing rights maps of Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, and Wyoming Counties).
