Fishing

With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, and hundreds of miles of coastline, New York State has some of the finest fishing in the country. There is world class fishing for a wide variety of coldwater, warmwater and saltwater fish species. Whether it's smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie, brook trout fishing on a crystal clear Adirondack lake, Pacific salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, fishing for stripers on the Hudson River, brown trout fishing on the Beaver Kill or fishing for bluefish in Montauk's surf, there's something special here for everyone.

The following pages contain information ranging from Places to Fish, Fishing Hotlines, Freshwater Fishing Regulations, Fish Stocking, Fishing Education, Freshwater Fisheries Research and Saltwater Fishing. You can even find Lake Contour Maps and Public Fishing Rights maps as PDF downloads. If you want to learn more about what New York fishing has to offer, continue on!

The time period for anglers to legally possess and use purchased baitfish with a receipt has been extended from seven to ten days as of January 6, 2010.

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Anglers Legacy: Take the Pledge

Take the Pledge!

Those of us who fish know that it is an excellent way to kick-back, relax and enjoy the outdoor world. On top of that, it's a whole lot of fun. You may be one of the lucky ones that had a parent, relative, or family friend first introduce you to the sport. Unfortunately, not everyone has someone to take them fishing and that's where you come in. Won't you help us pass on this wonderful sport by pledging that you will introduce someone new to the sport of fishing? Take the pledge today. (This link will take you off DEC's website.)

DEC TV

Watch a clip about fly fishing and check out other fishing clips on DEC TV.

More about Fishing:

Saltwater Fishing - The marine waters of New York host varied and exciting fishing opportunities.

Baitfish Overland Transport Meetings - Information about the baitfish regulations meetings being held in New York during the summer of 2010.
Freshwater Fishing Regulations - Information on New York State's Freshwater Fishing Regulations.
Fishing Hotlines/News - The fishing hotlines provide weekly updates on information such as fishing locations, fishing conditions, and types of fish found in the waters of New York State.
Places to Fish - Fishing information on numerous great fishing spots located around the state, including PDFs of lake contour maps and Publish Fishing rights maps.
Fishing Education - Fishing Education information in NY, including the I FISH NY program.
Fish Stocking - Information on where DEC stocks the over one million pounds of fish it raises in the hatchery system.
Fish Hatcheries - DEC operates 12 fish hatcheries where numerous fish species are reared for stocking into more than 1,200 public waters across the State.
Biologist Reports - Summary and final reports of fisheries reseach that has been conducted in New York.
Fish Health Advisories - A summary of information regarding fish consumption advisories issued by the Department of Health.
Angler Awards - Information about New York's Angler Achievement Awards program.
Contact DEC Fisheries/ Regional Information - Information for contacting the Bureau of Fisheries.