For Release: Monday, March 24, 2008

New York Trout and Salmon Season Opens on April 1

DEC Encourages Anglers to Introduce Someone New to the State's Excellent Fishing

The traditional kick-off to New York's annual freshwater fishing seasons is approaching with the April 1 start of trout and salmon seasons, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has some tips and reminders for anglers in every region.

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 it ever has been 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."

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 by 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 the water temperatures rise to around 50 degrees, dry-fly fishing prospects improve. Pond fishing is often best immediately after the winter ice melts. As most Adirondack and Catskill ponds are likely to remain frozen for the April 1st 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.

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 begins 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. This year, DEC plans to stock 2.3 million catchable-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout in almost 300 lakes and ponds and roughly 3,100 miles of streams across the state. Spring stockings will include 1.7 million brown trout, 415,000 rainbow trout and 143,000 brook trout. DEC will again include 2-year-old brown trout in the spring stocking program averaging 12-13 inches in length, with some as large as 15 inches. Approximately 96,000 of these larger fish will be stocked in lakes and streams throughout the state.

More than 2.1 million yearling lake trout, steelhead, landlocked salmon, splake and coho salmon will be also be stocked by DEC this spring to provide exciting angling opportunities over the next several years. For those who prefer a quieter, more remote setting, an estimated 350,000 brook trout fingerlings will be stocked in 342 lakes and ponds this fall, providing unique angling opportunities for future years. A complete list of waters planned to be stocked with trout this spring is posted to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30465.html . A listing of waters stocked last year can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30467.html .

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.

Check Your Fishing Regulations Guide

Anglers are reminded to check the 2006-2008 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide - www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html - 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 at www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed_protection/html/wsrecreation.html .

Purchase Your Fishing License and Habitat/Access Stamp

Fishing licenses can be purchased on-line at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html or by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS. 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 coldwater anglers on Kayderosseras Creek and the Batten Kill in DEC's Region 5, Otego Creek in Region 4, and Wiscoy Creek in Region 9. For more information on the Habitat/Access Stamp Program, go to www.dec.ny.gov/public/329.html .

Providing Access to the Water

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 coldwater 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 over 1,300 equivalent miles on over 400 streams. Landowners interested in selling stream rights should contact their nearest DEC office.

Recent PFR purchases include easements on the East Branch of the Delaware River in Region 4; Owasco Inlet in Region 7; and Elton, Mansfield, Ischua, and Eighteen Mile Creeks in Region 9. Also, new parking areas were developed on Butternut Creek in Region 7, as well as on Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Creeks in Region 9.

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 www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html or call your regional DEC office. Maps are being added and updated regularly. For lake and pond anglers, lake contour maps are available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9920.html .

Prevent the Spread of 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 some specific exceptions, all live baitfish 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 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 the actions the DEC has taken to prevent its spread, go to www.dec.ny.gov/animals/25328.html .

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 water body 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. To avoid spreading didymo and other invasive species, anglers are encouraged to:

AVOID felt soles if possible. Didymo, other nuisance species and the parasite causing whirling disease can easily attach to felt soles. Consider using studded soles.
CHECK fishing and boating equipment before leaving the water. Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.
CLEAN using best treatment for your gear and situation:

Detergent: 1 cup soap per gallon of hot water (at least 140 degrees F). Note that tap water is typically less than this temperature. Eco-friendly detergents may be less effective. or

Bleach: 1 cup household bleach in 2.5 gallons water. Note that bleach is a caustic substance and should not be used on sensitive equipment.

Non-absorbent gear and boats should be exposed to the disinfecting solution for at least 1 minute. Absorbent gear such as neoprene waders and felt soles should be soaked for at least 40 minutes.

DRY gear and boats completely. Note that didymo can survive cool, damp conditions for 40 days. Freezing items can kill Didymo, but many fish diseases such as whirling disease can survive. Freezing can also damage some equipment.

Anglers are encouraged to report new sightings of didymo to their local DEC office. Didymo differs from other native algae by its tan, brown or white color and wool-like (non-slimy) texture. It also is relatively tough and does not break apart in your fingers. For additional information on invasive species in New York and what you can do to control their spread go to www.protectyourwaters.net .

Best Bets for Trout Anglers and Other Detailed Information for Each DEC Region:

Long Island (DEC Region 1)

Long Island lakes, ponds and streams typically provide excellent early season trout angling. By the end of April, over 22,000 trout, including 5,000 two-year-old brown trout in the 12- to 15-inch range, will have been stocked into Long Island lakes, ponds and streams. For premier early season fly-fishing action, the Carmans, Connetquot and Nissequogue Rivers in Suffolk County are highly recommended. Tidal sections of these waters also provide excellent fishing opportunities and include trophy-size fish.

For anglers who prefer to fish still waters, Laurel Lake, Upper Lake, East Lake, West Lake, Southards Pond and Argyle Lake are recommended in Suffolk County. In Nassau County, Upper Twin Pond, Oyster Bay Mill Pond and Massapequa Reservoir are good bets. Many of these waters hold over a good number of fish from one year to the next, increasing the opportunity to catch large trout. Anglers are reminded that the trout season in Nassau and Suffolk counties is open year round. In addition to the fish that will be stocked this spring, 7,500 12-inch or larger brown trout were stocked during the fall of 2007. These fish have provided fast fishing action which continues to this day. Remember that there is a three trout daily limit on Long Island and that brook trout are catch-and-release only in all streams on Long Island except the Connetquot and Nissequogue Rivers in the State Parks.

A great way for the whole family to kick off the fishing season is to participate in the Spring Family Fishing Festival at Belmont Lake State Park on Saturday, April 5, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The whole family can enjoy a day of fishing for stocked trout. Loaner rods, free bait and fish cleaning services will be available along with fishing seminars, fly fishing instruction and other family oriented activities.

Due to the discovery of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN) in the Connetquot Hatchery in 2007, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) will not be able to stock trout from this hatchery into any waters other than the Connetquot River in 2008. In order to make up for this loss, the DEC will be stocking 900 extra rainbow trout into Belmont Lake before the Spring Family Fishing Festival. In Caleb Smith State Park, the DEC will stock 300 rainbow trout in April. In the fall, the DEC will stock 1,100 brown trout into Hempstead Lake State Park in early November. OPRHP will be stocking brook trout from certified disease-free sources in Belmont Lake for the Spring Fishing Festival, in Caleb Smith State Park throughout the season and in South and McDonald Ponds in Hempstead Lake State Park for the Fall Fishing Festival on October 18, 2008.

Long Island trout anglers are encouraged to participate in the region's Coldwater Angler Diary Cooperator Program. Cooperating anglers are asked to keep a diary of the species, length, location, and number of trout caught during their fishing trips on Long Island. In return, cooperators receive periodic summaries of the results of the program and the satisfaction of knowing that they are making a significant contribution towards the effective management of Long Island's coldwater resources. For more information on this program, please contact the regional office at (631) 444-0280.

For a complete list of Long Island trout stocked waters, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Trout Stocking List, Bureau of Fisheries, 50 Circle Road, SUNY, Stony Brook, NY, 11790 or e-mail us at: fwfish1@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

Hudson Valley/Catskills (DEC Region 3)

Public Fishing Rights (PFR) maps for Region 3 are now available on the DEC Website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html . These maps may provide anglers with information about access locations that they never knew were available to them. These PFR easements should also be marked with signs to help anglers find these locations on the stream. Please contact the regional office if you have any questions or believe that PFR is posted incorrectly.

Region 3 will be introducing a new Fishing Hotline to provide information on how and where to catch fish throughout the region. Please call: 845-256-3101 or check the DEC web site at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishhotlines.html for timely updates.

Many of the Hudson River Valley's streams are stocked early, and provide excellent early-season fishing. Among the most popular early season waters are Wappinger Creek, Fishkill Creek, Peekskill Hollow Brook, Sawmill River, East Branch Croton River, Tenmile River, and the Ramapo River.

Although most of the Catskill trout streams are readily accessible by road, people looking for a more remote fishing experience have many options. There are thousands of acres of state lands in Sullivan and Ulster counties, and most have small wild trout streams. Some much larger waters also exist in remote settings, like the Neversink River Unique Area below Bridgeville and above Oakland Valley, and the Mongaup River below Rio dam in the Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area. Region 3 also has Public Fishing Rights along 28 streams, totaling over 86 miles. Anglers are reminded that trout habitat in many western Catskill streams have gone through several severe floods over the last few years. Although some impacts to trout populations and habitat surely have occurred, the trout in these waters have historically demonstrated a profound ability to bounce back from flood events such as these and many good angler reports from last year should leave anglers feeling optimistic for this year.

Other notable trout resources in the area include 17 New York City reservoirs totaling more than 23,000 acres. Large brown trout, including some weighing more than 20 pounds, may be found in many of these waters. Ashokan Reservoir is famous for large rainbow trout, and Rondout and Kenisco reservoirs have thriving populations of lake trout. In 2007, a 23-pound 13-ounce lake trout was caught at Kensico Reservoir The lake trout fishery at this 2,218-acre reservoir, located in Westchester County, has improved greatly in recent years and now is supported primarily through natural reproduction. Neversink and West Branch Croton reservoirs have modest populations of landlocked salmon that supplement the more traditional brown trout experience. All New York City watershed lands require a free permit for recreation access. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection has updated and improved the permit system. Permits can now be obtained on-line at www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed_protection/html/wsrecreation.html . Information and permit applications can also be obtained by calling 1-800-575-LAND.

During the spring and early summer, DEC hatchery staff will deliver over 300,000 trout to 85 streams and 30 lakes and ponds within Region 3. Included in this total will be nearly 16,000 of the larger (12-15") two-year-old brown trout, which will be distributed to about 40 of the larger and more accessible streams. This year's stocking information can be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Fisheries Office, DEC Region 3, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY, 12561.

Northern Catskills/Hudson Valley/Capital District (DEC Region 4)

The early season for trout anglers in Region 4 looks to be better than usual as this winter has not been particularly harsh, with little anchor ice and good flow conditions. Furthermore, last summer was not particularly hot or dry in this region, which means that survival and holdover should be good for both wild and hatchery trout. Good bets for fishing prior to stocking include the upper Kinderhook Creek and the upper Hoosic/Little Hoosic system, Poestenkill and Wynantskill in Rensselaer County, the upper Roeliff Jansen Kill in Columbia County, the upper Catskill and Onesquethaw in Albany County, and the upper Batavia Kill, Catskill, and Schoharie Creeks in Greene County, the East and West Branches of the Delaware River and Beaver Kill in Delaware County, Schenevus Creek, Butternut Creek, Wharton Creek, and Otego Creek in Otsego County.

Trout stocking in Region 4 could be delayed by snowfall in March, but most streams throughout the region should be stocked by late April, weather permitting. Waters to be stocked with two-year-old brown trout include both branches of the Delaware River, the Beaver Kill, the Batavia Kill, Butternut Creek, Catskill Creek, Canajoharie Creek, Charlotte Creek, Claverack Creek, Colgate Lake, East Kill, Greens Lake, Hannacrois Creek, the Holding Pond (Schoharie County), Kinderhook Creek, Oaks Creek, Onesquethaw Creek, Otego Creek, Ouleout Creek, the Poesten Kill, the Roeliff Jansen Kill, Schenevus Creek, Schoharie Creek, Tackawasick Creek, Taghkanic Creek, the Walloomsac River, and Wharton Creek.

DEC will be conducting a creel census on Schoharie Creek this year. DEC staff will be visiting all of the fishing access locations along the stream above the Village of Prattsville several days each week throughout the open season for trout. They will gather information including the number of anglers, time spent on the stream, and wild-versus-hatchery fish catch rates. This information will enable DEC to better manage the trout fisheries on one of the better known trout streams in Region 4.

Angler diary cooperators are needed again this year for Cannonsville and Pepacton Reservoirs. Anglers interested in keeping a diary of their trout fishing on one or both reservoirs should contact the DEC Fisheries Unit by mail: 65561 Route 10, Stamford, NY 12167; or by phone (607) 652-7366. Last year, boat anglers on Pepacton Reservoir averaged 0.38 trout per hour and 0.17 trout per hour on Cannonsville Reservoir.

Anglers should remember that the Delaware River and West Branch Delaware River, where New York and Pennsylvania share a common boundary, has a delayed season that does not open until April 12 this year. The delayed season also applies to all tributaries to the Delaware River located in Delaware County and to the East Branch tributaries between Hancock and the Hamlet of East Branch.

Didymo has been verified in the East Branch Delaware River downstream of Corbett and in the West Branch Delaware River downstream of Balls Eddy. Although didymo has not been verified in Delaware River, it should be considered infested due to exposure from the East and West Branches. Didymo is a microscopic algae (diatom) that can produce large amounts of stalk material to form thick mats on the stream bottom. Anglers will need to plan their fishing trips on these waters to prevent the spread of didymo to uninfested reaches. Anglers fishing these waters should disinfect all fishing gear prior to fishing their home waters. Contact the Region 4 Fisheries Office for more information and disinfection methods.

Looking for a new fishing spot? Many of the smaller, lesser-known streams are identified in brochures such as Capital District Fishing and Fishing Delaware County. Stocking lists are also available. These can all be obtained by writing or calling the Stamford Fisheries Unit at the contact information given above. Anglers with access to the Internet can find a great deal of information from the DEC website. Other websites, such as the one operated by the United States Geological Survey ( www.usgs.gov ), can provide up-to-date flow information for a number of the larger streams. Finally, West Branch anglers wanting to know current releases can call 1-845-295-1006. This hotline is run as a cooperative effort with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Trout Unlimited.

Adirondacks/Northeastern NY (DEC Region 5)

Adirondack trout streams did not develop as much ice this winter as they have in certain recent winters, but there is plenty of snow in the mountains. A relatively mild thaw should clear the ice, but expect high stream flows early, until the snow pack is reduced.

Remote ponds in the Adirondacks are rarely ice-free until mid-April or later. At the time of this writing, that pattern is likely to hold this year. Once waters are ice-free and temperatures rise, surface trolling for salmon and lake trout is a good bet on the larger lakes. Brook trout pond fishing is good from ice-out through May.

Best bets for early season angling in the southern part of the region are the Batten Kill, Kayaderosseras and Mettawee rivers. Catch-and-release regulations were enacted on the Batten Kill in 2004 from the Eagleville covered bridge to the Vermont state line. Year-round trout fishing is permitted in the catch and release section (artificial lures only). The lower two miles of the new catch and release section will be stocked with two-year-old brown trout some time in May.

Many regional streams and rivers will be stocked in April and May. However, due to ice conditions very few streams are stocked prior to opening day. If possible, yearling brook trout will be stocked in the Chateaugay River in Franklin County before the season begins. Rainbow trout may also be stocked in the Saranac River within the Village of Saranac Lake prior to April 1.

Hundreds of smaller streams contain wild brook and brown trout. Try fishing deep pools and riffle areas with live bait where it is allowed. Fish slowly, especially if the water is cold, high, and swift. Contact the regional fisheries office for a brochure listing many of the wild trout streams in Region 5.-

Anglers are reminded that in many Adirondack ponds, the use of fish as bait is prohibited. For a list of these waters check the "Special Regulations by County" section in the Fishing Regulations Guide, or contact the DEC's Region 5 Fisheries Office in Ray Brook at (518) 897-1333. A variety of leaflets are also available from the regional office including stocking lists for Region 5, top fishing waters in Region 5, a list of reclaimed trout ponds, and others.

For up-to-date information on fishing conditions in the region, anglers can access www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9219.html on the DEC website. While browsing the Region 5 Fisheries website, be sure to check out the Public Fishing Rights maps at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32610.html for many area rivers. These maps can be downloaded and printed out to provide detailed locations for stream sections with purchased and deeded public rights for angling. Maps are also available from the regional office.

Western Adirondacks/North Central New York (DEC Region 6)

The April 1st opening of trout season expands the region's trout fishing beyond Lake Ontario and a select set of large lakes, to the rest of the region's great variety of large and small streams, ponds and lakes. Region 6 includes the Western Adirondacks, Tug Hill, and the large Black, Mohawk and St. Lawrence River valleys. The region's wide diversity of water types provide habitat for everything from small headwater brook trout to large deepwater lake trout. The majority of the Region 6 area experienced severe drought conditions during the summer and early fall of 2007, especially the Tug Hill Region. Many of the wild trout streams dried to pools. As a result, these streams are not expected to recover for several years.

Peaked Mountain Lake, located in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, was limed in February 2008 and should offer improved brook trout fishing. Liming is an important management tool utilized by DEC Fisheries Biologists to neutralize ponds affected by acid rain. The intended result produces increased growth rates of stocked brook trout. Adjacent to Peaked Mountain Lake, Evergreen and Hidden lakes should also offer decent brook trout fishing. Anglers will encounter DEC staff conducting creel surveys on the ponds of the Massawepie easement. Data collected during these surveys is extremely valuable in our effort to provide quality fishing.

The only stream that usually receives a pre-season stocking is the Oswegatchie River below Cranberry Lake. Stocking proceeds from the Mohawk Valley in mid-April, north to St. Lawrence County throughout the month of May. The popular two-year-old brown trout stocking occurs in early May on some of the region's larger, more accessible streams. Worms usually produce the best catches this time of year when the water temperatures are colder and the fish are more sluggish. Spinners and salted minnows also are popular lures. For best results, fish the pools and slow, deep riffles. Fishing in the late afternoon after the water has been warmed by the sun is also productive.

Lake Ontario tributaries should also offer good fishing conditions for steelhead. Try Stony Creek, North and South Sandy Creeks, Lindsey Creek, Skinner Creek and the Black River in Watertown, from the Mill Street dam down to the Village of Dexter. Use egg sacs, single hook spinners, wet flies and streamers.

Central New York/Eastern Finger Lakes (DEC Region 7)

Steelhead anglers heading to tributaries of Lake Ontario do not have to wait until April 1 to begin fishing because there is no closed season for trout and salmon in these waters up to the first barrier impassable to fish. The peak of the spring steelhead run generally occurs in mid-to- late March with fish averaging eight to 10 pounds, with some steelhead over 20 pounds being taken. The Salmon River in Pulaski is the best steelhead river in the area, and anglers have reported exceptional steelhead action this winter. We anticipate that this excellent fishing will carry through the spring run. Other productive areas are Ninemile Creek (Oswego County) and the Oswego River. Nearshore brown trout fishing can also be very productive during the spring. Last season's spring brown trout fishing was one of the best in recent history. The peak of this fishery generally occurs in mid-April with the best areas being Fair Haven, Oswego Harbor, and Mexico Bay.

The Region 7 Finger Lakes are also early season favorites. Good fishing typically carries through to mid June on Cayuga, Skaneateles, and Owasco Lakes. Cayuga and Owasco Lake offer excellent fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout and lake trout. Skaneateles Lake offers good fishing for lake trout, rainbow trout, and, along with Cayuga, provides an exceptional opportunity for landlocked salmon as well. Landlocked salmon and brown trout fishing was outstanding on Cayuga Lake during the winter months, and DEC anticipates the spring fishing to continue to be excellent for anglers fishing the south end of the lake. Otisco Lake also offers good brown trout fishing during early April.

For the best opportunities to catch lake run rainbow trout in the Finger Lake tributaries (which open to trout fishing on April 1), try Salmon Creek, Cayuga Inlet, Yawgers Creek and Fall Creek on Cayuga Lake; Hemlock Creek, Mill Brook and Owasco Inlet on Owasco Lake; and Grout Brook on Skaneateles Lake.

Other streams provide excellent early trout fishing as well. Most notable are: Nine Mile (Onondaga County), Limestone and Butternut Creeks in Onondaga County; Oquaga and Nanticoke Creeks in Broome County; the Otselic River in Chenango and Cortland counties; Genegantslet Creek in Chenango County; Chittenango Creek in Madison County; the west and east branches of Tioughnioga River and Factory Brook in Cortland County; Fall and Virgil Creeks in Tompkins County and the east and west branches of Owego Creek in Tioga County.

Anglers are reminded that most waters in Region 7 are managed under a five-trout daily creel limit, with no more than two fish being greater than 12 inches. Many waters also allow the harvest of an additional five brook trout under eight inches. Check the "Special Regulations by County" section of your Freshwater Fishing guide. Weekly fishing reports can be viewed on the Central New York Fishing Hotline webpage at Public Fishing Rights maps can also be viewed and downloaded at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html .

West-Central New York/Western Finger Lakes (DEC Region 8)

For opening day, try fishing for rainbows throughout all reaches of tributaries such as Naples Creek, Ontario County; Catharine Creek, Schuyler and Chemung counties; Cold Brook, Steuben County; and Springwater Creek, Livingston County. Stocked and wild brown trout can also be caught in a number of the region's streams. Quality fishing can be found at Oatka and Spring Creeks near Caledonia, Livingston and Monroe counties; throughout the Cohocton River from Cohocton to Bath, Steuben County; and Cayuta Creek near Odessa, Schuyler and Chemung counties. Check the Fishing Regulations Guide for other special regulations in the region.

Good brown and rainbow trout fishing may be found from shore along many of the Western Finger lakes. Possibilities exist along the eastern shore of Hemlock Lake, at the Keuka Lake State Park, from the piers at the southern tip of Seneca Lake and along the shore of Canadice Lake.

Lake Ontario tributaries in Region 8 such as Oak Orchard Creek in Orleans County and Sandy Creek, Genesee River and Irondequoit Creek in Monroe County should provide good steelhead fishing prior to the traditional April 1 opener. Most Lake Ontario tributaries are open for fishing year-round.

Early April should offer opportunities for near-shore fishing on Lake Ontario. Brown trout, rainbow trout, coho salmon and a few chinooks should be available near shore. Pier fishing and shallow water trolling in mid- to late-April should be very productive. Look for trout and salmon "hot spots" in warm water pockets from Rochester to Sodus and vicinity. Even small reaches having only two- or three-degree warmer surface temperatures attract these fish.

To assist anglers in finding Public Fishing Right areas on regional trout streams, color brochures of those streams that can be found and downloaded from on the DEC website. Regional fishing hotlines may be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishhotlines.html . Region 8 waters are split between the Western and Central New York pages.

Western New York (DEC Region 9)

Many lakes and streams in region 9 are stocked each year with yearling brown, brook or rainbow trout. In addition to the thousands of yearling trout stocked, many waters receive hundreds of two-year-old brown trout (12-15 inches) or are salted with an occasional "surplus" breeder trout that would be a trophy in anyone's creel. The most popular and heavily stocked streams in the region are the Genesee River, Cattaraugus, Ischua, East Koy and Goose Creeks. When stream conditions are unfavorable due to high or turbid water, anglers may fish the seven inland trout lakes. Allen, Case, Harwood, New Albion, Rushford, Quaker and Red House lakes all receive substantial stockings (after ice out) and provide good access for shore and boat angling.

Stocked waters in the Buffalo/Niagara metropolitan area include: East Branch Cazenovia Creek, Town of Holland and Wales; Eighteen Mile Creek, Town of Boston; Oppenheim Park Pond, Town of Wheatfield; two ponds in Erie County's Sprague Brook Park, Town of Concord; and Hyde Park Lake in Niagara Falls. These waters are a short drive from the metropolitan area and provide particularly good fishing opportunities for young anglers. Brochures discussing management and stocking for these streams with maps showing areas with public fishing rights easements are available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/31596.html , while management information and contour maps for the inland lakes can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9920.html .

Opportunities are also good for anglers seeking wild trout, as a number of Region 9 streams support quality populations in both size and vigor. Wiscoy Creek is considered the region's premier wild brown trout stream, with an average of over 1,400 adult brown trout per mile of stream. Clear Creek in Ellington is another good bet for wild brown trout. Lime Lake Outlet, Elton Creek, McKinstry Creek and Clear Creek in Arcade have excellent populations of wild brown and rainbow trout. Brochures discussing management for these streams and maps showing areas with public fishing rights easements can be found at fish population surveys in Region 9 can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27272.html .

Late March and early April are also prime time for Great Lakes-run steelhead. Great Lakes waters are open year-round for salmon and trout. The steelhead opportunities are exceptional, especially in Lake Erie tributaries. Recent angler surveys on Canadaway Creek, Chautauqua Creek, Cattaraugus Creek, 18 Mile Creek, Cazenovia Creek, and the Buffalo River indicated very high angler success rates for steelhead. Popular Lake Ontario tributaries such as Twelve Mile Creek, Keg Creek, Eighteen Mile Creek, and the Lower Niagara River in Niagara County also continue to provide excellent fishing for steelhead. Brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout and coho salmon are typically found in shallow, nearshore waters of Lake Ontario, its tributaries and embayments during April. Brochures discussing management for these steelhead streams and maps showing areas with public fishing rights easements are available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32426.html .

A number of fishing regulations have been enacted to expand trout fishing opportunities in western New York. Year-round trout fishing is now available on Cattaraugus Creek (upstream of Springville Dam), Elton Creek, Mansfield Creek, Elm Creek, East Koy Creek, Wiscoy Creek, Clear Creek in Arcade, Hosmer Brook, Lime Lake Outlet and McKinstry Creek. These streams can now be fished during the normally closed trout season (October 16 - March 31) on a catch and release, artificial lures only basis. During the regular season, the stream's normal regulations apply. Goose Creek in Chautauqua County is now open for fishing with the normal regulations applying all year (no minimum size, 5 trout/day, with only 2 trout >12" allowed, and no bait restrictions).