June 18, 2008
Fish You Can Catch
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. You probably don't live very far from a popular fishing spot.
Check out the Take Me Fishing website for more information about fishing in New York State.
Freshwater Sportfish
Make sure to get a license if you are freshwater fishing. Try fishing for these popular freshwater sportfish:
Largemouth Bass - Largemouth bass are found in dense aquatic vegetation or close to submerged stumps or logs in warm, shallow areas of lakes, ponds and sluggish streams. A popular gamefish, largemouth bass are caught by still fishing or casting with live bait or a wide variety of lures such as plastic worms and surface plugs.
Yellow Perch
Common across New York, yellow perch prefer shallow, weedy, protected sections of rivers, lakes and ponds. They are fairly easy to catch and are often one of first fish caught by new anglers. Use minnows, worms or small lures, and fish along weedbeds and drop-offs (where the water suddenly gets deeper).
Pumpkinseed
Bluegills are the most abundant and widespread sunfish in New York. They occur in shallow water in a variety of habitats from small lakes and ponds to shallow, weedy bays of larger lakes and quiet waters of slow-moving streams. These fish are easily caught and are a favorite of small children. Fish in shallow water in sheltered areas and use live bait or small spinners and jigs.
Nearshore Saltwater Fish
There are many public-access boat launches, fishing piers and beaches on Long Island where you can try your luck. Popular saltwater sportfish in nearshore areas include:
Bluefish - Bluefish are known for their fighting ability. Since they follow their prey into shallow areas, they can be caught from shore. Anglers use a variety of plugs, lures and cut bait on wire leaders.
Weakfish - Weakfish prefer shallow, sandy-bottom areas in estuaries and along beaches and the mouths of inlets. They are caught by fishing the bottom at low light with artificial lures or bait such as squid or worms.
Family Fun
Make Your Own Fishing Rod
Don't have a fishing rod? You can make your own with a few simple materials: a sturdy but flexible stick about five feet long, fishing line, a fish hook, a plastic bobber and worms. Cut a length of fishing line equal to the length of the stick. Tie one end of the fishing line firmly to the tip. Tie a fish hook to the end of the line. Fasten a bobber in the middle of the line, bait the hook with a worm and go fishing! Make sure you bring enough extra line in case the first one breaks.
Fish Prints
Fish prints are a way to record your catch and also make beautiful prints or clothing. If you don't have a fish that you caught, use a whole fish purchased from the grocery store. Place newspaper on your work area. Rinse the fish and blot dry. Squeeze a small amount of acrylic or water-based paint into a tray. Using a paint brush or small roller, paint one side of the fish. Place the fish, paint side down, onto a piece of paper, fabric or a t-shirt and gently press each part of the fish down with your fingers. Lift the fish straight out of the pan and discard it. Once your print is dry, you can add additional details with a paint brush.
Camp Out!
Join in the National Wildlife Federation's 4th Annual Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 28. Register your campsite online and download recipes, activities, games, camping tips and more! Thousands of families have already registered. You can either camp in your own backyard or check the website to find a community campout near you.
For more information and activities, check out Conservationist for Kids!
Upcoming DEC Events
Long Island -Lake Ronkonkoma County Park
Free Fishing Weekend Festival
Saturday, June 28 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Join us for a day of fishing during Free Fishing Weekend! Freshwater license requirements are waived for the entire weekend. A children's casting contest is held throughout the event. Loaner rods and free bait are available. Age: All. Parking Fee: $2. Directions: Take 495 to exit 59. Go north on Ocean Avenue. Bear left onto Rosevale Avenue. When road Ts, make a right onto Lake Shore Road. The park will be immediately on your right. For more information, please visit the I Fish NY website.
Hudson Valley - Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Summer Solstice Celebration
Saturday, June 21 at 10:00 AM
Mark the start of summer by joining us for a family scavenger hunt and a "solar" craft, followed by some tasty treats baked in a solar oven.
Sierra Trail Saunter
Saturday, June 28 at 10:00 AM
Join a naturalist for a leisurely hike on our two-mile Sierra trail, which traverses a variety of habitats, including meadow, old field, young and mature woodland and a beaver pond.
Capital District - Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Solstice Celebration
Friday, June 20 at 7:00 PM
On this evening walk, we will seek out some of the wildflowers in bloom at Five Rivers Center. Many of our flowers that bloom in June came from Europe endowed with a rich tradition of medicinal and culinary use, superstition and magic. Much flower lore surrounds Mid-Summer's Eve, and the stories of some of these flowers in bloom will be shared. Dress for outdoor activity. In case of inclement weather, this program may be cancelled.
Central New York - Rogers Environmental Education Center
Evening Paddle on Beaver Creek
Saturday, June 21 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Beaver Creek is a beautiful, slow-moving stream where signs of wildlife are sure to crop up everywhere. It's the perfect outdoor adventure for experienced and novice paddlers alike. Bring your own picnic dinner and join us for an evening paddle as the sun goes down. Registration is required. $5 non-refundable fee per paddler using our equipment. Meet in Rogers Center's main parking lot.
Family Fishing Day
Saturday, June 28 from 10:00 AM to noon
Learn the basics of fishing and fish identification with members of Trout Unlimited. Find out all about rods, reels, knots and bait. Catch-and-release only, and if you don't have a pole, borrow one of ours!
Western New York - Reinstein Woods Environmental Education
Camp Out
Saturday, June 28 at 10:30 AM
Learn fun crafts for kids and adults to do on your next camping trip. Materials fee: $2 per child. For children ages 8 to 12; parent or guardian must attend. Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959