DEC Launches Second Year of Ice Fishing Creel Surveys on Lake Champlain
Surveys Conducted January through March 2022
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced ice fishing creel surveys will be conducted for a second year on the New York waters of Lake Champlain from January through March 2022.
"Last year's ice fishing creel surveys provided valuable data that will help DEC continue to manage Lake Champlain as one of New York's top fishing destinations," said Commissioner Seggos. "Continuing that work this year will help us better understand what anglers are targeting and catching so we can evaluate and adjust our management practices as needed."
The ice fishing survey is part of a larger, two-year effort to survey both ice and open water anglers. Data gathered during these surveys will serve as a baseline to help DEC Fisheries biologists better understand angler use and expectations, while also informing management actions on Lake Champlain.
The 2022 ice fishing survey will take place at four access points: Plattsburgh Boat Launch on Cumberland Bay; Willsboro Bay Boat Launch; Bulwagga Bay Campground; and South Bay Boat Launch. Anglers coming off the ice will be asked to participate by sharing information about their day of fishing and providing DEC creel clerks the opportunity to collect biological data on their catch. Data to be collected includes target species, number caught, and size.
Participation in the program is voluntary but encouraged, as the data collected will help DEC develop Lake Champlain management practices that benefit anglers and the fishery. As an incentive to participate, anglers will be entered into a drawing for several ice fishing gear prizes, including a jet sled, jigging rod, rechargeable aerator, and an insulated bait bucket.
A copy of the Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Creel Survey plan can be found on DEC's website. A summary of 2021 survey results will be available in early 2022.
Anglers are reminded to always follow best practices for ice safety.
DCEE, Region 5
1115 State Route 86 P.O. Box 296
Ray Brook, NY 12977
