New Season Expands Opportunities for Trout Stream Fishing
Year-Round
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos
today reminded anglers that the State's new catch-and-release trout
stream season begins on Oct. 16, expanding recreational opportunities.
"Using science,
research, and public input, DEC is increasing fishing opportunities while
advancing responsible trout management in order to ensure trout reach
their fullest ecological and recreational potential," Commissioner Seggos
said. "New York State's new catch-and-release
season in trout streams expands opportunities for anglers so they can
enjoy the State's trout stream fishing resources year-round."
The new catch-and-release
trout stream season is a product of DEC's Statewide Trout Stream Management Plan, developed to
improve and modernize the State's management of its trout stream fishing
resources. The new season, which runs from Oct. 1 - March 31, requires
anglers to use only artificial lures and immediately release trout they
catch. The catch-and-release season applies to trout streams only.
Fishing for trout in lakes and ponds is prohibited after Oct. 15, unless
these waters are managed under a special regulation that allows for
angling. Anglers should consult DEC's regulations
guide for regulations associated with lakes and ponds
that harbor trout before fishing.
This time
period was traditionally closed to trout stream fishing as a
precautionary measure during the reproductive period for wild trout. DEC
biologists concluded that fishing during the spawning season will not
result in negative fishery impacts. To provide due diligence, DEC will
conduct an Angler Use and Wild Trout Young-of-Year Recruitment
Study (PDF) to gauge angling pressure and young-of-year
trout abundance on a statewide sample of 19 wild trout stream reaches
from 2021-2024. DEC biologists will use the results of the study to
evaluate the new regulation and guide future management. Anglers are
reminded to use best practices when releasing fish to ensure trout are
returned to the stream immediately and unharmed. Visit DEC's website for
more information on catching and releasing fish.
Anglers venturing to inland
trout streams this fall should check out the DEC's Interactive Trout
Stream Fishing Map on the DECinfo Locator. The map provides
anglers with a one-stop-shop for information about stocking, fishing
access, season dates, and regulations. DEC encourages anglers to use this
resource before hitting the water, so they are aware of all the trout
stream fishing opportunities available to them both locally and afar.
For more information on
freshwater fishing in New York waters, go to DEC's
Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide. Anglers interested in
receiving information about fishing and fisheries management in New York
can subscribe to the Fishing Line Newsletter.
|
