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DEC Announces New State Record Brook Trout Caught by
Lowville Angler
Published: July 16, 2025 at
10:45 a.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Announces New State Record Brook Trout
Lowville Angler Catches Third Record-Breaking Fish of
2025
The New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a new
State record brook trout. Benjamin Ferguson, a dedicated brook trout angler
from Lowville, Lewis County, caught a 22-inch, six-pound three-ounce
“brookie” from the St. Regis Canoe Area on July 5, 2025, edging out the
2013 record by three ounces. The record-breaking fish was caught while slow trolling a Lake Clear Wabbler.
“This new State
record brook trout is particularly special given our commitment to
advancing the conservation of this iconic species,” said DEC Commissioner
Amanda Lefton. “Benjamin Ferguson’s record-setting catch further
highlights this unique resource, which only the Adirondacks can provide.”
Ferguson
submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC's newly revamped Angler
Achievement Awards Program, which tracks State record fish and
recognizes anglers that catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet
or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species. Anglers with qualifying catches receive official
recognition, along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their
achievement.
The program’s
three categories are: Angler Award; Youth Angler Award; and State Record.
As part of the program revamp, anglers are now able to submit entries for
qualifying catches from the convenience of a smart phone through an online
entry form. For official program rules, eligible species, and
associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler
Achievement Awards webpage.
The Angler
Achievement Awards Program supports Governor Kathy Hochul's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative that
promotes physical and mental health by helping encourage New York’s
children and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break
from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.
Anglers are encouraged to check out the Tackle Box feature in DEC’s HuntFishNY app that provides
one-stop-shopping for information on access sites, stocking, fishing
regulations, and more.
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