New York State Trout Fishing Season Opens April 1

Anglers Can Look Forward To Successful Season of Fishing New York's Waters

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today reminded anglers that the April 1st opening day of trout season is just around the corner. As is true every year, anglers can look forward to a great year of fishing, thanks to the natural diversity of angling opportunities within New York State and to the attentive management of the Department of Environmental Conservation.

New York State has experienced two consecutive summers of cool wet weather, creating ideal conditions for the growth and survival of both stocked and wild trout. Stream anglers in particular are likely to experience excellent fishing for trout. Although many of the larger, more popular streams are more reliant on stocked fish, last year's relatively cool, wet summer conditions promise plenty of holdover fish. In short, this season has the potential to be the best in many years.

Due to the potential for icy banks and high flows in many of the State's rivers and streams, anglers are urged to use extreme caution while wading in high water. The early season is a great time to try some of the smaller tributaries. Smaller streams will have more manageable flows, and are also more likely to hold larger populations of wild trout.

For tactics, it is well known that 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 heavily weighted, large, flashy streamers and nymphs, possibly coupled with a sink-tip line. Pond fishing is often best immediately after the winter ice melts. Since most Adirondack and Catskill ponds are likely to remain frozen for the April 1st opener, anglers should scout out areas beforehand where the possibility of frozen waters may exist. Prime areas to fish are those that warm the earliest, including tributary mouths and near surface and shallow shoreline areas. It should also be noted that ice fishing is prohibited in trout waters except as noted in the Fishing Regulations Guide.

Anglers and New York fishing tackle retailers are reminded that the sale of small lead sinkers weighing ½ oz or less is prohibited in New York State. Sale of jig heads, weighted flies, artificial lures or weighted line are not included in this prohibition. Although the law does not prohibit the use of lead sinkers of this size, anglers are encouraged to use non-lead alternatives which are readily available in tackle stores. Ingestion of lead sinkers can result in the death of loons and waterfowl.

Trout stocking of catchable-size fish generally commences in late March and early April in the lower Hudson Valley, Long Island, and western New York, and then proceeds to the Catskills and Adirondacks. This year, DEC plans to stock 2.38 million catchable-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout in almost 300 lakes and ponds and roughly 3,000 miles of streams across the state. Spring stockings include 1.8 million brown trout, 426,000 rainbow trout and 155,000 brook trout. DEC will again include 2-year-old brown trout in the spring stocking program. These fish average 12-13 inches in length, with some as large as 15 inches. Approximately 91,000 of these larger fish will be stocked into lakes and streams statewide.

In addition, more than 2 million yearling lake trout, steelhead, landlocked salmon, splake and coho salmon will be stocked this spring to provide exciting angling opportunities over the next several years. For those who prefer a quieter, more remote setting, more than 350,000 brook trout fingerlings will be stocked in over 330 lakes and ponds this fall, mostly by helicopter, providing unique angling opportunities for future years.

For a complete listing of stocked waters in New York State, go to www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/stokintr.html on DEC's website .

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 the Fishing Regulations Guide, can offer specific details about these streams.

DEC remains committed to increasing public access to New York's cold water streams. The Public Fishing Rights (PFR) program, which provides angler access to New York rivers and streams, continues to benefit from the consistent funding provided by the State's Environmental Protection Fund. Governor George Pataki's Executive Budget proposal for 2005-06 would increase funding for New York State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to a record $150 million- a 20 percent increase over last year and a six-fold increase since 1995.

PFR easements are marked by Public Fishing Rights signs, 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, PFR maps and brochures for DEC regions 5, 6, 8, and 9 can be found at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/pfr on the DEC website. For lake and pond anglers, lake contour maps are available at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/lakemaps/index.html on DEC's website.

The general creel limit for brook, brown and rainbow trout is five fish. The open season for trout in most New York State waters runs from April 1 through October 15, but there are exceptions in all DEC regions, so anglers should check the Fishing Regulations Guide prior to heading out on the water. Anglers are also reminded that permits are required for fishing New York City reservoirs. Updated information and permit applications can be obtained at nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed.html or by calling 1-800-575-LAND.

When purchasing a fishing license anglers should also consider purchasing a Habitat 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, part of which will be used to increase and improve angler access to coldwater streams.

Regional opening day highlights follow.

Long Island (DEC Region 1)

Long Island lakes, ponds and streams typically provide excellent early season trout angling. By the end of April, nearly 20,000 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, Lower Lake, East Lake, West Lake 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 a lunker. Anglers are also reminded that the trout season in Nassau and Suffolk counties is now open year round. In addition to the fish to be stocked this spring, 7,500 12-inch or larger brown trout were stocked during the fall of 2003. These fish have provided fast fishing action which continues to this day. Please remember that there is a three trout daily limit on Long Island and that brook trout are catch-and-release only in all streams except the Connetquot and Nissequogue 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 9, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 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.

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, and 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, SUNY Building 40, Stony Brook, NY, 11790-2356 or check out the Region 1 Fisheries website at: www.dec.state.ny.us/website/reg1/reg1bof.html .

Hudson Valley/Catskills (DEC Region 3)

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.

In the Catskills, stocking is delayed until later in April to allow flows to recede and water temperatures to rise. In these streams, which include such nationally-renowned waters as the Beaver Kill, Willowemoc, Neversink and Esopus, wild trout and hatchery-holdovers from previous years provide the opportunity for good early season fishing. On the Delaware River, which forms the boundary between New York and Pennsylvania, trout season doesn't begin until April 16. All trout in the Delaware are wild fish, primarily browns and rainbows, spawned in the tributaries. The spawning tributaries in New York have the same delayed season opener as the Delaware to provide added protection for spawning rainbows.

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 are laced with 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.

Other notable trout resources in the area include 17 New York City reservoirs totaling more than 23,000 acres. Large brown trout, including occasional fish 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. 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 (NYCDEP) has updated and improved the permit system. Go to the NYCDEP website at nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed.html to obtain information and application forms for new permits, or call 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 in 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)

Region 4 has experienced two consecutive summers of cool wet weather, which creates ideal conditions for the growth and survival of both stocked and wild trout. Stream anglers in particular are likely to experience excellent fishing for trout of all sizes, and should see a noticeable increase in the number of larger fish.

In May of this year the Cannonsville Reservoir will be stocked for the first time. The reservoir will be stocked with approximately 4,200 yearling brown trout. This is an experimental stocking and will continue for the next five years, during which time biologists will conduct fisheries surveys and make use of information collected through the ongoing angler diary program to determine the success of the stocking.

Trout stocking in Region 4 could begin as early as late March in the Hudson Valley streams, and most streams throughout the region should be stocked by late April, weather permitting. Waters to be stocked with both yearling and two-year-old brown trout include both branches of the Delaware River, Catskill Creek, Beaver Kill, Schenevus Creek, Poesten Kill, Roeliff Jansen Kill, Walloomsac River, Hannacrois Creek, Kinderhook Creek, Onesquethaw Creek, Claverack Creek, Taghkanic Creek, Charlotte Creek, Ouleout Creek, Schoharie Creek, Batavia Kill, Canajoharie Creek, Otsquago Creek, Butternut Creek, Oaks Creek, Otego Creek, Wharton Creek, and Tackawasick Creek.

Data collection for a five-year Beaver Kill/Willowewmoc trout study is nearly completed and is now being analyzed. DEC staff are planning to hold a public meeting in the fall to solicit comments on the study results and the proposed management recommendations. A draft document will be circulated to all interested parties for review prior to the meeting.

DEC Region 4 staff are in the second year of a three-year study designed to monitor the Delaware River tailwater and Neversink River fisheries. This study will evaluate the effect of stabilized coldwater releases on the trout fisheries in the East and West Branch of the Delaware River and Neversink River. Staff will measure physical and chemical characteristics as well as document changes to the brook, brown and rainbow trout populations in the three rivers.

New regulations take effect this year to protect the Thermal Refuge Area on the Beaver Kill. The section of stream beginning just upstream of Horton Brook (at the old iron bridge), and running down river approximately 600 yards to the Route 17 overpass will be closed to fishing from July 1st to August 31st of each year. This area has been identified as an important coldwater refuge for hatchery and wild trout during hot, dry summer conditions.

Angler diary cooperators are needed again this year. Fishermen who routinely fish on the East Branch, the West Branch, and the main Delaware River downstream of the reservoirs, or the Cannonsville and Pepacton Reservoirs, are asked to sign up for the diary cooperator program. The diary program is used to collect important fishery information such as catch rate and fish size distribution, and is used to make fishery management decisions. Diary cooperators will be issued a diary where all trip and catch information can be recorded. All diaries will be returned to the cooperator along with an annual summary of results prior to the start of the 2005 fishing season. In order to participate in the angler diary program please contact the DEC, Fisheries Unit by mail at Route 10, Stamford, NY 12167; or by phone at (607) 652-7366.

Anglers should remember that the "border water" reach on the West Branch of the Delaware River, where New York and Pennsylvania share a common boundary, has a delayed season that does not open until April 16 this year. This 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.

The post card survey will be conducted this year on Otsego Lake. This program will collect fishery data and catch information on lake trout, brown trout and landlocked salmon. Participation in the post card survey will be on a "per trip" basis as cards will be distributed to anglers at the launching ramp in Cooperstown. Data collected from this survey will be very important in making fisheries management decisions for Otsego Lake.

A new fishing access site was opened on the Catskill Creek in Greene County. This site is located on Route 145 about a mile north of Route 81.

Looking for a new fishing spot? Many of the smaller, less well-known streams are identified in brochures such as Capital District Fishing, Fishing Delaware County, and Catskill Fishing. Stocking lists are also available. These can all be obtained by writing or by calling the Stamford Fisheries Unit at the address 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 (DEC Region 5)

The snow pack is below average in most of the western Adirondacks, but especially in the counties bordering Canada. Low stream levels and below zero conditions have caused anchor ice problems in many rivers and streams. Anchor ice increases trout mortality, so holdover survival of larger trout may be reduced this spring in these areas. Conversely, the low snow pack may result in streams warming quicker this spring with reasonable flow conditions for angling.

Best bets for early season angling in the southern part of the region are the Batten Kill, Kayaderosseras and Mettawee rivers. New catch and release regulations were enacted in the Batten Kill in October 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 sometime in May.

There are three other new catch and release sections in the region. Two sections are on the Saranac River in Clinton County: from the Sand Pond/Rt. 22 intersection upstream to Kent Falls Dam and from 100 yards upstream of the confluence of the North Branch Saranac River upstream to Stord Brook. A catch and release fishing opportunity has also been expanded in the West Branch Ausable River in Essex County with a new section starting at the Whiteface Ski Center bridge downstream to the Rt. 86 crossing above the Flume. As in the Batten Kill, year-round fishing (artificial lures only) is permitted. The three new northern sections are all scheduled for stocking this spring.

Many regional streams and rivers will be stocked in April and May. However, it is likely that few, if any, streams in the northern part of the region will be accessible or warm enough for stocking 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.

Ice-out may not occur until later on many northern lakes. During the beginning stages of ice-out, excellent trout fishing should be available in open water areas near the shoreline. 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.

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 call the DEC Region 5 Fishing Hotlines at (518) 891-5413. The hotline is also available on the DEC website at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/reg5/hotline.html. While browsing at the Region 5 Fisheries website, be sure to check out the Public Fishing Rights maps for many area rivers at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/reg5/r5fish/pfr_maps/index.html . 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.

North Country (DEC Region 6)

The opening of trout season should be good on most of the area's waters. West Canada Creek, the Mohawk River below Delta Lake, Oriskany Creek, St. Regis River and Sauquoit Creek should all provide good fishing. The relatively cool and wet summer and fall of 2004 should provide a substantial number of holdover fish. Anglers should use extreme caution on streams with high snow banks and ice covering flowing water. Personal flotation devices, polarized sunglasses, and felt or other gripping soled waders should be worn at all times. Fishing will improve when the water temperature reaches 50 degrees. This usually occurs in mid to late April in the Mohawk River Valley and early to mid May in the Tug Hill and Western Adirondack Regions.

The only stream that 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 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.

A new catch and release area has been established on the West Branch of the St. Regis River. The area extends from the Route 116 bridge upstream to the Allen Falls Reservoir dam. Angling is permitted in this new area from April 1 through October 15, and is limited to artificial lures only.

Central New York (DEC Region 7)

Steelhead anglers heading for tributaries to Lake Ontario do not have to wait until April 1, because there is no closed season for trout and salmon in these waters up to the first barrier impassable to fish. The peak of this run generally occurs in mid to late March with steelhead averaging eight to ten pounds and some as large as 20 pounds. The Salmon River at Pulaski is the best area steelhead stream. Other productive areas are Little Sandy Creek, Grindstone Creek and the Oswego River.

Lake Ontario shoreline fishing is expected to be productive. Hot spots will be at Fair Haven, Oswego Harbor, and Mexico Bay.

Trout fishing on the Finger Lakes also should be productive. Good fishing already is occurring and expected to carry through to mid April on Cayuga and Owasco Lakes. Both offer fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout and lake trout, with Cayuga also having landlocked salmon. Skaneateles Lake offers good fishing for lake trout and rainbow trout as well as landlocked salmon.

For good fishing on 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, Dresserville Creek, Decker 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, 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. Anglers may keep five additional brook trout less than 8" in most Region 7 waters. Be sure to check the Fishing Regulations Guide for exceptions to these regulations.

Finger Lakes (DEC Region 8)

Early season Finger Lake tributary rainbow trout fishing should be good. For opening day, try fishing for rainbows throughout all reaches of tributaries such as Naples Creek (Ontario County) and Catharine Creek (Schuyler and Chemung Counties). 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.

Lake Ontario tributaries such as Oak Orchard Creek (Orleans County), Sandy Creek, Genesee River and Irondequoit Creek (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 areas (PFR) on regional trout streams, color brochures of those streams that can be found and downloaded from www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/pfr on the DEC website. Color brochures of the Region's public boating access sites can be viewed and downloaded at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/boatlaunchsites.html on the DEC website.

Western New York (DEC Region 9)

Traditional opening day favorites include the Genesee River, Ischua Creek, Goose Creek, East Koy Creek and Upper Cattaraugus Creek, all of which are stocked with yearling trout and a "salting"of larger two-year-olds. An added bonus to the stocked trout in these waters is the capture of an occasional wild brown or rainbow trout. Surveys conducted in 2004 showed an abundance of wild rainbow and brown trout in the section of Cattaraugus Creek upstream of the Village of Yorkshire. The opportunity to fish for good numbers of wild and stocked brown trout in Ischua Creek has been enhanced by the institution of a catch and release section from Elm Street in Franklinville downstream to the DEC fishing access site at Cooney Road (see NYS Fishing Guide for regulations). Fishing in this section is year-round and restricted to artificial bait only.

If stream conditions are unfavorable due to high or turbid water, anglers may prefer to try the six inland trout lakes (Allen, Case, Harwood, New Albion, Quaker, and Red House) that are heavily stocked and provide good access for shore or boat fishing. In addition to the stocking of large numbers of yearling trout, all are stocked with either 2-year-olds or salted with an occasional "surplus" breeder trout that would be a trophy in anyone's creel. In the Buffalo/Niagara metropolitan area, East Branch Cazenovia Creek (Towns of Holland and Wales), Eighteen Mile Creek (Town of Boston), Ellicott Creek in Amherst State Park, Oppenheim Park (Town of Wheatfield) and the Sprague Brook Ponds (Town of Concord) provide particularly good fishing opportunities for young anglers and are only a short drive from the metropolitan area.

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 and rainbow trout. Brown trout and coho salmon will be nearshore in Lake Ontario and in the harbors at Fort Niagara, Wilson and Olcott.

05-20

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