Contact: Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000
DEC Adopts New Freshwater Fishing Regulations for 2006-08
Changes To Become Effective October 1, 2006
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced the finalization of freshwater fishing regulations for 2006-2008. The regulations will become effective on October 1, 2006, and enhance fishing opportunities for anglers across New York.
"Providing some of the nation's best fishing opportunities continues to be a goal of DEC and adopting these changes to fishing regulations will provide benefits for sportfish populations and anglers across the State," Commissioner Sheehan said. "These regulation changes are intended to enhance angler satisfaction, while also protecting New York's precious natural resources."
The new regulations are the result of a two-year process which included careful observations and studies by DEC staff, discussions with various angling interest groups, and a formal public input process. DEC proposed draft regulations in December 2005, followed by a public comment period that closed on February 14, 2006.
The recently adopted changes will affect many waters across New York, both to expand angling opportunity and experiences, as well as for safeguarding and managing the State's fisheries for present and future generations of New Yorkers. Some of the highlights include:
Bass Fishing Regulations:
 | Expanded fishing opportunities for black bass (largemouth bass and smallmouth bass) across most of New York State by establishing a catch-and-immediately release, artificial lures only season from December 1 through the Friday preceding the third Saturday in June. Currently, anglers are prohibited from fishing for black bass during this portion of the year, and this new fishing regulation will provide additional bass angling opportunities for New York's number one sport fish without posing undue risk to the stability of bass populations. The existing third Saturday in June through November 30 season (with a 12 inch minimum length and daily limit of 5 fish) remains in effect. |
| Current bass fishing regulations will remain in effect in waters of Bronx, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, St. Lawrence, and Suffolk counties. |
| The current black bass season will remain in effect on tidal portions of the Hudson River and its tributaries to the first impassible barrier, but the minimum size limit for these fish will be increased to 15 inches. The increased minimum size limit for black bass will help bolster bass populations in this popular fishery. |
Trout Fishing Regulations:
| Additional trout fishing opportunities will be provided by the
adoption of catch-and-release, artificial lures only trout seasons, during
the currently closed portion of the year (October 16 through March 31) on
several streams in central and western NY:
|
The trout season has been extended from September 30 to October 15 in much of the Delaware River system, increasing fishing opportunity and providing consistency on regulations with neighboring states.
Great Lakes and Tributary Regulations:
| Rainbow trout (and steelhead) populations in Lake Ontario will be further protected with the implementation of a 21-inch minimum size limit for Lake Ontario and all Lake Ontario tributaries. Raising the minimum size limit is expected to decrease harvest and is intended to safeguard and preserve these populations at a level that will support sustained opportunity for a greater number of users. |
| Catch-and-release with artificial lures only regulations for trout and salmon fishing have been established on portions of two Lake Erie tributaries: Chautauqua Creek and the main branch of Eighteen Mile Creek. These regulations will provide a unique angling experience for Lake Erie tributary anglers. |
The complete list of fishing regulation changes can be viewed in the New York State Register on the Department of State website at www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register.htm
"During our public comment period on the draft regulations, DEC received many helpful comments from anglers and other stakeholders," said Commissioner Sheehan. "Department staff reviewed all the feedback we received and some of these suggestions were incorporated into the final regulation changes," she added. Comments that are received from the public are categorized and reviewed for substance, and then staff responses to those comments are compiled. A summary of the "Assessment of Public Comment" is also available on the DOS website and the complete version will be available at www.dec.state.ny.us/ on the DEC website.
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