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F FISHING

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2013 14 OFFICIAL REGUlaT ioNS GUiDE
V ol U M E 6 , I S S U E No . 1 , O c T o B E r 2 0 1 3

NEW YORK

Catskills
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Fly Fishing the

www.dec.ny.gov
Most regulations are in effect October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014

MESSAGE fROm THE GOVERNOR


New Yorks Open for Hunting and Fishing
Welcome to another great freshwater shing season in New York, home to an extraordinary variety of waterbodies and diverse sheries. From the historic Hudson River to the majestic Great Lakes, and with hundreds of lakes and thousands of miles of streams from the Adirondacks to the Fingers Lakes, New York oers excitement and challenges for anglers that cannot be beat! The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society selected ve of our waters Cayuga Lake, Oneida Lake, Lake Champlain, Thousand Islands/St. Lawrence River and Lake Erie for their list of the Top 100 Bass Waters of 2013, with the last two listed in the top 20. This years guide is focused on trout shing in the Catskills, also a nationally renowned destination for trout anglers. We continue our eorts to make New York, which is already ranked 2nd in the United States for recreational shing economic impact, even more attractive as a tourism destination. My New York Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative will simplify the purchase of sporting licenses in 2014 and, most importantly, reduce fees. In addition, we will spend more than $4 million to develop new boat launches and shing access sites so we can expand opportunities for anglers. Over the past three years New York invested $2.5 million in the development of new boat launching facilities on Cuba Lake in Allegany County, the Upper Hudson River in Saratoga County, Lake Champlain in the City of Plattsburgh, and two new facilities on Lake Ontario - Point Peninsula Isthmus and Three Mile Bay, both in Jeerson County. Major upgrades were also completed on the Woodville Boat Launch on Canandaigua Lake, the Horicon Boat Launch on Schroon Lake, and the Northville Boat Launch on Great Sacandaga Lake. Weve also made improvements to our hatchery system, including a new visitor center at the states Rome Fish Hatchery. Fishing is a great way to enjoy New Yorks unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities. Research has shown that people involved in the sport of shing also enjoy other outdoor sports such as hiking, camping and wildlife watching. A particular interest of mine is to encourage our children to enjoy nature. I cant think of a better way to do this than by introducing them to the sport of shing. I recently signed legislation that will expand the number of free sportshing clinics in New York oered by organizations designated by the Department of Environmental Conservation. These clinics will help people learn about shing and, most important how much fun they can have shing in New York waters! Best of luck on your shing adventures. If youre shing in New York youve already made a great catch! Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

CONTENTS
SToP ThE SPREAD of InVAsiVE SPECiEs2 HiGhLiGhTs of ChAnGEs4 LiCEnsE InfoRMATion6 NYS EnViRonMEnTAL ConsERVATion PoLiCE Q&A8 FEATURE:  MAnAGinG ThE TRoUT fishERiEs of ThE CATsKiLLs 10 STATEWiDE AnGLinG REGULATions14 SPECiAL REGULATions: REGion 117 SPECiAL REGULATions: REGion 218 SPECiAL REGULATions: REGion 319 SPECiAL REGULATions: REGion 421 NEW YoRK CiTy REsERVoiR REGULATions23 TiDAL HUDson RiVER REGULATions24 BoRDER WATERs REGULATions25 FEATURE: F  Ly fishinG ThE CATsKiLLs 26 SPECiAL REGULATions: REGion 530 LAKE ChAMPLAin REGULATions35 SPECiAL REGULATions: REGion 636 SPECiAL REGULATions: REGion 740 SPECiAL REGULATions: REGion 843 FinGER LAKEs AnD TRibUTARy REGULATions45 SPECiAL REGULATions: REGion 946 GREAT LAKEs AnD TRibUTARy REGULATions48 GEnERAL REGULATions53 BAiTfish REGULATions57 DEfiniTions60 WEiGh YoUR Fish WiTh A RULER62 NEW YoRK STATE AnGLER AChiEVEMEnT AWARDs63 HEALTh ADVisoRiEs67 EnViRonMEnTAL ConsERVATion OffiCERs72 FREshWATER Fish IDEnTifiCATion74 PUbLiC FishinG RiGhTs76 CATCh & RELEAsE GUiDELinEs77 DEC Fish HATChERiEs 78 FUnDinG FishERiEs MAnAGEMEnT80

USING THIS GuIDE


1. Review the Statewide Angling Regulations. page 14 2. Review the special regulations section which begins on page 16 and includes regulations for specic waters (ie. Lake Champlain) or group of waters (ie. Great Lakes). IF THE WATER YOU INTEND TO FISH IS NOT LISTED IN THIS SECTION, STATEWIDE ANGLING REGULATIONS APPLY. 3. Review: General Regulations page 53 Baitsh Regulations page 57 Denitions page 60 4. Consult the License Information section to determine if you need a shing license. page 6 5. Review the NYS Environmental Conservation Police Q&A section which provides answers to some of the more frequently asked questions concerning the information in this guide. pages 8, 17, 31 and 33 6. Review Health Advisories. page 67 If you have any questions or are unsure of any regulations, call or e-mail the nearest DEC regional ofce. Contact information can be found in the Special Regulations section of the guide. pages 16-46

This guide is a summary that is intended for convenience only for a complete reference, consult New York State Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and Volume 6 of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR). Copies can be reviewed at the nearest library with a State Supreme Court reference section, on-line at www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/ for ECL and www.dec.ny.gov/regs/2494.html for NYCRR, or by contacting a Regional DEC Division of Law Enforcement Oce.

STATE of NEW YoRK


Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Joe Martens, Commissioner Kathy Moser, Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources Patricia Riexinger, Director, Division of Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources Phil Hulbert, Chief, Bureau of Fisheries How to contact us: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Fisheries 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4753 fwsh@gw.dec.state.ny.us Website: www.dec.ny.gov

Main cover photo: Rondout Creek (Ulster County), Ed Ostapczuk. Inset cover photos: E  sopus Creek & brook trout, Ed Ostapczuk; sherman, Jason Dole.

Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources Mission: The mission of DECs Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources is to serve the interests of current and future generations of New Yorkers by using our collective skills, in partnership with the public, to describe, understand, manage and perpetuate a healthy and diverse assemblage of sh, wildlife and ecosystems.

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

Anglers and Boaters

Help STOP the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species and Fish Diseases
Fish diseases such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) and invasive species such as the zebra mussel and Eurasian water milfoil can be spread through the use of boating and shing equipment that has not been properly cleaned, dried or disinfected prior to its use in another waterbody. Help stop the spread of these noxious species and diseases by adhering to the following simple guidelines.

resh w at er FF IS
2013 14 OFFICIA L REGUL AT IONS GUIDE VOLUME 6, ISSUE N
O . 1, O C T O B E R 2 013

NEW YO RK

HING

Catskills
New York State Departme of Environmental Conserva nt tion

Fly Fishing the

INSPECT your boat, trailer and other shing and


boating equipment, and remove all mud, plants and other organisms that might be clinging to it. Never release plants, sh or animals into a body of water, unless they came out of that body of water.

www.dec.ny.gov

Most regulations are in effect October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014

About this Guide


This high-quality regulation guide is offered to you by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through its unique partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house that specializes in producing state fish and wildlife regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports the DECs staff in the design, layout and editing of the guides. They also manage the marketing and sales of advertising to appropriate businesses within the book. The revenue generated through ad sales significantly lowers production costs and generates savings. These savings translate into additional funds for other important fisheries and habitat programs. If you have any feedback or are interested in advertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or online at www.JFGriffin.com

DRAIN AND DRY everything that came into

contact with water. Many aquatic invasive species and sh diseases are microscopic and can be transported in as little as a drop of water. Dry boats for at least 5 days and other equipment for at least 48 hrs before use in another waterbody. Dicult-to-dry gear may require even longer drying times. Recommended drying times for each month of the year can be calculated at 100thmeridian.org/emersion.asp. Be sure to completely drain your boat, including baitwells and livewells.

2
DISINFECT
equipment if you cannot or do not have the time to dry it before using it in another waterbody. Eective disinfectants include water at least 140 F (hotter than most hot tap water) or steam, 2% bleach solution (3 ounces of household bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water), or household cleansers such as Fantastik, Formula 409, or Spray Nine that contain the ingredient alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. For all materials, follow label instructions and be sure to soak equipment for a minimum of 10 minutes. Dispose of all cleaning/ disinfectant solutions away from surface waters in accordance with label restrictions.

3
FOR MORE INfORMATION

Graphic Design: Jon Gulley, Erin Murphy, Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski and Dane Fay

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J.F. Grifn Publishing, LLC is proud to print the ofcial New York Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide on post-consumer recycled paper.

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For more information on aquatic invasive species and preventing their spread go to: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48221.html, or scan this QR code with a smartphone.

hyperlinks to expanded content

eRegulations.com/NY/fishing

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

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NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION


New York State facilities are available to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin or physical disability in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This guide is a summary that is intended for convenience only. For complete information, consult New York State Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and Volume 6 of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR). Copies can be reviewed at the nearest library with a State Supreme Court references section or by contacting a regional Division of Law Enforcement Oce. They can also be found online at www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/ for ECL and www.dec.ny.gov/regs/2494.html for NYCRR. Be sure to see Using This Guide (page 1) and review Highlights of Changes below.

Did you know?


...In 2012, DEC Forest Rangers put out more than 177 fires affecting almost 2,146 acres. Rangers trained 1,446 community firefighters in wildfire control techniques. ...DEC Forest Rangers are experts on all aspects of the state land they patrol. Ask a Ranger where to hunt, fish, hike, camp or see wildlife! ...DEC Forest Rangers issue permits for camping on state lands and administer the licensed guide program.

Note: Changes are highlighted in green throughout the guide. Use or possession of alewife or blueback herring on the Mohawk River is now prohibited. The daily limit for alewife and blueback herring on the Hudson River has been reduced. Changes have also been made to the manner of taking of alewife and blueback herring in the Hudson River by angling and personal use nets.

Highlights of Changes

Free F D
June 2829, 2014 During the last weekend in June anyone can sh the fresh or marine waters of New York State and no license is required! Since no license is required, its the perfect time to take a friend or relative shing. For more information, contact a Regional DEC Fisheries Ofce. For a list of DEC-sponsored Fishing Clinics, contact a DEC Regional Fisheries Ofce or go to: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html
Fishing Hotlines
Central New York Orleans County Lake Erie (Dunkirk) Lake Erie (Buffalo) Niagara County Southeastern New York Wayne County DEC Web Hotlines (607) 753-1551 (585) 589-3220 (716) 679-ERIE (716) 855-FISH (877) FALLS US (845) 256-3101 (315) 946-5466 www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/shhotlines.html

www.dec.ny.gov 518-408-5850
New York State DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Seamus Dutcher with a nice brown from the Mohawk River.

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Marine Recreational Fishing Regulations


Agreed Value coverage Broad cruising area Optional shing guide coverage Tournament coverage Fishing equipment coverage
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Policies subject to limits and exclusions.

Recreational shing regulations for marine sh species are subject to frequent changes in response to rapid changes in shing conditions and development of interstate management strategies for these species. For complete and accurate information on current New York marine recreational shing regulations, contact the DEC Bureau of Marine Resources, Finsh and Crustacean Unit (631) 444-0435 or visit the DEC website at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html. Anglers 16 years and older desiring to sh in the marine and coastal district or for migratory marine species must enroll in the no fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry (see page 6).

Fishing Regs NY_4c_2.25x2.indd 1

Stay Current with DEC


www.dec.ny.gov
201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

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LIcENSE INfORmATION
Please note: Effective February 1, 2014, the structure of hunting, shing, and trapping licenses and the fees charged for these licenses will change. Licenses purchased prior to February 1, 2014, and privileges associated with those licenses, remain in effect through their valid dates. Please check the DEC website www.dec.ny.gov for an updated list of licenses and associated fees. Please do not laminate your license. The heat from this process will cause it to become unreadable.

Resident
Senior (70+)/Military Disability 1 Annual Fishing 7 Day Fishing 1 Day Fishing Sportsman2 Sportsman (Senior 70+) Super Sportsman3 Conservation Legacy4 $5 $ 29 $ 15 $5 $ 47 $ 10 $ 88 $ 96

Anglers under the age of 16 are not required to have a freshwater shing license or enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.

A U A 16

Everyone must have a valid shing license in their possession while shing or helping someone to sh except: Persons under 16 years of age. NYS-resident owners, lessees and members of their immediate families occupying and cultivating farm lands, when shing on their own lands. Persons holding farm sh pond licenses and members of their immediate families, when shing on waters covered by their licenses. Resident patients at Dept. of Mental Health institutions and Dept. of Health rehabilitation hospitals, and inmates at Division of Youth rehabilitation centers. License exemptions must be requested for such persons through the hospital/institution by writing NYSDEC License Sales Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4790, or by e-mailing fwinfo@gw.dec.state.ny.us. When shing on licensed shing preserves.

License requirements

Non-Resident
Annual Fishing 7 Day Fishing 1 Day Fishing Super Sportsman3 $ 70 $ 35 $ 15 $ 280

Lifetime Licenses Lifetime Sportsman2 (age 4 or younger) $380 Lifetime Sportsman2 (age 511) $535 Lifetime Fishing $460 Senior Lifetime Fishing (70+) $65 1  For specics concerning this license type, call 518-402-8843. 2  License type that allows the holder to hunt small and big game, and to freshwater sh. 3  License type that allows the holder to hunt small and big game and freshwater sh, plus bow hunting, muzzleloader hunting and turkey hunting. 4 License type that includes super sportsman license, subscription to New York Conservationist magazine and a Habitat and Access Stamp. The Habitat and Access Stamp is a voluntary stamp. Revenues go into a dedicated account within the Conservation Fund and are used for projects that protect and improve habitat, and provide access for shing, hunting and other wildlife-related recreation.

The following individuals are eligible for a free shing license and may obtain a license at any license issuing outlet: New York State residents who are blind. New York State residents who are active service members of the NYS Organized Militia (i.e., National Guard), or U.S. Reserve Forces. New York State residents stationed outside of New York who are on full time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and are on leave in NY for no longer than 30 days. Resident patients at U.S. Department of Veterans Aairs hospitals or state funded facilities can obtain a free shing license through their hospital or facility. Native Americans who are members of the Shinnecock and Poospatuck tribes or the Six Nations residing on reservations in New York State may obtain a free shing license by contacting their reservation or DECs License Sales Oce at (518) 402-8843.

Free licenses

Buy a lifetime license and never worry about future fee increases. Lifetime licenses are available only to New York State residents, but remain valid even if you move out of state. Lifetime licenses can now be purchased at all license issuing outlets. For more information, visit DECs website or contact us at: License Sales Unit NYSDEC 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4790 (518) 402-8843

L L

License Requirements for Border Waters Does a New York State shing license entitle holder to sh the out-of-state portion of waters listed below? Water State/Province Yes/No Lake Ontario Ontario No Lake Erie Ontario, Pennsylvania No St. Lawrence River Ontario, Quebec No Niagara River Ontario No Quebec No Lake Champlain Vermont Yesa Delaware River & West Branch Pennsylvania Yes Delaware River (along boundary) Greenwood Lake New Jersey Yesb Indian Lake Connecticut Yesb
a  All Vermont portions of Lake Champlain with the exception of The Inland Sea (including The Gut), Malletts Bay, Missisquoi Bay and all rivers. (See map on page 35) b  New York license permits shing out-of-state portion from boat or ice only.

A lost license may be replaced for $5.00 for each license type at any license issuing outlet. Anglers 16 years of age and older who desire to sh in the marine and coastal district of New York, or for migratory marine species such as striped bass, hickory shad, and river herring from all waters of the state including the Hudson River and Delaware River must enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. General provisions include: There is no fee for residents or non-residents to register. (See resident licenses on page 7 for residency requirement). Registration is eective from January 1 through December 31 each year. Anglers may register at any sporting license issuing agent, by phone, or by Internet as noted on page 7, under Purchasing a License.

Lost license replacement

Recreational Marine Fishing Registry

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

LIcENSE INfORmATION
License or Registry Requirements for Fishing in the Tidal Hudson River or Marine and Coastal District License or Location Species Fishing For Registry Freshwater Freshwater Species Fishing License North of Tappan Zee Bridge Migratory Marine Species Recreational Marine South of Fishing Registry Tappan Zee Bridge All Species (marine and coastal district)

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For additional information concerning the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, contact the DEC Bureau of Marine Resources at (631) 444-0435 or visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/54950.html.

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Persons holding a freshwater shing license or combined hunting and K shing license (including those entitled to sh without a license) may take sh by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, nets, traps and tip ups; take frogs by spearing, catching with the hands or by use of a club or hook; and take baitsh for personal use, all as permitted by law or DEC. The holder of a license, tag or stamp shall have such license, tag or stamp on his/her person while exercising any privilege of that license. The holder of a license, tag or stamp shall exhibit it on demand to any police ocer, peace ocer, or the owner, lessee or other person in control of the lands or waters on which the license holder is present. No license or stamp authorizes the holder to trespass upon private lands or waters or interfere with property belonging to another person.

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To qualify for a resident license, one must reside in New York State for more than 30 days immediately preceding the date of application for a license. Property ownership in New York State is not a residency requirement. Residency is a xed, permanent and principal home to which a person (regardless wherever temporarily located) always intends to return. Proof of residency is the address listed on a persons registration to vote in elections for any public oce other than school board. If applicant is under 18, the residence of parents or legal guardian shall be deemed such persons residence. Active members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in the state, and full-time college students in residence in the state during the school year (proof required) also qualify for resident licenses. Fishing licenses may be purchased at license issuing agents (town and county clerks, some major discount stores and many tackle shops and sporting goods stores) throughout New York State. Licenses may also be purchased online through DECs Automated Licensing System (DECALS), by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. For further information, go to www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html. Resident license buyers also must have a NYS drivers license, learners permit or non-drivers ID for online purchases.

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Note: Periodically, DEC or its designated agent(s) may use contact information from license holders to communicate with license holders and to conduct surveys and research involving New York State sh and wildlife. The information obtained will provide public input on sh and wildlife management actions and human interactions with New Yorks sh and wildlife resources.

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

NEW YORK STATE EnVIROnMEnTAL COnsERVATIOn POLIcE

TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR DEC DISPATCH CENTER: 1-877-457-5680


A quick reference to some of the more commonly asked questions concerning New York State shing regulations.
Q: The Statewide Regulations indicate that the walleye season runs from the rst Saturday in May through March 15. Can I sh for walleye on March 15? A: Yes. The walleye season runs through March 15 and closes at midnight. Note that in the regulations guide, a dash () is often used instead of the word through. Q: If trout season opens April 1, what time may I start shing? Q: Does this mean that I cant cull sh during a bass tournament? A: No. A special provision is provided for black bass anglers that allows the replacement of a single, uninjured largemouth or smallmouth bass in a livewell with another bass. Q: The trout season is closed on my favorite stream; can I still sh for trout if I release all of the sh that I catch? A: No. It is illegal to target a sh during its closed season. Q: How about catch-and-release shing for largemouth and smallmouth bass can I do that during the closed season? A: Yes. A special catch-and-release season running from December 1 through the Friday preceding the third Saturday in June exists for many waters in New York State. This allows an angler to catch and immediately release a bass using articial lures only. However, there are exceptions to this regulation on Long Island and in many northern New York counties in DEC regions 5 and 6. Q: If the daily limit for a particular species is ve sh and I keep ve from a lake, can I keep another ve from another lake? A: No. The legal limit represents the maximum number of a species you can keep in a day. After reaching the legal limit, you cannot keep any more of that species on the same day. Note that some species such as trout, bass and pansh are lumped together in a species category, and the daily limit applies to the total number of sh kept in that category. For example, you may keep three brook trout and two rainbow trout for a total of ve trout in a day, but you may not keep ve brook trout AND ve rainbow trout in the same day. Q: If DEC stocks sh in a stream, a portion of which is private, do I have the right to sh for these sh on private land? A: No. Many stocked streams have both private and public segments. Although sh are typically stocked only in segments open to the public, the sh can swim into private sections. In these circumstances, unless DEC has purchased public shing rights (PFR) from the landowner, you must ask permission of the landowner to legally sh on private land. PFR segments are posted with yellow signs. Q: Do I have the right to sh a stream bordering a public road? A: If the stream is on private land, you may not sh it. Although the stream may be bordered by a public road or road easement, the stream bottom can be privately owned. Therefore, you must ask permission of the landowner to legally sh the stream.

A: Anytime after 12 midnight. Q: Who do I contact if I have a question concerning a shing regulation? A: We strongly recommend that you contact the law enforcement oce in the DEC region covering the water where you sh. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses for each DEC region can be found in the Special Regulations section of the guide. Q: Do I need a shing license to help my child sh? A: Unlike states such as Pennsylvania that have a specic law thatwaives theshing license requirement for anadult directly assisting a child, New York State does not have such a law. We strongly encourage children to get involved in the sport of shing and discretion will be used as long as the child is actively involved in the shing activity. If in the eyes of an Environmental Conservation Ocer an adult ismore actively involved in the shing activity than the child that they are supposedly instructing, acitation for shing without a license could be issued. Q: If I sh on a private lake or on a pond or stream on my property, do I need a shing license? A: Yes. Unless you are the owner of a pond on an active farm, hold a farm sh pond license, or are an immediate family member of the owner or licensee, you must have a shing license. Q: If I get a ticket for shing without a license, how much will it cost? A: The ne amount is determined by the court. They may impose a ne from $0 to $250 and/or 15 days in jail. Q: Can I keep my shing license in my vehicle when I am shing so it doesnt get wet. A: No. You must be in possession of your license when shing. Q: Can I continue to sh once I have caught and kept my daily limit? A: Yes. As long as you immediately release any additional sh you catch, you may continue to sh after reaching the daily limit.

Additional Q&As can be found on pages 17, 31, and 33.

Reaching Out to Kids with Special Needs


Environmental Conservation Ofcers and Fish and Game Club volunteers introduced 35 children with physical and mental disabilities to the sport of shing at the Saratoga County 4-H Training Center on June 1, 2013. The kids enjoyed a great day of shing education and got the chance to catch many different species, including rainbow trout, bass and bluegill. A free lunch was provided for the children and their families, and each child was given a rod and reel to take home at the end of the day. The event was sponsored by the New York State Conservation Ofcers Association, the Saratoga County 4-H, Hannaford Supermarket, Saratoga Tackle, Bobs Bait, and multiple Saratoga County Fish and Game Clubs.

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

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Managing the Trout Fisheries

of the Catskills
Surveying the Fishery

he Catskill Region has thousands of miles of streams, along with numerous small ponds, lakes and large reservoirs. Although best known for outstanding trout shing, the region also oers excellent shing for bass, walleye, chain pickerel and a variety of pansh. The region covers all or parts of Ulster, Sullivan, Delaware, Schoharie and Greene counties, and includes the Catskill Park at its center. The Catskill Park contains over 705,000 acres of private and public land. More than half of the acreage within the park is open to the public. Its proximity to Albany and New York City make the Catskill Park very popular for recreation. Maintaining quality shing in this heavily used region is a challenge met through a carefully crafted program that provides angler access, protects habitat and eectively manages the shery.

1935, more than 1,300 miles of easements have been acquired on 340 streams through the PFR program. More information on the program, including how landowners can participate, is on page 76. Maps of the Departments PFR holdings can be found on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html . In addition to state-owned land and shing easements, a signicant amount of land along Catskill streams and reservoirs is owned by New York City. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) operates six drinking-water reservoirs in the Catskills totaling 23,560 acres. Access to city property for shing is free, but requires an access permit. Information about access permits and recreation on NYCDEP lands can be found at www. nyc.gov/dep under Watershed Recreation. Prior to developing a plan for managing a water body, DEC sheries biologists use shery and creel surveys to determine the status of the existing shery. Fishery surveys are usually completed using electroshing gear. Electroshing temporarily shocks a sh, allowing biologists to take length and weight information prior to releasing the sh unharmed. In certain cases, scales may be removed from the captured sh. Scale rings, or annuli, are counted to age the sh, similar to the way tree rings are counted to age a tree. In the Catskill region, shery surveys have been conducted since the 1920s, providing excellent insight into how stream sheries have responded to various management strategies. Creel surveys involve counting and interviewing anglers to estimate catch rates, harvest rates, shing pressure and the presence of stocked and wild sh. Creel and shery surveys are often used to evaluate the eectiveness of stocking policies or shing regulation changes. A major eort to document the presence of brook trout was recently completed in and around the Catskill Park as part of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, a collaborative program involving 17 eastern states. Over a four year period, 3,528 stream surveys were (Continued on page 12)

Providing Fishing Access

The Catskill Regions popularity for trout shing grew rapidly in the late 19th Century as railroads led to increasing tourism. By the early 20th Century, signicant portions of the regions best trout waters were privatized and closed to public shing. Recognizing this problem, New Yorks Conservation Department (DECs predecessor) started the Public Fishing Rights (PFR) program in 1935. Under the PFR program, DEC purchases permanent shing easements on privately owned streams throughout the state. Since

DEC staff and volunteers complete an electroshing survey of Esopus Creek.

10

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

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conducted by DEC sta. Brook trout were documented in 1,227 of these surveys. Knowing where these brook trout populations exist will allow DEC to protect their habitat and monitor changes in their abundance. Many of New Yorks publicly accessible streams receive brook, brown or rainbow trout raised in New York State hatcheries. Most of these trout are stocked as one-year-olds and average about eight inches in length. Fisheries biologists have found that brown trout often outperform brook and rainbow trout in Catskill streams, so the bulk of the trout stocked are browns. The Catskill Fish Hatchery, located near the Beaverkill and Willowemoc Creek in Sullivan County, produces 115,000 pounds of brown trout annually and supplies most of the browns stocked in the Catskills. Many streams are also supplemented with two-year-old brown trout that are 12 to 14 inches in length (and sometimes larger). Using information collected in shery and creel surveys concerning the presence of wild trout, trout growth rates, and angler use, stocking policies are developed . Stocking policies are calculated using the Catch Rate Oriented Trout Stocking model (CROTS). The CROTS model uses various assumptions concerning shing pressure, trout harvest, natural mortality and stream carrying capacity to calculate a stocking rate. This model is now over 20 years old and DEC is currently working with the NY Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit at Cornell University to test if the assumptions used in the original model are still valid. As part of this study, detailed shery and creel surveys are being conducted on nine streams across the state, including Esopus Creek in the Catskill Region. These surveys will determine whether the number of trout in a stream and catch rates are consistent with those predicted by the CROTS model. Adjustments will be made to the model if necessary.

Stocking

require stocking, but they do need to be protected from habitat loss and overshing. Anglers can nd wild populations of brook, brown and rainbow trout throughout the Catskills. Of these three species, only brook trout are native to New York. Brookies have the least tolerance for warmer water and often lose out when competing with brown and rainbow trout in all but the coldest streams. Nonetheless, brook trout still thrive in Catskill streams with the right habitat. In Delaware County alone, DEC sheries surveys from 2007-2011 found more than 580 streams with brook trout. Brook trout were once common in small cold ponds and lakes in the Catskills. Unfortunately, once competing sh species found their way into these waters, usually through the use of baitsh and illegal stockings, brook trout populations declined or were eliminated. For this reason, DEC prohibits the use of baitsh on many brook trout ponds in the Catskills and other parts of New York. Once competing sh species become abundant in a brook trout water, the only management option that will restore quality brook trout shing is the complete renovation of the pond and restocking of brook trout. When possible, a native strain of brook trout that is best adapted to the water it is to be stocked in is used in restocking eorts.

Habitat Protection

Special Fishing Regulations

For most waters in the Catskills, trout season runs from April 1 through October 15 with a limit of ve sh per day of any size. In most instances, this regulation does a good job of protecting the shery, while giving people who want to keep their catch a chance to do so. However, stricter regulations on the number and size of sh that can be taken have been used in some places to improve the shing experience for people looking to catch larger sh. Catch and release shing regulations on sections of the Beaverkill and Willowemoc Creek have allowed many quality size sh to be caught despite heavy shing pressure.

A key to what has made trout shing in the Catskills famous is the high-quality aquatic environment. Catskill streams and reservoirs are blessed with an abundance of clean, cold water. Maintenance of this water supply is essential to the health of these ecosystems. Fortunately, most of the high elevation lands where the sources of these waters are located are in state ownership, ensuring their protection. Trout waters also receive special protection through the Protection of Waters Act. Actions that could degrade water quality or trout habitat are prohibited without a permit granted by DEC for special circumstances, like repairs to a stream after ooding. A major concern in the Catskill Region is the proper use of heavy equipment in streams when it is necessary to repair ood damage following major storms. This concern was heightened during recovery eorts following Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. Lessons learned from past mistakes and advances in science and engineering have helped DEC develop best practices for working in streams. This knowledge helps DEC issue stream-work permits that minimize detrimental eects on habitat.

Reservoir Tailwater Fisheries

Wild Trout Management

Many Catskill streams, especially headwater sections protected within the Catskill Forest Preserve, have populations of naturally reproducing wild trout. These populations maintain themselves and do not

Regulations require that the operators of some of the largest reservoirs in the Catskills maintain minimum ows below their dams. The old river beds that at one time received natural stream ow before the reservoirs were built, now receive a managed ow of water throughout the year. These river sections are called tailwaters. Water released through these dams is usually from deep in the reservoir and remains cold even during hot summer periods. Depending on the volume released, water temperature in a tailwater stream can remain favorable for trout for miles downstream. DEC works closely with all concerned to ensure that the ows necessary to maintain quality trout populations are provided through as much of the year as possible. As a result, tailwater streams such as the East and West Branch Delaware River and Neversink River provide some of the nest trout shing in the Catskills. Thanks to the combined eorts of the DECs Bureau of Fisheries and various other agencies, angling groups and individual anglers, New Yorks Catskills remain one of the nest trout shing destinations in the country.

12

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

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STATEwIDE ANGlING REGulATIONS


The following statewide angling regulations apply to all waters for which special regulations have not been established. Special regulations for specic waters follow on pages 1652.

Statewide Angling Regulations


Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit

TroutBrook, Brown and Rainbow and hybrids of these species; and Splake Lake Trout Landlocked (LL)/ Atlantic Salmon Kokanee Coho & Chinook Salmon Black Bass (Largemouth/Smallmouth) Muskellunge Northern Pike Pickerel Tiger Muskellunge Walleye Crappie Atlantic, Shortnose & Lake Sturgeon; Paddlesh Lake Whitesh Striped BassHudson River and all inland waters except Delaware River (see page 25) American Shad Hickory Shad Anadromous River Herring (Alewife and Blueback Herring) Yellow Perch Sunsh (Bluegill, Pumpkinseed and Redbreast Sunsh) American Eelall waters except Hudson River, St. Lawrence R., L. Niagara R., Lake Ontario and tributaries to these waters. All endangered or threatened sh species All other species (except those listed elsewhere in special regulation tables in this guide).

April 1 through Oct 15 April 1 through Oct 15 April 1 through Oct 15

Any size 21" 15"

5 3 3

It is illegal to take Atlantic Salmon from the waters of the marine and coastal district. April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 10 See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48-52. 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 1st Sat in May through March 15 1st Sat in May through March 15 1st Sat in May through March 15 1st Sat in May through March 15 All year Closed All year March 16 through Nov 30 12" Catch and release only 30" 18" 15" 30" 15" 9" 5 Articial lures only 1 5 5 1 5 25

Fishing for and possession prohibited Any size 18" 5 1

Fishing for (including catch and release) or possessing American shad in the Hudson River or Marine District is prohibited. Aug 1 through Nov 30 Any size 5

Possession prohibited except in Hudson River and tributaries (see page 24). All year All year Any size Any size 50 50

All year

50

Fishing for and possession prohibited

All year

Any size

Any number

A person may not sh for a species (not even Catch-and-Release) outside of the open season for that species on a given water.

14

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

HEAD

Special Regulations
The following pages are a list of exceptions to the STATEWIDE ANGLING REGULATIONS.
Trout waters where ice shing is permitted are identied here. Regulations that appear in the Method column pertain to all shing in the listed water. A between dates in the Open Season columns represents through and includes the ending date.

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

REGION 1 LONG ISlAND


Nassau County
Water Species
Crappie Sunsh (Bluegill & Pumpkinseed) Yellow Perch Pickerel

Open Season
All year All year All year 1st Saturday in May through March 15 1st Sat in June through April 30 All year All year April 1 Sept 30

Minimum Length
9" Any size 8" 18"

Daily Limit
15 15 15 3

Method

All waters

All waters

Black Bass Trout Brown & Rainbow Trout Brook Trout

Catch and release only Any size Any size 3 3

Region 1 Stony Brook University 50 Circle Road Stony Brook, NY 11790-3409 (631) 444-0280 fwsh1@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Note: It is illegal to sh for bass during the period May 1 thru Friday preceding the 1st Sat in June

All ponds and lakes All streams

Catch and release only

Suffolk County
Water
All waters

Species
Crappie Sunsh (Bluegill and Pumpkinseed) Yellow Perch Black Bass

Open Season
All year All year All year 1st Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through April 30

Minimum Length
9" Any size Any size 12"

Daily Limit
15 15 15 5

Method

All waters except, Belmont Lake, Artist Lake, Blydenburgh Lake, Randall Pond Fort Pond and Lake Ronkonkoma

Catch and release only 18" 12" 3 5

Note: It is illegal to sh for bass during the period May 1 thru Friday preceding the 1st Sat in June

Walleye Black Bass Black Bass Trout Trout Trout Trout Chain Pickerel Brown & Rainbow Trout Brook Trout Trout Brook Trout

NEW YORK STATE

Blydenburgh Lake Artist Lake, Belmont Lake, Randall Pond All freshwater (non-tidal) lakes and ponds except East (Swan) Lk, Laurel Lk, Deep Pd. East (Swan) Lake Laurel Lake Deep Pond All freshwater and tidal streams except Carmans River in Southhaven County Park, Connetquot River in Connetquot River State Park and Nissequoque River in Caleb Smith State Park Connetquot and Caleb Smith State Parks Carmans River (Southaven County Park) Carmans River (Southaven County Park) From LIPA transmission lines at Gate G upstream to Yaphank Avenue From Cement Dam upstream to LIPA transmission lines at Gate G From Cement Dam downstream to Hards Lake Dam

EnVIROnMEnTAL COnsERVATIOn POLIcE


Q: How many rods or lines may I use when shing? A: Anglers are permitted to use three lines when shing. Q: Is it legal to use the Alabama Rig or other multiple-bait rigs? A: Yes. As long as the number of lures or baits does not exceed ve and the total number of hook points on the rig does not exceed 15. However, some special regulations limit the number of lures, baits, attractors and hook points on specic waters. Q: If I spend multiple days shing in New York, may I transport more than the legal daily limit when I return to my home state? A: You may transport twice the daily limit for sh such as trout, black bass and crappie that have a daily catch limit. There are exceptions for processed and packaged sh or when a permit has been obtained from a DEC regional oce. However, live sh may not be transported in excess of the legal daily limit and may not be stocked into another waterbody.

1st Sat in May through Mar 15 1st Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri before 1st Sat in June All Year All year April 1 through Nov 30 All year All year All year All year

Catch and release only Catch and release only Any size 3 Ice shing permitted

10" 3 12" 3 12 3 Catch and release only Any size 3

Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

April 1 through Sept 30

Catch and release only

Park Regulations apply, permit required. Call (631) 581-1005 Connetquot, (631) 265-1054 Nissequogue. April 1 through Sept 30 Catch and release only

Special Regulations by River Section. Additional park regulations may apply. Call (631) 854-1414. Trout Brown & Rainbow Trout Brown & Rainbow Trout April 1 through Sept 30 April 1 through Sept 30 April 1 through Sept 30 Catch and release only 9" 9" 3 3 Fly shing only Fly shing only

TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR DEC DISPATCH CENTER:

1-877-457-5680

Anglers 16 years and older desiring to sh in the marine and coastal district or for migratory marine species must enroll in the no fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. See www.dec.ny.gov/permits/54950.html for details.

R M F R

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

17

REGION 2 NEw YORk CITy


Special shing regulations for waters in New York City.
Water
Bronx Indian Lake, Crotona Park; Van Cortlandt Lake Kings (Brooklyn) Prospect Park Lake New York (Manhattan) Central Park- all waters All Species except snakeheads Catch and release shing only. All sh, except for snakeheads, shall be returned to the water immediately. See Snakehead Alert information below for instructions on handling a snakehead you have caught.

Species

Open Season

Minimum length

Daily limit

Method

All year

Region 2 1 Hunters Point Plaza 47-40 21st Street Long Island City, NY 11101-5407 (718) 482-4922 fwsh2@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Queens Baisleys Pond, Kissena Lake, Meadow Lake, Oakland Lake, Willow Lake Richmond (Staten Island) Brooks Lake, Clove Lake, Willowbrook Lake, Wolfes Pond

Steve Wong with a nice largemouth bass caught from Oakland Lake, Queens

All rst-time hunters, bowhunters or trappers planning to go aeld this upcoming hunting and trapping season must rst complete a hunter or trapper education course before they can get a license in New York. For previously licensed hunters who plan to hunt out of state, let this be a reminder to check with the state you plan to hunt in to see what requirements need to be met. All states accept New Yorks hunter education course but states differ on what is required as proof of completion. Many will need to see your original Hunter Education Certicate in order to purchase their license. Check to see if you have your certicate, replacements can be time consuming. All courses are free of charge, and as hunting seasons approach, classes ll quickly. SIGN UP EARLY! To locate a nearby class and course list visit DECs website or contact a local DEC regional ofce.

S E

18

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

REGION 3 SOuTHEASTERN NEw YORk


Dutchess County
Water
All rivers and streams except Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Upton Lake, Sylvan Lake

Species
Black Bass

Open Season
3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June

Minimum Length
10"

Daily Limit
5

Method

Catch and release only

Articial lures only

Black Bass Trout Trout Black Bass, Pickerel Trout

See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. All year All Year Any size Any size 5 5 Ice shing permitted

Region 3 21 S. Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 (845) 256-3161 fwsh3@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Wappinger Creek downstream of dam in Pleasant Valley Indian Lake Morgan Lake

See Border Waters Regulations on page 25. All year Any size 3 Ice shing permitted

Orange County
Water
All rivers and streams except Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh & Delaware River Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Askoti, Hessian, Round, Blue, Skannatati and Walton Lakes Bashakill Marsh Sterling Lake Delaware River, Greenwood Lake Mongaup River from Rio Dam downstream to Route 97 bridge Ramapo River

Species

Open Season
3rd Sat in June through Nov 30

Minimum Length
10"

Daily Limit
5

Method

Black Bass

Dec 1 Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June

Catch and release only

Articial lures only

Black Bass Trout Pickerel Black Bass Lake Trout All Species Trout Trout

See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. All Year All year All year April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 15" 12" 21" 5 5 5 1 Ice shing permitted

Use or possession of baitsh prohibited See Border Waters Regulations on page 25. 12" Any size 3 5 Articial lures only

April 1 through Oct 15 All year

Putnam County

Water

Species
Black Bass

Open Season
3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June

Minimum Length
10"

Daily Limit
5

Method

All rivers and streams except Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh

Catch and release only See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. See NYC Reservoir Regulations on page 23.

Articial lures only

Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in Black Bass this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Bog Brook Reservoir, Boyd Corners Reservoir, Croton Falls Reservoir, Diverting Reservoir, East Branch Reservoir, Middle Lake Trout, Trout, Walleye Branch Reservoir, West Branch Reservoir, Lake Gilead, Lake Gleneida East Branch Croton River from Diverting Reservoir to East Trout Branch Reservoir West Branch Croton River from Croton Falls Reservoir to East Trout Branch Croton River West Branch Croton River from West Branch Reservoir to Croton Falls Reservoir White Pond Trout Walleye

All year April 1 through Sept 30 April 1 through Sept 30 1st Sat in May through March 15

14" Catch and release only 9" 18"

Articial lures only Articial lures only

5 3 Ice shing permitted

Rockland County

Water

Species
Black Bass

Open Season
3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June

Minimum Length
10"

Daily Limit
5

Method

All rivers and streams except Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Ramapo River Hessian Lake

Catch and release only See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24.

Articial lures only

Black Bass Trout Trout All year All year

Any size Any size

5 5

Ice shing permitted

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

19

REGION 3 SOuTHEASTERN NEw YORk


Sullivan County
Water
All rivers and streams except the Delaware River Delaware River Bashakill Marsh Basket Creek and tributaries, Callicoon Creek from mouth to Hortonville, Hankins Creek and tributaries from mouth to Falls at Mileses, Hoolihan Brook and tributaries, North Branch Callicoon Creek and tributaries from mouth to Gossweyler Pond above North Branch, Pea Brook and tributaries Beaver Kill from State Road 206 (County Route 7) bridge in Delaware County downstream, Willowemoc Creek from iron bridge at Parkston downstream except section below Willowemoc Creek 1200 ft. above mouth of Elm Hollow Brook downstream 3.5 miles to second Route 17 Quickway bridge east of Roscoe Neversink River, from Neversink Reservoir downstream, except as listed below Neversink River and tributaries within the Neversink River Unique Area and owned by the people of the State of New York situated in the Towns of Thompson and Forestburgh and abutting that reach of the Neversink River from its conuence with Mercer Brook south to the Sullivan-Orange County line, except any portion thereof where the right to sh is privately owned. Crystal Lake, Hodge Pond Lake Huntington, Loch Sheldrake Mongaup River from Rio Dam downstream to Route 97 bridge Mongaup Pond* Neversink Reservoir, Rondout Reservoir Swinging Bridge Reservoir

Species
Black Bass Trout, Black Bass, Muskellunge, Pickerel, Walleye Pickerel Black Bass

Open Season
3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June

Minimum Length
10"

Daily Limit
5

Method
Articial lures only

Catch and release only See Border Water Regulations on page 25.

All year All year 1st Sat after April 11 through Sept 30

15" 12"

5 5

Trout

Any size

Trout

April 1 through Nov 30

9"

Trout Trout

All year April 1 through Oct 15

Catch and release only 9" 5

Articial lures only

Trout

April 1 through Oct 15

Catch and release only

Articial lures only

Trout Trout Trout Trout

April 1 through Sept 30 All year April 1 through Oct 15 All year

10" Any size 12" Any size

3 5 3 5

Use or possession of baitsh prohibited Ice shing permitted Articial lures only Ice shing permitted Use or possession of baitsh prohibited Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

Lake Trout, Trout See NYC Reservoir Regulations on page 23. Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Lake Trout All year 15" 3 White Lake Trout All year Any size 5 * In addition, the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited in Mongaup Creek downstream of Mongaup Pond.

Ulster County

Water

Species
Walleye Black Bass

Open Season
1st Sat in May through March 15 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June

Minimum Length
18" 10"

Daily Limit
3 5

Method

All waters except Hudson River All rivers and streams except Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh

Catch and release only See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24.

Articial lures only

Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in Black Bass this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Alder Lake, Echo Lake Trout Ashokan Reservoir, Rondout Reservoir Lake Trout, Trout, Walleye Honk Lake Trout Esopus Creek (other than below) Trout Esopus Creek from Shandaken tunnel outlet (Allaben) to Trout Ashokan Reservoir

10" 3 Use of sh as bait prohibited See New York City Reservoir Regulations on page 23. April 1 through Nov 30 Any size 5 Ice shing permitted April 1 through Nov 30 Any size 5 5 with no more than April 1 through November 30 Any size 2 longer than 12

April 1 through Sept 30

Westchester County
Water
All rivers and streams except Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Amawalk Outlet from Amawalk Reservoir to Muscoot Reservoir Amawalk Reservoir, Cross River Reservoir, Kensico Reservoir, Muscoot Reservoir, New Croton Reservoir, Titicus Reservoir West Branch Croton River from Croton Falls Reservoir to East Branch Croton River Titicus Outlet

Species
Black Bass Black Bass Trout Trout Trout Trout

Open Season
3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June

Minimum Length
10"

Daily Limit
5

Method
Articial lures only

Catch and release only See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24.

April 1 through Sept 30

12"

Articial lures only

See NYC Reservoir Regulations on page 23. April 1 through Sept 30 April 1 through October 15 Catch and release only Any size 5 with no more than 2 longer than 12 Articial lures only

20

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

REGION 4 EAST cENTRAl NEw YORk


Albany County
Water
Hudson River from Troy Dam upstream to Bakers Falls in the Village of Hudson Falls and tributaries in this section to rst barrier impassable by sh, Mohawk River below Route 32 bridge Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Thompsons Lake Normans Kill from Watervliet Reservoir downstream to the rst barrier impassable to sh upstream of the Hudson River

Species

Open Season

Minimum Length

Daily Limit

Method

All Species

All year

Catch and release shing only. All sh shall be returned to the water immediately. Baitsh listed on page 57 may be possessed for use as sh bait. Use of tip-ups is permitted.

Black Bass Trout Black Bass

See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. All year 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June 12" 10" 3 5 Articial lures only Ice shing permitted

Region 4 65561 State Highway 10 Suite 1 Stamford, NY 12167-9503 (607) 652-7366 fwsh4@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Catch and release only

Columbia County
Water
Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Queechy Lake Kinderhook Creek, from Adams Crossing downstream

Species
Black Bass Trout Trout

Open Season

Minimum Length

Daily Limit

Method

See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. All year April 1 through Nov 30 12" Any size 3 5 Ice shing permitted

Delaware County

Water

Species
Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout

Open Season
1st Sat after April 11 through Sept 30 April 1 through Sept 30 April 1 through Sept 30

Minimum Length
Any size Any size

Daily Limit
5 5

Method

All streams and their tributaries that ow into the Delaware River in Delaware County downstream of Hancock All unlisted tributaries to Pepacton Reservoir and to East Branch Delaware River upstream from Pepacton Reservoir highwater mark Bush Kill, Tremper Kill, Terry Clove, Fall Clove, Platte Kill, Dry Brook, Batavia Kill Trout Pond (Cables Lake), Huggins Lake Launt Pond Big Pond, Little Pond Mud Pond Cannonsville Reservoir, Pepacton Reservoir Beaver Kill from State Route 206 (County Route 7) bridge downstream except sections below: Beaver Kill: 1) from Sullivan County line (below Roscoe) downstream 2.5 miles to the old railroad trestle and 2) from one mile upstream to 1.6 miles downstream of iron bridge at Horton Beaver Kill from Iron Bridge at Horton downstream to rst Rt. 17 overpass
East Branch Delaware River Special Regulations by River Section below:

9" 5 12" 2 Articial lures only April 1 through Oct 15 Use or possession of baitsh is prohibited April 1 through Oct 15 10" 3 Ice shing All year 12" 3 permitted April 1 through Oct 15 12" 3 See NYC Reservoirs Regulations on page 23. 9" Catch and release only 5 Articial lures only

April 1 through Nov 30 All year

Angling prohibited July 1 through August 31 to protect thermally stressed trout Trout Trout Trout Trout April 1 through Sept 30 9" 5

From Pepacton Reservoir highwater mark upstream From Pepacton Dam downstream to Shinhopple Bridge From Shinhopple Bridge downstream to the mouth at Hancock All streams and their tributaries that ow in to the East Branch of the Delaware River between the villages of East Branch and Hancock
West Branch Delaware River Special Regulations by River Section below:

April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 Oct 16 through Nov 30 Catch and release only 1st Sat after April 11 through Any Size 5 Oct 15 April 1 through Sept 30 9" 5 April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout April 1 through Oct 15 Catch and release only All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2

From Cannonsville Reservoir highwater mark upstream From Cannonsville Dam downstream to the Route 17 overpass at Deposit From Route 17 overpass at Deposit downstream 2.0 miles From the lower limit of catch-and-release section in Deposit downstream to NY/ PA border (1.7 miles below Hale Eddy Bridge) Delaware River and West Branch Delaware River forming NY/PA border

Trout Trout Trout Trout

Articial lures only

All Angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout Black Bass, Trout, Muskellunge, Pickerel, Walleye See Border Waters Regulations on page 25.

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

21

REGION 4 EAST cENTRAl NEw YORk


Greene County
Water
Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Greens Lake, Colgate Lake

Species
Black Bass Trout

Open Season

Minimum Length

Daily Limit

Method

See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. All year 12" 3 Ice shing permitted

Montgomery County
Water
Beardsley Lake Schoharie Creek

Species
Trout Black Bass

Open Season
All year 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June

Minimum Length
12" 10"

Daily Limit
3 5

Method
Ice shing permitted

Catch and release only

Articial lures only

Otsego County
Water
Arnold Lake Basswood Pond Canadarago Lake Gilbert Lake Goodyear Lake

Species
Trout Trout Yellow Perch Trout Yellow Perch Sunsh (Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Redbreast) Brown Trout LL Salmon Lake Trout Trout LL Salmon Lake Trout

Open Season
All year April 1 through Oct 15 All year April 1 through Nov 30 All year All year All year All year All year April 1 through Oct 15 April 1 through Oct 15 April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
12" 10" Any size 12" Any size Any size 18" 18" 23" Any size 15" 21"

Daily Limit
3 3 25 3 25 25 1 1 1 3 in any combination

Method
Ice shing permitted

Otsego Lake

Ice shing permitted

Susquehanna River from Otsego Lake Dam to Goodyear Lake

Rensselaer County
Water
Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this section to the rst barrier impassable by sh Glass Lake Hoosic River, Little Hoosic River Kinderhook Creek, Adams Crossing downstream Hudson River from Troy Dam upstream to Bakers Falls in the Village of Hudson Falls and tributaries in this section to rst barrier impassable by sh, Mohawk River below Route 32 bridge Hudson River upstream of Lock C-4 and its associated dam, near Stillwater, NY Second Pond, Long Pond, Shaver Pond Tomhannock Reservoir

Species
Black Bass Trout Trout Trout All Species

Open Season

Minimum Length

Daily Limit

Method

See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. All year April 1 through Oct 15 April 1 through Nov 30 All year 12" 9" Any size 3 5 5 Ice shing permitted

Catch and release shing only. All sh shall be returned to the water immediately.

Baitsh listed on page 57 may be possessed for use as sh bait. Use of tip-ups is permitted.

Use or possession of alewife or blueback herring prohibited Trout All year 12" 3 Ice shing permitted Ice Fishing Season Jan 1 through March 15, daylight hours only. Fishing by permit only (available from City of Troy)

Schenectady County
Water
Schoharie Creek from Route 20 bridge upstream

Species
Black Bass

Open Season
3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit
5

Method
Articial lures only

Catch and release only 10" Catch and release only 5

Schoharie Creek from Route 20 bridge downstream

Black Bass

Articial lures only

Schoharie County
Water
Mallet Pond Schoharie Creek from Schoharie Reservoir downstream to Route 20 bridge

Species
Trout Black Bass

Open Season
All year 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June April 1 though October 15

Minimum Length
12" Any size

Daily Limit
3 5

Method
Ice shing permitted

Catch and release only 10" Catch and release only See New York City Reservoir Regulations on page 23. 10" 3 5

Articial lures only

Schoharie Creek from Route 20 bridge downstream Schoharie Reservoir Holding Pond

Black Bass Trout Trout

Articial lures only

22

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

NEw YORk CITy RESERVOIR REGulATIONS


A free New York Cit y Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Public Access Permit is required to sh New York City reservoirs. In addition, all anglers 16 years of age or older must possess a valid New York State shing license. All DEP permits issued prior to 2002 are no longer valid and a new permit must be obtained. For those 18 years of age or older, permits can be obtained online at www.nyc.gov/ html/dep/html/watershed_protection/recreation. shtml. Permits can also be obtained by completing an application and mailing to: NYCDEPAccess Permits, 71 Smith Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. Guest passes are also available for those who would like to accompany an access permit holder onto water supply lands but do not want to obtain their own access permit. Access permits and applications can be obtained online or by visiting a DEP oce or police precinct, town hall or sports/tackle shop within the watershed. In New York City, applications are available during normal business hours at: DEP Central Oce 96-05 Horace Harding Expressway  Corona, NY (718) 595-4595 DEPs Bureau of Customer Conservation Services in Manhattan 1250 Broadway, 8th Floor  New York, NY (212) 643-2215 Boating for the purposes of shing is allowed on NYC reservoirs to those with the appropriate DEP permits. Anglers must store their shing boats at designated storage areas. All boats must be approved and registered with DEP. Some of the over 240 boat storage areas may at times be closed to the placement of new boats due to overcrowding and maintenance needs; several are currently closed. People who want to register a new boat must rst obtain a valid Access Permit and then call the DEP Oce near the reservoir of interest to make a steam-cleaning and registration appointment. There is no cost for this service, which must be performed by DEP. NYC DEP allows non-motorized recreational boating on a day use basis in Cannonsville, Neversink, Pepacton and Schoharie Reservoirs. This day use recreational boating season opens on Memorial Day and runs through Columbus Day. A pilot program now also allows the use of electric trolling motors on shing rowboats on Cannonsville Reservoir. All boats must be registered and cleaned prior to being launched. Details about these expanded recreational boating opportunities can be found at www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/ recreation/cannonsville_boating_program.shtml

DEP Ofces
Ashokan Reservoir (845) 657-2663 Schoharie Reservoir (607) 588-6231 Rondout and Neversink Reservoirs (845) 334-7152 Cannonsville and Pepacton Reservoirs (607) 363-7009 East of Hudson Reservoirs (914) 232-1309 For additional information, contact DEP at:

recreation@dep.nyc.gov or call 1-800-575-LAND (5263)

New York City Reservoir Regulations


Reservoir
Amawalk Bog Brook Cross River Diverting Middle Branch Muscoot Titicus Croton Falls Lake Gilead Lake Gleneida Boyd Corners East Branch

Species

Open Season

Minimum Length

Daily Limit

Method

Trout

All year

12"

Ice shing permitted

It is the anglers responsibility to entice the sh to strike the bait or lure. It is this challenge that makes angling a lifetime sport.

R S A

Trout Lake Trout Trout Trout Walleye Lake Trout Trout LL Salmon Lake Trout Trout Trout Lake Trout Trout Trout Walleye Trout Trout Smelt Trout

All year All year All Year All year 1st Sat. in May through March 15 All year All year All year All year All year All year April 1 through Nov 30 April 1 through Nov 30 April 1 through Nov 30 1st Sat. in May through March 15 April 1 through October 15 April 1 through October 15

18" 21" Any size 12" 18" 21" 12" 18" 18" 12" 12" 18" 12" 12" 18" 12" 12" Smelt shing prohibited

1 3 5 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

The sport of shing is based upon the experience of shing, not the number of sh taken. The sport of angling is based upon the concept of fair chase. Fish are not fairly taken when conned by low water levels or temperature conditions. Ethical shing is not limited to any particular method or technique as long as sh are enticed to bite under fair chase conditions. Remember Adults Teach by Example, Children Learn by Observing ALWAYS be aware of the example that you are setting. The future of our sport depends upon it!

West Branch

Kensico New Croton Schoharie Rondout Ashokan Cannonsville Neversink Pepacton

April 1 through Sept 30

15"

2 sh to include only 1 over 21"

Statewide regulations apply to all species not listed in the above table.

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

23

TIDAl HuDSON RIVER REGulATIONS


Tidal Hudson River Regulations
Species Location
From the Battery to the Troy Dam and all tributaries upstream to the rst barrier impassable by sh

Statewide Angling Regulations apply except as listed below:


Open Season Minimum Length
Eels 614" only may be possessed in any number for bait. No eels greater than 14" may be possessed. No eels may be possessed for food.

Daily Limit

American eel

All year

Black Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth) Striped Bass American Shad Hickory Shad

Hudson River from the Troy Dam down3rd Sat. in June stream and all tributaries in this section to 15" minimum length Daily limit 5 through Nov 30 the rst barrier impassable by sh. Note: It is illegal to sh for (including catch & release) largemouth bass and smallmouth bass during the closed season of December 1 through the Friday preceding the 3rd Saturday in June. Hudson River & Tributaries Mar. 16 through 18 minimum length Daily limit 1 north of George Washington Bridge Nov 30 Fishing for or possessing American Shad on the Hudson River or in the marine district is prohibited. Hudson River & Tributaries north of Tappan Aug. 1 through Any Size Daily limit 5 Zee Bridge Nov 30

License Requirements
Anglers 16 years of age and older who desire to sh in the marine and coastal district of New York, or for migratory marine species in all waters of the state, including the Hudson River, must enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. Anglers targeting solely freshwater species such as largemouth and smallmouth bass on the Hudson River require only a freshwater shing license.

Circle Hook Recommendation


If you plan to use natural baits for striped bass, please use non-oset circle hooks. Circle hooks increase the percentage of sh that are hooked in the mouth, decreasing hooking mortality in released sh. If you plan on practicing catchand-release shing, you should only use circle hooks for natural baits.

Blue Crab Regulations


50 blue crabs per day. Minimum carapice length across the back is: Hard crab: 4 inches Soft shell crab: 3 inches Peeler crab: 3 inches No license is required to collect blue crabs.

Hudson River Anadromous River Herring* Regulations


Location Open Season Minimum Length Daily Possession Limit Manner of Taking

Hudson River Tributaries and Embayments including Mohawk River

March 15 through June 15

None

10 per angler, OR a maximum boat limit of 50 per day for a group of boat anglers, whichever is lower 10 per angler, OR a maximum boat limit of 50 per day for a group of boat anglers, whichever is lower

Angling only

Main stem of the Hudson River from Lock 1 near Waterford NY south to the George Washington Bridge

March 15 through June 15

None

Angling or by personal use nets (see below)

* Anadromous river herring are alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, and blueback herring, Alosa aestivalis.

Taking of Anadromous River Herring with Personal Use Nets


1. No person shall take anadromous river herring with a net within Hudson River Tributaries and Embayments. Prior to entering a Hudson River tributary or embayment, all personal use nets must be stowed in a secured container on deck or in a container below deck. 2. No person shall take anadromous river herring from the Hudson River: with more than one net when taking with a scap or dip net; with a dip net exceeding 14 inches in diameter if it is round form or exceeding 13 inches by 13 inches if it is square form; with a scap, or lift net exceeding 16 square feet; with a seine net exceeding 36 square feet; or with a cast net exceeding 10 feet in diameter.

24

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

BORDER WATERS REGulATIONS


The Statewide Angling Regulations apply to species and waters not listed.

Greenwood Lake (New York/New Jersey Border Water)


Species Open Season
Third Sat. in June through Nov 30 Black Bass December 1 through the Friday preceding the third Sat. in June May 1 through last day in Feb All year All year All year All year

Minimum Length
12"

Daily Limit
5

Catch and Release only 18" 15" 36" 12" 8" 3 5 1 5 10

Walleye Pickerel Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge Channel Catsh Crappie

Ice shing legal for any species during its open season. No more than ve tip-ups and two handlines may be used.

Indian Lake (New York/Connecticut Border Water)


Species
Black Bass Pickerel

Open Season
3rd Sat. in April (6 AM) November 30 3rd Sat. in April (6 AM) March 31

Minimum Length
12" 15"

Daily Limit
6 6

Fishing Prohibited From April 1 to 6 AM on the 3rd Saturday in April. Ice shing legal for any species during its open season. No more than ve tip-ups and two handlines may be used.

Be certain to follow proper tournament procedures to ensure that sh intended for release survive. A critical factor is water temperature and it is highly recommended that tournaments not be held during hot mid-summer periods. Also, be certain that boat livewells and other sh-holding equipment are properly disinfected after every event. This will help prevent the spread of sh diseases such as VHS and largemouth bass virus (LMBV). Disinfection procedures can be found on page 2. Additional information on proper tournament procedures can be found at: www.bassmaster.com/tips/ keeping-bass-alive

A T O

Delaware River & West Branch Delaware River (NY/PA Border Water)
Body of Water Species Open Season
1st Saturday after April 11 through Oct 15 Delaware River Trout Oct 16 through the Fri preceding the rst Sat after April 11 1st Sat after April 11 through Oct 15 West Branch Delaware River Trout Oct 16 through the Fri preceding the rst Sat after April 11 First Sat after June 11 through Fri preceding the rst Sat After April 11 Black Bass From Fri preceding the rst Sat after April 11 through Fri preceding the rst Sat After June 11 1st Sat in May through March 15 All year All year All year

Minimum Length
14"

Daily Limit
1

Catch and Release only 12" 2

Catch and Release only Articial lures only 12" 5

Catch and Release only

Walleye Delaware River & West Branch Delaware River Pickerel Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge Striped Bass River Herring* (Alewife and Blueback Herring) American Shad

18" 12" 40" 28"

3 5 1 2

The Department of Environmental Conservation is committed to providing an ever increasing range of access opportunities to its programs and lands that it administers. The South Bay Fishing Pier on Lake Champlain is an example of the efforts the Department has made towards improving shing opportunities for people with disabilities. For a complete discussion of Department accessibility efforts and a list of accessible outdoor opportunities, go to: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/34035.html

A R F

Possession Prohibited

All year

Any size

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

25

Fly Fishing the Catskills


T
he Catskill region is a densely forested mountainous area of New York State renowned for its rivers and streams, natural beauty and scenic landscapes; and for inspiring many of Americas earliest and most famous writers, artists, naturalists and trout shermen. Catskill rivers such as the Beaverkill, Willowemoc, Esopus and Neversink have been pivotal to the history and development of American y shing; these are historic waters that are held dear by men and women who y sh, not only in this country, but all over the world. The Catskill region encompasses 5,892 square miles. Within this boundary are 287,500 acres of public lands known as the Catskill Forest Preserve that contain open and forested lands, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams that can be enjoyed freely for hiking, camping, hunting, skiing and, of course, trout shing. The Catskills oer more than 1,500 miles of trout streams that vary in character; from small streams one could leap across teeming with brook trout, to rivers large enough to oat a drift boat and tempt a brown or rainbow into taking a dry y. Originally, only brook trout inhabited the Catskills. They lived only in the cleanest and coldest sections of streams and rivers, mostly near the headwaters and in the smaller tributaries where water temperatures were coolest. By the 1870s, brook trout populations and habitat were reduced by over-shing and streamside industries that fouled and warmed their waters. By the early 1880s, rainbow trout from the west coast, and brown trout from Europe, were introduced into Catskill rivers and streams; and their impact cannot be overstated. They thrived and populated lower river environments that were too warm for native brook trout; and they reproduced, creating many new miles of trout shing.

East Branch Delaware River

26

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

The Beaverkill is probably the most well-known of the Catskill y shing waters. Most of its famed reputation is based upon the introduction of brown trout. They ourished in its lower waters that were too warm for brook trout. The excellent hatches of surface-riding mayies; and the coming together of brown trout and the magnicent mayy hatches created some of the best dry y shing in the east. The lower Beaverkill is big water, with lengthy ries containing all of the popular caddis ies and mayies that y shers read about; pools are large, deep, and wide - wide enough to provide plenty of room for a back cast. Without question, hatches of Quill Gordons, Hendricksons and March Browns are favorites with y shers; but it is the Green Drake that causes the most excitement. When this mayy is hatching, the largest trout in the Beaverkill can be found actively feeding on the surface. The Beaverkill remains popular today, though most y shers concentrate along two stretches of Special Regulations water known as catch and release. Totaling 5.1 miles; these sections can be shed all year, and they contain excellent populations of brown trout. The largest tributary to the Beaverkill is the 26-mile-long Willowemoc Creek; and while it, too, is dominated by brown trout, one can nd solitude and brook trout in abundance along its forest preserve headwaters. The most popular water on the Willowemoc is the lower seven miles between Livingston Manor and Roscoe; a stretch of river similar to the lower Beaverkill, with large pools and lengthy foodproducing ries abundant with mayies, caddis and stoneies. As in the Beaverkill, the best shing is found in the year-round catch and release Special Regulations section. This section begins upstream of Elm Hollow Brook and extends downstream 3.7 miles. A favorite location is Hazel Bridge Pool, which has become a gathering place for y shers. While most will be shing, others watch from the bridge, oering advice on what ies to use and pointing out rises to those in the water. The trout here often feed on midges on the surface, and do so practically every month of the year. Catches of a dozen or more trout are not uncommon, and a size #22 Pheasant Tail Midge or

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 27

Major Catskill Hatches

Griths Gnat tied to a 7X tippet works exceptionally well. If trout are not rising at Hazel Bridge Pool, they are probably not rising anywhere else on the Willowemoc. Although Esopus Creek continues beyond the Ashokan Reservoir, it is the section above the reservoir that is of most interest to trout anglers. From its source near Slide Mountain, it ows approximately 25 miles before reaching the reservoir. Access is provided primarily along the shoulders of Route 28 which parallels the stream from Big Indian to Boiceville. Immediately downstream of Big Indian, the Esopus is of moderate size, with small pools and ries that are strewn with large boulders, forming excellent pocket water. The size of the Esopus increases dramatically at Allaben, as additional ow enters from the Shandaken portal, an 18-mile tunnel that transports water from Schoharie Reservoir to Ashokan Reservoir via the Esopus Creek. The volume coming from the portal often exceeds the natural ow of the stream, especially in summer. The cold water that comes from deep in the reservoir is benecial to the trout shery. Below the portal, the Esopus is big water, with long ries and deep pools, and stream widths greater than 100 feet. During the spring and summer, Esopus regulars favor high-oating dry ies such as an Elk Hair Caddis, Humpy, or Hair Wing Royal Coachman when shing fast water. In pools, standards like the Adams, Light Cahill, March Brown and Dun Variant work well. One of the best hatches on the Esopus is the Isonychia bicolor, which is imitated by the Dun Variant. While this mayy may emerge from May to October, it is most abundant in the fall. The Esopus Creek and its tributaries are dominated by rainbow trout that are born in the watershed and, in time, migrate

to the Ashokan Reservoir to grow and mature, before they return to the Esopus to reproduce and continue the cycle. There is also a good population of brown trout. DEC surveys have revealed that 75 % of the resident trout populations are wild, making the Esopus one of the most prolic wild trout streams in the Catskills. Historically, the Esopus is known for its spring run of large rainbows, as well as for the abundant number of smaller rainbows that inhabit its waters. The best time to sh for these large rainbows, some in the two to four-pound range, is from the 1st of April to May 15th. Weighted nymphs, such as a Gold Ribbed Hares Ear or a Zug Bug, are favorites. Some y shers will opt for using split shot and a pair of wet ies, such as a Lead Wing and Royal Coachman. The 15 mile section of the lower Neversink River from Hasbrouck to Bridgeville, below the Neversink Reservoir is another popular Catskill trout resource. The Neversink is primarily a brown trout shery and, in recent years, improved water releases from the reservoir have resulted in more wild trout, better growth rates and greater angler satisfaction. The lower Neversink is a good early-season shery. April shing conditions are often better than other streams, since the run-o of melting snows and heavy rains of spring are captured by the reservoir. Spring time ows are clearer and slightly warmer, as water coming from the bottom of the reservoir is generally between 38-41 F, and favorable to trout feeding activity. Neversink y hatches are similar to other Catskill rivers. Good choices of ies are the standard Catskill y patterns, such as the Light Cahill, Hendrickson and Quill Gordon, as well as the various types of Blue Wing Olives and Sulphurs. The East and West Branches of the Delaware River are becoming increasingly popular with y shers. More stable, cold water releases from New York City reservoirs on these rivers have improved the shery as well as trout shing conditions, especially during the summer months, giving the Catskills a second season. The East Branch below Pepacton Reservoir ows approximately 32.6 miles from Downsville to Hancock, where it joins the West Branch. For several miles below Downsville, the East Branch is similar to a giant spring creek. The water is cold year-round, ries tend to be short and shallow, and pools are long, slow and glassy. The East Branch oers good summer trout shing when natural owing streams become low and warm. In July and August, hatches of Blue Wing Olives and Sulphurs can be incredible, and trout can be found rising all day long; however, East Branch trout can stop feeding or be put down by one poor cast. Long, softly placed, accurate casts of small ies tied on tippets of 6X or 7X are a must; and even when properly executed, a trout may stop rising. This

Rainbow Trout

28

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

is considered technical shing, and y shers often spend an excessive amount of time changing patterns, searching for the right y. About 15 miles downstream of Downsville, the East Branch is joined by the Beaverkill, and from this junction down river to Hancock, the character of the river is more natural in appearance. This is big water where pools are so large that locally, they are known as eddies, with names like Boltons Eddy, Fishs Eddy or Pease Eddy. Although the East Branch upstream of its junction with the Beaverkill is populated mostly by brown trout and a few rainbows, the water downstream contains browns and rainbows in equal numbers. This portion of the lower East Branch has many of the hatches the Catskills are known for, but many trout shers prefer when Green Drakes are hatching in late May or early June. In July and August, the West Branch oers good ows of cold water and excellent hatches of Sulphurs and Olives. Innite numbers of these tiny mayies cover the water day after day, enticing trout to rise with a frequency not often seen on other rivers. This is challenging shing, and those who are successful can be rewarded with large trout, most often browns, but on occasion a rainbow or two. The trout population is dominated by browns; rainbows are fairly common, and brook trout are rare enough that they are a pleasant surprise. The West Branch, like other Catskill rivers, has its devotees who sh its waters through the season and are also year- round stewards, protecting and preserving the exceptional trout shing it oers. There are about 16 miles of the lower West Branch between Cannonsville Reservoir and the Village of Hancock; and in this stretch is a two mile section of catch and release water that can be shed from April 1st until October 15th. Access is limited, even though Route 17 parallels the West Branch from Deposit to Hancock. In general, the West Branch is dry y water that oers great surface activity. However, shing for its large, steadily rising trout can be

demanding. In many places pools are slow-moving and glassy; trout have plenty of time to look over your y, causing the conundrum of which y to use. As a rule, use a y that is similar to the size and color (light, medium, or dark) of the one that is on the water; but importantly, cast accurately and softly, timing the sh as it takes naturals o the surface. Dont crowd rising trout, and use as ne a tippet as you dare. Although the waters decribed previously are the most well known, good shing can also be found in other Catskill streams including the Little Delaware River, and Rondout, Catskill and Schoharie Creeks.

Brown Trout

Ed Van Put is a former member of the DECs Bureau of Fisheries. He now spends his days shing the waters of the Catskills. Ed has written numerous books on Catskill yshing. He can be contacted at edvanput@hvc.rr.com.

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

29

REGION 5 NORTHEASTERN NEw YORk HEAD


Clinton County
Water
Lake Champlain and tributaries to rst barrier Upper Chateaugay Lake, Chazy Lake Great Chazy River from Route 9B at Cooperville upstream to Perrys Mills Dam Saranac River from Imperial Dam upstream to the Millstone Monument located at the intersection of Sand Pond Road and NYS Rt 22B in Morrisonville Saranac River from the Millstone Monument located at the intersection of Sand Pond Road and NYS Rt. 22B in Morrisonville upstream to Kent Falls Dam Saranac River from marked boundary 100 yards upstream of its conuence with the North Branch Saranac River upstream 1.4 miles to Stord Brook North Branch Saranac River from mouth of Cold Brook upstream to Alder Brook Fern Lake

Species
All Species Trout Lake Trout LL Salmon

Open Season

Minimum Length
Any size 21" 15"

Daily Limit

Method

See Lake Champlain Regulations on page 35. All year All year All year 5 3 3 Ice shing permitted

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of Walleye season in May

Region 5 Route 86, P.O. Box 296 Ray Brook, NY 12977-0220 (518) 897-1200 Sub-Oce 232 Golf Course Road Warrensburg, NY 12885-0220 (518) 623-1200 fwsh5@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Trout

All year

12"

Trout

All year

Catch and release only

Articial lures only

Trout

All year

Catch and release only

Articial lures only

Trout Walleye

All year

12"

Articial lures only Ice shing permitted

1st Saturday in May through 18" 3 Mar 15 Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

Essex County

Water

Species
All Species Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout Lake Trout Trout Round Whitesh Lake Trout Lake Trout, LL Salmon, Trout, Smelt Lake Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 All year April 1 through Oct 15 All year All year April 1 through Oct 15 All year Possession Prohibited April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
9" Any size Any size

Daily Limit
5 5 5

Method

Lake Champlain and tributaries to the rst barrier Boquet River from Wadhams Falls upstream to Route 9N in Elizabethtown Indian River West Branch Ausable River except section below: West Branch Ausable River from mouth of Holcomb Pond Outlet downstream to marked boundary 2.2 miles downstream of Monument Falls West Branch Ausable River from the Whiteface Ski Center bridge downstream to the Rt 86 bridge at the ume Bigsby Pond, Copperas Pond Eagle Lake, Connery Pond, Hudson River Upper and Lower Cascade lakes First Lake of Essex Chain, Pharaoh Lake Lake George and tributaries upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh Crane Pond Paradox Lake

See Lake Champlain Regulations on page 35.

Catch and release only Catch and release only 15" 3 Fishing prohibited Oct 16 through Mar 31 Any size 5 15" 3

Articial lures only Articial lures only Tip-ups prohibited Ice shing permitted Use or possession of baitsh prohibited Use or possession of baitsh prohibited Use or possession of smelt prohibited. 3 Ice shing permitted. Use or possession of baitsh prohibited

See Lake George under Warren County. All year 15"

Trout All year Any size 5 Ice shing permitted Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Mirror Lake, Lake Placid Lake Trout April 1 through Oct 15 15" 3 Black Bass April 1 through Nov 30 Any size Any Number Moose Pond (Town of St. Armand) Use or possession of baitsh prohibited Lake Trout April 1 through Oct 15 15" 3 Trout All year Any size 5 Schroon Lake, Schroon River from Schroon Lake upstream to Lake Trout All year 18" 2 Ice shing permitted Alder Meadow Rd. LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Lake Trout, LL Ticonderoga Creek from lower falls upstream to Lake George Lake Champlain Regulations apply (page 35) Salmon, Trout Harris Lake, Franklin Falls Flow Walleye 1st Saturday in May through Mar 15 18" 3 Ice shing permitted Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

30

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

REGION 5 NORTHEASTERN NEw YORk


Franklin County
Water Species Open Season
3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 All year All year 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 April 1 through Oct 15 All year All year 1st Sat in May through March 15

Minimum Length
12"

Daily Limit

Method
Fishing for black bass (including catch & release) is prohibited outside of the open season

All waters except Lake Colby

Black Bass

Trout Lake Colby LL Salmon Black Bass Big Fish Pond, Little Fish Pond, St. Regis Pond Lake Clear, Meacham Lake Franklin Falls Flow, Lower Saranac Lake, Rainbow Lake Little Clear Pond, Little Green Pond, and their tributaries Follensby Clear Pond Mountain Pond (Town of Brighton) Saranac River from Hough Brook at Union Falls Flow upstream to Franklin Falls Flow Dam Saranac River from Pine Street bridge upstream to Lake Flower Dam in Village of Saranac Lake Whey Pond Upper Saranac Lake Tupper Lake, Lake Kushaqua, Rollins Pond Trout Trout Lake Trout Lake Trout Trout LL Salmon Trout Lake Trout Trout LL Salmon Walleye

Any size 15" Any size 15" Any size 15" 18"

5 3 5 3 5 3 3 Use or possession of baitsh prohibited Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

Fishing prohibited to protect hatchery brood stock. April 1 through Oct 15 April 1 through Nov 30 15" Catch and release only 3 Tip-ups prohibited Articial lures only

The use or possession of sh as bait is prohibited on many trout waters and on certain units of state land (listed in Special Regulations by County pages). These restrictions are necessary to preserve trout shing and maintain native sh communities. Baitsh can become established if they escape from a bait pail or get off a hook alive. Natural reproduction of trout can be severely reduced or eliminated by competing sh. Aquatic insects and other food items are less available to trout in the presence of competitors. The result is a rapid and dramatic decline in the total weight of trout in a pond after competing shes become established.

W S L W B P

Fishing prohibited March 1 through May 15 to protect spawning walleye

All year April 1 Oct 15 April 1 Oct 15 April 1 Oct 15 All year

Any size 12" Any size 23" 21"

5 3 in combination 5 3 3 Articial lures only Ice shing permitted; Tip-ups prohibited Ice shing permitted

NEW YORK STATE

EnVIROnMEnTAL COnsERVATIOn POLIcE


Q: Can I use whole or parts of yellow perch or other sportsh that I caught as bait? A: Yes, as long as it is legal to use sh as bait in the waterbody you are shing, the sh were captured from that waterbody, and were legally taken and of legal size. Note that sportsh used for bait counts toward the daily limit you may possess. Q: Can I use felt-soled waders in New York State? A: Regulations do not prohibit the use of felt-soled waders and wading shoes in New York State. However, felt soles are dicult to clean and have been identied as a possible means by which whirling disease and the invasive algae didymo may be spread. Because non-felt alternatives are now readily available, we strongly recommend that anglers consider using them. Q: Can I use lead shing sinkers in New York State? A: The sale of lead shing sinkers weighing less than one-half ounce is prohibited in New York State. Although you may still use small lead sinkers, we strongly recommend that you switch to the various non-lead alternatives that are now readily available.

Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

Fulton County
Water
Canada Lake, Green Lake, Lily Lake, West Lake East Caroga Lake, West Caroga Lake, Northville Pond, Great Sacandaga Lake Kyser Lake Great Sacandaga Lake tributaries from the stream mouth to rst highway bridge. Sacandaga River from the Bridge Street bridge in Northville upstream to the rst crossing of Route 30.

Species
Lake Trout Trout Trout Trout

Open Season
All year All year All year All year

Minimum Length
21" Any size Any size 12"

Daily Limit
3

Method
Ice shing permitted

5 5 3 Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of Walleye season in May

Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR DEC DISPATCH CENTER:

1-877-457-5680

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

31

REGION 5 NORTHEASTERN NEw YORk


Hamilton County
Water Species Open Season
3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 All year All year All year All year 1st Sat in May through Mar 15 All year All year All year All year April 1 Oct 15 All year All year April 1 Oct 15 All year All year All year

Minimum Length
12"

Daily Limit
5

Method
Fishing for black bass (including catch & release) is prohibited outside of the open season Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

All waters except Hudson River

Black Bass Black Bass, Trout Trout Lake Trout Trout Walleye Trout Trout Lake Trout LL Salmon Lake Trout Lake Trout LL Salmon Lake Trout Trout Lake Trout LL Salmon

Hudson River Abanakee Lake (Town of Indian Lake) Lake Algonquin

Any size Any size Any size Any size 18" Any size Any size 21" 15" 15"

5 5 3 5 3 5 5 2 3 3

Richard Beauchamp holding the 6 lb., and new state record, brook trout he caught from Silver Lake (Hamilton County) on a Lake Clear Wabbler.

Limekiln Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake Blue Mountain Lake, Eagle Lake, Forked Lake, Gilman Lake, South Pond, Utowana Lake, Indian Lake (Town of Indian Lake), Lake Eaton, Lewey Lake, Raquette Lake Lake Lila, First Lake of Essex Chain Piseco Lake Fawn Lake (Town of Lake Pleasant) Fourth Lake of Fulton Chain

Ice shing permitted Use or possession of baitsh prohibited

21" 2 Ice shing permitted 18" 2 18" 3 Tip-ups prohibited; Fishing prohibited Oct 16 March 31 9" 5 21" 3 Ice shing permitted 15" 3

Joshua Trainor with an 8 lb. 15 oz. brown trout he caught from Batten Kill, Washington County on April 9, 2012.

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May Sacandaga Lake tributaries and outlet, Lake Pleasant tributaries Walleye Trout LL Salmon First Saturday in May through March 15 All year All year 18 Any size 15" 3 5 3 Ice shing permitted

Lake Pleasant, Sacandaga Lake Lake Pleasant outlet to mouth of the Kunjamuk River Jennings Park Pond Sagamore Lake Round Lake to the boundary with Little Tupper Lake

Closed from March 16th until the opening walleye season in May. Trout Lake Trout Brook Trout Trout April 1 through Oct 15 April 1 Oct 15 April 1 through Oct 15 All year All year All year Any size 18" 12" Any size 18" 15" 3 3 3 5 3 3 Ice shing permitted Articial lures only Use or possession of baitsh prohibited Use or possession of baitsh prohibited

Seventh Lake, Sixth Lake

Lake Trout LL Salmon

Every pleasure vessel, including canoes, kayaks and rowboats, must have on board at least one wearable personal oatation device (PFD) for each person on board. Children under 12 years of age on any vessel 65 ft. or less in length must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III PFD while underway. From November 1 May 1, everyone must wear a life jacket when underway on pleasure boats less than 21 ft. For more information on boating safety regulations, go to www.nysparks.com.

L J

Great Sacandaga Lake tributaries from the upstream mouth to rst highway bridge. Sacandaga River from Bridge Street in Northville upstream to the rst crossing of Route 30. Little Tupper Lake, Rock Pond & Rock Pond Outlet Stream between Rock Pond & Little Tupper Lake Indian River (Town of Indian Lake) Charley Pond Outlet (within W.C. Whitney Area) Trout Trout

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May

April 1 through Oct 15 All year

Catch and release only Any size

Articial lures only. 5

Use or possession of baitsh prohibited

Fishing prohibited July 1st through Sept 15th

Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

32

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

REGION 5 NORTHEASTERN NEw YORk


Saratoga County
Water Species
Trout All Species

Open Season
All year All year

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit
5

Method
Ice shing permitted

Hudson River from Warren County line downstream to Washington County line east of Glens Falls Hudson River from Troy Dam upstream to Bakers Falls in the Village of Hudson Falls and tributaries in this section to rst barrier impassable by sh, including Mohawk River below Route 32 bridge Kayaderosseras Creek from Saratoga Lake upstream to rst railroad bridge Kayaderosseras Creek from rst railroad bridge upstream Great Sacandaga Lake, Moreau Lake Great Sacandaga Lake tributaries from lake upstream to rst highway bridge Mohawk River from Lock 2 to Guard Gate 2 (Waterford Flight) Saratoga Lake including Fish Creek downstream to the old railroad crossing between Staffords and Bryants bridges

Catch and release shing only. All sh shall be returned to the water immediately. Baitsh listed on page 57 may be possessed for use as sh bait. Use of tip-ups is permitted.

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May Trout Trout All year All year Any size Any size 5 5 Ice shing permitted

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May Use or possession of alewife or blueback herring is prohibited Sunsh (Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Redbreast) All year Any size 15 Ice shing permitted

Warren County
Water
Brant Lake, Brant Lake Mill Pond, Brant Lake Outlet, Hudson River, Lake Luzerne, Trout Lake Lake George and tributaries upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh Glen Lake Hour Pond, Jabe Pond, Little Jabe Pond, Peaked Mountain Pond, and their tributaries Lily Pond, Pack Forest Lake Schroon Lake, Schroon River from Schroon Lake downstream to Starbuckville Dam Schroon River from Starbuckville Dam downstream Thirteenth Lake and tributaries and outlet downstream to Hudson River Palmer Pond

Species
Trout Trout Lake Trout LL Salmon Trout Trout Black Bass Trout Lake Trout LL Salmon Trout Lake Trout LL Salmon Trout Salmon Trout

Open Season
All year All year All year All year All year April 1 through Oct 15 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 All year All year All year All year All year All year April 1 Nov 30 April 1 Nov 30 April 1 Nov 30

Minimum Length
Any size Any size 23" 18" Any size 12" 10" Any size 18" 15" Any size Any size Any size Any size 15" Any size

Daily Limit
5 5 2 2 5 3 5 5 2 3 5 3 3 5 3 5

Method
Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted; Use or possession of smelt prohibited Ice shing permitted Articial lures only

NEW YORK STATE

EnVIROnMEnTAL COnsERVATIOn POLIcE


Q: Do I need a permit to conduct a bass tournament in New York State? A: A permit is not necessary to conduct a bass tournament in New York. However, a temporary revocable permit is required to use a DEC boat launch or other state land for an organized purpose, such as a tournament weigh-in. A permit issued by the appropriate DEC regional oce is required to possess sh in excess of the daily limit for tournaments holding sh prior to release or using release boats. Q: Can I collect craysh and use them for bait? A: Yes. However, a shing license is required to keep minnow species incidentally caught in a craysh trap, and their take and use must be in accordance with DEC baitsh regulations. Q: If I put an electric motor on my canoe, does the canoe have to be registered with NYS? A: Yes. Any motorized vessel operated on the waters of the state of New York must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Ice shing permitted

Ice shing permitted Use or possession of baitsh prohibited

Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

Washington County
Water
Batten Kill from Vermont state line downstream to covered bridge at Eagleville Hoosic River Lake Champlain and tributaries to rst barrier Lake George and tributaries upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh Hudson River from Troy dam upstream to Ft. Edward and tributaries in this section to rst barrier impassable by sh, Mohawk River below Route 32 Bridge

Species
Trout Trout All Species Lake Trout, Trout, LL Salmon

Open Season
All year April 1 Oct 15

Minimum Length

Daily Limit

Method
Articial lures only

Catch and release only 9" 5

See Lake Champlain Regulations on page 35. See Lake George under Warren County Smelt: Use or possession of smelt prohibited

All Species

All year

Catch and release shing only. All sh shall be returned to the water immediately. Baitsh listed on page 57 may be possessed for use as sh bait. Use of tip-ups is permitted.

TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR DEC DISPATCH CENTER:

1-877-457-5680

Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

BATTENKILL RIVERSPORTS
& CAMPGROUND (518) 677-8868
Fly Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Tubing & Camping

Visit us online at www.brsac.com


201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 33

REGION 5 NORTHEASTERN NEw YORk BAITfISH PROHIbITED WATERS


Clinton County
Town of Black Brook
Cranberry Pond Mud Pond (two miles southwest of riverview) Mud Pond Mud Pond Upper and Lower Preston Ponds Henderson Lake Porkchop Pond (0.6 mi. east of Upper Saranac Lake) St. Germain Pond (1/2 mile north of Lake Clear)

Hamilton County
Blue Ridge Wilderness Buell Brook Primitive Area Five Ponds Wilderness High Peaks Wilderness (except Raquette River) Hudson Gorge Primitive Area (except Hudson River) Pigeon Lake Wilderness Siamese Ponds Wilderness Silver Lake Wilderness (except Sacandaga River) Little Moose Lake West Canada Lakes Wilderness William C. Whitney area

Town of Morehouse

Town of North Elba

Town of Dannemora

Essex County
Dix Mountain Wilderness Giant Mountain Wilderness High Peaks Wilderness Hoffman Notch Wilderness Hudson Gorge Primitive Area (except Hudson River) McKenzie Mountain Wilderness (except West Branch of the Ausable River) Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Sentinel Range Wilderness (except East Branch Ausable River)

Big Cherry Patch Pond Cameras Pond McKenzie Pond Tom Peck Pond Upper and Lower Preston Ponds Bass Lake Bloody Pond Boreas Pond Challis Pond Courtney Pond Deer Pond Howard Pond Moose Mountain Pond Triangle Pond Lower Twin Pond Upper Twin Pond White Lily Pond Moose Pond

Town of Malone

Bochen Lake Squaw Lake, Unnamed Pond (1/4 mile southwest of Squaw Lake) Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Siamese Ponds Wilderness

Malone Village Ice Pond Rag Pond (200 feet north of West Pine Pond) West Pine Pond Bad News Pond (1000 feet northwest of Polliwog Pond) Black Pond (between Square Pond and Whey Pond) Duck or Echo Pond Duell Pond (1/4 mile south of Little Green Pond) East Copperas Pond Federation Pond (1/4 mile southeast of East Pine Pond) Frog Pond (650 feet north of Polliwog Pond) Grass Pond (1 1/4 mile northeast of Benz Pond) Little Black Pond (between Black and Square ponds) Green Pond (north of Follensby Clear Pond) Horseshoe Pond Little Polliwog Pond Madewaska Pond Polliwog Pond Rat Pond Sunday Pond (southeast of Rat Pond) Sunrise Pond (east of Follensby Clear Pond) Track Pond (3/4 mile northeast of Floodwood Pond) Twelfth Tee or Gordon Pond (400 feet north of Green Pond) Whey Pond Benz Pond Little Clear Pond Long Pond

Town of Tupper Lake

Warren County

Town of North Hudson

Town of Santa Clara

Town of Bolton
Brown Pond

Town of Chester
Clear Pond Palmer Pond

Town of Hague

Town of Arietta

Town of St. Armand Town of Schroon


Cotters Pond

Town of Jay

Clements Pond Barnes Pond Black Pond Center Pond Clear Pond Corner Pond Deer Pond First Lake (Essex Chain of Lakes) Hewitt Pond Jackson Pond Mud Pond (north of Clear Pond) Mud Pond (north of Third Lake Essex Chain) Nate Pond Pine Lake Rankin Pond Little Rankin Pond Second, Third and Fourth Lakes of Essex Chain Sherman Pond Stony Pond Twenty Ninth Pond Beaver Pond (south of Lake Andrew) Cedar (or Roundtop) Pond Cheney Pond (northwest of Split Rock Lake) Chub Pond Clear Pond Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Lakes of Essex Chain Jackson Pond Lake Andrew Mud Pond (north of Clear Pond) Newcomb Lake (including Upper and Lower Duck Hole) Unnamed Pond (north of LeClaire Brook)

Town of Willmington
Morgan Pond (Cooperkill)

Christian Lake G Lake Iron Lake Jockeybush Lake Little Moose Lake Lower Sargent Pond Middle Sargent Pond Red Louse Lake Bennett Lake Middle Lake Murphy Lake

Buttermilk Pond Jabe Pond Little Jabe Pond Racket Ponds Spectacle Ponds (2) Duck Pond Long Pond Round Pond

Town of Horicon

Town of Hope

Town of Johnsburg

Town of Minerva

Town of Moriah
Goose Puddle Trout Pond

Crane Mountain Pond Eagle Pond Kibby Pond New Lake Wilcox Lake

Town of Indian Lake

Town of Stony Creek Town of Thurman

Franklin County
St. Regis Canoe Area High Peaks Wilderness (except Raquette River and Saranac River)

Town of Bellmont
Drain Pond

Town of Brighton

Town of Newcomb

Barnum Pond, Black Pond (on Visitors Interpretive Center Property) Long Pond (north of Black Pond) Loon Pond Lost Pond (0.4 mi. southwest of Mountain Pond) Mountain Pond Slush Pond Star Mountain Ponds (2) Upper Spectacle Pond Buck Pond Clear Pond Debar Pond Skiff Pond Winebago Pond

Town of Waverly

Barker Pond Blue Ledge Pond Bullhead Pond First Lake (Essex chain of lakes) Grassy Pond Little Grassy Pond Lower Carter Pond Lower Helms Pond Middle Helms Pond OK Slip Pond Pine Lake Pine Pond (east of Blue Mt. Lake) Pug Hole Pond Tirrell Pond Unknown Pond Unnamed pond (3/4 mile east of Barker Pond) Upper Carter Pond Upper Helms Pond Bug Lake Eagle Nest Pond High Rock Pond Icehouse Pond Lost Ponds (3) Mitchell Ponds (2) Panther Mountain Pond

Little Joe Pond Lixard Pond Shiras Pond Un-named Pond (1 mi. northwest of Lixard Pond) Un-named Pond (2 miles east of Kibby Pond) Gay Pond Viele Pond

Town of Warrensburg

Washington County
Town of Dresden
Black Mountain Ponds (2) Bumps Pond Fishbrook Pond Greenland Pond Lapland Pond Inman Pond Dead Lake

Fulton County
Town of Bleecker
Holmes Lake County Line Lake Mud Lake

Town of Inlet

Town of Duane

Town of Fort Ann Town of Jackson Town of Whitehall


Sawmill Pond Spruce Pond

Town of Caroga

Town of Franklin

Hope Pond Little Hope Pond No Hope Pond (300 feet north of Hope Pond) Bear Pond Meadow Pond (1/2 mile northwest of Lake Clear) Panther Pond

Fish Hatchery Pond Indian Lake Otter Lake Stewart Lake Coglin Lakes Fourth Lake Goose Egg Lake House Pond Knapps Long Lake Long Pond Third Lake

Town of Lake Pleasant Town of Long Lake


Bog Pond Clear Pond High Pond Loon Pond Lost Pond Louie Pond Mays Pond Mosquito Pond Owls Head Pond Raquette Lake Reservoir

Town of Stratford

Town of Harrietstown

34

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

LAkE CHAmplAIN REGulATIONS


Lake Champlainincluding all tributaries upstream to the rst barrier impassable by sh. Contact Region 5 DEC Regional Ofce at Ray Brook for barrier locations.
Species
Trout Lake Trout Landlocked Salmon Black Bass Walleye, Sauger Muskellunge Northern Pike Pickerel Crappie Yellow Perch and Sunsh (except Cumberland Bay)

ATTEnTion LAKE ChAMPLAin AnGLERs


Lake Champlain Reciprocal Agreement: Anglers with either a New York or Vermont shing license may sh in the Main Lake and South Lake portions of Lake Champlain between New York and Vermont. South Bay in New York, and the Inland Sea, Malletts Bay and Missisquoi Bay (including the area between North and South Hero Island commonly referred to as The Gut) in Vermont are not included in the agreement. Anglers shing on these waters must have a shing license from the state in which the waterway is located. In addition, rivers that ow into Lake Champlain are excluded from the reciprocal agreement.
Quebec New York Quebec Vermont Missisquoi Bay Cumberland Bay Plattsburgh, NY Inland Sea The Gut Mallets Bay

Open Season
All year All year All year 2nd Sat. in June though Nov 30 Dec 1 through the Fri preceding the 2nd Sat in June 1st Sat. in May through March 15 All year All year All year All year All year

Minimum Length
12" 15" 15" 10" Catch and release only 18" 30" 20" Any size 8" Any size

Daily Limit
3 3 2 5 Articial lures only 3 in combination 1 5 10 25 Any number

Bullheads, Catsh, Carp, Cisco, Rock Bass, Smelt, Suckers, Whitesh, and all other sh All year Any size Any number not listed in this table. Lake Sturgeon and Mooneye Possession Prohibited Note: Each shing line may have no more than two baited hooks or articial lures with or without added natural bait. Ice shing is legal to take any species during its open season. No more than fteen tip-ups and two hand lines may be used for ice shing from Nov 15 April 30.

Cumberland Bay, Lake Champlain


Cumberland Bay is dened as those waters of Lake Champlain north and west of a line extending from Cumberland Head Lighthouse to the northern tip of Crab Island, then westerly to the southerly of the two piers at the Oil Terminal known locally as the Copeland Oil Terminal.
Yellow Perch, Sunsh Statewide angling regulations apply

Additional Lake Champlain tributary regulations


Stream Section Regulations
Saranac River from Catherine Street bridge upstream to Imperial Dam. Ausable River beginning at the marked boundary 800 feet Angling from boats prohibited. west of the rst bridge upstream from Lake Champlain, continuing upstream and ending at Rainbow Falls. Saranac River from Catherine Street bridge upstream to Imperial Dam. Ausable River from D & H railroad bridge upstream to Rainbow Falls. Boquet River from mouth upstream to Wadhams Falls. North Branch Boquet and tributaries from mouth to rst upstream barrier. Note additional sections closed below. North Branch Boquet River and tributaries to rst barrier; Mill Brook (in Port Henry) from mouth to falls west of Route 22. From June 15 through December 31: Maximum hook gap 1/2 inch. Fishing prohibited from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. Fishing permitted with unweighted articial ies or unweighted natural baits only (see denitions). Exception: On the Saranac River, oating lures with one free-swinging hook permitted. No supplement weight, such as metal leaders, sinkers, split shot, twist-ons, or swivels may be attached to line, leader, or hook. Fishing prohibited from October 1 through December 31 to protect spawning salmon.

Burlington, VT Main Lake

Boquet River from marked boundary below Willsboro Dam upstream to Route 22 in Willsboro. Ausable Boat Basin pool at Fishing prohibited to protect migrating landlocked salmon. mouth of Ausable Chasm as posted on site. Chazy River from Route 9B at Coopersville upstream to Perrys Mills Dam. Scomotion Creek from mouth upstream to Pardy Road Fishing prohibited March 16 through the opening of walleye season in May to protect spawning walleye Snatching and blind snatching of burbot permitted from December 1 through March 31.
FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED New York or Vermont Vermont Only South Lake New York Only Quebec Only

REPORT SAUGER CATCHES


Sauger are closely related to walleye and are similar in appearance and habits. They can be identied by the unique three to four saddle-shaped dark brown blotches on their sides and the distinct black spots on the rst dorsal (back) n. Sauger also lack the white tip on the lower lobe of the tail n that is common in walleye. Sauger have declined in New York and likely now only occur in Lake Champlain; however, the status of this population is in doubt. To help track the occurrence of sauger in Lake Champlain,or other waters in New York State, anglers are encouraged to report their catches to fwsh@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Please indicate the specic location where the sh was caught and a photo (if possible). Walleye Sauger
South Bay, NY

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

35

REGION 6 NORTH CENTRAl NEw YORk


Herkimer County
Water
First, Second, Third, and Fourth Lakes of Fulton Chain Limekiln Lake Horn Lake, Evergreen Lake, Hidden Lake, Peaked Mountain Lake Moose River, Middle and South Branch of Moose River downstream of Moose River Plains Recreation Area, West Canada Creek from mouth upstream to Comstock Bridge West Canada Creek from Trenton Falls Dam downstream to the rst bridge (Comstock Bridge) below the mouth of Cincinnati Creek Stillwater Reservoir, Beardsley Lake, Kyser Lake Wheeler Pond, Clear Pond (Town of Webb) Forestport Reservoir, Hinckley Reservoir, Kayuta Lake, Moshier Reservoir and North Lake

Species
Trout Lake Trout LL Salmon Trout Trout

Open Season
All year All year All year All year April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
9" 21" 15"

Daily Limit
5 3 3 5 3 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Method
Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted Articial lures only

Any size Any size

Trout

April 1 through Nov 30

Any size

Region 6 State Oce Bldg. 317 Washington Street Watertown, NY 13601-3787 (315) 785-2263 Sub-Oce 207 Genesee Street Utica, NY 13501-2885 (315) 793-2554 fwsh6@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Trout Trout Brook Trout

All year All year April 1 through Oct 15

Catch and release only 12" Catch and release only 3

Articial lures only Ice shing permitted Articial lures only Ice shing permitted

Statewide Angling Regulations Apply

Refer to page 38 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

Jefferson County
Water
All waters except Sandy Pond All waters except Black River and Indian River Black River from Dexter Dam upstream, Indian River Black River from upstream tip of lower-most island to Mill St. Dam in Watertown Sandy Pond Clear Lake, Grass Lake, Hyde Lake, Sixtown Pond, Buttereld Lake Lake-of-the-Woods, Sixberry Lake
42980 NYS RT 12, PO Box 128 Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 www.tibait.com Phone: (315) 482-9903 Fax: (315) 482-4505
Fishing tackle Live bait

Species
Yellow Perch & Sunsh Black Bass Black Bass Walleye

Open Season
All year 3rd Saturday in June through November 30

Minimum Length
Any size 12"

Daily Limit
Any number 5

Method

Fishing for black bass (including catch & release) is prohibited outside of the open season. 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 Fishing for black bass (including catch & release) is prohibited outside of the open season. Statewide Angling Regulations Apply See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48-52.

Yellow Perch & Sunsh Walleye Lake Trout LL Salmon All Species

All year 1st Sat in May through March 15 All year All year

Any size 18" 21" 15"

50 each 3 3 3

Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, and their tributaries to rst barrier Perch Lake Millsite Lake

See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48-52. Ice shing permitted from Dec 1 through March 1. General angling regulations minimum lengths and daily limits apply Ice shing permitted

New York and Ontario shing licenses available!

Open evenings and year round Ammo

Closed to all shing from March 2 through Nov 30. Statewide Angling Regulations Apply

Salmon RiveR Sports Shop


4826 Salina St. Pulaski, NY
(315) 298-4343 Salmon Hotline
www.SalmonRiverSportsShop.com

Lewis County
Water
Black River, Deer River, West Branch Deer River, Beaver River Black River, East Branch Fish Creek from Rome Reservoir Dam downstream, Moose River Lake Bonaparte

Species
Black Bass Trout Trout Lake Trout

Open Season
3rd Sat June through Nov 30 Dec 1 to Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June April 1 through Nov 30 All year All year

Minimum Length
10"

Daily Limit
5

Method
Articial lures only

Catch and release only Any size 9" 18" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 3

Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

Beaver Lake, Francis Lake, Soft Maple Reservoir, and Whetstone Statewide Angling Regulations Apply Marsh Refer to page 38 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

36

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

REGION 6 NORTH CENTRAl NEw YORk


Oneida County
Black River Mohawk River from Barge Canal upstream to Delta Dam, Mohawk River from bridge in Westernville upstream to Lansing Kill, Moose River, Nine Mile Creek, Oneida Creek, Sauquoit Creek from Pinnacle Road in Sauquoit downstream Oneida Lake east of Route 81 bridge and tributaries upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh, and Barge (Erie) Canal and tributaries upstream to Lock 22 Oriskany Creek from bridge in Deansboro downstream to Mohawk River Oneida Creek from Peterboro Road (Rt. 25) downstream to NYS Thruway West Canada Creek, East Branch Fish Creek from Rome Reservoir downstream and West Branch Fish Creek, except for sections below: West Canada Creek from Trenton Falls Dam downstream to the rst bridge (Comstock Bridge) below the mouth of Cincinnati Creek Lansing Kill Fish Creek from Barge Canal upstream to junction of East and West Branches of Fish Creek, West Branch of Fish Creek from mouth upstream to dam in McConnellsville, East Branch Fish Creek from mouth upstream to the route 69 bridge in Taberg, Mohawk River from Delta Lake upstream to bridge in Westernville Delta Reservoir

Water

Species
Black Bass Trout

Open Season
3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June April 1 through Nov 30

Minimum Length
10" Any size

Daily Limit
5

Method
Articial lures only

Catch and release only 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Trout

April 1 through Nov 30

Any size

Walleye Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout

1st Sat May through March 15 April 1 through Oct 15 Oct 16 through Mar 31 All year April 1 through Nov 30 All year April 1 through Oct 15

15" Any size Catch and release only Any size Any size

3 5

Ice shing permitted

Articial lures only 5 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Articial lures only

Catch and release only Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May

Statewide Angling Regulations Apply

Ice shing permitted

Refer to page 38 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

St. Lawrence County


Water
All waters except as listed below: All rivers and streams except the Raquette River impoundments and those covered by Great Lakes regulations Black Lake including the Indian River from falls in Rossie downstream to the conuence with the Oswegatchie River Cold Brook (on Cold Brook FWMA), South Branch Grass River from 0.5 mile downstream of Route 3 upstream to Grass River Flow Allen Pond West Branch St. Regis River from Route 11B bridge upstream to Allen Falls Reservoir Dam St.Lawrence River and tributaries to rst barrier Tooley Pond Lake Ozonia Pleasant Lake, Horseshoe Lake Little River (Towns of Fine, Clifton), Oswegatchie River from Cranberry Lake Dam downstream St. Regis River from Ft. Jackson upstream to Franklin County Line Star Lake Trout Lake Tupper Lake Pine, Boottree, Town Line, Deer and Horseshoe ponds in the Massawepie Conservation Easement Area, Tamarack Pond Cranberry Lake Oswegatchie River from north side of the lower most bridge, State Rt. 68, upstream to the dam in Ogdensburg Sterling Pond

Species
Black Bass Black Bass Muskellunge Black Bass Walleye Trout Trout Trout All Species Black Bass Trout LL Salmon Walleye Trout Trout Trout Lake Trout Trout Lake Trout Lake Trout Trout Northern Pike

Open Season
3rd Saturday in June through November 30

Minimum Length
12"

Daily Limit
5

Method
Fishing for black bass (including catch & release) is prohibited outside of the open season.

3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 40" 1 Fishing (including catch & release) for black bass outside of the open season is prohibited. 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 15" 5 1st Sat in May through March 15 April 1 through Oct 15 April 1 through Oct 15 All year 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 All year All year 1st Sat in May through March 15 April 1 through Nov 30 All year All year All year All year All year All year April 1 through Oct 15 1st Sat in May through Mar 15 18" Catch and release only 12" Catch and release only See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48-52. Catch and release only 12" 3 15" 3 18" 3 Any Size Any size 9" 21" 9" 21" 21" 12" Any size 5 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 3 5 3 3 3 5 3 3

Ice shing permitted

Articial lures only

Articial lures only Articial lures only Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

Ice shing permitted

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May. Statewide Angling Regulations Apply Ice shing permitted

Refer to page 38 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited.

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37

REGION 6 NORTH cENTRAl NEw YORk BAITfISH PROHIbITED WATERS


Herkimer County
Five Ponds Wilderness He-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness Pepperbox Wilderness Pigeon Lake Wilderness West Canada Lake Wilderness Tied Lake Twitchell Lake West Pond (0.6 miles southwest of Big Moose Lake) Wheeler Pond Woods Lake

Town of Watson
Cleveland Lake Evies Pond Long Lake Payne Lake

Curtis Pond Dog Pond Townline Pond Big Trout Pond Little Trout Pond

Oneida County
Town of Forestport
Brandy Lake Round Pond

Town of Fine

Town of Webb

Lewis County
Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness

Bear Lake Bubb Lake Brewer Lake Buck Lake (1/2 mile north of Hog Pond) Buck Pond (one mile west of Thirsty Pond) Clear Pond Moss Lake Nicks Lake Big Otter Lake Quiver Pond Razorback Pond Sis Lake

Long Lake Nicks Pond Round Lake Streeter Lake Clear Pond Long Pond Lilypad Pond

Lows Lake (Bog River upstream of dam above Hitchens Pond) Massawepie Lake Pine Pond Round Pond Townline Pond

Town of Croghan
Clear Pond Rock Pond Seepage Pond Trout Pond

St. Lawrence County


Five Ponds Wilderness Raquette-Boreal Wilderness Area

Town of Parishville

Town of Pierceeld
Big Trout Pond Black Pond Bottree Pond Bridgebrook Pond Deer Pond Horseshoe Pond Little Trout Pond Long Pond

Town of Diana

Green Pond Sealy Pond Silver Dawn Lake Little Silver Dawn Lake Pitcher Pond

Town of Clare
Allen Pond

Town of Colton

Town of Greig

Burntbridge Pond Church Pond Clear or Hedgehog Pond

New Yorks efforts to restore the lake Sturgeon to its historic range in our state have shown much promise. Fish raised in the DEC hatchery system have survived and grown well, and spawning concentrations of these sh are now showing up in tributaries to the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Finger Lakes and Oneida Lake. The success DEC has in stocking lake sturgeon is signicant, but only a component of an overall effort to restore these sh. Lake Sturgeon must be allowed to spawn without harassment for a number of years in order to fully restore their populations.

G T B

Although shing for sturgeon is quite popular, particularly in northwestern states, it is ILLEGAL in New York State. Any harassment of a spawning sturgeon can severely compromise its ability to successfully spawn. Anglers incidentally catching a sturgeon should not remove it from the water and quickly and carefully remove the hook or cut the leader if deeply hooked. Lets give these ancient sh an opportunity to replenish their populations in New York State. DONT FISH FOR THEM!

38

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

REGION 7 CENTRAl NEw YORk HEAD


Broome County
Water
All waters except as listed below Arctic Lake, Greenwood Lake, Nanticoke Lake

Species
Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 All year

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit
5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 1 of either species

Method

Trout Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge American Shad

Any size

Ice shing permitted

Chenango River, Susquehanna River, Tioughnioga River

1st Sat in May through March 15 All year

40"

Region 7 615 Erie Blvd. West Syracuse, NY 13204-2400 (315) 426-7400 Sub-Oce 1285 Fisher Ave. Cortland, NY 13045-1090 (607) 753-3095 fwsh7@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Catch and Release shing only. All American Shad shall be returned to the water immediately. Catch and release only Articial lures only

Oquaga Creek from Old Route 17 bridge east of McClure downstream 3 miles to new Route 17 bridge west of Deposit Otselic River from mouth to Whitney Point Reservoir Dam, Susquehanna River in Binghamton between Rock Bottom Dam and Exchange Street bridge, Susquehanna River in the towns of Union and Vestal from the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad bridge downstream to Murphys Island, Tioughnioga River from New York Route 26 bridge to US Route 11 bridge, Little Choconut Creek from mouth to Goudey Station Building Whitney Point Reservoir and Upper Otselic River upstream to Cortland County Route 169 bridge at Landers Corners

Trout

All year

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May

Walleye

1st Sat in May through March 15

18"

West Branch Delaware River Special Regulations by River Section below: April 1 through Trout 12" 2 From Broome/Delaware Co. border Oct 15 downstream to Rte 17 overpass at Deposit All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout

Many of our rivers, lakes, and coastal areas are experiencing algae blooms that cover our favorite shing spots with green slime and cause sh kills and dead zones where no aquatic life can survive. The cause is usually nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that comes from farm and lawn fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste, and sewage treatment plants. Everyone can do their part for clean water by reducing fertilizer use, preserving plants along shorelines, and picking up pet waste. Supporting water quality protection supports great shing! Learn more at:
www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/

G F D C W

From Route 17 overpass at Deposit downstream 2.0 miles From the lower limit of Trout catch and release section near Deposit downstream to NY/PA border (1.7 miles below Hale Eddy Bridge)

Trout

April 1 Oct. 15

Catch and release only

Articial lures only

All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2

All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout

Cayuga County
Water
All waters except those listed below

Species
Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit
5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Method

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Cayuga Lake, Owasco Lake, Skaneateles Lake and their tributar- All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. ies to rst barrier Northern 1st Sat in May through Ice shing Cross Lake, Seneca River 22" 5 Pike March 15 permitted Cross Lake, Seneca River from 1st Sat in May through Ice shing Jordan Rd. to Plainville Rd. in Walleye 18" 3 March 15 permitted Onondaga Co. Dutch Hollow Brook from Owasco Lake upstream to the Route 38A Angling and dipnetting prohibited from March 16 until the opening of the walleye season bridge Lake Ontario and tributaries to All Species See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48-52. rst barrier 5 - with no more April 1 through Oct 15 Any size than 2 longer Salmon Creek Trout than 12" Oct 16 March 31 Catch and release only Articial lures only

40

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

REGION 7 CENTRAl NEw YORk


Chenango County
Water
All waters except as listed below Genegantslet Creek from rst Route 220 bridge north of Smithville Flats upstream to mouth of Five Streams Guilford Lake, Mill Brook Reservoir

Species
Trout Trout Trout Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge American Shad

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 All year All year 1st Sat in May through March 15 All year April 1 through October 15 Oct 16 through March 31

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit
5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Method

Catch and release only Any size 40" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 1 of either species

Articial lures only Ice shing permitted

Chenango River, Susquehanna River

Otselic River

Trout

Catch and Release shing only. All American shad shall be returned to the water immediately. 5 - with no more Any size than 2 longer than 12" Catch and release only Articial Lures Only

Marcus Gersch with a 21 smallmouth bass he caught and released from Oneida Lake, Madison County on September 9, 2012.

Cortland County

Water

Species
Trout Trout Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 All year April 1 through Oct 15 Oct 16 through March 31 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June 1st Sat in May through March 15

Minimum Length
Any size Any size

Daily Limit
5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Method

All waters except as listed below Goodale Lake, Little York Lake, Casterline Pond, Tri-County Pond East Branch Owego Creek, East Branch Tioughnioga River, West Branch Tioughnioga River, Otselic River Otselic River, Tioughnioga River, East Branch Tioughnioga River, West Branch Tioughnioga River Otselic River from County Rt. 169 bridge at Landers Corners downstream to Broome County line Skaneateles Lake and tributaries to rst barrier Tully Lake

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer Any size than 12" Catch and release only 10" 5 Catch and release only 18" 3

Ice shing permitted

Articial lures only Articial lures only

Black Bass Walleye All Species Walleye

See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Ice shing permitted

Madison County

Water

Species
Trout Trout Walleye

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 All year 1st Sat in May through March 15 All year All year

Minimum Length
Any size Any size 18" 12" Any size

Daily Limit
5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 3 2 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Method

All waters except as listed below

Eaton Brook Reservoir Chenango Canal from Route 46 to Oriskany Creek Chittenango Creek from Route 20 north to Conrail railroad line (except as listed below) Chittenango Creek from the Town of Fenner/Town of Sullivan Town Line at mile marker 1219 on Rt. 13 to mile marker 1237 south of the Village of Chittenango Line Lebanon Reservoir, Leland Ponds Oneida Creek from Peterboro Road (Rt.34) to NYS Thruway Oneida Lake east of Route 81 bridge and tributaries upstream to the rst barrier impassable by sh, and Barge (Erie ) Canal & tributaries upstream to Lock 22 East Branch Tioghnioga River, Otselic River Canaseraga Creek from Route 31 bridge upstream to Thruway, Chittenango Creek from mouth upstream to Conrail railroad line, Cowaselon Creek from mouth upstream to Route 13

Ice shing permitted

Trout Trout

Articial lures only

Trout Trout Trout Walleye Trout

All year All year All year 1st Sat May through March 15 April 1 through Oct 15 Oct 16 through March 31 Any size Any size 15" Any size

Catch and release only 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 3 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Catch and release only

Articial lures only Ice shing permitted

Ice shing permitted

Articial lures only

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May

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41

REGION 7 CENTRAl NEw YORk


Onondaga County
Water
All waters except as listed below Chittenango Creek from mouth upstream to Conrail railroad line Cross Lake, Seneca River Cross Lake, Seneca River from Jordan Road in Cayuga Co. to Plainville Rd. Green Lake in Green Lakes State Park Limestone Creek-mouth to Route 20, Butternut Creekmouth to Route 20 Oneida Lake east of Route 81 bridge & tributaries upstream to the 1st barrier impassable by sh, and Barge (Erie) Canal & tributaries upstream to Lock 22 Skaneateles Creek from Old Seneca Turnpike bridge north of Village of Skaneateles downstream 10.2 miles to the Jordan Road bridge in the Village of Jordan Otisco Lake, Skaneateles Lake and their tributaries to rst barrier Jamesville Reservoir, Tully Lake

Species
Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit
5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Method

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May Northern Pike Walleye Trout Trout Walleye Trout and LL Salmon All Species Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 1st Sat in May through March 15 1st Sat in May through March 15 April 1 through Nov 30 All year 1st Sat in May through March 15 April 1 through Oct 15 22" 18" Any size Any size 15" Catch and release only See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. 18" 3 Ice shing permitted 5 3 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 3 Ice shing permitted Articial lures only Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

Oswego County
Water
All waters except as listed below Lake Ontario and tributaries to rst barrier impassable to sh Redeld Reservoir Walleye Scriba Creek from mouth upstream to Fish Hatchery Dam Oneida Lake east of Route 81 bridge & tributaries upstream to the 1st barrier impassable by sh, and Barge (Erie) Canal & tributaries upstream to Lock 22

Species
Trout All Species Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit
5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Method

See Great Lakes regulations on pages 4852. All year 1st Saturday in May through March 15 Any size 18" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 3

Ice shing permitted

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 15" 3 Ice shing permitted

Tioga County
Water
All waters except as listed below Catatonk Creek, Cayuta Creek Cayuta Creek Owego Creek, East Branch Owego Creek, West Branch Owego Creek

Species
Trout Black Bass Trout Trout Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge American Shad

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 All year All year April 1 through October 15 October 16 through March 31 1st Sat in May through March 15 All year

Minimum Length
Any size Any size Any size Any size

Daily Limit

Method

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Catch and release only 1 of either species

Articial lures only

40"

Susquehanna River

Catch and Release shing only. All American Shad shall be returned to the water immediately

Tompkins County
Water
All waters except as listed below Cayuga Lake and tributaries to rst barrier impassable to sh Fall Creek from Ithaca Falls upstream Fall Creek from Route 38 bridge at Freeville upstream to bridge at Groton City Tri-County Pond Salmon Creek above Ludlowville Falls, West Branch Owego Creek

Species
Trout All Species Black Bass Trout Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit
5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Method

See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. All year All year All year April 1 through Oct 15 Oct 16 through March 31 Any size Any size Any size Any size 5 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Catch and release only Articial lures only Ice shing permitted

Trout

42

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

REGION 8 WEST CENTRAl NEw YORk


Chemung County
Water
All waters except as listed below Cayuta Creek (except section below) Cayuta Creek from the Wyncoop Creek Road Bridge upstream to the NY Route 223 bridge

Species
Trout Trout Trout Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge American Shad

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 All year All year 1st Sat in May through March 15 All year

Minimum Length
Any size Any size 12"

Daily Limit

Method

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 2 1 of either species Articial lures only

40"

Region 8 6274 East Avon-Lima Rd. Avon, NY 14414-9519 (585) 226-2466 fwsh8@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Chemung River and tributaries

Catch and Release shing only. All American Shad shall be returned to the water immediately See Finger Lakes regulations on page 45.

Seneca Lake tributaries to rst barrier Park Station Pond

All Species Trout All year

Any size

Ice shing permitted

Genesee County
Water
All waters except as listed below Oatka Creek

Species
Trout Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 All year

Minimum Length
Any size Any size

Daily Limit

Method

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

In addition, the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited in the following water: Town of DarienHarlow Lake.

Livingston County
Water
All waters except as listed below Conesus Lake and Hemlock Lake and tributaries to rst barrier North McMillan Creek and Conesus Inlet Fish and Wildlife Management Area from Conesus Lake south to the dam, except the canal west of Conesus Inlet and that portion of the inlet north of the canal Cohocton River, Mill Creek Spring Creek except Caledonia State Fish Hatchery property Spring Creek on Caledonia State Fish Hatchery property as posted Trout Trout

Species
Trout All Species

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit

Method

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45.

Fishing prohibited March 1 until the opening of walleye season in May to protect spawning walleye and northern pike

All year April 1 through Oct 15 Oct 16 through Mar 31 April 1 through Oct 15 8 am through 4 pm Oct 16 through Mar 31 8 am through 4 pm

Any size 12"

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 2 Articial lures only Articial lures only

Catch and release only 12" 2

Trout

Catch and release only

Monroe County
Water
All waters except as listed below Lake Ontario and tributaries to rst barrier Oatka Creek except sections below Oatka Creek from Bowerman Road upstream 1.4 miles to Union St. and Wheatland Center Rd. upstream 2.5 miles to the mouth of Spring Creek Oatka Creek from Union Street upstream 1.7 miles to Wheatland Center Road Spring Creek

Species
Trout All Species Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit

Method

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Susan Winter with an 18" smallmouth bass she caught and released from Conesus Lake, Livingston County on July 30, 2012.

See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 4852. All year April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 2 Articial lures only

Trout

Oct 16 through Mar 31

Catch and release only

Trout Trout

All year April 1 through Oct 15 Oct 16 through Mar 31

Catch and release only 12" 2

Articial lures only

Catch and release only

Articial lures only

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43

REGION 8 WEST CENTRAl NEw YORk


Ontario County
Water Species
Trout All Species All Species

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit

Method

All waters except as listed below Canadice Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Honeoye Lake, Seneca Lake and tributaries of Canadice Lake, Canandaigua Lake and Seneca Lake to rst barrier Lake Ontario and tributaries to rst barrier

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45 See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 4852.

Orleans County

Water

Species
Trout All Species

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length

Daily Limit

Method

All waters except as listed below Lake Ontario and tributaries to rst barrier

Any Size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 4852.

Schuyler County
Water
All waters except as listed below Cayuta Creek Cayuta Lake Seneca Lake and tributaries of Seneca Lake to rst barrier

Species
Trout Trout Walleye All Species

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 All year 1st Sat in May through March 15

Minimum Length
Any size Any size 18"

Daily Limit

Method

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 3 Ice shing permitted

See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45.

Seneca County

Water

Species
Trout All Species Northern Pike

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit

Method

All waters except as listed below Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake and their tributaries to rst barrier Seneca River

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. 1st Sat in May through March 15 All year 22" Any size 5 5 Ice shing permitted

Trout, Lake Trout, LL Salmon

Steuben County

Water

Species
Trout All Species Black Bass Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge Trout Trout Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June 1st Sat in May through March 15 All year All year All year

Minimum Length

Daily Limit

Method

All waters except as listed below Keuka Lake and tributaries to rst barrier Chemung River and tributaries upstream of Route 17 west of Corning Chemung River, Tioga River Cohocton River except sections below Cohocton River from North Boundary of U.S. Veterans Facility upstream to Route 415 bridge and from north boundary of Avoca Village upstream to mouth of Neil Creek Mill Creek

Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. 10" 5 Catch and release only 40" Any size 12" Any size 1 combined 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 2 Articial lures only Articial lures only

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Wayne County

Water

Species
Trout All Species

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length

Daily Limit

Method

All waters except as listed below Lake Ontario and tributaries to rst barrier

Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 4852.

Yates County

Water

Species
Trout All Species Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit

Method

All waters except as listed below Canandaigua Lake, Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake and their tributaries to rst barrier Keuka Outlet from rst barrier upstream

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. All year Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Where it appears in this guide, Ice Fishing Permitted means that any species, during its open season, may be taken from November 15th through April 30 th by ice shing. Persons required to have a shing license must have a current license. No other DEC special permit is required. With few exceptions (as noted in the regional regulations sections), no more than ve tip-ups and three hand lines may be used.

I F P

44

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

FINGER LAkES AND TRIbuTARy REGulATIONS


Conesus Lake, Hemlock Lake, Canadice Lake, Honeoye Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Owasco Lake, Skaneateles Lake and Otisco Lake Regulations
Water Species
Northern Pike All Finger Lakes Walleye 1st Saturday in May March 15 3rd Sat. in June March 15 Black Bass All Finger Lakes except Cayuga Lake, Otisco Lake, Owasco Lake and Skaneateles Lake Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon Honeoye Lake, Skaneateles Lake Owasco Lake, Cayuga Lake, Otisco Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Honeoye Lake Otisco Lake Alewife (sawbellies) Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon Tiger Muskellunge March 16 Friday preceding the 3rd Saturday in June 18" except 15" in Honeoye Lake 12" 3 5

Additional Tributary Regulations

Open Season
1st Saturday in May March 15

Minimum Length
22"

Daily Limit
5

Method

a. Any action to frighten sh and move them from concealment, including herding, driving, kicking and stoning is prohibited.

Ice shing permitted

b. Angling is prohibited from January 1 through March 31, and between sunset and sunrise from April 1 through May 15 and October 1 through December 31 except for those stream sections listed below. c. Use of more than one line with a single hook point is prohibited except for those stream sections listed below.

Catch and release only

Articial lures only

d. Possession of hooks with a gap greater than " is prohibited except for those stream sections listed below.

All year

15

5 in combination. Catch shall include no more than 1 rainbow trout or 3 Landlocked salmon

Possession prohibited 15 Except 12 for Brown 5 in combination. Catch Trout in Otisco Lake, and shall include no more 18 for Landlocked salmon than 3 lake trout or 3 in Cayuga Lake Landlocked salmon 36" 1

Stream sections for which additional tributary regulations b, c, and d above do not apply: (Trout season is closed January 1 through March 31 in these sections.)
West River and Sucker Brook from Canandaigua Lake upstream in Ontario County. Guyanoga Creek from Keuka Lake upstream to Rt. 54 A bridge, Yates County. Cayuga Inlet and flood control channel from Cayuga Lake upstream to posted NO FISHING boundary below the shway in Tompkins County. Old Barge Canal from Seneca Lake upstream to northernmost Rt. 14 bridge in Montour Falls, Schuyler County. Yawgers Creek from Cayuga Lake upstream to abandoned Lehigh Valley railroad bridge in Cayuga County. Owasco Inlet from Owasco Lake upstream 0.7 mile to marked boundary at old railroad bed in Cayuga County. Fall Creek from Cayuga Lake to the downstream edge of the railroad bridge below Rt. 13 in Ithaca, Tompkins County. Note: Dutch Hollow Brook from Owasco Lake to Rt. 38 A: shing or dip-netting prohibited from March 16 to the opening of walleye season.

All year 1st Sat in May through March 15

Finger Lakes Tributary Regulations


Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit
3 in combination, catch shall include no more than 1 rainbow trout

Method

All tributaries to Canadice Lake, Lake Trout Canandaigua Lake, Hemlock Brown Trout Lake, Keuka Lake, and Seneca April 1 through Dec 31 Rainbow Trout Lake upstream to the rst barrier Landlocked Salmon impassable by sh Tributaries to all Finger Lakes upstream to the rst barrier impassable by sh All tributaries to Owasco Lake, Otisco Lake and Skaneateles Lake upstream to the rst barrier impassable by sh except tributaries listed below All tributaries to Cayuga Lake upstream to the rst barrier impassable by sh except tributaries listed below All other species

15"

Open season, daily limit and minimum length regulations that are in effect for the Finger Lakes 9" except 15" for Lake Trout and Landlocked Salmon

Lake Trout Brown Trout April 1 through Dec 31 Rainbow Trout Landlocked Salmon Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Landlocked Salmon

3 in combination

April 1 through Dec 31

15" except 18" for Landlocked Salmon 15" except 18" for Landlocked Salmon

3 in combination 3 in combination Articial lures only

April 1 through Dec 31 Fall Creek (Cayuga Lake) from the downstream edge of the railroad bridge below Rt. 13 to Ithaca Falls Lake Trout Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Landlocked Salmon

Jan 1 through March 15

Catch and release only

Angling prohibited between sunset and sunrise March 16 through March 31 Angling prohibited 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Spafford Creek (Otisco Lake) upstream to the rst barrier impassable by sh

Trout

April 1 through Oct 15

Any size

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

45

REGION 9 WESTERN NEw YORk


Allegany County
Water
All waters except as listed below Rushford Lake Allen Lake

Species
Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 April 1 through Nov 30 All year All year All year April 1 October 15 October 16 March 31 April 1 through Oct 15 October 16 March 31

Minimum Length
Any size Any size Any size Any size

Daily Limit

Method

Region 9 270 Michigan Ave. Bualo, NY 14203-2999 (716) 851-7000 Sub-Oce 182 East Union St., Suite 3 Allegany, NY 14706 (716) 372-0645 fwsh9@gw.dec.state.ny.us

5 - with no Ice shing more than 2 permitted longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no Ice shing more than 2 permitted longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Articial lures only

Genesee River from Belmont Dam upstream to Pennsylvania State line except section below Genesee River from Route 19 bridge in Shongo downstream 2.5 miles Wiscoy Creek East Koy Creek

Catch and release only

10" 3 Catch and release only Articial lures only 5 - with no more than 2 longer Any size than 12" Catch and release only Articial lures only

Cattaraugus County
Water
All waters except as listed below Allegany State Park Case Lake, Harwood Lake, New Albion Lake, Red House Lake, Quaker Lake Clear Creek from Wyoming-Cattaraugus County line upstream, Lime Lake Outlet, McKinstry Creek Ischua Creek from 0.9 miles downstream to 1.3 miles upstream of Rt. 98 bridge in Cadiz Cattaraugus Creek downstream of Springville Dam Elm Creek, Elton Creek, Manseld Creek, Cattaraugus Creek upstream of Springville Dam

Species
Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit

Method

Trout

Trout

5 - with no Ice shing more than 2 permitted longer than 12" State Park regulations may apply, check with Park Police 5 - with no Ice shing All year Any size more than 2 permitted longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer April 1 through Oct 15 9" than 12" Oct 16 March 31 Catch and release only Articial lures only All year Any size 5

Trout

See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 4852. Trout April 1 October 15 October 16 March 31 Any Size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Articial lures only

Catch and release only

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Chautauqua County
Water
All waters except as listed below

Species
Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

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Minimum Length
Any size 40" 18" Any Size

Daily Limit
5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 1

Method
Ice shing permitted Ice shing permitted

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Muskellunge 3rd Sat in June through Chautauqua Lake and its tributaries and and Tiger Nov 30 Muskellunge the Chadakoin River to Warner Dam Walleye 1st Sat in May Mar 15 Goose Creek Lake Erie and tributaries to rst barrier impassable by sh Trout All year

3 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 4852.

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46

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

REGION 9 WESTERN NEw YORk


Erie County
Water
All waters except as listed below Lake Erie, Niagara River, and their tributaries to the rst barrier, Cattaraugus Creek downstream of Springville Dam, Buffalo River and tributaries to rst barrier impassable by sh, that portion of Ellicott Creek within Amherst State Park Hosmer (Sardinia) Brook Cattaraugus Creek upstream of Springville Dam

Species
Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit
5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

Method
Ice shing permitted

All Species April 1 through Oct 15 Oct 16 through March 31 April 1 through October 15 Oct 16 through March 31

See Great Lakes Regulations see pages 4852. 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Catch and release only Articial lures only Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Catch and release only Articial lures only 9"

Trout Trout

Niagara County
Water
All waters except Lake Ontario, Niagara River and their tributaries to rst barrier Lake Ontario, Niagara River, and their tributaries to rst barrier

Species
Trout All Species

Open Season
April 1 through October 15

Minimum Length
Any size

Daily Limit
5 with no more than 2 longer than 12

Method
Ice shing permitted

See Great Lakes Regulations see pages 48 and 52.

Wyoming County
Water
All waters except as listed below Wiscoy Creek except section below Wiscoy Creek from 0.5 mile upstream to 0.5 mile downstream of East Hillside Road Bridge Clear Creek from mouth to Wyoming-Cattaraugus County line East Koy Creek, Cattaraugus Creek upstream of Springville Dam

Species
Trout Trout Trout Trout Trout

Open Season
April 1 through Oct 15 April 1 through Oct 15 Oct 16 through March 31 All year April 1 through Oct 15 Oct 16 through March 31 April 1 through Oct 15 Oct 16 through March 31

Minimum Length

Daily Limit

Method
Ice shing permitted Articial lures only Articial lures only

5 - with no more than 2 Any size longer than 12" 10" 3 Catch and release only Catch and release only 9"

5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Catch and release only Articial lures only Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Catch and release only Articial lures only

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47

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

GREAT LAkES AND TRIbuTARy REGulATIONS


These regulations apply to New York waters of Lake Erie, the Upper and Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and designated sections of the tributaries to these waters. Tributary sections subject to these regulations are generally dened as the bridge closest to the mouth upstream to the rst barrier impassable to sh. Tributaries with dierent boundaries and exemptions are listed separately below. Note that there are also seasonal tackle restrictions and restrictions on night shing in the tributaries. Statewide angling regulations apply for species not listed.

Lake Erie and Tributaries


Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (including Steelhead), Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon Lake Trout Northern Pike

Open Season
All year All year 1st Sat. In May through March 15

Minimum Length
12" 12" 22" 15" 54" Any size 20" 12" Catch and release only

Daily Limit
3 in any combination 1 5 6 1 50 of each 1 5 Articial lures only

Walleye 1st Sat. In May through March 15 Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge 3rd Sat. in June through Nov 30 Yellow Perch, Sunsh All year 1st Sat. in May through the Friday preceding the 3rd Sat. in June Black Bass 3rd Sat. in June through Nov 30 Dec. 1 through the Friday preceding the 1st Sat. in May Lake Sturgeon Closed

Possession Prohibited

Upper Niagara River and Tributaries


Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (Including Steelhead), Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon Lake Trout Northern Pike Walleye Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge Yellow Perch, Sunsh

Open Season
All year All year 1st Sat. In May through March 15 1st Sat. In May through March 15 3rd Sat. in June through Nov 30 All year

Minimum Length
Any size 12" 22" 15" 48" Any size

Daily Limit
3 in any combination 1 5 6 1 50 of each

Anglers are advised that attempting to take sh by snatching in any Great Lake tributary, which is indicated by repeated or exaggerated jerking motions of the shing rod, is prohibited (see denition of snatching on page 60).

Black Bass (north of the Peace Bridge) Lake Sturgeon Closed

Statewide Angling Regulations Apply Possession Prohibited

Lower Niagara River and Tributaries


Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (including Steelhead), Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon Lake Trout Atlantic Salmon Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge Northern Pike Black Bass Walleye Yellow Perch, Sunsh Lake Sturgeon, American Eel

Open Season
All year

Minimum Length
15", except 21" for Rainbow Trout

Daily Limit

Probably the #1 reason why access is lost on privately owned lands providing access for shing is littering. Nothing annoys a landowner more than seeing his land mistreated by careless anglers who are too lazy to properly dispose of shing line, bait cups, beverage cans, cigarette packages and butts and the other items that they carry in. Even if you are not the one creating the problem, why not take the time to pick up litter you may nd and properly dispose of it? If you dont, you may very well come upon a POSTED sign the next time you show up to sh.

D L

3 (Trout & Salmon) in any combination not None, except only 1 Lake to include more than Jan. 1 through Sept. 30 Trout may be between 1 Atlantic Salmon or 2 25" and 30" Lake Trout All year 25" 3rd Sat. in June through Dec. 15 48" 1 1st Sat. in May through March 15 22" 5 Statewide Angling Regulations Apply 1st Sat. in May through Dec. 31 Jan. 1 through March 15 All year Closed 18" 3 18" 1 Any size 50 of each Possession Prohibited

Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit 178 Point Drive North Dunkirk, NY 14048 716-366-0228 fwshle@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Lake Ontario Fisheries Research Unit 514 East Broadway P.O. Box 292 Cape Vincent, NY 13618 315-654-2147 fwshlo@gw.dec.state.ny.us

48

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

GREAT LAkES AND TRIbuTARy REGulATIONS


Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Tributaries
Species Open Season
All year

Minimum Length
15", except 21" for Rainbow Trout or Steelhead

Daily Limit
3 in any combination not to include more than 1 Rainbow Trout (or Steelhead) in the tributaries

Regulations for All Great Lakes & Tributaries

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (including Steelhead), Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon

Lake Trout Atlantic Salmon Northern Pike Black Bass (Lake Ontario & tributaries except in Jefferson County) Black Bass (Lake Ontario and tributaries in Jefferson County & St. Lawrence River and tributaries) Walleye Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge Lake Sturgeon, American Eel Yellow Perch, Sunsh

Except 9" in Irondequoit Creek (entire), Lindsey Creek and Skinner Creek (Oswego and Jefferson Counties), and the Black River (Jefferson County) None (except no more Jan. 1 through Sept. 30 than 1 shall be between 2 25" and 30") All year 25" 1 1st Sat. in May through 22" 5 March 15 Statewide Angling Regulations Apply 3rd Sat. in June through Nov 30 1st Sat. in May through March 15 3rd Sat. in June through Dec. 15 Closed All year 12" 18" 48" Possession Prohibited Any size 50 Except Yellow Perch and Sunsh may be taken in any number in Jefferson County 5 Fishing for black bass (including catch & release) is prohibited outside of the open season. 3 1

Regulations for all Great Lakes waters including Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Upper and Lower Niagara River, St. Lawrence River and tributaries to these waters.

Snatching and attempting to snatch is prohibited. See denition of snatching on page 60. All foul-hooked sh must be immediately released without unnecessary injury. Use or possession of ga hooks is prohibited except when ice shing. Any action to frighten sh and move them from concealment, including herding, driving, kicking or stoning is prohibited. The use of eggs for chumming is prohibited (see page 53).

At all times:

SpEcIAl REGulATIONS fOR GREAT LAkES TRIbuTARIES


Great Lakes Waters Exempted from Seasonal Tributary Regulations
Water
Niagara River Round Pond, Buck Pond, Long Pond, Cranberry Pond, and Irondequoit Bay Sodus Bay South Sandy Pond Tributaries to the St. Lawrence River

The following regulations apply to all Great Lakes waters except those listed in the table below:
County
Erie & Niagara Monroe Wayne Oswego

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Applicable Regulations
Upper Niagara River or Lower Niagara River regulations apply Lake Ontario regulations apply Lake Ontario regulations apply Lake Ontario regulations apply

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All tributaries in Clinton and Franklin Statewide regulations apply

Special Regulations for Lake Erie Tributaries


Lake Erie Tributaries with Seasonal Closures
Fishing is prohibited from Jan. 1 through March 31 on Spooner Creek and its tributaries, and North Branch Clear Creek and tributaries from Taylor Hollow Road upstream to the outow of Clear Lake.

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Catch and release only for trout and salmon in creek sections described below Only articial ies or articial lures can be used in catch and release sections Seasonal regulations regarding hooks, leaders, and weights apply (see page 50)
Water
Chautauqua Creek Eighteen Mile Creek

Lake Erie Year Round Catch and Release Regulations for Chautauqua and Eighteen Mile Creeks

8 pt. or larger, 2 does, 2 hogs per 3 days

Oct 15Jan 31

DEER

TURKEY
Mar 15Apr 30
2 mature gobblers per 3 days

County
Chautauqua Erie

Section
From bridge on South Gale Street upstream 1.3 miles to the upper Village of Westeld water intake dam Main branch of creek (excluding South Branch) contained within Eighteen Mile Creek County Park

FISHING

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49

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

SpEcIAl REGulATIONS fOR GREAT LAkES TRIbuTARIES


F G L T
Portions of Lake Erie Tributaries Subject to Seasonal (September 1 to March 31) Regulations
The following tributary sections are subject to seasonal shing regulations described below during the period September 1 to March 31:
Water
Cattaraugus Creek Buffalo River and its tributaries All others

Anglers shing Great Lakes Tributaries are reminded that some of these tributaries may contain hydro electric generating plants with dams, spillways, and deep pools that may produce strong currents. Anglers should pay particular attention to warning notice signs and audible signals indicating uctuating water levels, and the use of a personal otation device (life jacket) when wading in these waters is highly recommended.

County
Erie and Cattaraugus Erie Erie, Chautauqua

Section
From the Aldrich Street Extension Bridge in Gowanda upstream to Springville Dam From the I-90 (NYS Thruway) bridge upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh From bridge closest to the mouth upstream to the rst barrier impassable by sh

Lake Erie Tributary Seasonal Fishing Regulations


Fishing only permitted one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (shing at night is prohibited). The distance between a hooks shaft and point cannot exceed one-half inch. Hooks attached to any lure must be free-swinging, except on an articial y (see denition page 60). Use of hooks with added weight is prohibited, except for articial ies with no more than oneeighth ounce of added feathers, hair, thread, tinsel, or similar material (see denition page 60). The distance between the hook, articial y or lure and any weight attached to the line or leader, whether xed or sliding, shall not exceed four feet.

Fishing Hours

Hook, Leader and Weight Regulations

Special Regulations for Lake Ontario Tributaries Except the Lower Niagara River and Salmon River

Lower Niagara River regulations can be found on page 48. Salmon River regulations can be found on pages 51-52.

DECs fishing web pages are some of the most popular on its website www.dec.ny.gov and new information is added regularly in an effort to help you get on the water and have an enjoyable shing and boating experience. Be sure to check out our complete inventory of Public Fishing Rights maps that provide locations on streams where we have purchased public fishing easements. We have also updated our directory of Boat Launching Sites which provides directions to various state and municipal sites throughout New York State. This directory is also available from all of our DEC regional ofces. If you have a specic question about shing in New York State, all of our regions can be reached by e-mail or phone. Contact information for each region can be found in the Special Regulations by County section of this guide.

H Y G W

Lake Ontario Tributaries with Seasonal Closures

Fishing is prohibited from March 16 through the rst Saturday in May on Little Sandy Creek (Oswego County) from the State Route 3 bridge downstream 850 feet to the intersection of the channelized area and upstream 1.0 miles for the bridge to the Public Fishing Rights section.

Sections of Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Tributaries Subject to Seasonal (Sept. 1 to Mar. 31) Regulations
The following tributary sections are subject to seasonal shing regulations described below during the period September 1 to March 31:
Water
Eighteenmile Creek Oak Orchard Creek Sterling Creek Sterling Valley Creek Oswego River Catsh Creek Black River All other tributaries

County
Niagara Orleans Cayuga Cayuga Oswego Oswego Jefferson All

Portion of Tributary Subject to Special Regulations


From the Route 18 bridge upstream to Burt Dam From the power lines that are 1.9 miles upstream (south) of Route 18 bridge upstream to Waterport Dam From Old State Road to impassable barrier upstream of Route 104A From McIntyre Road to impassable barrier upstream of Route 104A From the Utica Street bridge upstream to the Varick Dam From the mouth upstream to dam at County Route 1 From the upstream tip of the lowermost island to Mill Street dam in Watertown From the bridge closest to the mouth upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh

50

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

SpEcIAl REGulATIONS fOR GREAT LAkES TRIbuTARIES


Lake Ontario Tributary Seasonal Fishing Regulations
Fishing Hours Fishing from one-half hour after sunset to onehalf hour before sunrise is prohibited except in the Black River (Jeerson County) from Lake Ontario upstream to the Route 180 bridge in Dexter, where shing is permitted at all times. Hook, Leader and Weight Regulations Hooks Only one hook with a single hook point is permitted, except as outlined below for oating lures Hooks attached to any lure must be freeswinging, except on an articial y (see definition page 60). An artificial f ly may not have more than one hook point. The gap between a hooks shaft and point cannot exceed one-half inch. Use of hooks with added weight is prohibited, except for articial ies with no more than one-eighth ounce of added feathers, hair, thread, tinsel, or similar material (see denition page 60). Floating Lures A oating lure is a lure that oats at rest with or without additional weight attached to the lure, leader or line. Can have multiple treble hooks except as follows where oating lures are restricted to one hook with a single hook point: From September 1 through March 31 on all Lake Ontario tributaries in Cayuga and Oswego Counties, except the Salmon and Oswego Rivers.

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From September 1 through November 30 from the Driving Park Bridge upstream to the lower falls on the Genessee River. Any hooks on a floating lure must be attached to the lure by a ring or swivel. The distance between the body of a oating lure and the points of any attached hooks shall not exceed one and one-half inches. Leaders and Weights The distance between the hook, articial y or lure and any weight attached to the line or leader, whether xed or sliding, shall not exceed four feet. For tributaries in Oswego and Cayuga Counties, and the Genesee River (Monroe County) from the Driving Park Bridge upstream to the lower falls: any weight added to the line, leader, swivels, articial y or lure shall not hang lower than the hook when line or leader is held vertically.

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Special Regulations for the Salmon River


Seasonal Regulations by Section (refer to page 52 for Fly Fishing Catch & Release section)
Section Effective Dates
April 15 - August 14

Regulations
Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Tributary regulations apply (page 49). Fishing is prohibited at night from hr. after sunset to hr. before sunrise. Only one hook with a single hook point and a gap not exceeding inch is permitted except on oating lures as noted below. Hooks attached to any lure, except an articial y, must be free swinging and unweighted. Articial ies with no more than 1/8 oz. of added weight may be used. The method by which weight is added to a hook does not affect classication as an articial y provided the conditions of the denition of an articial y on page 60 are met. The distance between the hook, articial y or lure and any weight attached to the line or leader, whether xed or sliding, shall not exceed 4 ft. Weight shall not be added to the line, leader, swivels, articial y or lure in any manner that the weight hangs lower than the attached hook when the line is suspended vertically from the rod. Additional Regulations for Floating Lures Apply A bead chain may be attached to the oating lure with a ring. The bead chain may not exceed a distance of three and one half inches between the body of the oating lure and the hook point. 1 hook with a single hook point and a gap of no more than 5/8 in. may be attached to the bead chain or directly to the lure. Multiple single, double and treble hooks are permitted on oating lures Fishing at night is permitted

August 15 - April 14 From the upstream most navigation buoy located between the breakwalls at the mouth of the river upstream to the County Rt. 52 bridge in Altmar

August 15 - October 31

November 1 - April 14 From Lake Ontario to Rt. 3 Bridge April 1- August 14

Request your copy of our free new guide to Great Lakes shing. To request your copy, email us at fwsh@gw.dec.state. ny.us. Be sure to put Great Lakes Fishing Map in the subject line. Copies are also available from all DEC ofces.

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

51

SpEcIAl REGulATIONS fOR GREAT LAkES TRIbuTARIES


Special Regulations for the Salmon Between September 1 and April 30: a single unweighted or weighted articial y with no River (Oswego County) Fly Fishing more than 1/8 oz. added weight, having one Catch-And-Release Areas
Fishing Hour s , S ea son Dates and gap only permitted. Locations: Attractors:
hook point with a one-half-inch maximum

Angling Permitted: From one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Lower Fly Section: Open September 15 through May 15, from County Route 52 Bridge in Altmar upstream 0.25 mile to the marked boundary at Beaverdam Brook.

The use of added baits or attractors such as, but not limited to, sh eggs, insects, beads, spoons, spinners, plugs, or similar devices on the line above the articial y is prohibited. Leaders: The total length of the leader including the tippet shall not exceed 15 feet. Between May 1 and August 31: sinking and metal leaders are prohibited. Additional Weight: Between May 1 and August 31: the use of supplemental weight such as split shot, sinkers, metal leaders, twistons, or swivels attached to the leader, tippet, y line or y is prohibited. Between September 1 and April 30: the use of supplemental weight is permitted with the following restrictions. The combined weight of any supplemental weight and y may not exceed one-eighth of an ounce. The maximum distance between the articial y and any added weight to the line, leader or tippet shall not exceed four feet. Weight added to the line, leader, swivels, or articial y in any manner such that the weight hangs lower than the attached y is prohibited.

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Upper Fly Section: Open April 1 through November 30 from a marked boundary upstream of the New York State Fish Hatchery property to a marked boundary 0.6 mile upstream at the Lighthouse Hill Reservoir tailrace. Fishing is prohibited outside the open season. Catch & Release: All sh must be immediately released without unnecessary injury. Tackle Restrictions: Tackle is restricted to a traditional y rod, y reel, y line, and artificial fly (definition on page 60). (As permitted below) Restrictions on y lines, ies, attractors, leaders and supplemental weight:

Regulations:

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Fly Lines: Use of less than 20 feet of oating, sinking, or combination oating/sinking y line or shooting head immediately behind the leader and in front of any running line or other backing is prohibited. Between May 1 and August 31: Floating Fly Lines Only. Between September 1 and April 30: Floating, Sinking, and Sinktip y lines are permitted. Flies: Between May 1 and August 31: a single unweighted articial y having one hook point with a one-half inch maximum gap only permitted.

Salmon River Fishing Report Updated Daily:

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Your anonymous participation advances sh and wildlife conservation, helps protect your right to hunt, sh and shoot, and guides companies in developing better outdoor products. 52 201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

GENERAl REGulATIONS
A person may not sh for a species (not even catch and release) during the closed season for that species on a given water. A person may not have in possession, or intentionally kill or injure sh other than the sizes specied and allowed for that species on a given water. A person may not possess, kill or unnecessarily injure sh in excess of the daily limit for that species. The sh an angler catches and immediately releases uninjured will not be counted as part of the daily limit for that species. A person may continue to sh for a species while in possession of a daily limit for that species provided all sh of that species subsequently caught are immediately returned to the water. See below for special provisions made for largemouth and smallmouth bass. A single, uninjured largemouth bass or smallmouth bass that an angler is landing, measuring or in the process of releasing from a recirculating or aerated livewell, is not considered to be part of the daily limit.

Taking and possession of sh

In Clinton County, bown, burbot, carp, freshwater drum, gar, redhorse and suckers may be taken from March 20 through September 30 from Corbeau Creek and Scomotion Creek from the mouth upstream to Beekmantown town line. In Lake Champlain, bown, burbot, carp, freshwater drum, gar, redhorse and suckers may be taken from March 20 through September 30. In Cayuga County, bullhead and sucker may be taken from January 1 through May 15 from Sterling Creek downstream of Rte. 104A, Sterling Valley Creek downstream of Rte. 104A, Eightmile Creek and Ninemile Creek. In Franklin County, bown, burbot, carp, freshwater drum, gar, redhorse and suckers may be taken from March 20 through September 30 from Big Salmon River from Canada upstream to the dam at Fort Covington, Lawrence Brook from the county line upstream to County Rte. 6 west of Moira, Little Salmon River from the mouth upstream to County Rte. 32 in South Bombay, Pike Creek from Canada upstream to State Rte. 95 west of Bombay, St. Regis River from Canada upstream to the dam at Hogansburg, and Farrington Brook from the mouth upstream to U.S. Rte. 11. In the Hudson River, carp and suckers may be taken from March 20 through September 30 from Bakers Falls in the Village of Hudson Falls upstream to the conuence of Stony Creek in Warren County. In Oswego County, bullhead and suckers may be taken from January 1 through May 15 from Grindstone Creek downstream of the dam at Fernwood, Little Salmon River downstream from the bridge at Arthur, Ninemile Creek downstream of Rte. 104A, Eightmile Creek downstream of Rte. 104A, Salmon River downstream of NY Rte. 3, Red Creek or Sunset Bay Creek, Otter Branch Creek, Buttery Creek, Sage Creek and Snake Creek. In Wayne County, bullhead and suckers may be taken from January 1 through May 15 from Black Creek Bay and Red Creek Bay.

Use of spearguns is prohibited in the freshwaters of New York. Spears may not be used within 275 yards of eel weirs. Spears may not be possessed on any water in the Adirondack Park or within 200 feet of the high water mark of these waters. Possession of spears is prohibited on all waters except where the taking of sh by spear is permitted.

Spearshing prohibited

Bowshing

Any person who has a shing or small game hunting license, or is entitled to sh without a license, may take carp of any size and in any number by longbow (recurve or compound) from May 15 through September 30 from any water of the state where shing and the discharge of a bow is permitted. Taking sh by bow is otherwise prohibited.

Snatching

No person shall possess more than one quart total of sh eggs from trout, lake trout or Atlantic salmon while on the waters of the state or the shores thereof. Fish eggs which are still inside the carcass of an intact, legally caught and possessed sh shall not be counted towards the one quart total. No person shall take or attempt to take any sh by means of chumming with sh eggs. For the purposes of this section, chumming means depositing sh eggs, not attached to a hook, in the waters of the State of New York other than in the Marine and Coastal District.

Use and possession of sh eggs

The taking of sh by snatching, but not blind snatching (see definitions on page 60), is permitted from January 1 through March 15 only as follows: In Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, suckers may be taken from any stream. In Delaware County, suckers may be taken from the West Branch Delaware River, East Branch Delaware River and Charlotte Creek. In Otsego County, suckers may be taken from the Unadilla River, Wharton Creek and Butternut Creek. In Fulton, Saratoga, Washington, Franklin, Warren, Clinton, Essex and Hamilton counties, suckers may be taken from any stream except the Mohawk River, the Hudson River downstream of Bakers Falls including tributaries upstream to the rst barrier, or tributaries to Lake Champlain and Lake George upstream to the rst barrier.

Spearshing

The taking of sh by spear (not spear gun) is permitted only as follows: In Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, suckers may be taken in any stream from January 1 through May 15. In Montgomery County, suckers may be taken from January 1 through May 15 from Evas Kill, Flat Creek, Canajoharie Creek from the mouth to the dam one-half-mile above the mouth, and Caroga Creek. In Otsego County, suckers may be taken from January 1 through May 15 from Herkimer Creek, Hyder Creek, Trout (Mink) Creek, Hayden Creek from mouth to the Shipman Pond Dam, Shadow Brook, Sand Hill Creek from the mouth to Rte. 7 bridge, Otsdawa Creek from the mouth to Rte. 7 bridge and Mill Creek from the mouth to Rte. 7 bridge.

Lost or discarded shing line can last a long time in the environment. It is a type of litter that only comes from anglers! Too often, birds and other wildlife become entangled, leading to severe injury or a slow and painful death. Be sure to collect all shing line for proper disposal in the trash, a line disposal station, or bring it to a tackle store with a line recycling program. Any additional line that you are able to collect and remove from the areas that you sh will also help.

P D F L

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HEAD GENERAl REGulATIONS


In Chenango and Madison counties, suckers may be taken from the Chenango River downstream of Randallsville and the Unadilla River downstream of South Edmeston. In Otsego County, snatching and blind snatching is permitted with hooks having no more than two hook points to take whitesh in Otsego Lake from January 1 through November 30. In Clinton County, snatching and blind snatching is permitted to take burbot in Scomotion Creek from its mouth to Pardy Road from December 1 through March 31. Grappling hooks and snatch hooks may not be possessed on Lake George or within 200 feet of the high water mark of Lake George, except in a dwelling or building. Possession of snatch hooks is prohibited on all waters except those where sh may be taken by snatching.

Foul hooking

All foul-hooked trout, lake trout, coho salmon, chinook salmon, pink salmon and landlocked salmon must be released without unnecessary injury to the sh. All foul-hooked walleye in Oneida Lake and the tributaries to rst bridge upstream from the lake must be released without unnecessary injury to the sh.

reported. Please dont remove tags from sh you release. Ice shing is permitted in the following waters: All non-trout waters unless otherwise prohibited. Certain trout waters listed in the guide including Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Niagara River, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, Finger Lakes, Border Waters, most New York City reservoirs, and all other waters designated as ICE FISHING PERMITTED in SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY. Read through the regulations pertaining to the water you intend to sh. Where ice shing is permitted, sh may be taken in accordance with the seasons, minimum size and creel limits in eect in that water. Wherever ice shing is permitted, no more than 3 hand lines and 5 tip-ups may be used, except as noted in

Ice shing

Use of gaffs

Use or possession of gas or ga hooks is prohibited when shing in freshwater, including the Hudson River upstream of the Tappan Zee Bridge, except when ice shing.

Tagged sh

If you catch a tagged sh, write down the tag number, length of the sh, date and location of capture, and send this information to the address on the tag. You will be sent information about DECs tagging program and the individual sh

Black Lake New York


A Freshwater Fishermans Paradise!

For lake effect sm iles...

Before you leave a body of water:


Remove any visible mud, plants or animals.

Spring, Summer , Fall or Winter ...

Dry anything that comes into contact with water. If drying is not possible, disinfect. For disinfection guidance go to www.dec.ny.gov/animals/50267.html or contact your local DEC office. Never release plants, ish or animals into a body of water unless they came from that body of water.

Come sh Black Lake!

www.blacklakeny.com
54

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

GENERAl REGulATIONS
BORDER WATERS, LAKE CHAMPLAIN or SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY. All tip-ups must be marked with the name and address of the operator. The operator must be present when lines (tip-ups or hand lines) are in the water. Tip-ups may only be operated on waters of the state between November 15 and April 30. Remember: Trout waters where ice shing is permitted are specically designated in this guide; ice shing is prohibited in all other trout waters. If you are unsure whether a water is considered trout or non-trout, contact the DEC Regional Oce for that area. No person shall operate a tip-up that has more than 5 lures or baits or a combination of both, or has more than 15 hook points in any combination of single, double or treble hooks. salable sh may be transported unless a permit is obtained from a DEC Regional Oce, or the sh are frozen, processed and packaged for storage. Smelt, suckers, alewives, and blueback herring taken by dip nets (page 56) or angling, and suckers taken by spearing, may be transported overland by motorized vehicle for consumption purposes only. Once those species are transported away from the water body, they may not be transported back to any water body for use as bait. Salable fish may be transported in any number. Baitsh transportation regulations can be found on pages 57-59.

St. Lawrence County has a


Don Meissner, nationally-recognized angler and TV host

greater variety of true trophy angling than any place on earth.

Ice shanties

Ice shanties must be marked on the outside with the owners name and address in letters at least 3 inches high. Shanties must be removed from all waters by March 15 to prevent them from falling through the ice in spring and becoming hazards to navigation.

Fish cleaning law

It is illegal on New York State waters to possess walleye, black bass, brook trout, lake trout or Atlantic salmon that have been cut, dismembered, lleted, skinned or otherwise altered so that the species and total length of such sh cannot be easily determined. However, these sh may be gilled or gutted. Other species of sh may be lleted provided that the skin is not removed from the llets. This regulation allows more eective enforcement of harvest regulations on protected game sh.

Fish carcass disposal law

It is illegal to discard any sh carcass, or parts thereof, into the freshwaters of the state within 100 feet of shore or upon any public or private lands contiguous to and within 100 feet of such water, except: On private lands by owners of such lands. If properly disposing into suitable garbage or refuse collection systems or by burial. Where incidental cleaning of fish for consumption is permitted. However, resulting waste may not be disposed of within 100 feet of any public launching or docking site unless into a suitable refuse collection system. Live sh and sh which must be returned to the water because of size limits, open seasons and creel limits are not subject to the sh carcass disposal law.

More than 200 Lakes, Ponds and Streams.... the St. Lawrence River.... and Waddington, a National Ultimate Fishing Town Winner.

St. Lawrence County. Fishing Like It Used To Be.


Plan your trip at FISHCAP.net or contact the St. Lawrence Chamber of Commerce at 877-228-7810.

Transportation

Transportation of sh is permitted as follows: No more than two days legal take of non-

Fish caught in New York State

NYSDED, used w/permission.

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HEAD GENERAl REGulATIONS


Fish caught outside of New York State
 ish caught outside of NY may be transported F into New York in any manner, except parcel post, in the number that may be legally exported from the place of taking. and pink salmon, Atlantic salmon, lake trout, whitesh, pickerel, crappie, northern pike and walleye. Additional regulations may apply to the sale of these imported sh; contact a DEC regional oce for more information. Exception: The American eel is the only sh taken from the Quebec portion of Lake Champlain and the Richelieu River that may be transported into and sold in New York State. Fish that are non-salable, unless taken on a licensed shing preserve or private hatchery and properly tagged, include: black bass, landlocked salmon, muskellunge and trout. Exceptions: Sale of catsh taken in Lake Ontario and its tributaries upstream to the rst barrier impassable by sh and in the St. Lawrence River is prohibited. Sale of American eel from Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence, Hudson, Harlem and East rivers is prohibited, except for use as bait. Sale of coho, chinook and pink salmon taken in Lake Erie, Niagara River, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and their tributaries upstream to the rst barrier impassable by sh is prohibited, except that eggs may be bought and sold.

Non-salable sh transported by carrier

Stocking

 tag must be attached showing name and A address of both taker and consignee, and contents of the package. Fish that are salable at any time include: Those species in the STATEWIDE ANGLING REGULATIONS table for which there is no closed season and no minimum length. Fish taken on licensed shing preserves. These sh must be properly tagged prior to removal from preserve premises. The following sh only if taken outside of New York State or if legally taken with licensed commercial gear: coho, chinook

A DEC stocking permit is required to stock sh into a New York State water body (page 60). A stocking permit may be obtained from your regional DEC Fisheries Oce.

Purchase and sale

Endangered and threatened sh

It is illegal to sh for, or possess sh that are ocially listed by DEC as endangered or threatened: Endangered: silver chub, bluebreast darter, deepwater sculpin, gilt darter, pugnose shiner, round whitesh, shortnose sturgeon, Atlantic sturgeon and spoonhead sculpin. Threatened : eastern sand darter, lake chubsucker, lake sturgeon, longear sunsh, mooneye, gravel chub, banded sunsh, longhead darter, swamp darter, spotted darter and mud sunsh.

Smelt may be taken in a dip net not exceeding 14 inches in diameter, or 13 x 13 inches if square, as follows:
Water
Raquette Lake Tupper Lake Canandaigua Lake Canadice Lake Hemlock Lake Keuka Lake Seneca Lake Indian Lake Fulton Chain (except Seventh Lake) East Caroga Lake West Caroga Lake Cayuga Lake* Owasco Lake *no smelt dipping permitted in Willow Creek Hudson River from Tappan Zee Bridge upstream to the Troy Dam 1 Marine District
1

Frogs

Open Season
Anytime Anytime Anytime

Daily Hours & Limit


Anytime/8 quarts Anytime/8 quarts Anytime/8 quarts

Tributaries
All from lake upstream mile Lake and Bog River upstream to Rt 421 All from lake upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh

Exceptions: no dipping in Catharine Creek and LHommedieu Diversion channel (Seneca Lake) and upstream of old Lehigh Valley Railroad bridge at Naples Creek (Canandaigua Lake) April 1 through May 15 5 am to 10 pm (prevailing time) 8 quarts 7 pm to 2 am (prevailing time) 8 quarts Anytime/Any number All from lake upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh. No dipping in Mead Creek from mouth upstream to State Route 29A All from lake upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh. All from river upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh

March 1 through May 21 Anytime

Any person who has a small game hunting license, or a shing license, or is entitled to sh without a license, may take frogs with a spear, club, hook or by hand. A small game hunting license is required to take frogs with a gun or a longbow. Frogs may be taken in any number and at any time from June 15 through September 30, except that no person shall use a gun to take frogs at night (sunset to sunrise). Frogs may be imported, bought and sold at any time. An importer must keep a record of names and addresses of buyers and sellers. Exception: Leopard frogs may not be taken in NYC, Nassau or Suolk counties. Northern cricket frogs may not be taken anywhere in New York State.

Salamanders

Contact (631) 444-0435 or www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html

Native salamanders cannot be collected or used as bait.

Smelt may be taken in any size dip net as follows:


Water
Lake Erie Lake Ontario Niagara River

Aquatic insects
Tributaries
All from lake upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh

Open Season
Anytime

Daily Hours & Limit


8 quarts

No aquatic insect (or any insect that lives in the water during any of its life stages) shall be taken from waters inhabited by trout, or from the banks of those waters at anytime.

Suckers may be taken in a dip net not exceeding 14 inches in diameter, or 13 x 13 inches if square, as follows:
Water
Cayuga Lake Seneca Lake Canandaigua Lake Hudson River upstream to Troy Dam

Dip nets

Open Season
Anytime Anytime Anytime Anytime

Daily Limit
Any number Any number Any number Any number

Tributaries
All except Willow Creek All except Catharine Creek All except Naples Creek where netting is prohibited upstream of old Lehigh Valley Railroad bridge All from river upstream to rst barrier impassable by sh

Any person who has a shing license, or is entitled to sh without a license, may operate one dip net as specied in the tables to the left; these are the only circumstances where dip-netting is permitted unless a commercial license has been obtained. Refer to page 24 for regulations specic to dip net use on the Hudson River. Note: Smelt, suckers, alewives and blueback herring are the only sh that may be taken with a dip net.

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

BAITfISH REGulATIONS
Purchased Baitsh
The following baitsh are the only species that can be purchased and used in any water body in New York where it is legal to use sh as bait. These baitsh are commonly used throughout New York and are not considered to be a threat to other native New York sh species (except for trout in waters where baitsh use is prohibited). Limiting the use of baitsh to the Green List will help prevent the accidental introduction of unwanted species. Golden shiner Emerald shiner Common shiner Spottail shiner Banded killish Fathead minnow Bluntnose minnow Northern redbelly dace Blacknose dace Longnose dace White sucker Northern hogsucker Creek chub Fallsh Logperch Eastern silvery minnow

Green List Baitsh

Stillwater to the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan Island; Keuka Lake; Otsego Lake; Otisco Lake; Owasco Lake; Lake Ontario; Lake Erie; Lamoka Lake; Pepacton Reservoir; Seneca Lake; St. Lawrence River; Niagara River; Mohawk River, and all waters in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. Rainbow smelt: Canadice Lake; Canandaigua Lake; Cayuga Lake; Cayuta Lake; Conesus Lake; First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth lakes of the Fulton Chain; Hemlock Lake; Honeoye Lake; Keuka Lake; Lake Champlain; Lamoka Lake; Lake Ontario; Lake Erie; Owasco Lake; Seneca Lake; Star Lake (St. Lawrence County); Waneta Lake; the St. Lawrence River; and the Niagara River. Mummichog: Hudson River and tidal portion of Hudson River tributaries downstream of the Federal Dam at Troy; and all waters in Nassau and Suolk counties. Blueback herring and Atlantic menhaden: Hudson River downstream from Lock C-4 and its associated dam in Stillwater to the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan Island; and the Mohawk River and tributaries to the rst barrier impassable by sh. American eel: Delaware River and tributaries to the rst barrier impassable by sh, 6-inch minimum size limit; and the Hudson River downstream from the Federal Dam at Troy to the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, between 6 and 14 inches.

In addition to the Green List, the following baitsh may be purchased and used in specied waters and their tributaries to the rst impassable barrier only. They are not included on the Green List for a variety of reasons including potential negative impacts on native sh populations (i.e., alewife predation on walleye fry) or they are Marine District species. Alewife: Canandaigua Lake; Canadice Lake; Cannonsville Reservoir; Cayuga Lake; Cayuta Lake; Conesus Lake; Hemlock Lake; Waneta Lake; Hudson River downstream from Lock C-4 and its associated dam in

Other Baitsh

A B L R S B I N.Y.

We may be small but we can be BIG trouble!


The effectiveness of baitsh as a means to catch sh cannot be argued, but careless use of baitsh can also cause irreparable harm to a shery. One only has to look to the Adirondacks where our state sh, the brook trout, has been pushed out of much of its original range due to the introduction of competitive sh species, most likely via a bait bucket. Sometimes this is simply a result of an angler discarding unused bait at the end of the day. In other cases the introduction may be purposely done by an angler who feels that a bait species may provide benecial forage for a particular species that he or she desires to sh for. What is not understood is that a sh population in a pond, lake or stream is part of a stable community that has evolved over many years. Add a foreign sh to this community and the entire system can be thrown out of balance. Species such as brook trout that have evolved with few, if any, competitive sh species and rarely feed on sh, can be eliminated from a pond if baitsh or other non-native species are introduced. Baitsh such as alewife can also directly impact a shery by feeding on the young of desirable sh species such as walleye. Black crappie and other notorious larval sh predators can also be mixed in with bait, particularly if it was harvested in the wild. This is why DEC prohibits the stocking of sh, including the simple act of dumping a bait bucket, without a stocking permit. Baitsh can also harm native sh communities by spreading disease. Just like a human with a cold can spread his or her illness to other humans, so too can diseased sh. In fact, movement of baitsh from water to water by unknowing anglers is thought to be the primary mechanism by which viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), a serious sh disease recently identied in New York, has

spread from the Great Lakes to inland waters. Diseases may also be introduced by bait wholesalers who do not test their sh before they are sold to bait dealers. To address this problem, DEC has established regulations to control the use of baitsh. Among other things, these regulations restrict the use of personally collected baitsh to the water they were collected from and prohibit their transport from these waters. Only 21 species of sh may now be sold for bait in New York. Except for baitsh sold for use on the same water they were collected from, all baitsh must also be certied to be disease free. Certied disease-free baitsh are the only form of live baitsh that may be transported overland outside of the three designated travel corridors without a DEC permit, and these sh must be used within 10 days of purchase. A complete discussion of these new baitsh regulations can be found on page 57.

ONLY USE BAIT PURCHASED FROM A DEALER SELLING CERTIFIED DISEASE-FREE BAIT DONT MOVE BAIT OR OTHER FISH FROM ONE WATER TO ANOTHER DUMP UNUSED BAIT IN AN APPROPRIATE LOCATION ON DRY LAND USE BAITFISH ONLY IN WATERS WHERE THEIR USE IS PERMITTED REPORT ILLEGAL STOCKING ACTIVITIES

Keep Fishing Great in New York State!


Protect New Yorks waters from sh diseases and damaging non-native species.

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

57

BAITfISH REGulATIONS
Use, Possession and Transportation of Purchased Baitsh
Certied baitsh are those that have been tested and found to be free of specied diseases. Use of certied baitsh helps prevent the spread of sh diseases. Certied baitsh purchased from a bait dealer can be transported overland in a motorized vehicle and used in any water body where it is legal to do so. For baitsh to be considered certied, the seller must provide a receipt that contains: the sellers name, date of sale, the species of sh, and the number of each species sold. The buyer must retain that receipt while in possession of the baitsh. Baitsh without a receipt or with a receipt that is older than 10 days shall be considered uncertied bait. Uncertied baitsh are those that have not been tested to verify that they are free of specied diseases. These uncertied sh may carry diseases that could be harmful to native sh species. Uncertied baitsh purchased from a bait dealer can only be used on the same body of water that they were collected in. Uncertied baitsh cannot be transported overland by a motorized vehicle (e.q., car) except within a designated overland transportation corridor (page 57). The seller of uncertied baitsh outside of an overland transportation corridor is required to provide the same receipt information as for certied baitsh and also include the name of the water body in which the uncertied bait sh can be used and a warning to the purchaser that the baitsh may not be transported by motorized vehicle.

Certied baitsh

prohibited except within a designated overland transportation corridor (page 59). See exceptions on page 55 for smelt, suckers, alewives and blueback herring taken for human consumption. Possession or use of minnow traps and nets is prohibited on units of state land/waters where the use or possession of baitsh is prohibited (see Special Regulations by County). In the Hudson River downstream of the Troy Dam and in Lake Champlain, Upper and Lower Saranac Lakes, Lake Clear (Franklin Co.), Chazy Lake and their tributaries to the rst barrier, smelt may be taken only by angling.

Baitsh collection exceptions

Species That May Not Be Used for Bait

Carp, goldsh, lamprey larvae, round goby, as well as species listed as endangered or threatened in New York State may not be used for bait.

Uncertied Baitsh

Baitsh collected in the Marine and Coastal District may be transported overland only for use in the Marine and Coastal District in the following counties: Queens, Kings, Richmond, New York, Bronx, Suolk, Nassau, Rockland and Westchester. The Marine and Coastal District includes waters of the Atlantic Ocean within 3 miles of the coastline and all other tidal waters, including the Hudson River upstream to the Tappan Zee Bridge. Any dead sh, or parts thereof excluding eggs, that are legal to possess and are not prohibited for use as bait (see above) that have been packaged for commercial sale and have been preserved by methods other than by freezing only (e.q., salted minnows) can be used in any water body where it is legal to use sh as bait and do not require a receipt. Each package of dead bait sh must be individually labeled, identifying the name of the packager/processor, the name of the species, the quantity of sh contained, and the means of preservation.

Restrictions on Use and Possession of Marine Baitsh

Use of Dead Fish as Bait

Any person who has a shing license1 or is entitled to sh without a license may collect2 minnows (except carp and goldsh), killish, mudminnows, darters, sticklebacks, stonecats, smelt, alewives and suckers for personal use in hook and line shing only (sale prohibited) by angling and with the gear types listed below. Special regulations associated with personally harvesting alewife and blueback herring in the Hudson River can be found on page 24.
Gear Time Water
Seine or scap net: Sunrise All non-trout waters to Sunset maximum size 36 square feet Minnow trap: maximum length 20", Waters open to Anytime baitsh use maximum entrance diameter 1", must be marked with owners name and address Lakes Erie & Ontario excluding their inlets, outlets, bays Seine: Anytime Niagara River maximum size 36 square feet Hudson River below Troy Dam Cast net: Anytime Hudson River below Troy Dam maximum 10 feet in diameter In addition, alewives are the only sh that may be taken as follows: Gill nets: Canadice, Canandaigua, Cayuga, Hemlock, Anytime maximum length 25 feet, Keuka, Owasco, Otisco and Seneca lakes. maximum size 1" bar Stunning may be used to collect stonecats. Stunning means tapping a stone with an implement or other stone. 1  Recreational marine shing registration is required to collect alewives, blueback herring or smelt from the Hudson River below the Troy Dam, including tributaries to the rst barrier impassible by sh. 2  Possession of endangered or threatened sh species is prohibited.

Collection, Use and Transportation of Personally Harvested Baitsh

Any sh taken from a water body and used as bait counts toward your daily limit. Native salamanders cannot be collected or used as bait.

P N

Baitsh or other legally taken sh species intended to be used as bait may only be used in the same water body (page 60) from which they were caught for bait in hook-and-line shing. These sh may only be used in a water body where it is legal to use sh as bait. Transportation of personally harvested baitsh overland by a motorized vehicle is

58

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

BAITfISH REGulATIONS
Three dened overland transportation corridors were designated for the purposes of allowing the transport and use of uncertied baitsh by anglers in specic areas of the state. The three overland transportation corridors are intended to primarily serve anglers shing three major water bodies: the Lake Erie-Upper Niagara River; the Lower Niagara River-Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River; and the Tidal Hudson River. To protect against the spread of sh diseases into uninfected waters through the use of baitsh, uncertied baitsh are only allowed to be used on the same body of water where they were collected within these corridors.

Overland Transportation Corridors

Transportation of Purchased Uncertied Baitsh within an Overland Transportation Corridor

Uncertied baitsh purchased from a bait dealer may be transported within a designated overland transportation corridor provided a receipt, issued by the seller and retained by the purchaser while in possession of the baitsh, contains (1) the sellers name, (2) date of sale, (3) the species of sh, (4) the number of each species sold, (5) the water body the baitsh must be used in, (6) the overland transportation corridor the baitsh must be transported within, and (7) a warning that the baitsh may only be transported within that overland transportation corridor.

Transportation of Personally Collected Baitsh within an Overland Transportation Corridor

Personally collected baitsh taken from a water body within an overland transportation corridor may be transported within that corridor. These baitsh may only be used in the same water body (page 60) they were collected in. The three overland transportation corridors are dened as follows: 1. Upper Niagara River/Lake Erie Overland Transportation Corridor shall mean the geographical area associated with the New York portion of Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River west of and including a line starting at I-90 at the Pennsylvania border, then continuing east to its intersection with I-290, then continuing north along I-290 to its intersection with State Route 62, then continuing west to its intersection with I-190, then north to its intersection with the Lower Niagara River. Baitsh collected from the New York portion of the Upper Niagara River/Lake Erie water body may be transported within this corridor.

Designated Overland Transportation Corridors

2. Lower Niagara River/Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River Overland Transportation Corridor shall mean the geographical area associated with New York portion of the Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River starting at the intersection of I-190 and the Lower Niagara River, then continuing eastward to its intersection with State Route 104, then continuing eastward to its intersection with State Route 3, then continuing east on State Route 3 to its intersection with State Route 104, then continuing eastward on State Route 104 to its intersection with State Route 11, then continuing north on State Route 11 to its intersection with State Route 56 , then continuing north along State Route 56 to its intersection with State Route 37, then continuing east along State Route 37 to its intersection with Racquette Point Road, then continuing north on Racquette Point Road to its intersection with Ransom Road, and then continuing west on Ransom Road and terminating at the St. Lawrence River. Baitsh collected from the New York portion of the Lower Niagara River/Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River water body may be transported within this corridor. 3. Hudson River Overland Transportation Corridor shall mean the geographical area associated with the Hudson River south of the Federal Dam at Troy starting at the eastern shore of the Hudson River at the Federal Dam in Troy, continuing east on W Glenn Avenue in Troy to its intersection with State Route 4, then continuing south on State Route 4 to its intersection with State Routes 9 & 20, then continuing easterly to its intersection with State Route 9, then continuing east on State Route 82, to its intersection with the Taconic State Parkway, then continuing south on the Taconic State Parkway to its intersection with the Sprain Brook Parkway, then continuing south on the Sprain Brook Parkway to its intersection with I-287, then continuing west on I-287 across the Tappan Zee Bridge to I-87 North, then continuing north on I-87 to where State Route 9W crosses I-87 in Greene County, then continuing north on State Route 9W to where State Route 9W crosses I-87 in Albany County, then continuing north on I-87 to its intersection with State Route 7, then continuing east on State Route 7 to its intersection with I-787, then continuing north on I-787 to its intersection with Tibbets Avenue, then continuing east on Tibbets Avenue to its intersection with Delaware Avenue, then proceeding in a straight line to the west edge of the Troy Dam. Baitsh collected from the New York portion of the Tidal Hudson River water body may be transported within this corridor.

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

59

DEfINITIONS
Angling means taking sh by hook and line. This includes bait and y shing, casting, trolling and the use of landing nets to complete the catch. Anglers must be in immediate attendance when their lines are in the water. An angler may operate no more than three lines with or without a rod, and each line is limited to not more than ve lures or baits or a combination of both, and in addition, each line shall not exceed fteen hook points in any combination of single, double or treble hooks. Snatching, lifting, hooking and use of tip-ups are not angling. Articial lures or bait means articial imitations of natural bait, manmade ies, spinners, spoons, plugs, jigs and other lures, including those that may contain some natural substances such as deer hair and feathers. Articial y means a hook with no more than two points dressed with feathers, hair, thread, tinsel or any similar material to which no additional hooks, spinners, spoons or similar devices have been added. Black bass means both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Blind snatching means the taking of sh by snatching when the sh is not visible to the angler. Catch and release means catching and immediately releasing the caught sh without harm. Measuring, weighing and photographing of the sh are permitted as long as the sh is not removed from the water for an extended period or handled in a manner that could cause it harm. Fish may not be placed in a bucket, tub, livewell, on a string or any other holding device. Catch and release angling is only permitted during the open season for a particular sh species. Catch and release angling during the closed season, or for endangered or threatened sh species is prohibited. Chumming means depositing in the water any substance, not attached to a hook, which may attract sh. Fishing means the taking, killing, netting, capturing or withdrawal of sh by any means. This includes every attempt to take sh, plus assisting another person in taking or attempting to take sh. Foul-hooked means not hooked in the mouth. Hook gap means the distance from the shank to the point of the hook. LL Salmon means landlocked salmon or Atlantic salmon. Marine and Coastal District includes waters of the Atlantic Ocean within 3 miles of the coastline and all other tidal waters, including the Hudson River upstream to the Tappan Zee Bridge. Minimum length means the greatest possible length measured from the tip of the shs snout to the tip of the tail. The mouth may be open or closed and the tail may be spread or compressed in order to achieve the greatest length. Natural bait means all baits which entice or might be ingested or swallowed by sh including, but not limited to, sh (dead or alive), sh eggs, worms, shellsh, crustacea, amphibians (frogs and toads), insects (including all stages of development such as larvae, pupae, etc.), pork rinds, liver, meat, corn or other vegetable matter, tapioca, candy, cheese, bread and putty or dough-like scented baits. Night means hour after sunset to hour before sunrise. Snatching means taking sh not attracted by bait or articial lure with hooks, gangs or similar devices whether or not baited. Snagging, lifting, and single hook snagging are types of snatching. Snatching is indicated by repeated or exaggerated jerking motions of the shing rod. Spearshing or spear means taking a sh with a hand-propelled single or multiple pronged pike, blade or harpoon. It does not include the mechanically propelled device commonly called a spear gun. Trout means brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and hybrids of these species including splake. Tip-up means any device used for shing through the ice that has a signaling device attached, except a bobber or other oating object on the water, that will visually or audibly signal a strike. Water body, as referenced in DEC baitsh and sh health regulations, shall mean any lake, river, pond, stream or any other distinct mass of water existing in the State of New York, whether publicly or privately owned, including the banks and shores thereof. A water body shall also include all tributaries upstream to the rst barrier impassable to sh, including the banks and shores thereof. For the purposes of this denition, locks and dams shall be considered impassable barriers. In addition, each of the following 12 combined water bodies, including all tributaries up to the rst impassable barrier, shall be considered the same water body except that border waters shall only include the portion inside New York: Lake Ontario in combination with the Lower Niagara River and the St. Lawrence River; Lake Erie in combination with the Upper Niagara River, Black Rock Canal, and waters of the Erie Barge Canal from the Upper Niagara River to Lock E-35 in Lockport; Oswego River from Lock 7 to junction with Oneida River and Seneca River at Three Rivers; Oneida River downstream of Caughdenoy Dam and Erie Barge Canal from Lock E23 to the junction with Oswego and Seneca Rivers; Oneida Lake and Erie Barge Canal downstream to Lock E23 and upstream to Lock E22, and the Oneida River downstream to Caughdenoy Dam; Mohawk River from Barge Canal in Rome upstream to Delta Dam; Erie Barge Canal from Lock E22 east to Lock E6; Lake Champlain, including the Champlain Canal north of Lock 12; Hudson River from the Federal Dam at Troy to Bakers Falls in the City of Hudson Falls, and the Champlain Canal up to but not above Lock 7 in Fort Edward, and the Erie Barge Canal up to but not above Lock E6 in Waterford; Hudson River downstream from the Federal Dam at Troy to the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan Island. Susquehanna River downstream of dam in Oakland, Pennsylvania and the Chenango River. Saranac Chain of Lakes from Lake Flower upstream to Barlett Carry Dam.

B R A
Be aware of your actions and their potential impact on other anglers. Try not to reduce the chances or enjoyment of others by your actions. Respect other water users. Boating anglers are advised to follow New York State Navigation Law and be aware of the impact that their vessels wake can have on others. Respect other anglers that have reached the water before you. The person that rst reaches a location has the right to sh it without being squeezed by another person, whether they are a tournament pro or rst time angler. Share advice and techniques. Helping someone learn the proper and effective way to sh a body of water will help create an ethical angler and perhaps a lifelong friend. The game law violator is always a thief. Even when illegal activity does not affect a sh population, it robs a law abiding angler of the opportunity to have an enjoyable shing experience.

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wEIGH yOuR fISH wITH A RulER


Ever wanted to know the weight of your catch but didnt have a scale handy or the desire to kill your sh and weigh it on land? For the species listed below, you can get an approximate weight by measuring the sh from the snout to the tip of the tail. These weights are averages taken from sh collected by DEC sh management crews from across the State of New York. Remember, these are averagessh growth can vary signicantly based on a number of factors, including the length of the growing season and food supply.

Big Catch? Trophy Buck?


J.F. Grifn Publishing welcomes your digital photo submissions for possible publication in our hunting and shing regulation guides. Please upload high-resolution images for consideration at: www.eregulations.com/photos

Average weight by length (in inches) of various New York freshwater sh species
Length Black Crappie Bluegill Yellow Perch Smallmouth Largemouth Bass Bass Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Lake Trout Walleye Chain Pickerel Northern Pike Muskellunge

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51

7 oz 9 oz 13 oz 1 lb 1 oz 1 lb 6 oz 1 lb 12 oz

1 oz 3 oz 4 oz 7 oz 10 oz 13 oz

1 oz 2 oz 3 oz 5 oz 7 oz 10 oz 13 oz 15 oz 1 lb 2 oz 1 lb 5 oz

13 oz 1 lb 1 oz 1 lb 5 oz 1 lb 10 oz 1 lb 15 oz 2 lb 9 oz 3 lb 2 oz 3 lb 5 oz 3 lb 14 oz 4 lb 8 oz 5 lb 3 oz

14 oz 1 lb 2 oz 1 lb 7 oz 1 lb 13 oz 2 lb 4 oz 2 lb 12 oz 3 lb 5 oz 3 lb 15 oz 4 lb 10 oz 5 lb 7 oz 6 lb 6 oz

6 oz 8 oz 11 oz 14 oz 1 lb 2 oz 1 lb 6 oz 1 lb 11 oz 2 lb 0 oz 2 lb 7oz 2 lb 14 oz 3 lb 6 oz 3 lb 15 oz

10 oz 12 oz 1 lb 0 oz 1 lb 3 oz 1 lb 7 oz 1 lb 12 oz 2 lb 1 oz 2 lb 7 oz 2 lb 14 oz 3 lb 5 oz 3 lb 13 oz 4 lb 6 oz 5 lb 0 oz 5 lb 11 oz 6 lb 6 oz 7 lb 2 oz 8 lb 0 oz 8 lb 14 oz 9 lb 14 oz

10 oz 13 oz 1 lb 1 oz 1 lb 5 oz 1 lb 9 oz 1 lb 14 oz 2 lb 4 oz 2 lb 11 oz 3 lb 2 oz 3 lb 10 oz 4 lb 3 oz 4 lb 12 oz 5 lb 7 oz 6 lb 3 oz 6 lb 15 oz 7 lb 13 oz 8 lb 12 oz 9 lb 11 oz 10 lb 12 oz

1 lb 0 oz 1 lb 4 oz 1 lb 8 oz 1 lb 13 oz 2 lb 3 oz 2 lb 9 oz 3 lb 0 oz 3 lb 8 oz 4 lb 0 oz 4 lb 9 oz 5 lb 4 oz 5 lb 15 oz 6 lb 11 oz 7 lb 8 oz 8 lb 7 oz 9 lb 6 oz 10 lb 7 oz 11 lb 8 oz 12 lb 11 oz 14 lb 0 oz 15 lb 5 oz

1 lb 1 oz 1 lb 4 oz 1 lb 9 oz 1 lb 14 oz 2 lb 4 oz 2 lb 10 oz 3 lb 1 oz 3 lb 9 oz 4 lb 1 oz 4 lb 11 oz 5 lb 5 oz 6 lb 0 oz 6 lb 12 oz 7 lb 10 oz 8 lb 9 oz 9 lb 8 oz

11 oz 14 oz 1 lb 1 oz 1 lb 4 oz 1 lb 8 oz 1 lb 12 oz 2 lb 1 oz 2 lb 6 oz 2 lb 12 oz 3 lb 3 oz 3 lb 10 oz 4 lb 1 oz 4 lb 10 oz

1 lb 4 oz 1 lb 7 oz 1 lb 11 oz 2 lb 1 oz 2 lb 6 oz 2 lb 9 oz 2 lb 15 oz 3 lb 5 oz 3 lb 11 oz 4 lb 2 oz 4 lb 9 oz 5 lb 1 oz 5 lb 10 oz 6 lb 3 oz 6 lb 13 oz 7 lb 7 oz 8 lb 2 oz 8 lb 13 oz 9 lb 10 oz 10 lb 6 oz 11 lb 4 oz 12 lb 2 oz 13 lb 1 oz

HOW OLD IS MY BASS


Average Age (in years) by Length of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass in New York State
LenGTH 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass

2 2

3 2

3 3

4 4

4 4

5 5

5 6

6 6

7 7

7 8

8 8

8 9

9 10

10 10

10 11

7 lb 4 oz 8 lb 1 oz 8 lb 15 oz 9 lb 15 oz 11 lb 0 oz 12 lb 1 oz 13 lb 4 oz 14 lb 8 oz 15 lb 14 oz 17 lb 5 oz 18 lb 13 oz 20 lb 7 oz 22 lb 2 oz 23 lb 15 oz 25 lb 14 oz 27 lb 14 oz 30 lb 0 oz 32 lb 3 oz 34 lb 8 oz 37 lb 0 oz 39 lb 9 oz 42 lb 4 oz

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NEw YORk STATE ANGlER AcHIEVEmENT AwARDS


Each year numerous anglers take to the water in hope of catching a trophy-sized sh. For those lucky enough to land a large sh, one way of marking the event is to enter the sh in DECs New York State Angler Achievement Awards Program. Started in the early 1900s and expanded in 1990, this program ocially recognizes anglers for their shing accomplishments. Awards are given for catching any of 45 dierent eligible freshwater sh species. You can get an award for catching a one-pound perch just as easily as you can for catching a 33-pound chinook salmon. You can enter your catch in any of three categoriesAnnual Award, Catch and Release, and State Record. d. Make sure weighing is observed by one witness other than the scale owner or business employee. e. Make sure sections A,B,C,D,E, and G of the entry form are completed. f. Make sure a side-view photograph of the sh (angler with the sh, if possible) is enclosed with the entry form. 7. To enter a sh in the Catch and Release category: a. Make sure the sh is one of the 21 species designated under the Catch and Release category. b. Make sure the sh is measured from tip of nose to tip of tail. c. Make sure the sh meets or exceeds the minimum qualifying length for its species. d. Make sure sections A,B, C and G of the entry form are completed. e. Make sure a side-view photograph of the sh (angler with the sh, if possible) is enclosed with the entry form. Photograph must be taken at the catch site; entry forms accompanied by photographs taken at the anglers home, bait shop, etc. will be disqualied. f. Make sure the sh is handled properly. Fish should be measured, photographed and released quickly. Improper handling (i.e., sh hanging from stringers or scales) will result in disqualication. Fish not released promptly (i.e., weighed o-site prior to release) are not eligible for Catch and Release consideration. 8. To enter a sh in the New York State Record category: a. Make sure the sh is one of the 45 species designated for State Record consideration. b. Make sure the sh is weighed on a certied scale by the owner or an employee of the business where the scale is located. c. Make sure weighing is observed by one witness other than the scale owner or business employee. d. Fish must exceed previous record by a minimum of 1 oz. in order to qualify as a new state record. e. Make sure sections AG of the entry form are completed. f. Make sure a clear side-view photograph of the sh (angler with the sh, if possible) is enclosed with the entry form. g. Make sure the sh is identied and examined by a DEC sheries biologist, or a designee, prior to any cutting of the sh or removal of entrails. Section F will be completed by the person verifying the sh. h. Fish fed or otherwise grown with the intention of breaking a state record will be disqualied. 9. For sh entered in the Annual Award or Catch & Release categories,* send completed entry forms to:  ew York State Angler Achievement Awards N NYSDECBureau of Fisheries 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4753
* Completed entry forms for sh entered in the State Record category should be sent directly to DECs Bureau of Fisheries regional oce nearest you.

Annual Award

The Annual Award recognizes the anglers who caught the three heaviest sh of the calendar year (Jan. 1Dec. 31) for each species. Each sh entered must meet or exceed the minimum qualifying weights found on page 64. The winning anglers are awarded an Angler Achievement Award lapel pin and a Certicate of Achievement. The Catch and Release Award commends the actions of those anglers who return their qualifying catch to the water. This category is limited to 21 major sportsh species found on page 64. Anglers catching a qualifying sh are awarded a distinctive Catch and Release lapel pin.

Catch and Release

State Record

The State Record recognizes those anglers who break current New York State records for any of the 45 eligible sh species. Anglers receive a custom engraved plaque, an Angler Achievement Award lapel pin and a Certicate of Achievement. For more information on the New York State Angler Achievement Awards program, contact (518) 402-8891.

Rules of Entry

1. Fish must be taken during their respective open season by angling or ice shing in New York State waters in accordance with New York State shing regulations. Angling does not include any method by which the sh are foul hooked. Fish showing signs of foul hooking, gill nets, tampering or foreign objects will be disqualied. 2. Qualifying sh must be entered on an ocial entry form or facsimile. All applicable portions of the entry form must be completed. 3. Entry forms must be received by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Bureau of Fisheries within 30 days of the catch. 4. All entries must be accompanied by a clear, side-view photograph of the sh or if possible, the angler with the sh. Information provided on the entry form and any associated photographs become the property of DEC and may be used for promotional purposes. Photographs cannot be returned. 5. Pins awarded annually will be limited to one pin per angler per species. 6. To enter a sh in the Annual Award category: a. Make sure the sh is one of the 45 species designated under the Annual Award category. b. Make sure the sh is weighed on a certied scale by the owner or an employee of the business where the scale is located. Certied scales can be found at post oces, supermarkets and bait shops, just to name a few. Fish weighed on personal handheld scales will not be accepted. c. Make sure the sh meets or exceeds the minimum qualifying weight for the species.

10. The DEC Bureau of Fisheries reserves the right to reject any Angler Achievement Award Application on the basis of erroneous species identication, improper handling, illegal shing methods, evidence of tampering or foreign objects, or inability to adequately document any of the circumstances relating to the catch.

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AVAILABLE

NOW

Qualifying Criteria

To enter a sh in the Angler Achievement Awards Program, it must meet the minimum qualifying weight or length for the species in the entered category. The following list shows the minimum qualifying requirements for each species.

Catch and Release Category


Species
Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped (Hudson River, Delaware River) Bluegill (Sunsh) Carp, Common Crappie, Black or White Muskellunge (except Lake Erie) (minimum legal length for Lake Erie is 54 in.) Muskellunge, Tiger Perch, Yellow Pickerel, Chain Pike, Northern Pumpkinseed (Sunsh) Salmon, Atlantic Great Lakes 30 inches 24 inches 40 inches 33 inches 18 inches Great Lakes Inland Lakes Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Walleye Great Lakes Inland Lakes Inland Streams 30 inches 24 inches 20 inches 25 inches Great Lakes Inland 34 inches 30 inches Inland Streams 32 inches 24 inches 20 inches Inland Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Coho Trout, Brook Trout, Brown

Annual Award Category


Species
Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Striped (Hudson River, Delaware River) Bass, White Bluegill (Sunsh) Bown Bullhead, Black Bullhead, Brown Burbot Carp, Common Catsh, Channel Catsh, White Cisco (Lake Herring) Crappie, Black Crappie, White Drum, Freshwater Eel, American Fallsh Gar, Longnose Muskellunge Muskellunge, Tiger Perch,White Perch, Yellow Pickerel, Chain Pickerel, Redn Pike, Northern Pumpkinseed (Sunsh) Salmon, Atlantic Great Lakes Inland Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Kokanee Salmon, Pink Sauger Shad, American Sucker, Redhorse Sucker, White Trout, Brook* Trout, Brown Great Lakes Inland Lakes Inland Streams Trout, Lake Great Lakes Inland Trout, Rainbow Great Lakes Inland Lakes Inland Streams Trout, Splake Walleye Whitesh, Lake

Minimum Length
20 inches 18 inches 36 inches 10 inches 36 inches 14 inches 48 inches 36 inches 14 inches 25 inches 36 inches 10 inches

Minimum Weight
6 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 4 lb 0 oz 6 lb 0 oz 30 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 5 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 3 lb 0 oz 20 lb 0 oz 10 lb 0 oz 2 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 1 lb 8 oz 1 lb 8 oz 10 lb 0 oz 4 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 5 lb 0 oz 30 lb 0 oz 15 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 4 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 15 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 14 lb 0 oz 6 lb 0 oz 33 lb 0 oz 16 lb 0 oz 1 lb 0 oz 3 lb 8 oz 1 lb 8 oz 6 lb 0 oz 6 lb 0 oz 2 lb 8 oz 3 lb 0 oz 16 lb 0 oz 7 lb 0 oz 3 lb 8 oz 16 lb 0 oz 10 lb 0 oz 14 lb 0 oz 5 lb 0 oz 3 lb 8 oz 8 lb 0 oz 8 lb 0 oz 4 lb 0 oz

Request your copy of our free guide to freshwater shing in New York State. The guide includes detailed information on over 320 lakes and ponds and 110 rivers and streams recommended by DEC Fisheries Staff. To request your copy, email us at fwsh@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Be sure to put NY FISHING MAP in the subject line. Copies are also available from all DEC ofces.

The loss of sinkers and lures is a routine part of shing. Unfortunately, lost sinkers, especially split-shot, may be mistaken for food or grit and eaten by water birds such as ducks, geese, swans, gulls or loons. Toxic effects of even a single lead sinker can cause birds to sicken and increase the risk of death through predation, exposure or lead poisoning. The sale of certain lead sinkers (including split shot) weighing one-half ounce or less is prohibited in New York State. This includes sale from out-of-state vendors, including catalog and Internet sales. This prohibition does not include articial lures, weighted line, weighted ies or jig heads. Even though the use of lead is not currently restricted in New York, as responsible anglers, we should all seek to reduce any unintended effects on the natural environment and leave no trace of our presence. A trip to your favorite tackle shop will reveal a variety of alternatives to lead split shot, sinkers and jig heads. By switching to non-toxic sinkers with your next purchase, you can assure that your shing tackle choices are helping to reduce the risk of lead poisoning to birds.

U N-T S

*  Lakes and ponds containing brook trout brood stock, splake, or recently stocked trophy-sized brook trout are not eligible for NYS brook trout records. Check with your regional sheries ofce.

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NEw YORk STATE ANGlER AcHIEVEmENT AwARDS HEAD


New York State Freshwater Fishing Records (as of July 1, 2013)
Fish Species American Eel American Shad Atlantic Salmon Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Bown Brook Trout Brown Bullhead Brown Trout Burbot Chain Pickerel Channel Catsh Chinook Salmon Cisco (Lake Herring) Coho Salmon Common Carp Fallsh Freshwater Drum Hybrid Striped Bass Kokanee Salmon Lake Trout Lake Whitesh Largemouth Bass Longnose Gar Muskellunge Northern Pike Pink Salmon Pumpkinseed Rainbow Trout Redn Pickerel Rock Bass Sauger Shorthead Redhorse Smallmouth Bass Splake Striped Bass Tiger Musky Walleye White Bass White Catsh White Crappie White Perch White Sucker Yellow Perch Weight 7 lb. 14 oz. 9 lb. 4 oz. 24 lb. 15 oz. 7 lb. 7 oz. 3 lb. 12 oz. 2 lb. 8 oz. 12 lb. 13 oz. 6 lb. 7 lb. 6 oz. 33 lb. 2 oz. 16 lb. 12 oz. 8 lb. 1 oz. 32 lb. 12 oz. 47 lb. 13 oz. 5 lb. 7 oz. 33 lb. 7 oz. 50 lb. 6 oz. 3 lb. 9 oz. 24 lb. 8 oz. 15 lb. 5 oz. 3 lb. 6 oz. 41 lb. 8 oz. 10 lb. 8 oz. 11 lb. 4 oz. 13 lb. 3 oz. 69 lb. 15 oz. 46 lb. 2 oz. 4 lb. 15 oz. 1 lb. 9 oz. 31 lb. 3 oz. 2 lb. 1 oz. 1 lb. 15 oz. 4 lb. 8 oz. 11 lb. 11 oz. 8 lb. 4 oz. 13 lb. 8 oz. 55 lb. 6 oz. 35 lb. 8 oz. 16 lb. 9 oz. 3 lb. 6 oz. 10 lb. 5 oz. 3 lb. 13 oz. 3 lb. 1 oz. 5 lb. 3 oz. 3 lb. 8 oz. Water Cayuga Lake Hudson River Lake Ontario Mill Pond Duck Lake Kohlbach Pond Basha Kill Silver Lake Lake Mahopac Lake Ontario Lake Ontario (Black River Bay) Toronto Reservoir Brant Lake Salmon River Lake Lauderdale Lake Ontario Tomhannock Reservoir Susquehanna River Lake Ontario (Chaumont Bay) Lake Waccabuc Boy Scouts Clear Pond Lake Erie Lake Pleasant Buckhorn Lake Lake Champlain St. Lawrence River Great Sacandaga Lake Lake Erie Indian Lake Lake Ontario Lake Champlain Ramapo River Lower Niagara River Salmon River Lake Erie Limekiln Lake Hudson River Tioughnioga River Mystic Lake Furnace Brook New Croton Reservoir Sleepy Hollow Lake Lake Oscaletta Hudson River Lake Erie Angler Name Larry Manino Robert Kubica Mike Dandino Kevin Kelly Kenneth Kierst Devin VanZandt Jeff Harrington Richard Beauchamp Glen Collacuro Tony Brown Terrance Colwell John Bosland Chris Dixon Kurtis Killian Albert Baratto Stephen Sheets Jr. Charles Primeau Sr. Jonathan McNamara Gregory Netto Bryan Colley Kenneth Shear Jesse Wykstra Randolph Smith John Higbie Kenneth Cassant Arthur Lawton Peter Dubuc Randy Nyberg R. Kennard Mosher Robert Wilson Duane Gillespie Eric Avogardo Darrin Schwenkbeck Joe Williams Andrew Kartesz Jonathan Simon Ian Kiraly Brett Gofgosky Thomas Reed Robert Hilton Joe Silicato James Weinberg Joseph Tansey Eric Kindron George Boice Catch Date 7/25/1984 5/9/2007 4/5/1997 8/25/1993 4/17/1998 8/3/1992 6/5/2000 5/16/2013 8/1/2009 6/10/1997 2/14/1991 2/13/1965 6/21/2002 9/7/1991 1/25/1990 8/13/1998 5/12/1995 4/15/2009 6/8/2005 7/30/2004 6/14/2002 8/9/2003 8/29/1995 9/11/1987 7/25/1999 9/22/1957 9/15/1940 9/16/1985 7/19/1994 8/14/2004 3/5/1989 5/26/1984 9/30/1990 5/26/1996 6/4/1995 6/27/2004 5/9/2007 5/25/1990 1/20/2009 5/2/1992 5/17/1998 6/9/2001 9/21/1991 5/13/1994 4/28/1982

Many species of birds select nest sites on or close to water. These include ducks, geese, swans, loons, herons, ospreys and eagles. Close approach by anglers and activities associated with shing may cause these birds to leave their nests. This makes the eggs or young vulnerable to predators, chilling, overheating, disruption of parental care, and possible abandonment and starvation. Please pay attention and keep a good distance from nesting birds or birds with chicks. Also, be sure to move away from birds that appear to be frightened or defending nesting areas.

N B

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OffiCiAL EnTRy foRM
Section A: Entry Category Fish is being entered in (check one) Section B: Angler Information Name of Angler: Address: Section C: Catch Information Fish Species: Name of Water Body: Lure/Bait Used: Kept: County: Released: Date of Catch: Nearest Town: Brief description of how sh was caught: Time of Catch: AM PM (Circle one) Length: Phone: City/Town: Email: State: Zip Code:  atch and Release Category C (complete sections B, C, G)  nnual Award Category A (complete sections B, C, D, E, G)  tate Record S (complete sections B, C, D, E, F, G)

Lure Color/Size:

Section D: Weight Information: (Annual Award or State Record entries only) Name of Weigher: Address of Business: City/Town: Scale Certication Number: State: Zip Code: Date: Weigher Signature: Business Name: Weight: Phone: lbs: oz: Weights taken on personal/ handheld scales are ineligible.

Date Last Certied:

Section E: Witness Verication (Annual Award or State Record entries only) Name of Witness: Address of Witness: City/Town: State: Zip Code: Witness Signature: Phone: Date:

Section F: Species Information (State Record Entries Onlyto be completed by a DEC Fisheries Biologist or Designee) I have examined the sh described above and conrm that it is a: Name of DEC Fisheries Biologist or Designee: Signature: Section G: Angler Signature (all entries) and Notarization (State Record Entries only) I hereby swear that the information provided on this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and that the taking of the sh described above was in accordance with the rules of the New York State Angler Achievement Awards Program. Furthermore, I release to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation the right to use the above information and any enclosed photographs for promotional purposes, although I understand that this does not restrict my use of the same information and photographs. Signature of Angler (all entries): Sworn before me this day of: Signature of Notary (State Record entries only): Notary Seal (State Record Entries Only) Miscellaneous Notes Year: Date:

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

HEAlTH ADVISORIES
Your firewood may be hiding deadly invasive pests that have already killed more than 50 million trees in neighboring states.

FIREWOOD WARNING

New York State Department of Health (DOH) Advisories for Chemicals in Sportsh

v It is illegal to bring untreated* firewood into New York State. v It is illegal to transport untreated firewood more than 50 miles from its source. v When transporting firewood, you must carry proof of source (receipt from a vendor), origin (self-issued certificate from DEC website), or treatment (label showing treatment method). Otherwise, you may be ticketed. v Please be aware of state and federal quarantines that further restrict the movement of firewood out of certain areas. To learn more please visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7253.html
For questions or to report any invasives you find, call toll free
and look for firewood in the Subject index *Treated firewood has been heated to 160 for 75 minutes to eliminate pests living inside the wood. Treated firewood can be moved without restriction.

ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE (ALB)

Fish are an important part of a healthy diet, and can be good to eat, but some sh contain chemicals that may be harmful to health. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) issues advice to help people make healthier choices about eating the sh they catch in New York State waters. The following recommendations are based on contaminant levels in sh and shellsh. The advisories are for the year 20132014, but they may change from year to year based on new information. The complete, up-to-date advisories are available from the internet at: www.health.ny.gov/sh. General advisory for eating sportsh The general health advisory for sportsh is that you can eat up to four (one half pound) meals per month of sh taken from most of the states freshwaters and some marine waters at the mouth of the Hudson River. In the water-rich state of New York, there are many waterbodies where the entire family can enjoy up to four sh meals a month. Specic advisories for freshwater and the Hudson River Fish from more than 140 water bodies in New York have specic advisories. For these listed waters, DOH recommends either limiting or not eating certain sh. The specic advisories for fresh waters and the Hudson River are provided in the Health Advisory tables on pages 68 through 70. DOH recommends that women under age 50, and children under 15 dont eat any sh from waters listed in the tables on pages 68 through 70. The reason for this advice is that chemicals may have a greater eect on developing organs of young children or in the unborn child. They also build up in womens bodies and are often passed on in the mothers milk. Health Advisories for Marine Waters Health advisories for New York State marine waters, including the Upper Bay of New York Harbor, East and Harlem Rivers, Newark Bay, Arthur Kill, Kill Van Kull, Raritan Bay, Jamaica Bay, Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, Peconic and Gardiners Bays and Long Island South Shore/Atlantic Ocean can be found on the DOH website at: www.health.ny.gov/sh.

EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB)

1-866-640-0652 For more information visit www.dec.ny.gov

ALB exit hole

EAB exit hole

Consuming sh from areas with blooms of bluegreen algae may be harmful to your health.
Avoid areas that have the thick paint-like or pea soup-like coloration characteristic of blue-green algae blooms. Dont eat sh caught in these areas. Rinse with clean water if exposed to a blue-green algae bloom. For information about blue-green algae blooms visit
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/shing.html http://www.health.ny.gov/sh Blue-green algae blooms can make the water look like pea soup

A A C B- A B

A A:

To minimize potential adverse health impacts, the DOH recommends: Eat up to four (one-half pound) meals per month of sh from the states freshwaters and the Hudson River Estuary, except as recommended on pages 6870. Follow the advice on eating sh for waters listed on pages 6870 and their tributaries to the rst barrier impassable by sh.

2013-2014 Health Advisories for Freshwaters and the Hudson River Estuary

K. Schmid with a 10 bluegill she caught and released from Rollins Pond, Franklin County on June 15, 2012.

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HEAlTH ADVISORIES
Women under 50 years of age and children under 15 years of age should not eat any sh from the waters listed below. All others should follow the listed advice. Also, see Special Advice on Lake Erie and Niagara River Above Niagara Falls on Page 70.

Water (County)
Amawalk Reservoir (Westchester) Ashokan Reservoir (Ulster) Beaver Lake (Lewis) Beaver River  between High Falls Dam and Croghan Dam (Lewis) Big Moose Lake (Herkimer & Hamilton)) Blue Mountain Lake (Hamilton) Bog Brook Reservoir (Putnam) Boyd Corners Reservoir (Putnam) Breakneck Pond (Rockland) Brown Tract Ponds, Upper and Lower (Hamilton) Buffalo River/Harbor (Erie) Canada Lake (Fulton) Canadice Lake (Ontario) Cannonsville Reservoir (Delaware) Carry Falls Reservoir (St. Lawrence) Cayuga Creek (Niagara) Chase Lake (Fulton) Chenango River Chodikee Lake (Ulster) Cranberry Lake (St. Lawrence) Crane Pond (Essex) Cross River Reservoir (Westchester) Dart Lake (Herkimer) Delaware Park/Hoyt Lake (Erie) Diverting Reservoir (Putnam) Dunham Reservoir (Rensselaer) Dyken Pond (Rensselaer) East Branch Reservoir (Putnam) Efey Falls Pond (Lewis) Eighteen Mile Creek (Niagara) Elmer Falls Pond (Lewis) Erie Canal Between Lockport and Niagara River (Erie/ Niagara) Fall Lake (Hamilton) Ferris Lake (Hamilton) Forked Lake (Hamilton) Fourth Lake (Herkimer & Hamilton) of Fulton Chain Francis Lake (Lewis) Franklin Falls Flow/ Pond (Franklin & Essex) Freeport Reservoir (Nassau) Fresh Pond, Hither Hills State Park (Suffolk) Goodyear Lake (Otsego) Grant Park Pond (Nassau) Grasse River (St. Lawrence) Mouth to Massena Power Canal Great Sacandaga Lake (Fulton, Saratoga) Halfmoon Lake (Lewis)

Species
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass over 16" Smallmouth Bass over 16" & Walleye Chain Pickerel Smallmouth Bass Yellow Perch over 10" and Lake Trout Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass over 15" Walleye over 21" Largemouth Bass over 16" & Walleye Largemouth Bass over 15" Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass over 15" Carp Smallmouth Bass over 15" & Chain Pickerel Lake Trout over 23" Brown Trout, smaller Lake Trout Smallmouth Bass over 15" & Yellow Perch Walleye All species Yellow Perch over 9" Walleye over 22" Largemouth Bass over 15" Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass over 15" Smallmouth Bass over 15" Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass over 16" Yellow Perch over 10" Carp Walleye Walleye Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass Walleye Chain Pickerel & Smallmouth Bass All species Smallmouth Bass Carp Smallmouth Bass over 15" and Rock Bass Yellow Perch over 10" Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass Lake Trout Chain Pickerel over 20" Walleye Carp Largemouth Bass over 15" Walleye over 22" Carp All species Smallmouth Bass & Walleye Yellow Perch

Recommendations
1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month

Water (County)

Species

Recommendations
Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month

Halls Pond (Nassau) Carp and Goldsh Herrick Hollow Creek Brook Trout (Delaware) High Falls Pond (Lewis) Smallmouth Bass over 15" Hinckley Reservoir (Herkimer Chain Pickerel and Smallmouth Bass & Oneida) Hoosic River (Rensselaer) Brown Trout over 14" Hudson River See Table on page 70 Indian LakeFort Drum All species (Lewis) Indian LakeTown of Indian Smallmouth Bass over 15" Lake (Hamilton) Irondequoit Bay (Monroe) See Lake Ontario Advice Keuka Lake (Yates & Lake Trout over 25" Steuben) Kinderhook Lake (Columbia) American Eel Kings Flow (Hamilton) Largemouth Bass over 15" Koppers Pond (Chemung) Carp Lake Capri (Suffolk) American Eel and Carp Lake Champlain (Whole Lake Trout over 25" and Walleye Lake) over 19"  Bay within Cumberland Follow advice above plus: American Eel Head to Crab Island Lake Durant and Rock Pond Largemouth Bass over 15" (Hamilton) Lake Eaton (Hamilton) Yellow Perch over 10", Smallmouth Bass Lake Ontario (Whole Lake) Channel Catsh, Carp, Lake Trout over (note: harvest/possession of 25" and Brown Trout over 20" Niagara River, Lake Ontario Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, White and St. Lawrence River Sucker, smaller Lake Trout, smaller American eel is prohibited Brown Trout, Coho Salmon over 25" per NYSDEC Regulations.) West of Point Breeze White Perch East of Point Breeze White Perch Lewey Lake Smallmouth Bass over 15" (Hamilton) Lewiston Reservoir (Niagara) Carp Limekiln Lake Yellow Perch over 10" (Hamilton & Herkimer) Lincoln Pond (Essex) Largemouth Bass over 15" Loch Sheldrake (Sullivan) Walleye Lofts Pond (Nassau) Carp and Goldsh Long Lake (Hamilton) Northern Pike Long Pond-Croghan (Lewis) SpLake over 12" Lower & Upper Sister Lakes Yellow Perch over 10" (Hamilton) Lower Saranac Lake Smallmouth Bass over 15" (Franklin) Massapequa Reservoir Carp and White Perch (Nassau) Massena Power Canal (St. Smallmouth Bass Lawrence) Yellow Perch over 12" Smaller Yellow Perch Meacham Lake (Franklin) Smallmouth Bass Northern Pike Middle (East) Stoner Lake Smallmouth Bass over 15" (Fulton & Hamilton) Mohawk River  Between Oriskany and Carp West Canada Creeks Largemouth Bass & Tiger Muskellunge (Oneida & Herkimer)  Between West Canada Creek and Fivemile Carp Dam below Little Falls (Herkimer) Moshier Reservoir (Herkimer) Yellow Perch & Smallmouth Bass Nassau Lake (Rensselaer) All species Neversink Reservoir Brown Trout over 24" & Smallmouth (Sullivan) Bass Niagara River

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

HEAlTH ADVISORIES
Women under 50 years of age and children under 15 years of age should not eat any sh from the waters listed below. All others should follow the listed advice. Also, see Special Advice on Lake Erie and Niagara River Above Niagara Falls on Page 70.
Water (County)
Below Niagara Falls (note: harvest/possession of Niagara River, Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River American eel is prohibited per NYSDEC Regulations.) North LakeTown of Ohio (Herkimer) North-South Lake (Greene) Onondaga Lake (Onondaga) Osgood Pond (Franklin) Oswego River (Oswego)  Oswego power dam to upper dam at Fulton  Mouth to Oswego Power Dam Pepacton Reservoir (Delaware) Pine Lake (Fulton) Polliwog Pond (Franklin) Raquette Lake (Hamilton) Red Lake (Jefferson) Ridders Pond (Nassau) Rio Reservoir (Orange & Sullivan) Rock Pond and Lake DurantTown of Indian Lake (Hamilton) Rollins Pond (Franklin) Rondout Reservoir (Sullivan & Ulster) Round PondTown of Long Lake (Hamilton) Rushford Lake (Allegany) Russian Lake (Hamilton) Sacandaga Lake (Hamilton) St. Lawrence River  Whole river (note: harvest/possession of Niagara River, Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River American eel is prohibited per NYSDEC Regulations.)  Bay and cove east of S. Channel Bridge, near St. Lawrence/ Franklin Co. line Salmon River (Oswego)  Mouth to Salmon River Reservoir (also see Lake Ontario advice) Salmon River Reservoir (Oswego) Sand LakeTown of Arietta (Hamilton) Sauquoit Creek (Oneida) Mohawk River to Old Silk Mill Dam (near New Hartford/ Paris town line) Saw Mill River (Westchester) Schoharie Reservoir (Delaware, Greene and Schoharie) Schroon Lake (Warren and Essex)

Species
Channel Catsh, Carp, Lake Trout over 25", Brown Trout over 20" and White Perch Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, White Sucker, smaller Lake Trout, smaller Brown Trout and Coho Salmon over 25" Yellow Perch Largemouth Bass over 15" Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass over 15", Walleye, Carp, Channel Catsh and White Perch Brown Bullhead and Pumpkinseed All sh not listed Smallmouth Bass Channel Catsh See Lake Ontario Advice Smallmouth Bass over 15", Brown Trout over 24" & Yellow Perch Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass Walleye Goldsh Smallmouth Bass over 15" Largemouth Bass over 15" Smallmouth Bass Smallmouth Bass over 16" Yellow Perch over 12" Walleye Yellow Perch over 9" Smallmouth Bass Carp, Channel Catsh, Lake Trout over 25", & Brown Trout over 20" Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, White Perch, White Sucker, smaller Lake Trout, smaller Brown Trout and Coho Salmon over 25" All species

Recommendations
Dont Eat

Water (County)
Seneca River (Onondaga)  Downstream of Lock 24 at Baldwinsville Sheldrake River (Westchester) Skaneateles Creek (Onondaga)  Seneca River to dam at Skaneateles Smith Pond at Rockville Centre (Nassau) Smith Pond at Roosevelt Park (Nassau) Soft Maple Dam Pond and Soft Maple Reservoir (Lewis) South PondTown of Long Lake (Hamilton) Spring Lake - Middle Island (Suffolk) Spy Lake (Hamilton) Stark Falls Reservoir (St. Lawrence) Stillwater Reservoir (Herkimer) Sunday Lake (Herkimer) Susquehanna River Swinging Bridge Reservoir (Sullivan) Threemile Creek (Oneida) Titicus Reservoir (Westchester) Tupper Lake (Franklin & St. Lawrence) Unadilla River Union Falls Flow/Pond (Clinton, Franklin) Upper & Lower Sister Lakes (Hamilton)

Species

Recommendations

See Onondaga Lake advisories American Eel Goldsh Brown Trout over 10" White Perch American Eel Carp and Goldsh Rock Bass & Smallmouth Bass Yellow Perch over 10" Carp and Goldsh Smallmouth Bass over 15" Northern Pike over 26" Yellow Perch over 9", Smallmouth Bass & Splake Chain Pickerel Yellow Perch over 10" Walleye over 22" Walleye White Sucker White Perch Smallmouth Bass & Walleye Walleye over 22" Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye Yellow Perch over 10" Smallmouth Bass over 15" American Eel & Carp Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month Dont eat 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month

1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 4 meals/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month

1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Dont Eat

1 meal/month

Upper Chateaugay Lake (Clinton) Upper Twin Pond (Nassau) Valatie Kill  Between County Rt. 18 and Nassau Lake (Rensselaer)  Between Nassau Lake and Kinderhook Lake (Rensselaer & Columbia) Weller Pond (Franklin)

Dont Eat

All species

Dont Eat

Smallmouth Bass Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass Chain Pickerel Brown Trout American Eel Smallmouth Bass over 15" & Walleye over 18" Smaller Smallmouth Bass & smaller Walleye Lake Trout over 27", Yellow Perch over 13" and Smallmouth Bass over 15"

1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month

American Eel, Bluegill and Redbreasted Sunsh Northern Pike Walleye Carp and Goldsh Smallmouth Bass

1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month

Dont Eat 1 meal/month Dont Eat 1 meal/month 1 meal/month

West Branch Reservoir (Putnam) Whitney Park Pond (Nassau) Willis Lake (Hamilton)

Woods Lake (Hamilton)

Smallmouth Bass over 15"

1 meal/month

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

69

HEAlTH ADVISORIES
Additional Advice for Women and Children Eating Fish from Adirondack and Catskill Waters
Certain larger, older sh in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountain regions often contain relatively high levels of mercury in their esh. Because of this, children under 15 and women under 50 should NOT EAT yellow perch longer than 10", northern pike, pickerel, walleye, largemouth bass or smallmouth bass from all Adirondack and Catskill region waters. The statewide advisory to eat up to four meals per month applies for yellow perch less than 10", brook, brown and rainbow trout, bullhead, bluegill/sunsh, rock bass, crappie and other sh because these sh tend to 7. Do not eat the soft green stu (mustard, tomalley, liver or hepatopancreas) found in have lower mercury levels. Children under 15 and women under 50 should NOT EAT sh from the body section of crab and lobster. This any waters listed on pages 68-69, including those in the Catskill and Adirondack regions.
6. When cooking sportfish, use cooking methods (broiling, grilling and baking) which allow contaminants from the fatty portions of sh to drain out. Pan-frying is not recommended. The cooking liquids and fat drippings of sh should be discarded since these liquids may contain contaminants.

Fish Advisories for the Hudson River


Women under 50 years of age and children under 15 should not eat any sh from the Hudson River downstream of the Corinth Dam. All others should follow the advice listed below.

tissue can contain high levels of chemical contaminants, including PCBs, dioxin and heavy metals.

Location (chemicals of concern)


Corinth Dam to Dam at Route 9 Bridge in South Glens Falls (mercury and PCBs) Dam at Route 9 Bridge in South Glens Falls to Bakers Falls (PCBs) Bakers Falls to Troy Dam (PCBs)

Dont Eat

Eat up to one (1/2 pound) meal per month


Smallmouth Bass over 14" and Carp

Eat up to four (1/2 pound) meals per month


All other sh species

8. Anglers who want to enjoy the fun of shing but who wish to eliminate the potential risks associated with eating contaminated sportsh may want to consider catch and release shing. 9. Space out your sh meals so you dont get too much exposure to chemicals at any given time. This is particularly important for women and young children. 10. Bacteria, viruses or parasites may be in or on sh. Keep harvested sh cold. Wear protective gloves when gutting, skinning and lleting. Wash hands and surfaces often when preparing sh, and keep raw foods separate. Cook sh and shellsh thoroughly before eating.

All sh species

Catch and release shing only per NYS Department of Environmental Conservation regulations. Take no sh. Eat no sh. Alewife, Blueback Herring, Troy Dam south to Rip Van Winkle All sh species except those Rock Bass and Bridge at Catskill (PCBs) listed at right Yellow Perch South of Rip Van Winkle Bridge at Catskill Atlantic Needlesh, Bluesh, (PCBs in sh and cadmium, dioxin and PCBs Brown Bullhead, Carp, All other sh species Channel catsh, Gizzard shad, in crabs) Goldsh, Largemouth Bass, White catsh, Crab hepatopanBlue crab meat* Rainbow Smelt, Smallmouth (note: harvest/possession of Hudson River creas and crab cooking liquid* Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye, (six crabs per meal) American eel for food and American shad is White Perch prohibited per NYSDEC regulations)

Deformed or Abnormal Fish

*  The hepatopancreas (the green stuff also known as mustard, tomalley, liver) found in the body section of crabs and lobsters should not be eaten because it has high contaminant levels. Because contaminants are transferred to cooking liquid, crab or lobster cooking liquid should also be discarded (Contaminants cadmium, dioxin, PCBs)

The health implications of eating deformed or abnormal sh are unknown. Any obviously diseased sh (marked by tumors, lesions or other abnormal condition of the sh skin, meat or internal organs) should be discarded.

Additional Advice
Advisories for Lake Erie and the Niagara River Above Niagara Falls
Fish species
Rock bass, Yellow perch, Burbot Carp, Channel catsh All Other Fish

Botulism in Fish and Waterfowl


Advice for Men Over 15 & Women over 50 Eat up to 4 meals/month Eat up to 1 meal/month Eat up to 4 meals/month
Advice for Women Under 50 & Children Under 15 Eat up to 4 meals/month Dont eat Eat up to 1 meal/month

Tips for Healthier Eating

1. Choose sportfish from waterbodies that are not listed on pages 68 through 70 and follow the advice in this guide. 2. When deciding which sportsh to eat, choose smaller sh, consistent with DEC regulations, within a species since they may have lower contaminant levels. Older (larger) sh within a species may be more contaminated because they have had more time to accumulate contaminants in their bodies. 3. To reduce exposures to mercury, avoid or eat less largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, walleye and larger yellow perch (e.g., longer than 10 inches) because these sh tend to have higher mercury levels. 4. To reduce exposures to PCBs, dioxin, mirex, DDT, chlordane and dieldrin, avoid or eat less American eel, bluesh, carp, chinook and coho salmon, lake trout, striped bass, weaksh, white and channel catsh, and white perch, because these sh tend to have higher levels of these contaminants. 5. When preparing sportsh, use a method of lleting the sh that will remove the skin, fatty material and dark meat. These parts of the sh contain many of the contaminants.

In recent years, large numbers of some species of Lake Erie sh and waterfowl have been found dead, sick and dying, many of them as a result of botulism poisoning. The botulism poison is produced by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which is common in the environment and can produce harmful levels of botulism poison under certain environmental conditions. This poison has been found in some of the aected sh and waterfowl. The botulism poison can cause illness and death if consumed by humans or animals. Cooking may not destroy the botulism poison. This problem may also occur in other waters, and we dont know whether all or only some sh and waterfowl species can be aected. No human cases of botulism poisoning have been linked to these events. However, as a precaution, do not eat any sh or game if they are found dead or dying, act abnormally or seem sick. If you must handle dead or dying sh, birds or other animals, cover your hands with disposable rubber or plastic protective gloves or a plastic bag.

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

HEAlTH ADVISORIES
Good Sanitary Practices Bacteria, Viruses and Parasites in Fish & Game Additional Information
Fish and game and other meats can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites that can cause illness. You should harvest sh and game that act and look healthy, and follow good sanitary practices when preparing them. We recommend that you wear rubber or plastic protective gloves while lleting, eld dressing, skinning or butchering. We also recommend that you remove intestines soon after harvest, dont eat intestines and avoid direct contact with intestinal contents. Hands, utensils and work surfaces should be washed before and after handling any raw food, including sh and game meat. Fish and game should be kept cool (with ice or refrigerated below 45 F or 7 C) until lleted or butchered, and then should be refrigerated or frozen. Some hunters prefer to hang big game for several days before butchering; this should not be done unless the game can be kept at temperatures consistently below 45 F. Fish and other seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature (in the thickest part) of 140 F (60 C); game birds and other types of wild game meat should be cooked to an internal temperature (in the thickest part) of 165 F (74 C). To receive an updated, complete version of the advisories, or for more DOH information on health eects from exposure to chemical contaminants, contact: Environmental Health Information, call 518-402-7820 or 800-458-1158. Leave your name, number and a brief message and your call will be returned. The complete updated advisories are available from the internet at: www.health. ny.gov/sh You can also request these updates by e-mail: BTSA@health.state.ny.us For more DEC information on contaminant levels in sportsh, contact: Bureau of Habitat 625 Broadway Albany, New York 12233-4756 Telephone: 518-402-8920

Linda Masi

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 71

ENVIRONmENTAl CONSERVATION OffIcERS


New York State has about 300 Environmental Conservation Ocers and Investigators patrolling an average of over 400 square miles each. With such large patrol areas, the assistance of the public is essential to the eective enforcement of Environmental Conservation Law. If you observe someone violating Environmental Conservation Law, or see the results of a violation, REPORT IT! Poachers and polluters are thieves, stealing from you, our fellow anglers and future generations. Those who pollute our air or water, destroy our environment, or ignore sh and wildlife laws are criminals.
ALbAny ECO L. Billotto............................... (518) 505-4029 ECO K. Bush................................... (518) 813-6805 ECO K. Swan................................... (518) 869-5237 Supervisor - Lt. .............................. (518) 357-2047 ALLEGAny ECO K. Basile.................................. (585) 403-2447 ECO R. Calanni.............................. (585) 403-2437 Supervisor - Lt. W. Powell............ (716) 851-7050 BRonX ECO M. Clemens........................... (718) 829-2827 ECO E. Dowling............................. (845) 623-3767 ECO N. Favreau.............................. (646) 294-7170 ECO J. Woodin............................... (646) 542-4299 Supervisor - Lt. R. Peinkofer........ (718) 482-4885 BRooME ECO A. Mccormick....................... (607) 621-3464 ECO E. Templeton......................... (607) 621-3255 Supervisor - Lt. T. Lutz................. (315) 426-7431 CATTARAUGUs ECO T. Hansen............................... (716) 997-9795 ECO R. Nosal.................................. (716) 532-0461 ECO N. Verhague........................... (716) 771-8266 Supervisor - Lt. D. Pleakis............ (716) 851-7050 CAyUGA ECO M. Colesante......................... (315) 567-1835 ECO C. Nielsen............................... (315) 253-7689 ECO S. Sincebaugh........................ (315) 253-8534 Supervisor - Lt. D. Mcshane........ (315) 426-7431 ChAUTAUqUA ECO K. Budniewski....................... (716) 401-1163 ECO D. Dougherty......................... (716) 316-5607 ECO C. Freeman............................ (716) 490-3947 ECO J. Kinney................................. (716) 401-1187 Supervisor - Lt. D. Pleakis............ (716) 851-7050 ChEMUnG ECO T. Dragotta............................. (607) 331-7458 ECO J. Lifrieri................................. (607) 644-3815 Supervisor - Lt. P. Barton............. (585) 226-6866 ChEnAnGo ECO B. Armstrong......................... (607) 895-6515 ECO J. P. Powers............................. (607) 423-2971 Supervisor - Lt. K. Warner........... (315) 426-7431 CLinTon ECO M. Lacroix............................. (518) 335-5422 ECO D. Malone.............................. (518) 643-8172 Supervisor - Lt. .............................. (518) 897-1326 CoLUMbiA ECO P. Brinkerho........................ (518) 505-4157 ECO J. Cox....................................... (518) 794-8935 Supervisor - Lt. J. Hays.................. (518) 357-2047 CoRTLAnD ECO T. Fernandes.......................... (607) 836-6595 Supervisor - Lt. K. Warner........... (315) 426-7431 DELAWARE ECO V. Bauer.................................. (845) 586-3079 ECO N. Doig................................... (607) 267-5452 ECO G. Wilber Iii........................... (607) 267-5479 Supervisor - Lt. K. Beiter.............. (518) 357-2047 DUTChEss ECO R. Hodor Jr............................. (845) 483-9672 ECO D. Read Iii.............................. (845) 240-6758 ECO B. Whalen.............................. (914) 589-5759 Supervisor - Lt. D. Clayton.......... (845) 256-3013 ERiE ECO C. Gill...................................... (716) 908-5051 ECO S. Marshall............................. (716) 537-2464 ECO M. Mazurkiewicz................. (716) 537-2533 ECO A. C. Wilson.......................... (716) 675-1095 Supervisor - Lt. W. Powell............ (716) 851-7050 Supervisor - Lt. J. Schultz............. (716) 851-7050 EssEX ECO J. Blades.................................. (518) 335-5201 ECO T. Chase.................................. (518) 708-1217 ECO J. Cole...................................... (518) 335-5801 Supervisor - Lt. H. Barber............ (518) 897-1326 FRAnKLin ECO J. Cranker............................... (518) 708-1220 ECO J. Hovey.................................. (518) 637-5694 ECO K. Riggs.................................. (518) 335-3558 Supervisor - Lt. .............................. (518) 897-1326 FULTon ECO S. Manns................................ (518) 708-1168 ECO N. Mead.................................. (518) 844-7210 Supervisor - Lt. J. Ellithorpe........ (518) 897-1326 GEnEsEE ECO R. Rauscher............................ (585) 300-7715 ECO G. Wilson............................... (585) 683-0773 Supervisor - Lt. J. Verhague......... (585) 226-6866 GREEnE ECO M. Arp.................................... (518) 966-5357 ECO S. Dewey................................. (518) 653-3077 ECO A. Glorioso............................ (518) 755-9242 Supervisor - Lt. K. Beiter.............. (518) 357-2047 HAMiLTon ECO P. Buswell............................... (518) 335-5013 ECO K. Kelly................................... (315) 804-9435 ECO S. Pierce.................................. (518) 866-4723 Supervisor - Lt. J. Ellithorpe........ (518) 897-1326 HERKiMER ECO J. Kerns................................... (315) 489-3346 ECO D. Lucas.................................. (315) 823-4071 ECO R. Ritzel.................................. (315) 489-3907 ECO C. Schoonover....................... (315) 269-6646 Supervisor - Lt. M. Jacoby............ (315) 785-2231 Supervisor - Lt. B. Hummel......... (315) 785-2231 JEffERson ECO S. Bartoszewski..................... (315) 489-6984 ECO J. Murphy............................... (315) 542-4293 ECO T. Wensley............................. (315) 489-9803 ECO T. Worden.............................. (315) 778-9279 Supervisor - Lt. .............................. (315) 785-2231 KinGs ECO M. Baker................................. (718) 987-5094 ECO G. Maneeley.......................... (718) 668-0276 ECO M. Nichols............................. (646) 542-4313 ECO J. Okonuk............................... (914) 375-0748 Supervisor - Lt. L. Bobseine......... (718) 482-4885 LEWis ECO F. Fuerch................................. (315) 542-4290 ECO S. Hutton................................ (315) 767-5232 ECO J. Murphy............................... (315) 542-4293 ECO E. Roderick............................ (315) 489-3269 ECO T. Worden.............................. (315) 778-9279 Supervisor - Lt. B. Hummel......... (315) 785-2231 LiVinGsTon ECO B. Wade.................................. (585) 303-0065 ECO C. Ward.................................. (585) 303-0098 Supervisor - Lt. J. Verhague......... (585) 226-6866 MADison ECO H. Chase................................. (315) 662-3412 ECO C. Childs................................ (315) 254-0657 Supervisor - Lt. K. Warner........... (315) 426-7431 MonRoE ECO E. Haag................................... (585) 414-0611 ECO J. Lutz...................................... (585) 303-1506 ECO B. Shea.................................... (585) 576-5678 ECO E. Snowdon............................ (585) 683-6758 Supervisor - Lt. M. Lochner......... (585) 226-6866

How to contact an Environmental Conservation Ofcer

Call 1-877-457-5680. You will have a choice of being connected to a dispatcher or leaving a voice mail message. To give condential information concerning signicant illegal activities, you may also call 1-800-TIPP-DEC to speak to a dispatcher.

How to report a violation

If you observe someone violating Environmental Conservation Law or see the results of a violation, follow these procedures to report it: When a violation is observed, keep a distance from the violator. Do not approach or attempt to confront the suspects. They may be dangerous, could destroy evidence, or simply evade ocers if forewarned. Write everything down. Make notes on what the violators are doing. How many people are involved? What exactly have you observed? What did they look like? Determine and record identifying features such as age, sex, height, weight, hair color and any other marks that would aid in identifying the person(s). How were they dressed? Note the type and color of the suspects hat, coat, pants and shoes or boots. What kind of vehicle was involved? Jot down license numbers, color, make, model, year and any other distinguishing characteristics to help authorities track down the violator.

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

ENVIRONmENTAl CONSERVATION OffIcERS


MonTGoMERy ECO C. Valenty............................... (518) 505-4104 Supervisor - Lt. .............................. (518) 357-2047 NAssAU ECO D. Ferraro............................... (516) 826-0832 ECO M. Unger................................ (516) 328-0579 Supervisor - Lt. T. Gadomski....... (631) 444-0250 NEW YoRK ECO D. Dainack............................. (718) 979-0696 ECO T. Machnica........................... (845) 429-5141 Supervisor - Lt. B. Rivers.............. (718) 482-4885 NiAGARA ECO J. Powers................................. (716) 433-1432 ECO J. Rogers.................................. (716) 773-0984 ECO R. Thompson......................... (716) 433-3369 Supervisor - Lt. J. Schultz............. (716) 851-7050 OnEiDA ECO V. Fonda.................................. (315) 489-4224 ECO R. Grisolini............................ (315) 240-6966 ECO J. Kerns................................... (315) 489-3346 ECO S. Lakeman............................ (315) 734-0648 ECO R. Ritzel.................................. (315) 489-3907 Supervisor - Lt. M. Jacoby............ (315) 785-2231 Supervisor - Lt. B. Hummel......... (315) 785-2231 OnonDAGA ECO R. Head................................... (315) 673-3067 ECO P. Sherman............................. (315) 484-9678 ECO C. Starczek............................. (315) 445-2061 ECO S. Yacavone............................ (315) 487-4401 Supervisor - Lt. D. Mcshane........ (315) 426-7431 OnTARio ECO D. Malloy................................ (585) 905-7404 ECO J. Stanseld............................ (315) 986-9438 Supervisor - Lt. .............................. (585) 226-6866 ORAnGE ECO M. Buckley............................. (845) 236-7684 ECO D. Galvin................................ (845) 638-0979 ECO A. Gordon.............................. (845) 662-5787 ECO K. Shephard........................... (845) 784-6045 Supervisor - Lt. M. Townley........ (845) 256-3013 ORLEAns ECO P. Kroth................................... (585) 682-7791 Supervisor - Lt. J. Verhague......... (585) 226-6866 OsWEGo ECO W. Burnell.............................. (315) 676-5387 ECO M. Dorrett............................. (315) 625-4129 ECO S. Dussault............................. (315) 963-1008 ECO M. Harger............................... (315) 383-1766 ECO A. Panipinto.......................... (315) 623-7657 Supervisor - Lt. J. Reitmeier......... (315) 426-7431 OTsEGo ECO T. Card.................................... (607) 267-9547 ECO M. Vencak.............................. (607) 397-1823 ECO K. Zurmuhlen....................... (607) 267-5444 Supervisor - Lt. T. Harrington..... (518) 357-2047 PUTnAM ECO J. Curinga............................... (845) 612-6099 ECO J. Davey................................... (845) 787-7025 ECO K. Manners............................ (845) 265-2165 ECO A. Markey.............................. (845) 424-3281 ECO B. Toth.................................... (845) 424-3073 Supervisor - Lt. M. Filmer............ (845) 256-3013 QUEEns ECO C. Lattimer............................ (718) 424-3628 ECO D. Lum.................................... (718) 956-6460 ECO S. Mathis................................ (646) 542-4305 Supervisor - Lt. R. Peinkofer........ (718) 482-4885 REnssELAER ECO B. Canzeri.............................. (518) 270-5035 ECO R. Fetterman.......................... (518) 925-5549 Supervisor - Lt. J. Hays.................. (518) 357-2047 RiChMonD ECO A. Brassard............................ (718) 979-0610 Supervisor - Lt. B. Rivers.............. (718) 482-4885 RoCKLAnD ECO D. Galvin................................ (845) 638-0979 ECO K. Shephard........................... (845) 784-6045 Supervisor - Lt. M. Townley........ (845) 256-3013 SARAToGA ECO R. Higgins.............................. (518) 860-8677 ECO M. Klein.................................. (518) 892-9402 ECO S. Shaw................................... (518) 860-8675 Supervisor - Lt. C. Ruckert.......... (518) 897-1326 SChEnECTADy ECO C. Valenty............................... (518) 505-4104 Supervisor - Lt. .............................. (518) 357-2047 SChohARiE ECO K. Isles.................................... (518) 339-6110 ECO M. Terrell............................... (518) 827-7754 Supervisor - Lt. T. Harrington..... (518) 357-2047 SChUyLER Supervisor - Lt. P. Barton............. (585) 226-6866 SEnECA ECO S. Angotti............................... (315) 568-5370 ECO K. Levanway.......................... (607) 339-6796 Supervisor - Lt. .............................. (585) 226-6866 ST. LAWREnCE ECO S. Atwood.............................. (315) 262-2304 ECO T. Basford............................... (315) 265-2757 ECO B. Canary............................... (315) 489-3180 ECO J. Munn................................... (315) 842-2854 ECO J. Ryan..................................... (315) 322-5106 ECO J. Schneller............................. (315) 566-9258 ECO M. Sherry............................... (315) 566-9574 Supervisor - Lt. G. Steele.............. (315) 785-2231 STEUbEn ECO S. Farrand............................... (607) 331-7549 ECO E. Stull..................................... (607) 331-6468 Supervisor - Lt. P. Barton............. (585) 226-6866 SUffoLK ECO D. Damrath............................ (516) 204-6623 ECO J. Eastwood............................ (631) 874-3132 ECO T. Fay....................................... (631) 447-0959 ECO K. Grady................................. (631) 744-2507 ECO M. Krug.................................. (631) 813-0846 ECO C. Lagree................................ (631) 205-0470 ECO A. Lawston............................. (631) 325-8569 ECO D. Oliver................................. (631) 205-0649 ECO M. Simmons.......................... (631) 874-2591 ECO J. Sulkey.................................. (516) 881-6548 ECO J. Wolgast............................... (631) 820-1521 Supervisor - Lt. D. Bengel............ (631) 444-0250 Supervisor - Lt. M. Blaising......... (631) 444-0250 Supervisor - Lt. F. Carbone.......... (631) 444-0250 SULLiVAn ECO M. Bello.................................. (845) 665-5489 ECO R. Wood................................. (845) 665-5637 Supervisor - Lt. D. Lindsley......... (845) 256-3013 TioGA ECO S. Winnick Iii......................... (607) 245-9751 Supervisor - Lt. T. Lutz................. (315) 426-7431 ToMPKins ECO O. Eisenberg.......................... (607) 564-9458 Supervisor - Lt. T. Lutz................. (315) 426-7431 ULsTER ECO B. Gillis................................... (845) 687-9350 ECO C. Stephens Jr........................ (845) 430-8541 ECO M. Schillinger........................ (845) 246-8002 Supervisor - Lt. D. Clayton.......... (845) 256-3013 Supervisor - Lt. D. Lindsley......... (845) 256-3013 WARREn ECO S. Delarosa............................. (518) 527-1101 ECO L. Gerrain............................... (518) 925-5560 ECO G. Lapoint.............................. (518) 793-3767 Supervisor - Lt. H. Barber............ (518) 897-1326 WAshinGTon ECO J. Dempster............................ (518) 692-9973 ECO S. Gonyeau............................. (518) 567-2104 Supervisor - Lt. C. Ruckert.......... (518) 897-1326 WAynE ECO E. Dalecki............................... (315) 489-3422 ECO T. Smith.................................. (315) 745-9371 Supervisor - Lt. M. Lochner......... (585) 226-6866 WEsTChEsTER ECO J. Curinga............................... (845) 612-6099 ECO J. Davey................................... (845) 787-7025 ECO K. Manners............................ (845) 265-2165 ECO A. Markey.............................. (845) 424-3281 ECO B. Toth.................................... (845) 424-3073 Supervisor - Lt. M. Filmer............ (845) 256-3013 WyoMinG ECO J. Hunt..................................... (716) 628-3488 ECO R. Ward Jr.............................. (585) 919-4465 Supervisor - Lt. W. Powell............ (716) 851-7050 YATEs ECO P. Blanton............................... (585) 694-4077 ECO J. Crain.................................... (315) 775-7168 Supervisor - Lt. .............................. (585) 226-6866

MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT

ECO B. FARRISH....................... (516) 351-8601 ECO R. MAGGIO...................... (516) 779-9361 ECO S. REILLY........................... (516) 779-9358

ECO K. THOMAS..................... (646) 294-7153 ECO B. WILSON....................... (646) 542-4297 SECO J. BILLOTTO.................. (631) 444-0851

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

73

COlDWATER SpORTFISH Of NEw yORk


BROOK TROUT
Worm-like markings Bright/red orange spots

BROWN TROUT
Red/orange spots (pale halos around dark spots)

Spots on tail restricted to upper edge

RAINBOW SMELT
Adipose n Large mouth

Leading white edge

Upper jaw extends Past the eye

Nearly square tail

ATLANTIC SALMON
Few spots on back and sides

RAINBOW TROUT

Spots on dorsal n, tail and back

LAKE TROUT

Pink line

Light spots on dark background

Forked tail

Upper jaw extends to edge of eye

Slightly forked tail

COHO SALMON*

Spots on dorsal n and upper lobe of tail

CHINOOK SALMON*

Spots on dorsal n and entire tail

Black mouth with white gums

Black mouth

* Pacic salmon (Coho and Chinook Salmon) are characterized by an anal n that is longer along the body than it is away from the body

74

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

WARmwATER SpORTFISH Of NEw yORk


LARGEMOUTH BASS
Deep notch

SMALLMOUTH BASS
Shallow notch

BLUEGILL
Dusky spot at rear of dorsal n

Upper jaw extends past eye

Dark horizontal band

Upper jaw does not extend past eye

Bluish gill cover

Faint vertical dark bars

WALLEYE
Two separate dorsal ns Black spot at rear of edge of rst dorsal n

YELLOW PERCH
Two separate dorsal ns

PUMPKINSEED
Red spot on gill cover

Canine teeth

Dark vertical bars on yellow sides

Wavy turquoise bands on sides of head and cheek

NORTHERN PIKE
Light spots on a dark background

CHAIN PICKEREL
Chain-like markings on sides

ROCK BASS
Irregular blotches on upper half Red eye

T. Knepp/USFWS

Dark vertical bar under eye Faint horizontal lines on lower half

Cheek and upper half of gill cover scaled

5 or fewer pores on underside of jaw

Cheek and gill cover fully scaled

MUSKELLUNGE
Dark vertical bars on light background

TIGER MUSKELLUNGE
Irregular vertical bars on light background

BLACK CRAPPIE
Curved Snout A B

7 or 8 dorsal spines

Flat, diamond shaped body

Dark mottled patches

Upper half of cheek and gill cover scaled

6 to 9 pores on underside of jaw

5 to 8 pores on underside of jaw

Cheek and upper half of gill cover scaled

Note: White crappie (not shown) can be similar in coloration to black crappie. They can best be told apart by comparing the distance from the eye to the front of the dorsal n (A) with the length of the base of the dorsal n (B). In white crappie, B is signicantly shorter than A, while the lengths are pretty much equal in black crappie. Black crappie also have 7-8 dorsal spines, while white crappie usually have 6 (rarely 7).

BROWN BULLHEAD

CHANNEL CATFISH

Dark barbels under chin

Square tail

Dark barbels under chin

Forked tail, less noticeable in larger sh

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

75

PublIc FISHING RIGHTS


Landowners receive a payment based on a rate per bank-mile or proportionate part of a mile that is owned. (Rates vary on dierent waters.) Extra money is given if a footpath easement or parking area is acquired. Footpaths are for crossing a landowners property from a road to the water at a specied location. For more i n for m at ion, cont ac t you r reg iona l f i sher ies manager (see Special Regulations by County pages) or visit: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7746.html

Landowner Benets:

PFR LoCATion MAPs


Public Fishing Rights locator maps have been completed for most of New York. For a listing of available maps, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html
Yellow public shing stream signs will help you know you have legal access to the stream.

Fishing is a timeless tradition enjoyed by millions of people of all ages, and New York State has some of the nest shing waters in the nation. Many of these waters, however, can be dicult to access because they are privately owned. Since 1935, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has worked with private landowners to ensure access to these prime shing waters. During that time, nearly 1,300 miles of public shing rights (PFR) easements have been purchased on over 400 streams across the state. The landowners participating in this worthwhile program are the key to its success, and the reason that our children will be able to continue enjoying shing. As an owner of land along one of the states waterways, you may qualify to participate in and receive the benets of this program. Are permanent easements along game sh streams that allow the public to wade and walk along the streambed and banks for the purpose of shing, and for no other activity. Are granted voluntarily to the people of the State of New York by owners of private land. The landowner continues to own the land aected by the limited shing rights easement. Are permanent easements which will apply to all future owners of the property. The easement gives DEC the right, when funds are available, to do stream improvement work (such as planting trees or shrubs), if needed, to protect and stabilize stream banks. Usually consist of a 33-foot strip of land along each bank or along one bank if that is all the landowner owns. Foot path rights-of-way may also be included, especially if a parking area is also purchased. Do not interfere with the landowners use of the property for farming, grazing, water supply and shing. Landowners may fence the land, plow it, cut trees, or otherwise improve it. Landowners may also post their property against hunting or any other type of trespass except shing. Place no obligation on the owner to keep their lands safe for entry or use by anglers or for acts of such persons (see Section 9-103 of General Obligations Law). Follow the natural course of the stream even if it should change its course, as long as it remains on the landowners property.

Public Fishing Rights:

Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata), also known as rock snot, is a non-native invasive algae that can form thick brown mats in coldwater streams. Heavy growths of didymo may choke out insects and other aquatic organisms, negatively impacting species such as trout that depend on these organisms for food. Long strands of didymo can also make shing difcult as it tends to foul ies, lures and leaders. Since its rst discovery in New York in the Batten Kill (Washington County), didymo has now been conrmed in the Delaware River system, Esopus Creek, and most recently, in Kayaderosserras Creek in Saratoga County. Didymo can be easily spread from water to water by anglers, kayakers, tubers and other stream users that do not follow proper cleaning, drying and/or disinfection procedures. Waders and wading shoes are considered to be a primary transport mechanism for didymo, particularly those with felt soles. Anglers are encouraged to use cleated, non-felt soles that are much less likely to transport didymo and easier to clean and disinfect. If you cannot throughly dry your equipment for at least 48 hrs, please disinfect it before using it in another water. Household disinfectants such as Fantastik and Formula 409 are effective in disinfecting shing and boating equipment.
For further information on disinfection procedures see page 2.

D A

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201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

Catch Release
lthough a fresh sh dinner can be the climax of a great shing trip, more and more anglers have come to realize that quality sh populations can only be maintained if catch and release angling is practiced. This is particularly the case for large gamesh that are typically rare in a population and usually take an extended time to grow to a quality size.With the advent of berglass sh mounts, it is no longer necessary to kill a trophy to get it mounted. Before releasing your trophy, take a photograph of it and measure its length and girth. Take this information to a taxidermist and they can produce an accurate, long-lasting replica of your catch. To ensure that the sh that you release have the best chance of survival, please follow these guidelines: play and land the sh that you catch. Using light 1. Quickly tackle is challenging to the angler, but can result in an exhausted sh that may not be able to recover.

&

caught in deep water may be injured by rapid pressure 9. Fish change and may suffer from an expanded swim bladder.To minimize these problems, a moderate retrieve rate should be employed to ensure that the sh has an opportunity to adjust to the change in pressure. Depending on the sh species, there are techniques that may be helpful if your sh suffers from an expanded swim bladder that prevents it from swimming properly. Go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9224.html for a discussion of these techniques.

void catch and release shing for thermally stressed trout 10. A because many of these sh will die after they are released.

2.

Have the necessary tools in convenient reach, so that you can rapidly remove the hook.

All members of the pike family tend to be very intolerant of handling. Please follow the following guidelines to reduce the stress on the sh you catch: Never play your sh to exhaustion. If at all possible, do not remove your sh from the water. Release your sh in the water where its body is supported. Never hold a sh by the eye sockets or gills. If you intend to release your sh, never hold it vertically as this can put unnecessary strain on body tissues and vertebrae that can lead to its death. If you must hold it out of the water, hold it horizontally with one hand cradling its belly. Rememberchain pickerel, northern pike, muskellunge and tiger muskellunge can all grow to record proportions in New York waters, but only if you release the intermediate size sh that you catch.

R G P P

the length of time that the sh is out of the water. 3. Minimize Handle and unhook the sh in the water.

4. 5.

Avoid contact with the gills. Do not squeeze the sh or handle by the eye-sockets. Minimize a shs contact with dry surfaces. Wet hands before handling to avoid removal of the shs protective slime coat. Anglers catching large members of the pike family should remember to always hold the sh horizontally (preferably in the water).When sh with long bodies such as these are held vertically, the weight of their internal organs can cause them to shift to the rear of their bodies, often resulting in irreparable harm.

not jerk hooks out of a deeply hooked sh. Instead, cut 6. Do the leader close to the eye of the hook. using barbless or circle hooks. Circle hooks, when 7. Consider used properly, usually ensure that the sh is hooked in the mouth and are particularly good for shing with bait. culling sh. Anglers keeping sh in livewells should 8. Avoid be sure to keep oxygen levels high and water temperatures below 75F. Additional information on avoiding fish injury in livewells and at tournaments can be found at http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/conservation

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

77

and egg collection on Chautauqua Lake, and in some years, other waters. Pond-reared walleye ngerlings are also grown at this hatchery. Total production is 3,300 pounds annually.
Oneida Hatchery is located in the Village of Constantia in Oswego County, on the north shore of Oneida Lake. The hatchery was reconstructed in 1992. The rearing program is focused on walleye, and includes egg collections from Oneida Lake (200-300 million eggs/year), and stocking of millions of walleye fry and up to 220,000 advanced walleye ngerlings (four to six inches). Experimental culture of rare or threatened shes, such as round whitesh, lake sturgeon and paddlesh, also occurs here. Annual sh production is about 6,000 pounds. Randolph Hatchery is located in the Village of Randolph in Catta-

DEC Fish Hatcheries


DEC operates 12 sh hatcheries and one sh pathology laboratory. Numerous sh species are reared for stocking into more than 1,200 public waters across the state. Annual production averages 900,000-1 million pounds of sh. All hatcheries are open to the public from spring through fall, and several are open year-round.
Adirondack Hatchery is located about 12 miles from the Village

raugus County. This is a major brood stock facility which annually handles ve to six million brook, brown and rainbow trout eggs. Annual production totals almost 100,000 pounds of sh.
Rome Hatchery is located in Oneida County about four miles north of

the City of Rome. The hatchery is one of DECs largest, with annual production totaling nearly 160,000 pounds of brook, rainbow and brown trout. Hatchery sta play a major role in providing sh for airplane and helicopter stocking of remote waters.
Rome Fish Disease Control Center, also known as Rome Lab, is

located on Rome Hatchery property. Sta maintain brood stock of disease-resistant strains of brook and brown trout, and maintain a laboratory where research activities and disease diagnosis can be conducted. Sta are heavily involved in testing numerous stocks of cultured and wild sh for the presence of parasites and pathogens.
Salmon River Hatchery, located in the Village of Altmar in Oswego

of Saranac Lake in Franklin County. This facility specializes in rearing landlocked Atlantic salmon for statewide distribution. Annual production averages 30,000 pounds of salmon, with most sh stocked as yearling smolts (six inches long) or as small ngerlings in the spring.
Bath Hatchery is located one mile from the Village of Bath in Steuben

County, is the mainstay of DECs stocking program for Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The hatchery attracts up to 500,000 visitors annually, many of whom come to watch egg collections from steelhead, coho salmon and chinook salmon returning to the hatchery. Annual sh production totals 120,000 pounds.
South Otselic Hatchery is located in Chenango County in the Village

County. The hatchery rears lake trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. All of the lake trout and many of the rainbow trout reared here are obtained from sh collected from Cayuga Lake. Annual production of all species is about 86,000 pounds.
Caledonia Hatchery, located in Livingston County in the Village of

of South Otselic. The hatchery rears the entire statewide supply of tiger muskellunge, produces pond-reared walleye ngerlings, and rears small lots of wild, heritage-strain brook trout. Annual production is 15,000 pounds of sh.
VanHornesville Hatchery is located in southern Herkimer County in

Caledonia, is the oldest hatchery in New York State and the Western Hemisphere. Caledonia Hatchery rears brown trout and rainbow trout. Virtually all of the two-year-old brown trout used in DECs stocking program for 13 to 15-inch trout are produced at Caledonia Hatchery. Annual production is approximately 170,000 pounds.
Catskill Hatchery is located in Sullivan County near the Village of

the Village of VanHornesville. The hatchery raises rainbow trout, with production totaling about 30,000 pounds.

Livingston Manor and near two of New York States fabled trout streams, the Beaver Kill and Willowemoc Creek. This facility specializes in rearing brown trout and it maintains a brood stock capable of producing two million eggs. About 115,000 pounds of brown trout are produced annually.
Chateaugay Hatchery is located near the Village of Chateaugay in

northern Franklin County. This facility has a very diverse rearing program which includes Raquette Lake-strain lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout, including the Temiscamie x domestic hybrid used extensively in Adirondack Mountain lakes and ponds. Annual production is approximately 90,000 pounds.
Chautauqua Hatchery is located near the Village of Mayville in

Chautauqua County. This is the only DEC hatchery currently raising pure-strain muskellunge, which are obtained from netting

78

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

DEC Fish Hatchery System Update


The goal of New Yorks sh culture program is to operate a modern, ecient system of sh hatcheries that annually produce and stock a variety of disease free sh. In 2012, just over 875,000 lbs of sh were raised and stocked into approximately 1,200 waters. The number and species of sh stocked in 2012 can be found in the table below. In addition to the various sportsh species reared, DEC also raises and stocks lake sturgeon, paddlesh, round whitesh, and longear sunsh. These rare sh species were once native to New York State and an eort is currently underway to restore them to their native range. Hatchery infrastructure improvements over the past year included the replacement of rearing troughs and pipelines at Catskill Hatchery, replacement of inside raceways at Chateaugay Hatchery, and the rehabilitation of earthen ponds at Randolph hatchery. One of these ponds is being used to rear longear sunsh.
Less Than 1" 1" 4.24" Number 73,258 Weight (lbs.) 1,524

A number of improvements to the Catskill Fish Hatchery were completed in 2012 including the replacement of rearing troughs and pipelines and installation of a new metal roof on the sh food storage facility.

ANNUAL STOCKING REPORT BY SPECIES (January 1, 2012 December 31, 2012)


4.25" 5.74" Number 77,010 8,000 52,210 66,000 0 337,020 5,000 602 3,637 50 56,000 650,850 122,830 Weight (lbs.) 2,976 522 3,602 28,575 5,025 3,200 91,800 108,000 368 8,795 6,971 82,400 15,840 1,000 38 178,619 2,054 68,020 120,190 67,100 134,900 207,750,000 0 38 2,771 1,443,980 2,090,087 640,840 64,510 20,552 28,419 1,832 51 1,102,900 7,000 52,410 175 30,790 102,600 500 337 700 200 2,971 3,009 705,350 2,795,437 1,883 30,302 7,000 1,109,900 175 52,585 337 361,367 15 31,312 500 222,107 23 31,596 15 500 23 1,360 135,250 2,617,655 389 19,219 727,147 2,559 16,171 100 361,030 31,297 221,607 31,573 2,482,405 707,928 3,854 7,856 158,030 15,217 177,267 24,190 10,969 3,828 5.75" 6.74" Number Weight (lbs.) 6.75" 7.74" Number 400 30,440 13,500 Weight (lbs.) 64 5,390 1,929 7.75" Plus Number 157,085 1,869,370 357,710 Weight (lbs.) 44,330 546,813 101,988 Total Number 308,453 1,907,910 482,620 1,145,670 318,230 15,840 582,936 120,190 1,511,080 6,392,929 208,397,840 95,300 102,600 500 837 2,060 208,599,137 Weight (lbs.) 48,894 552,725 108,489 41,007 22,961 3,828 45,353 7,856 20,552 851,665 4,778 2,610 16,171 100 38 589 24,286

SPECIES Brook Trout Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Steelhead Cold Water Lake Trout Splake Landlocked Salmon Coho Chinook Cold Water Total Walleye Muskellunge Warm Water Tiger Muskellunge Pansh Lake Sturgeon Paddlesh

Number 700 100

Weight (lbs.) 0 0

Warm Water Total 207,750,700 Grand Total


207,885,600

214,992,066 875,951

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

79

FuNDING FISHERIES MANAGEmENT


NYS CONSERVATION FUND ADVISORY BOARD
The NYS Conservation Fund Advisory Board (CFAB) was established by law to make recommendations to state agencies on state government plans, policies and programs aecting sh and wildlife. CFAB consults with and advises DEC about expenditure of Conservation Fund monies and ways to increase revenue to this fund. For more information, visit: www.dec.ny.gov/about/566.html

Supporting New Yorks Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources


Revenue from shing and hunting license fees, federal funds and other resources are used to accomplish efforts to conserve, manage and protect New York States sh, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats; inform and educate the public; and provide opportunities for people to use and appreciate these resources. Some recently funded projects include:

Point Peninsula Isthmus

Three Mile Bay

Cuba Lake

New trailered boat launches were recently completed at Point Peninsula Isthmus and Three Mile Bay on Lake Ontario in Jefferson County and on Cuba Lake in Allegany County.

A joint DEC/Cornell University study is evaluating the Catch Rate Oriented Trout Stocking (CROTS) Model. This model is used by the Bureau of Fisheries to determine the timing and number of sh stocked in a stream.

80

201314 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

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