The Beat

New York Anglers Encouraged to Get Outside Safely, Practice Social Distancing during COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

State Stocking More than 2.2 Million Catchable-Size Trout in New York Waters

Sportfishing in New York Generates Estimated $2.14 Billion in Economic Activity Each Year

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded New Yorkers that trout and salmon fishing season opens on Wednesday, April 1. New York’s coldwater lakes and streams offer springtime trout anglers the opportunity to pursue trout in a wide array of settings across the state. During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors and connecting with nature while angling in New York’s waters is a great way to help maintain mental and physical health.

Anglers Permitted to Fish Without a License Across New York State This Weekend - February 15 & 16

Freshwater Fishing in New York Generates Estimated $2.14 Billion in Economic Activity Annually, Supports Nearly 11,000 Jobs Statewide

DEC Urges New Yorkers to Practice Ice Safety While Outdoors

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the first statewide free fishing weekend in New York for 2020 will take place on February 15 and 16. During these designated days, residents and visitors are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license.

"New York is home to hundreds of lakes, streams and rivers, allowing amateur and expert anglers alike to get outdoors and experience the world-class fishing we have to offer, as well as the communities that host them," Governor Cuomo said. "With free fishing this weekend, I encourage residents and our out-of-state neighbors to pack a tackle box and a cooler, grab a fishing pole, and head out to have some fun with a pastime that I and so many of our fellow New Yorkers enjoy."…

·         Will Repurpose the Canal to Grow Regional Tourism, Reduce Flooding in Canal Communities, Improve Irrigation for Upstate Farmers, Expand Fishing Opportunities and Restore Wetlands

·         $165 Million Phase One of the Plan to Begin this Year

·         Recommendations Made by Reimagine the Canals Task Force 

·         Renderings are Available Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today unveiled the 29th proposal of his 2020 State of the State: a $300 million plan to reimagine the Erie Canal by creating recreational activities on the Canal to boost tourism, mitigating flooding, enhancing irrigation and recreational fishing and restoring wetlands.

Northeast’s Premier Fishing, Hunting and Travel Event Returns to Rockland County Community College Welcoming Experienced Outdoor Enthusiasts and Newcomers Alike

Suffern, N.Y. – The 2020 Progressive® Insurance World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition, the northeast’s premier fishing, hunting and travel event, transforms Rockland Community College into an outdoors paradise Feb. 27-Mar. 1, featuring the latest and greatest in hunting and fishing gear, major fishing tackle manufacturers, trusted brand names and independent local retailers. The multi-generational tradition of the ‘Great Outdoors’ continues as families can spend the day comparing and shopping newly released and hard-to-find products for their outdoor needs, plus enjoy a variety of free educational seminars and attractions for all ages and skill levels.

Announces Free Fishing on Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Lower Niagara River through Labor Day as well as 50% Off Camping and Vehicle Entrance Fees at State Parks along Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River

New Television Spot Promotes Travel to Lake Ontario and Surrounding Attractions - View the Ad Here  

Hatchery Improvements and Resiliency Grants Will Bolster the $121 Million in Regional Economic Benefit  

Furthers Mission of the REDI Commission to Build More Resilient and Stronger Local Communities along the Shoreline by Strengthening Local Economies

NEW YORK – August 2, 2019 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced the launch of a new campaign to boost tourism in the Lake Ontario region following recent flooding that has hampered tourism in communities along the shoreline. The new initiative includes free fishing on Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Lower Niagara River through Labor Day as well as 50 percent off State campgrounds and vehicle entrance fees along the lake and river.

The lure of the gorge. Every year nearly 800,000 people from across the region, state, country, and world visit Letchworth State park to marvel at the “Grand Canyon of the East.” They may hike, camp, swim, or picnic, but eventually they make their way to one of the many overlooks, some towering more than 600 feet above the Genesee River. It’s beautiful to view the gorge walls and see the many layers of exposed geological features, and there at the bottom is the river making its way north toward Lake Ontario.

Wilmington, N.Y. — Fly fishermen from across the country and Canada will head to Wilmington, New York May 19 and 20 for the annual Ausable Two-Fly Challenge competition.

It was founded 18 years ago by local anglers to celebrate the joy of the fishing, spirit of sportsmanship, and to help preserve a world-class fly fishery.  All of the money raised from the entrance fees goes to preserving the river for future anglers. The funds are donated to the Ausable River Association and various other causes. According to lead organizer Michelle Preston, about 100 anglers are expected to participate.

Program Kicks Off Next Weekend with Free Ice Fishing for Residents and Visitors

Supports Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative

New York's Sport Fishing Industry Generates an Estimated $1.8 billion in Economic Activity Annually, Supporting Nearly 17,000 Jobs Statewide

(February 10, 2017) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the first of several free fishing events in New York State for 2017 will take place next weekend on Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19. During these designated days, New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license at any of the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000 miles of rivers and streams.

Niagara Falls, N.Y. (Jan. 10, 2017) - Bassmaster Elite Pro Mark Menendez of Paducah, Kentucky will join an impressive cast of speakers at the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo to be held Jan. 20-22 at the Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls. Menendez, a regular on the Bassmaster Tournament Trail for 26 years, is slated to be a competitor in the Elite Series in 2017 once again.

Wilmington, N.Y. - Founded to celebrate the joy of fishing, spirit of sportsmanship, and preservation of a world-class fly fishery, the 17th annual Ausable Two-Fly Challenge welcomes fly fishermen from across the country May 20-21.

Back by popular demand, the 2016 Challenge has reintroduced a women's division this year. A portion of registrations will be donated to Casting for Recovery, which seeks to enhance the quality of life of women with breast cancer through a unique program that combines breast cancer education and peer support with the therapeutic sport of fly fishing.