The Beat

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.

Syracuse, N.Y. -- The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and New York Sea Grant have announced a change in the Young Boater Safety Certification training course offered annually at the Central New York Boat Show.

For 2016, the free program that certifies youth ages 10 to 17 to legally operate a motorized boat or watercraft alone on New York waters will be offered entirely on one day, Saturday, February 20, from 9am to 5pm, at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY.

Freshwater Streams, Great Lakes And Ocean Waters, And Both Pro Sport-Fishing Tournaments And Novice Events Offer Anglers A Chance At World-Class Trophy Fish

Albany, N.Y. (June 23, 2015) --New York State announces 2015 Sport Fishing and Angling events for local and traveling competitors to catch the nearly 165 species of fish found throughout the state. Renowned anglers from around the world travel to New York where sport-fishing tournaments cater to novices, world-renowned competitors and fishing outfitters year-round. While experience builds expertise, fishing is one of the most accessible sports where excitement and satisfaction can be found from the first outing. NYS fishing and angling attracts 2.3 million anglers to the freshwater streams, great lakes and ocean waters of New York every year.

New Yorkers and Visitors Welcome to Explore State's Vast Waterways and Fish Without a License

Newly Designated Free Fishing Day Set for Veterans Day, November 11

Albany, N.Y. -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that New York State residents and visitors may fish for free without a fishing license in any of the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds and 50,000 miles of rivers and streams during the weekend of June 27-28. Saltwater anglers may also fish in marine waters for migratory marine fish species without enrolling in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.

Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y. - Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, from 12 p.m.-4p.m., the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum will be hosting: Trout Weekend at the Museum's Wildlife Education Center, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson.

"The Brook Trout is New York's official State fish. A native of New York, it is a small, attractive and feisty game fish,"

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Wayne County, N.Y. - The Wayne County Office of Tourism has re-vamped the Fishing Update section of its web page, designing a faster, easier way to obtain fishing information.

"Anglers always want to gather necessary fishing information fast," stated Chris Kenyon, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator for Wayne County Tourism. "They don't want to waste time searching where to fish, obtain a license, or learn daily limits of the species they're targeting. We have redesigned the Fishing Page so that all the pertinent information is on the right side of the page. This will be where to look before you make your trip."

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