The Beat

With Year-Round Trout Seasons, April 1 Marks End of Catch-and-Release-Only and Start of Harvest Season

More Than 1.8 Million Trout Being Stocked Statewide

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the upcoming start of the spring trout fishing season, which provides excellent angling opportunities statewide thanks to the State’s extensive stocking program and considerable number of wild trout fisheries. DEC’s spring trout stocking begins in March and runs through early June, and includes more than 1.8 million trout stocked in waters statewide. 

Trout Stocking Events Planned throughout Long Island in March and April

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will hold the annual Spring Family Fishing Festival on Saturday, April 2, at Belmont Lake State Park. Additional sponsors for the fishing festival include the Natural Heritage Trust, The Fisherman Magazine, New York Life, Seaford Knights of Columbus Fishing Club, Art Flick Chapter Trout Unlimited, and radio stations 106.1 WBLI and 102.3 WBAB.

New Yorkers Can Fish Without a License February 19-20
DEC Urges New Yorkers to Practice Ice Safety While Outdoors  

Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of the State's first Free Fishing Weekend of 2022, on February 19 and 20, when freshwater anglers are permitted to fish for free without a license.

"New York State is home to many great fishing spots, and I encourage both new and experienced anglers alike to take advantage of the annual February Free Fishing Day, which gives everyone the chance to appreciate the great outdoors at no cost and introduce family and friends to a new hobby," Governor Hochul said. "Getting outside to experience New York's natural beauty is a perfect way to have fun and recharge at one of New York's many world-class fishing destinations. Visiting your local fisheries provides both recreational enjoyment and serves as a vital economic generator, supporting local economies statewide."…

Hague, NY – February 7, 2022 – The Annual Hague Fish & Game Club Winter Fishing Tournament will be held on February 26^th and 27^th in coordination with the Town of Hague. The event will take place whether or not there is ice. Participants can fish on Lake George, Lake Champlain, Schroon Lake, Brant Lake, Eagle Lake, or Paradox Lake. Categories will include Lake Trout, Perch, Salmon and Pike.

Fishing License Requirement Waived for Residents and Non-Residents  

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that New York State will honor veterans with the sixth and final free fishing day of 2021, on Thursday, Nov. 11. New York’s Free Fishing Days encourage more people to get outdoors each season to enjoy the state’s world-class fishing opportunities.

More Lake Ontario Tributaries to Receive Increased Water Flow from Erie Canal, Improving Spawning Conditions & Enhancing Angling Opportunities

New Website with Water Release Schedule Launched

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Canal Corporation is again increasing regulated water releases from the Erie Canal into Lake Ontario tributaries in Western New York this fall to extend fishing opportunities and enhance world-class fishing destinations. Now in its second year, the pilot program through the New York Power Authority's Reimagine the Canals initiative is improving spawning conditions and enhancing angling opportunities in Monroe, Orleans, and Niagara counties -an effort that helps to increase tourism and bolster local businesses.

Anglers of All Abilities Encouraged to Cast a Line, Experience Benefits of Fishing on Annual Free Fishing Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York's fifth Free Fishing Day of the year is on Saturday, Sept. 25, coinciding with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is celebrated annually to promote outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and target shooting. New York provides anglers with six Free Fishing Days each year.

“On the Water: Angling Adventures” Showcases Erie Canal & World-Class NY Fishing Opportunities Enhanced by the Reimagine the Canals Initiative

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced the Reimagine the Canals initiative was recently featured on the NBC Sports program “On the Water: Angling Adventures.” The television show highlighted the successful launch of a pilot program that strategically used water from the Erie Canal to enhance already renowned fishing opportunities in Western New York during the fall of 2020. The full episode can be found here.

Hague, NY – February 1, 2021 – The Annual Hague Fish & Game Club Winter Fishing Tournament will be held on February 27^th and 28^th in coordination with the Town of Hague. The event will take place whether or not there is ice. Participants can fish on Lake George, Lake Champlain, Schroon Lake, Brant Lake, Eagle Lake, or Paradox Lake. Categories will include Lake Trout, Perch, Salmon and Pike.

The weigh-station will be located at the Hague Fish & Game Club at 488 West Hague Road in Hague, NY. Weigh-in will take place Saturday, February 27^th from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday, February 28^th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Awards will be handed out at 4:00 PM following the closing of the weigh-in station.

DEC Encourages Anglers to Fish 'SMART' to Protect Resources and Other Anglers

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the Lower Fly-Fishing Section of the Salmon River will be open for catch-and-release fishing starting Saturday, Oct. 31, marking the success of actions taken by the Salmon River Flow Management Team to mitigate the impacts of low-water flows at the start of the salmon run. Recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain in effect to ensure the health and safety of the public.