The Beat

Improved DECALS Includes User-Friendly Features to Help Hunters Find License Sales Outlets, Keep Track of Licenses, and Harvest Information

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the launch of the State’s new system for the sale of fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses. The new DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS) includes user-friendly information to help users locate vendors, receive instant copies of a license, enter and view harvest information, and more.

All New Yorkers Encouraged to Explore Local Fishing Opportunities

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced a Free Fishing Weekend for June 27 – 28. The event is the second of six Free Fishing Days offered in New York State every year.

Opportunities Abound for New York’s Most Popular Freshwater Sportfish

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner (DEC) Basil Seggos announced today that the traditional harvest season for Largemouth and Smallmouth bass opens on June 20 and closes Nov. 30. In most waters, there is also a catch and release season starting on Dec. 1, and continuing until the start of the regular season, during which anglers can fish for bass using artificial lures. There are special fishing regulations for some waters, and  York anglers should check the current fishing regulations guide before heading out to fish.

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.