The Beat

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.

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.

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.