R&S 
OWNER/PRESIDENT
Post by THE GOB-FATHER on Mar 25, 2008 12:27:15 GMT -5
The traditional kick-off to New York�s annual freshwater fishing
seasons is approaching with the April 1 start of trout and salmon
seasons, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
has some tips and reminders for anglers in every region.
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, a longtime trout angler, said,
�DEC�s Bureau of Fisheries works hard to provide trout fishing
opportunities that meet the needs and desires of New York�s anglers,
whether it be in a wilderness brook or a stocked water close to an urban
center. Fishing is better than it ever has been in New York State. I
encourage anglers to take someone fishing this year and let them
experience this wonderful way to get connected to the outdoors.�
Trout, lake trout, landlocked atlantic salmon and kokanee salmon
seasons all begin on April 1 and last until October 15, except where
special regulations exist. Best early season fishing can usually be
found on Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley and Western New York,
which tend to warm up earlier than other sections of the state. Other
good bets are the smaller tributaries to major trout waters. Early
season anglers can improve their success by fishing deep and slow, and
by using natural baits such as worms and minnows where permitted.
Fly-fishing purists should consider using weighted nymphs and large,
flashy streamers, possibly coupled with a sink-tip line. Once the water
temperatures rise to around 50 degrees, dry-fly fishing prospects
improve. Pond fishing is often best immediately after the winter ice
melts. As most Adirondack and Catskill ponds are likely to remain
frozen for the April 1st opening day, anglers should scout out areas
beforehand. Prime areas to fish are those that warm the earliest,
including tributary mouths and near surface and shallow shoreline areas.
DEC�s fish stocking efforts for catchable-size trout generally begins
in late March and early April in the lower Hudson Valley, Long Island,
and western New York, followed later by stocking in the Catskills and
Adirondacks. This year, DEC plans to stock 2.3 million catchable-size
brook, brown, and rainbow trout in almost 300 lakes and ponds and
roughly 3,100 miles of streams across the state. Spring stockings will
include 1.7 million brown trout, 415,000 rainbow trout and 143,000 brook
trout. DEC will again include 2-year-old brown trout in the spring
stocking program averaging 12-13 inches in length, with some as large as
15 inches. Approximately 96,000 of these larger fish will be stocked in
lakes and streams throughout the state.
More than 2.1 million yearling lake trout, steelhead, landlocked
salmon, splake and coho salmon will be also be stocked by DEC this
spring to provide exciting angling opportunities over the next several
years. For those who prefer a quieter, more remote setting, an
estimated 350,000 brook trout fingerlings will be stocked in 342 lakes
and ponds this fall, providing unique angling opportunities for future
years. A complete list of waters planned to be stocked with trout this
spring is posted to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30465.html . A listing of
waters stocked last year can be found at
www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30467.html .
In addition to stocked waters, New York State has thousands of miles of
wild trout streams that provide excellent fishing opportunities.
Regional fisheries offices, which are listed in DEC�s Fishing
Regulations Guide, can offer specific details about these streams.
Anglers are reminded to check the 2006-2008 Freshwater Fishing
Regulations Guide - www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html - before
their trip. The general creel limit for brook, brown, and rainbow trout
is five fish and the open season for trout in most New York State waters
runs from April 1 through October 15. However, there are numerous
exceptions that are listed by region in the regulations guide. Anglers
are also reminded that special permits are required for fishing New York
City reservoirs. Information and a new on-line permit system can be
found on the New York City Department of Environmental Protection
website at
www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed_protection/html/wsrecreation.html
.
Purchase Your Fishing License and Habitat/Access Stamp
Fishing licenses can be purchased on-line at
www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html or by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS.
Fishing licenses can also be purchased from various sporting license
outlets located throughout the state, such as town and county clerks,
some major discount stores, and many tackle and sporting goods stores.
When purchasing a fishing license, anglers should also consider
purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp. This stamp is available to anyone
for $5 from any sporting license issuing agent. Proceeds from the sale
of the stamps are deposited into the Habitat Account and are dedicated
to the development of improved public access to lakes, ponds and streams
in New York, as well as habitat improvement projects. The program has
already funded a number of worthwhile public access and habitat projects
benefiting coldwater anglers on Kayderosseras Creek and the Batten Kill
in DEC�s Region 5, Otego Creek in Region 4, and Wiscoy Creek in Region
9. For more information on the Habitat/Access Stamp Program, go to
www.dec.ny.gov/public/329.html .
Providing Access to the Water
Acquiring public access to waters in New York remains an important DEC
priority. The DEC Public Fishing Rights (PFR) program purchases fishing
easements from landowners with property along coldwater streams. The
program has benefited recently from the consistent funding provided by
the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. Without the PFR
program, access to streams - the banks and bed of which can be privately
owned - would be severely limited. PFR holdings in New York State
currently total over 1,300 equivalent miles on over 400 streams.
Landowners interested in selling stream rights should contact their
nearest DEC office.
Recent PFR purchases include easements on the East Branch of the
Delaware River in Region 4; Owasco Inlet in Region 7; and Elton,
Mansfield, Ischua, and Eighteen Mile Creeks in Region 9. Also, new
parking areas were developed on Butternut Creek in Region 7, as well as
on Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Creeks in Region 9.
Public Fishing Rights signs mark PFR easements, but anglers are
reminded that landowners maintain the right to post these parcels
against activities other than fishing. Anglers are encouraged to
contact their regional office for maps or directions to PFR holdings.
In addition, maps and brochures are now available for DEC regions 3, 5,
6, 7, 8, and 9. To obtain these maps, go to
www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html or call your regional DEC office.
Maps are being added and updated regularly. For lake and pond anglers,
lake contour maps are available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9920.html .
Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species and Diseases
Anglers are reminded that a serious fish disease known as Viral
Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) has been detected in New York. As a result,
restrictions on the use of baitfish and transportation of live fish have
been enacted. With some specific exceptions, all live baitfish sold for
use on New York State waters must be certified to be free of VHS and a
number of other potentially serious fish diseases. This restriction does
not apply to commercially packaged and preserved dead baitfish such as
salted minnows. Personal collection and use of baitfish is permitted,
but live baitfish may only be used on the water from which they were
collected and may not be transported off the body of water. For more
information on VHS and the actions the DEC has taken to prevent its
spread, go to www.dec.ny.gov/animals/25328.html .
In order to reduce the likelihood of spreading fish diseases such as
VHS and invasive plant and animal species such as Eurasian watermilfoil
and zebra mussels, anglers need to be cautious when moving from one
water body to another. Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata), an invasive
algae species that can form a thick mat on stream bottoms, has recently
been found in the East Branch and West Branch of the Delaware River in
Region 4, and in the Battenkill in Region 5. Didymo can attach to
waders, particularly those with felt soles, and other fishing and
boating equipment. There is no known way to control or eliminate didymo
which is why preventing the spread of this algae is imperative. To
avoid spreading didymo and other invasive species, anglers are
encouraged to:
? AVOID felt soles if possible. Didymo, other nuisance species and
the parasite causing whirling disease can easily attach to felt soles.
Consider using studded soles.
? CHECK fishing and boating equipment before leaving the water.
Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting
equipment.
? CLEAN using best treatment for your gear and situation:
Detergent: 1 cup soap per gallon of hot water (at least 140
degrees F). Note that tap water is typically less than this
temperature. Eco-friendly detergents may be less effective. or
Bleach: 1 cup household bleach in 2.5 gallons water. Note that
bleach is a caustic substance and should not be used on sensitive
equipment.
Non-absorbent gear and boats should be exposed to the
disinfecting solution for at least 1 minute. Absorbent gear such as
neoprene waders and felt soles should be soaked for at least 40
minutes.
? DRY gear and boats completely. Note that didymo can survive
cool, damp conditions for 40 days. Freezing items can kill Didymo, but
many fish diseases such as whirling disease can survive. Freezing can
also damage some equipment.
Anglers are encouraged to report new sightings of didymo to their local
DEC office. Didymo differs from other native algae by its tan, brown or
white color and wool-like (non-slimy) texture. It also is relatively
tough and does not break apart in your fingers. For additional
information on invasive species in New York and what you can do to
control their spread go to www.protectyourwaters.net .
Northern Catskills/Hudson Valley/Capital District (DEC Region 4)
The early season for trout anglers in Region 4 looks to be
better than usual as this winter has not been particularly harsh, with
little anchor ice and good flow conditions. Furthermore, last summer
was not particularly hot or dry in this region, which means that
survival and holdover should be good for both wild and hatchery trout.
Good bets for fishing prior to stocking include the upper Kinderhook
Creek and the upper Hoosic/Little Hoosic system, Poestenkill and
Wynantskill in Rensselaer County, the upper Roeliff Jansen Kill in
Columbia County, the upper Catskill and Onesquethaw in Albany County,
and the upper Batavia Kill, Catskill, and Schoharie Creeks in Greene
County, the East and West Branches of the Delaware River and Beaver Kill
in Delaware County, Schenevus Creek, Butternut Creek, Wharton Creek, and
Otego Creek in Otsego County.
Trout stocking in Region 4 could be delayed by snowfall in
March, but most streams throughout the region should be stocked by late
April, weather permitting. Waters to be stocked with two-year-old brown
trout include both branches of the Delaware River, the Beaver Kill, the
Batavia Kill, Butternut Creek, Catskill Creek, Canajoharie Creek,
Charlotte Creek, Claverack Creek, Colgate Lake, East Kill, Greens Lake,
Hannacrois Creek, the Holding Pond (Schoharie County), Kinderhook Creek,
Oaks Creek, Onesquethaw Creek, Otego Creek, Ouleout Creek, the Poesten
Kill, the Roeliff Jansen Kill, Schenevus Creek, Schoharie Creek,
Tackawasick Creek, Taghkanic Creek, the Walloomsac River, and Wharton
Creek.
DEC will be conducting a creel census on Schoharie Creek this
year. DEC staff will be visiting all of the fishing access locations
along the stream above the Village of Prattsville several days each week
throughout the open season for trout. They will gather information
including the number of anglers, time spent on the stream, and
wild-versus-hatchery fish catch rates. This information will enable DEC
to better manage the trout fisheries on one of the better known trout
streams in Region 4.
Angler diary cooperators are needed again this year for
Cannonsville and Pepacton Reservoirs. Anglers interested in keeping a
diary of their trout fishing on one or both reservoirs should contact
the DEC Fisheries Unit by mail: 65561 Route 10, Stamford, NY 12167; or
by phone (607) 652-7366. Last year, boat anglers on Pepacton Reservoir
averaged 0.38 trout per hour and 0.17 trout per hour on Cannonsville
Reservoir.
Anglers should remember that the Delaware River and West Branch
Delaware River, where New York and Pennsylvania share a common boundary,
has a delayed season that does not open until April 12 this year. The
delayed season also applies to all tributaries to the Delaware River
located in Delaware County and to the East Branch tributaries between
Hancock and the Hamlet of East Branch.
(MORE)
-8-
Didymo has been verified in the East Branch Delaware River
downstream of Corbett and in the West Branch Delaware River downstream
of Balls Eddy. Although didymo has not been verified in Delaware River,
it should be considered infested due to exposure from the East and West
Branches. Didymo is a microscopic algae (diatom) that can produce large
amounts of stalk material to form thick mats on the stream bottom.
Anglers will need to plan their fishing trips on these waters to prevent
the spread of didymo to uninfested reaches. Anglers fishing these
waters should disinfect all fishing gear prior to fishing their home
waters. Contact the Region 4 Fisheries Office for more information and
disinfection methods.
seasons is approaching with the April 1 start of trout and salmon
seasons, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
has some tips and reminders for anglers in every region.
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, a longtime trout angler, said,
�DEC�s Bureau of Fisheries works hard to provide trout fishing
opportunities that meet the needs and desires of New York�s anglers,
whether it be in a wilderness brook or a stocked water close to an urban
center. Fishing is better than it ever has been in New York State. I
encourage anglers to take someone fishing this year and let them
experience this wonderful way to get connected to the outdoors.�
Trout, lake trout, landlocked atlantic salmon and kokanee salmon
seasons all begin on April 1 and last until October 15, except where
special regulations exist. Best early season fishing can usually be
found on Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley and Western New York,
which tend to warm up earlier than other sections of the state. Other
good bets are the smaller tributaries to major trout waters. Early
season anglers can improve their success by fishing deep and slow, and
by using natural baits such as worms and minnows where permitted.
Fly-fishing purists should consider using weighted nymphs and large,
flashy streamers, possibly coupled with a sink-tip line. Once the water
temperatures rise to around 50 degrees, dry-fly fishing prospects
improve. Pond fishing is often best immediately after the winter ice
melts. As most Adirondack and Catskill ponds are likely to remain
frozen for the April 1st opening day, anglers should scout out areas
beforehand. Prime areas to fish are those that warm the earliest,
including tributary mouths and near surface and shallow shoreline areas.
DEC�s fish stocking efforts for catchable-size trout generally begins
in late March and early April in the lower Hudson Valley, Long Island,
and western New York, followed later by stocking in the Catskills and
Adirondacks. This year, DEC plans to stock 2.3 million catchable-size
brook, brown, and rainbow trout in almost 300 lakes and ponds and
roughly 3,100 miles of streams across the state. Spring stockings will
include 1.7 million brown trout, 415,000 rainbow trout and 143,000 brook
trout. DEC will again include 2-year-old brown trout in the spring
stocking program averaging 12-13 inches in length, with some as large as
15 inches. Approximately 96,000 of these larger fish will be stocked in
lakes and streams throughout the state.
More than 2.1 million yearling lake trout, steelhead, landlocked
salmon, splake and coho salmon will be also be stocked by DEC this
spring to provide exciting angling opportunities over the next several
years. For those who prefer a quieter, more remote setting, an
estimated 350,000 brook trout fingerlings will be stocked in 342 lakes
and ponds this fall, providing unique angling opportunities for future
years. A complete list of waters planned to be stocked with trout this
spring is posted to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30465.html . A listing of
waters stocked last year can be found at
www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30467.html .
In addition to stocked waters, New York State has thousands of miles of
wild trout streams that provide excellent fishing opportunities.
Regional fisheries offices, which are listed in DEC�s Fishing
Regulations Guide, can offer specific details about these streams.
Anglers are reminded to check the 2006-2008 Freshwater Fishing
Regulations Guide - www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html - before
their trip. The general creel limit for brook, brown, and rainbow trout
is five fish and the open season for trout in most New York State waters
runs from April 1 through October 15. However, there are numerous
exceptions that are listed by region in the regulations guide. Anglers
are also reminded that special permits are required for fishing New York
City reservoirs. Information and a new on-line permit system can be
found on the New York City Department of Environmental Protection
website at
www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed_protection/html/wsrecreation.html
.
Purchase Your Fishing License and Habitat/Access Stamp
Fishing licenses can be purchased on-line at
www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html or by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS.
Fishing licenses can also be purchased from various sporting license
outlets located throughout the state, such as town and county clerks,
some major discount stores, and many tackle and sporting goods stores.
When purchasing a fishing license, anglers should also consider
purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp. This stamp is available to anyone
for $5 from any sporting license issuing agent. Proceeds from the sale
of the stamps are deposited into the Habitat Account and are dedicated
to the development of improved public access to lakes, ponds and streams
in New York, as well as habitat improvement projects. The program has
already funded a number of worthwhile public access and habitat projects
benefiting coldwater anglers on Kayderosseras Creek and the Batten Kill
in DEC�s Region 5, Otego Creek in Region 4, and Wiscoy Creek in Region
9. For more information on the Habitat/Access Stamp Program, go to
www.dec.ny.gov/public/329.html .
Providing Access to the Water
Acquiring public access to waters in New York remains an important DEC
priority. The DEC Public Fishing Rights (PFR) program purchases fishing
easements from landowners with property along coldwater streams. The
program has benefited recently from the consistent funding provided by
the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. Without the PFR
program, access to streams - the banks and bed of which can be privately
owned - would be severely limited. PFR holdings in New York State
currently total over 1,300 equivalent miles on over 400 streams.
Landowners interested in selling stream rights should contact their
nearest DEC office.
Recent PFR purchases include easements on the East Branch of the
Delaware River in Region 4; Owasco Inlet in Region 7; and Elton,
Mansfield, Ischua, and Eighteen Mile Creeks in Region 9. Also, new
parking areas were developed on Butternut Creek in Region 7, as well as
on Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Creeks in Region 9.
Public Fishing Rights signs mark PFR easements, but anglers are
reminded that landowners maintain the right to post these parcels
against activities other than fishing. Anglers are encouraged to
contact their regional office for maps or directions to PFR holdings.
In addition, maps and brochures are now available for DEC regions 3, 5,
6, 7, 8, and 9. To obtain these maps, go to
www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html or call your regional DEC office.
Maps are being added and updated regularly. For lake and pond anglers,
lake contour maps are available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9920.html .
Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species and Diseases
Anglers are reminded that a serious fish disease known as Viral
Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) has been detected in New York. As a result,
restrictions on the use of baitfish and transportation of live fish have
been enacted. With some specific exceptions, all live baitfish sold for
use on New York State waters must be certified to be free of VHS and a
number of other potentially serious fish diseases. This restriction does
not apply to commercially packaged and preserved dead baitfish such as
salted minnows. Personal collection and use of baitfish is permitted,
but live baitfish may only be used on the water from which they were
collected and may not be transported off the body of water. For more
information on VHS and the actions the DEC has taken to prevent its
spread, go to www.dec.ny.gov/animals/25328.html .
In order to reduce the likelihood of spreading fish diseases such as
VHS and invasive plant and animal species such as Eurasian watermilfoil
and zebra mussels, anglers need to be cautious when moving from one
water body to another. Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata), an invasive
algae species that can form a thick mat on stream bottoms, has recently
been found in the East Branch and West Branch of the Delaware River in
Region 4, and in the Battenkill in Region 5. Didymo can attach to
waders, particularly those with felt soles, and other fishing and
boating equipment. There is no known way to control or eliminate didymo
which is why preventing the spread of this algae is imperative. To
avoid spreading didymo and other invasive species, anglers are
encouraged to:
? AVOID felt soles if possible. Didymo, other nuisance species and
the parasite causing whirling disease can easily attach to felt soles.
Consider using studded soles.
? CHECK fishing and boating equipment before leaving the water.
Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting
equipment.
? CLEAN using best treatment for your gear and situation:
Detergent: 1 cup soap per gallon of hot water (at least 140
degrees F). Note that tap water is typically less than this
temperature. Eco-friendly detergents may be less effective. or
Bleach: 1 cup household bleach in 2.5 gallons water. Note that
bleach is a caustic substance and should not be used on sensitive
equipment.
Non-absorbent gear and boats should be exposed to the
disinfecting solution for at least 1 minute. Absorbent gear such as
neoprene waders and felt soles should be soaked for at least 40
minutes.
? DRY gear and boats completely. Note that didymo can survive
cool, damp conditions for 40 days. Freezing items can kill Didymo, but
many fish diseases such as whirling disease can survive. Freezing can
also damage some equipment.
Anglers are encouraged to report new sightings of didymo to their local
DEC office. Didymo differs from other native algae by its tan, brown or
white color and wool-like (non-slimy) texture. It also is relatively
tough and does not break apart in your fingers. For additional
information on invasive species in New York and what you can do to
control their spread go to www.protectyourwaters.net .
Northern Catskills/Hudson Valley/Capital District (DEC Region 4)
The early season for trout anglers in Region 4 looks to be
better than usual as this winter has not been particularly harsh, with
little anchor ice and good flow conditions. Furthermore, last summer
was not particularly hot or dry in this region, which means that
survival and holdover should be good for both wild and hatchery trout.
Good bets for fishing prior to stocking include the upper Kinderhook
Creek and the upper Hoosic/Little Hoosic system, Poestenkill and
Wynantskill in Rensselaer County, the upper Roeliff Jansen Kill in
Columbia County, the upper Catskill and Onesquethaw in Albany County,
and the upper Batavia Kill, Catskill, and Schoharie Creeks in Greene
County, the East and West Branches of the Delaware River and Beaver Kill
in Delaware County, Schenevus Creek, Butternut Creek, Wharton Creek, and
Otego Creek in Otsego County.
Trout stocking in Region 4 could be delayed by snowfall in
March, but most streams throughout the region should be stocked by late
April, weather permitting. Waters to be stocked with two-year-old brown
trout include both branches of the Delaware River, the Beaver Kill, the
Batavia Kill, Butternut Creek, Catskill Creek, Canajoharie Creek,
Charlotte Creek, Claverack Creek, Colgate Lake, East Kill, Greens Lake,
Hannacrois Creek, the Holding Pond (Schoharie County), Kinderhook Creek,
Oaks Creek, Onesquethaw Creek, Otego Creek, Ouleout Creek, the Poesten
Kill, the Roeliff Jansen Kill, Schenevus Creek, Schoharie Creek,
Tackawasick Creek, Taghkanic Creek, the Walloomsac River, and Wharton
Creek.
DEC will be conducting a creel census on Schoharie Creek this
year. DEC staff will be visiting all of the fishing access locations
along the stream above the Village of Prattsville several days each week
throughout the open season for trout. They will gather information
including the number of anglers, time spent on the stream, and
wild-versus-hatchery fish catch rates. This information will enable DEC
to better manage the trout fisheries on one of the better known trout
streams in Region 4.
Angler diary cooperators are needed again this year for
Cannonsville and Pepacton Reservoirs. Anglers interested in keeping a
diary of their trout fishing on one or both reservoirs should contact
the DEC Fisheries Unit by mail: 65561 Route 10, Stamford, NY 12167; or
by phone (607) 652-7366. Last year, boat anglers on Pepacton Reservoir
averaged 0.38 trout per hour and 0.17 trout per hour on Cannonsville
Reservoir.
Anglers should remember that the Delaware River and West Branch
Delaware River, where New York and Pennsylvania share a common boundary,
has a delayed season that does not open until April 12 this year. The
delayed season also applies to all tributaries to the Delaware River
located in Delaware County and to the East Branch tributaries between
Hancock and the Hamlet of East Branch.
(MORE)
-8-
Didymo has been verified in the East Branch Delaware River
downstream of Corbett and in the West Branch Delaware River downstream
of Balls Eddy. Although didymo has not been verified in Delaware River,
it should be considered infested due to exposure from the East and West
Branches. Didymo is a microscopic algae (diatom) that can produce large
amounts of stalk material to form thick mats on the stream bottom.
Anglers will need to plan their fishing trips on these waters to prevent
the spread of didymo to uninfested reaches. Anglers fishing these
waters should disinfect all fishing gear prior to fishing their home
waters. Contact the Region 4 Fisheries Office for more information and
disinfection methods.