New York Freshwater

Fishing2013–14 OFFICIAL Regulations Guide Vl o ume 6, Issue No. 1, October 2013

Fly Fishing the Catskills

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation www.dec.ny.gov

Most regulations are in effect October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014 Contents Using This Guide 1. Review the Statewide Angling Regulations. – page 14 Stop the Spread of Invasive Species 2 2. Review the special regulations section which begins on page 16 and includes regulations for specific waters (ie. Lake Highlights of Changes 4 Champlain) or group of waters (ie. Great Lakes). IF THE License Information 6 WATER YOU INTEND TO FISH IS NOT LISTED IN THIS SECTION, STATEWIDE ANGLING REGULATIONS APPLY. NYS Environmental 3. Review: Conservation Police Q&A 8 • General Regulations – page 53 Feature: Managing the Trout fisheries • Baitfish Regulations – page 57 • Definitions – page 60 of the catskills 10 4. Consult the License Information section to determine if you Statewide Angling Regulations 14 need a fishing license. – page 6 Special Regulations: Region 1 17 5. Review the NYS Environmental Conservation Police Q&A section which provides answers to some of the more frequently Special Regulations: Region 2 18 asked questions concerning the information in this guide. — Special Regulations: Region 3 19 pages 8, 17, 31 and 33 Special Regulations: Region 4 21 6. Review Health Advisories. – page 67 If you have any questions or are unsure of any regulations, call Reservoir Regulations 23 or e-mail the nearest DEC regional office. Contact information Tidal Regulations 24 can be found in the Special Regulations section of the guide. — pages 16-46 Border Waters Regulations 25 Feature: Fly fishing the catskills 26 Special Regulations: Region 5 30 This guide is a summary that is intended for convenience only— for a complete reference, consult New York State Environmental Lake Champlain Regulations 35 Conservation Law (ECL) and Volume 6 of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR). Copies can be Special Regulations: Region 6 36 reviewed at the nearest library with a State Supreme Court refer- ence section, on-line at www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/ for ECL and Special Regulations: Region 7 40 www.dec.ny.gov/regs/2494.html for NYCRR, or by contacting a Regional Special Regulations: Region 8 43 DEC Division of Law Enforcement Office. and Tributary Regulations 45 State of New York Special Regulations: Region 9 46 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor Great Lakes and Tributary Regulations 48 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation General Regulations 53 Joe Martens, Commissioner Kathy Moser, Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources Baitfish Regulations 57 Patricia Riexinger, Director, Division of Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources Phil Hulbert, Chief, Bureau of Fisheries Definitions 60 How to contact us: Weigh Your Fish With A Ruler 62 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Fisheries New York State Angler 625 Broadway Achievement Awards 63 Albany, NY 12233-4753 [email protected] Health Advisories 67 Website: www.dec.ny.gov Environmental Conservation Officers 72 Main cover photo: (Ulster County), Ed Ostapczuk. Inset cover photos: E sopus Creek & brook trout, Ed Ostapczuk; Freshwater Fish Identification 74 fisherman,Jason Dole. Public Fishing Rights 76 Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources’ Mission: The mission of DEC’s Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources is Catch & Release Guidelines 77 to serve the interests of current and future generations of New Yorkers by using our collective skills, in partnership with the public, to describe, DEC Fish Hatcheries 78 understand, manage and perpetuate a healthy and diverse assemblage of fish, wildlife and ecosystems. Funding Fisheries management 80

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 1 NEW YORK State DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

New York State facilities are available to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin or physical disability in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This guide is a summary that is intended for convenience only. For complete informa- tion, consult New York State Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and Volume 6 of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR). Copies can be reviewed at the nearest library with a State Supreme Court references section or by contacting a regional Division of Law Enforcement Office. They can also be found online at www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/ for ECL and www.dec.ny.gov/regs/2494.html for NYCRR. Be sure to see “Using This Guide” (page 1) and review “Highlights of Changes” below.

Highlights of Changes Note: Changes are highlighted in green throughout the guide. Did you know? •• Use or possession of alewife or blueback herring on the is now prohibited. •• The daily limit for alewife and blueback herring on the Hudson River has been reduced. ...In 2012, DEC Forest •• Changes have also been made to the manner of taking of alewife and blueback herring in the Rangers put out more than Hudson River by angling and personal use nets. 177 fires affecting almost 2,146 acres. Rangers trained 1,446 community firefighters in wildfire control techniques. F ree Fishing Days ...DEC Forest Rangers are June 28–29, 2014 experts on all aspects of the state land they patrol. Ask a During the last weekend in June anyone can fish the fresh or Ranger where to hunt, fish, marine waters of New York State and no license is required! hike, camp or see wildlife! Since no license is required, it’s the perfect time to take a ...DEC Forest Rangers issue friend or relative fishing. permits for camping on state lands and administer the For more information, contact a Regional DEC Fisheries licensed guide program. Office. For a list of DEC-sponsored Fishing Clinics, contact Seamus Dutcher with a nice www.dec.ny.gov a DEC Regional Fisheries Office or go to: brown from the Mohawk River. 518-408-5850 www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html

New York State DepartmeNt of eNviroNmeNtal CoNServatioN Fishing Hotlines Central New York (607) 753-1551 Orleans County (585) 589-3220 Lake Erie (Dunkirk) (716) 679-ERIE Lake Erie (Buffalo) (716) 855-FISH Niagara County (877) FALLS US Southeastern New York (845) 256-3101 Wayne County (315) 946-5466 DEC Web Hotlines www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishhotlines.html Marine Recreational Fishing Regulations Recreational fishing regulations for marine fish species are subject to frequent changes in response to rapid changes in fishing conditions and development of interstate management strategies for these species. For complete and accurate information on current New York marine recreational fishing regulations, contact the DEC Bureau of Marine Resources, Finfish and Crustacean Unit (631) 444-0435 or visit the DEC website at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html. Anglers 16 years and older desiring to fish in the marine and coastal district or for migratory marine species must enroll in the no fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry (see page 6).

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4 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE S tatewide Angling Regulations

T he following statewide angling regulations apply to all waters for which special regulations have not been estab- lished. Special regulations for specific waters follow on pages 16–52.

Statewide Angling Regulations Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Trout—Brook, Brown and Rainbow and April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 hybrids of these species; and Splake Lake Trout April 1 through Oct 15 21" 3

Landlocked (LL)/ April 1 through Oct 15 15" 3 It is illegal to take Atlantic Salmon from the waters of the marine and coastal district. Kokanee April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 10

Coho & Chinook Salmon See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48-52.

3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 12" 5 Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the Catch and (Largemouth/Smallmouth) Artificial lures only 3rd Sat in June release only Muskellunge 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 30" 1

Northern Pike 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 5

Pickerel 1st Sat in May through March 15 15" 5

Tiger Muskellunge 1st Sat in May through March 15 30" 1

Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 15" 5

Crappie All year 9" 25

Atlantic, Shortnose & Lake Sturgeon; Closed Fishing for and possession prohibited Paddlefish

Lake Whitefish All year Any size 5

Striped Bass—Hudson River and all inland waters except March 16 through Nov 30 18" 1 (see page 25) Fishing for (including catch and release) or possessing American shad American Shad in the Hudson River or Marine District is prohibited.

Hickory Shad Aug 1 through Nov 30 Any size 5 Anadromous River Herring (Alewife and Possession prohibited except in Hudson River and tributaries (see page 24). Blueback Herring) Yellow Perch All year Any size 50 Sunfish (Bluegill, Pumpkinseed and All year Any size 50 Redbreast Sunfish) American Eel—all waters except Hudson River, St. Lawrence R., L. Niagara R., Lake All year 6” 50 Ontario and tributaries to these waters.

All endangered or threatened fish species Fishing for and possession prohibited

All other species (except those listed elsewhere in special All year Any size Any number regulation tables in this guide).

A person may not fish for a species (not even Catch-and-Release) outside of the open season for that species on a given water.

14 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Head Special Regulations

T he following pages are a list of exceptions to the STATEWIDE ANGLING REGULATIONS.

•• Trout waters where ice fishing is permitted are identified here.

•• Regulations that appear in the Method column pertain to all fishing in the listed water.

•• A “–” between dates in the Open Season columns represents “through” and includes the ending date.

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6 1 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE R egion 1 •

Nassau County Minimum Daily Water Species Open Season Method Length Limit Crappie All year 9" 15 Sunfish (Bluegill & All year Any size 15 Pumpkinseed) All waters Yellow Perch All year 8" 15 1st Saturday in May Pickerel 18" 3 through March 15 Note: It is illegal to fish for bass during 1st Sat in June through All waters Black Bass Catch and release only the period May 1 thru April 30 Friday preceding the Region 1 1st Sat in June Stony Brook University All ponds and lakes Trout All year Any size 3 Brown & Rainbow 50 Circle Road All year Any size 3 Stony Brook, NY 11790-3409 All streams Trout Brook Trout April 1 – Sept 30 Catch and release only (631) 444-0280 [email protected] Suffolk County Minimum Daily Water Species Open Season Method Length Limit Crappie All year 9" 15 Sunfish (Bluegill and All waters All year Any size 15 Pumpkinseed) Yellow Perch All year Any size 15 1st Sat in June through Note: It is illegal to 12" 5 All waters except, Belmont Nov 30 fish for bass during Lake, Artist Lake, Blydenburgh Black Bass the period May 1 thru Lake, Randall Pond Dec 1 through April 30 Catch and release only Friday preceding the 1st Sat in June Fort Pond and Lake 1st Sat in May through Walleye 18" 3 Ronkonkoma Mar 15 1st Sat in June through 12" 5 Nov 30 Blydenburgh Lake Black Bass New York State Dec 1 through Fri Catch and release only before 1st Sat in June Artist Lake, Belmont Lake, En vironmental Black Bass All Year Catch and release only Randall Pond Conservation All freshwater (non-tidal) lakes and ponds except Trout All year Any size 3 Ice fishing permitted Police East (Swan) Lk, Laurel Lk, Deep Pd. Q: How many rods or lines may I use East (Swan) Lake Trout April 1 through Nov 30 10" 3 when fishing? Laurel Lake Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted Trout All year 12” 3 A: Deep Pond Ice fishing permitted Anglers are permitted to use three lines Chain Pickerel All year Catch and release only when fishing. All freshwater and tidal Brown & Rainbow streams except Carmans All year Any size 3 Q: Is it legal to use the Alabama Rig or River in Southhaven County Trout other multiple-bait rigs? Park, Connetquot River in A: Connetquot River State Park Yes. As long as the number of lures or and Nissequoque River in Brook Trout April 1 through Sept 30 Catch and release only baits does not exceed five and the total Caleb Smith State Park number of hook points on the rig does not Connetquot and Caleb Smith Park Regulations apply, permit required. Call (631) 581-1005 Connetquot, Trout exceed 15. However, some special regulations State Parks (631) 265-1054 Nissequogue. limit the number of lures, baits, attractors Carmans River Brook Trout April 1 through Sept 30 Catch and release only and hook points on specific waters. (Southaven County Park)

Q: If I spend multiple days fishing in New Carmans River Special Regulations by River Section. Additional park regulations may apply. York, may I transport more than the legal (Southaven County Park) Call (631) 854-1414. daily limit when I return to my home state? From LIPA transmission lines at Gate G upstream to Trout April 1 through Sept 30 Catch and release only Fly fishing only A: You may transport twice the daily limit Yaphank Avenue for fish such as trout, black bass and crappie From Cement Dam upstream Brown & Rainbow to LIPA transmission lines April 1 through Sept 30 9" 3 Fly fishing only that have a daily catch limit. There are Trout exceptions for processed and packaged at Gate G From Cement Dam down- Brown & Rainbow fish or when a permit has been obtained April 1 through Sept 30 9" 3 from a DEC regional office. However, live stream to Hards Lake Dam Trout fish may not be transported in excess of the legal daily limit and may not be stocked into another waterbody. Recreational Marine Fishing Registry Anglers 16 years and older desiring to fish in the marine and coastal district or for migratory marine species must enroll in the no fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR DEC DISPATCH CENTER: 1-877-457-5680 See www.dec.ny.gov/permits/54950.html for details.

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 17 R egion 2 • New York City

Special fishing regulations for waters in New York City. Open Minimum Water Species Daily limit Method Season length Bronx Indian Lake, Crotona Park; Van Cortlandt Lake

Kings (Brooklyn) Prospect Park Lake

New York () Catch and release fishing only. Central Park- all waters All Species except All year All fish, except for snakeheads, shall be returned to the water snakeheads immediately. See Snakehead Alert information below for Queens instructions on handling a snakehead you have caught. Region 2 Baisley’s Pond, Kissena Lake, 1 Hunters Point Plaza Meadow Lake, Oakland Lake, Willow Lake 47-40 21st Street Long Island City, NY 11101-5407 Richmond () (718) 482-4922 Brooks Lake, Clove Lake, Willow- [email protected] brook Lake, Wolfe’s Pond

Steve Wong with a nice largemouth bass caught from Oakland Lake, Queens

Sportsmen Education… make sure you qualify All first-time hunters, bowhunters or trappers planning to go afield this upcoming hunting and trapping season must first complete a hunter or trapper education course before they can get a license in New York. For previously licensed hunters who plan to hunt out of state, let this be a reminder to check with the state you plan to hunt in to see what requirements need to be met. All states accept New York’s hunter education course but states differ on what is required as proof of completion. Many will need to see your original ‘Hunter Education Certificate’ in order to purchase their license. Check to see if you have your certificate, replacements can be time consuming. All courses are free of charge, and as hunting seasons approach, classes fill quickly. SIGN UP EARLY! To locate a nearby class and course list visit DEC’s website or contact a local DEC regional office.

18 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY Region 3 • southeastern New York

D utchess County Minimum Daily Water Species Open Season Method Length Limit 3rd Sat in June All rivers and streams except Hudson 10" 5 River from Troy Dam downstream and through Nov 30 Black Bass all tributaries in this section to the first Dec 1 – Fri preceding Catch and release only Artificial lures only barrier impassable by fish the 3rd Sat in June Hudson River from Troy Dam down- stream and all tributaries in this section Black Bass See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. to the first barrier impassable by fish Ice fishing Upton Lake, Trout All year Any size 5 permitted downstream of dam in Trout All Year Any size 5 Pleasant Valley Region 3 Black Bass, Indian Lake See Border Waters Regulations on page 25. 21 S. Putt Corners Road Pickerel Ice fishing New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 Morgan Lake Trout All year Any size 3 (845) 256-3161 permitted [email protected] Orange County Minimum Daily Water Species Open Season Method Length Limit All rivers and streams except Hudson 3rd Sat in June 10" 5 River from Troy Dam downstream and through Nov 30 all tributaries in this section to the first Black Bass Dec 1 – Fri preceding barrier impassable by fish & Delaware Catch and release only Artificial lures only River the 3rd Sat in June Hudson River from Troy Dam down- stream and all tributaries in this section Black Bass See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. to the first barrier impassable by fish Askoti, Hessian, Round, Blue, Skannatati Ice fishing Trout All Year Any size 5 and Walton Lakes permitted Pickerel All year 15" 5 Bashakill Marsh Black Bass All year 12" 5 Use or posses- Sterling Lake Lake Trout April 1 through Oct 15 21" 1 sion of baitfish prohibited Delaware River, Greenwood Lake All Species See Border Waters Regulations on page 25. Mongaup River from Rio Dam down- Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 3 Artificial lures only stream to Route 97 bridge Ramapo River Trout All year Any size 5 P utnam County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All rivers and streams except Hudson River from Troy Dam 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 downstream and all tributaries in this section to the first Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the barrier impassable by fish Catch and release only Artificial lures only 3rd Sat in June Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in Black Bass See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. this section to the first barrier impassable by fish , Boyd Corners Reservoir, , Diverting Reservoir, , Middle Lake Trout, Trout, Walleye See NYC Reservoir Regulations on page 23. Branch Reservoir, , , East Branch from Diverting Reservoir to East Trout All year 14" 1 Artificial lures only Branch Reservoir from Croton Falls Reservoir to East Trout April 1 through Sept 30 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Branch Croton River West Branch Croton River from West Branch Reservoir to Trout April 1 through Sept 30 9" 5 Croton Falls Reservoir

White Pond Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted

R ockland County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All rivers and streams except Hudson River from Troy Dam 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 downstream and all tributaries in this section to the first Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only barrier impassable by fish 3rd Sat in June Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in Black Bass See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. this section to the first barrier impassable by fish Ramapo River Trout All year Any size 5 Hessian Lake Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 19 Region 3 • southeastern New York

Sullivan County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 All rivers and streams except the Delaware River Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only 3rd Sat in June Trout, Black Bass, Muskel- Delaware River See Border Water Regulations on page 25. lunge, Pickerel, Walleye Pickerel All year 15" 5 Bashakill Marsh Black Bass All year 12" 5 Basket Creek and tributaries, Callicoon Creek from mouth to Hortonville, Hankins Creek and tributaries from mouth to 1st Sat after April 11 through Falls at Mileses, Hoolihan Brook and tributaries, North Branch Trout Any size 5 Sept 30 Callicoon Creek and tributaries from mouth to Gossweyler Pond above North Branch, Pea Brook and tributaries

Beaver Kill from State Road 206 (County Route 7) bridge in Delaware County downstream, Willowemoc Creek from iron Trout April 1 through Nov 30 9" 5 bridge at Parkston downstream except section below Willowemoc Creek 1200 ft. above mouth of Elm Hollow Brook downstream 3.5 miles to second Route 17 Quickway bridge Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only east of Roscoe , from downstream, except Trout April 1 through Oct 15 9" 5 as listed below Neversink River and tributaries within the Neversink River Unique Area and owned by the people of the State of New York situated in the Towns of Thompson and Forestburgh and abut- Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Catch and release only Artificial lures only ting that reach of the Neversink River from its confluence with Mercer Brook south to the Sullivan-Orange County line, except any portion thereof where the right to fish is privately owned. Use or possession of baitfish Crystal Lake, Hodge Pond Trout April 1 through Sept 30 10" 3 prohibited Lake Huntington, Loch Sheldrake Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Mongaup River from Rio Dam downstream to Route 97 bridge Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 3 Artificial lures only Ice fishing permitted Mongaup Pond* Trout All year Any size 5 Use or possession of baitfish prohibited Neversink Reservoir, Lake Trout, Trout See NYC Reservoir Regulations on page 23. Swinging Bridge Reservoir Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted Lake Trout All year 15" 3 White Lake Ice fishing permitted Trout All year Any size 5 * In addition, the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited in Mongaup Creek downstream of Mongaup Pond. U lster County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All waters except Hudson River Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 All rivers and streams except Hudson River from Troy Dam 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 downstream and all tributaries in this section to the first Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only barrier impassable by fish 3rd Sat in June Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in Black Bass See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. this section to the first barrier impassable by fish Alder Lake, Echo Lake Trout April 1 through Sept 30 10" 3 Use of fish as bait prohibited , Rondout Reservoir Lake Trout, Trout, Walleye See New York City Reservoir Regulations on page 23. Honk Lake Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted (other than below) Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size 5 Esopus Creek from outlet (Allaben) to 5 with no more than Trout April 1 through November 30 Any size Ashokan Reservoir 2 longer than 12” W estchester County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All rivers and streams except Hudson River from Troy Dam 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 downstream and all tributaries in this section to the first Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only barrier impassable by fish 3rd Sat in June Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in Black Bass See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. this section to the first barrier impassable by fish Amawalk Outlet from to Muscoot Trout April 1 through Sept 30 12" 3 Artificial lures only Reservoir Amawalk Reservoir, Reservoir, , Trout See NYC Reservoir Regulations on page 23. , , West Branch Croton River from Croton Falls Reservoir to East Trout April 1 through Sept 30 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Branch Croton River 5 with no more Titicus Outlet Trout April 1 through October 15 Any size than 2 longer than 12”

0 2 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY R egion 4 • east central New York

A lbany County Minimum Daily Water Species Open Season Method Length Limit Hudson River from Troy Dam upstream to Bakers Falls in the Catch and release fishing only. All fish shall be returned Village of Hudson Falls and tributaries to the water immediately. All Species All year in this section to first barrier impass- Baitfish listed on page 57 may be possessed for use able by fish, Mohawk River below as fish bait. Use of tip-ups is permitted. Route 32 bridge Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this Black Bass See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. section to the first barrier impassable by fish Region 4 Thompsons Lake Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted 3rd Sat in June 10" 5 65561 State Highway 10 from Watervliet Reser- through Nov 30 voir downstream to the first barrier Suite 1 Black Bass impassable to fish upstream of the Dec 1 through Fri Stamford, NY 12167-9503 Hudson River preceding the 3rd Catch and release only Artificial lures only (607) 652-7366 Sat in June [email protected] Columbia County Minimum Daily Water Species Open Season Method Length Limit Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributaries in this Black Bass See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. section to the first barrier impassable by fish Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted , from Adams April 1 through Trout Any size 5 Crossing downstream Nov 30

D elaware County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All streams and their tributaries that flow into the Delaware River in Delaware 1st Sat after April 11 through Trout Any size 5 County downstream of Hancock Sept 30 All unlisted tributaries to and to East Branch Delaware River Trout April 1 through Sept 30 Any size 5 upstream from Pepacton Reservoir highwater mark Bush Kill, Tremper Kill, Terry Clove, Fall Clove, Platte Kill, Dry Brook, Batavia Kill Trout April 1 through Sept 30 9" 5 12" 2 Artificial lures only Trout Pond (Cables Lake), Huggins Lake Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Use or possession of baitfish is prohibited Launt Pond Trout April 1 through Oct 15 10" 3 Ice fishing Big Pond, Little Pond Trout All year 12" 3 permitted Mud Pond Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 3 , Pepacton Reservoir Trout See NYC Reservoirs Regulations on page 23. Beaver Kill from State Route 206 (County Route 7) bridge downstream except Trout April 1 through Nov 30 9" 5 sections below: Beaver Kill: 1) from Sullivan County line (below Roscoe) downstream 2.5 miles to the old railroad trestle and 2) from one mile upstream to 1.6 miles Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only downstream of iron bridge at Horton Beaver Kill from Iron Bridge at Horton downstream to first Rt. 17 overpass Angling prohibited July 1 through August 31 to protect thermally stressed trout East Branch Delaware River – Special Regulations by River Section below: From Pepacton Reservoir highwater mark upstream Trout April 1 through Sept 30 9" 5 Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 From Pepacton Dam downstream to Shinhopple Bridge All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 From Shinhopple Bridge downstream to the mouth at Hancock Trout Oct 16 through Nov 30 Catch and release only All streams and their tributaries that flow in to the East Branch of the Delaware 1st Sat after April 11 through Trout Any Size 5 River between the villages of East Branch and Hancock Oct 15 West Branch Delaware River – Special Regulations by River Section below: From Cannonsville Reservoir highwater mark upstream Trout April 1 through Sept 30 9" 5 Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 From Cannonsville Dam downstream to the Route 17 overpass at Deposit All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Catch and release only Artificial lures only From Route 17 overpass at Deposit downstream 2.0 miles All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout

From the lower limit of catch-and-release section in Deposit downstream to NY/ Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 PA border (1.7 miles below Hale Eddy Bridge) All Angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout Black Bass, Trout, Delaware River and West Branch Delaware River forming NY/PA border Muskellunge, Pickerel, See Border Waters Regulations on page 25. Walleye

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 21 R egion 4 • east central New York

G reene County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributar- Black Bass See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. ies in this section to the first barrier impassable by fish Greens Lake, Colgate Lake Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted

M ontgomery County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method Beardsley Lake Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only 3rd Sat in June

Otsego County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method Arnold Lake Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted Basswood Pond Trout April 1 through Oct 15 10" 3 Canadarago Lake Yellow Perch All year Any size 25 Gilbert Lake Trout April 1 through Nov 30 12" 3 Yellow Perch All year Any size 25 Goodyear Lake Sunfish (Bluegill, Pump- All year Any size 25 kinseed, Redbreast) Brown Trout All year 18" 1 Otsego Lake LL Salmon All year 18" 1 Ice fishing permitted Lake Trout All year 23" 1 Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size from Otsego Lake Dam LL Salmon April 1 through Oct 15 15" 3 in any combination to Goodyear Lake Lake Trout April 1 through Oct 15 21"

R ensselaer County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method Hudson River from Troy Dam downstream and all tributar- Black Bass See Tidal Hudson River Regulations on page 24. ies in this section to the first barrier impassable by fish Glass Lake Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted , Little Hoosic River Trout April 1 through Oct 15 9" 5 Kinderhook Creek, Adams Crossing downstream Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size 5 Hudson River from Troy Dam upstream to Bakers Falls in Baitfish listed on page 57 the Village of Hudson Falls and tributaries in this section Catch and release fishing only. All fish shall be may be possessed for use All Species All year to first barrier impassable by fish, Mohawk River below returned to the water immediately. as fish bait. Use of tip-ups is Route 32 bridge permitted. Hudson River upstream of Lock C-4 and its associated Use or possession of alewife or blueback herring prohibited dam, near Stillwater, NY Second Pond, Long Pond, Shaver Pond Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted Tomhannock Reservoir Ice Fishing Season Jan 1 through March 15, daylight hours only. Fishing by permit only (available from City of Troy)

Schenectady County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Any size 5 Schoharie Creek from Route 20 bridge upstream Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only 3rd Sat in June 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 Schoharie Creek from Route 20 bridge downstream Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only 3rd Sat in June

Schoharie County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method Mallet Pond Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Any size 5 Schoharie Creek from downstream to Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the Route 20 bridge Catch and release only Artificial lures only 3rd Sat in June 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 Schoharie Creek from Route 20 bridge downstream Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only 3rd Sat in June Schoharie Reservoir Trout See New York City Reservoir Regulations on page 23. Holding Pond Trout April 1 though October 15 10" 3

22 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY N ew York City Reservoir Regulations

A free New York City Department of • • DEP’s Bureau of Customer Conservation through Columbus Day. A pilot program now Environmental Protection (DEP) Public Services in Manhattan also allows the use of electric trolling motors Access Permit is required to fish New York City 1250 Broadway, 8th Floor on fishing rowboats on Cannonsville Reser- reservoirs. In addition, all anglers 16 years of age New York, NY voir. All boats must be registered and cleaned or older must possess a valid New York State (212) 643-2215 prior to being launched. Details about these fishing license. All DEP permits issued prior to Boating for the purposes of fishing is allowed expanded recreational boating opportunities 2002 are no longer valid and a new permit must on NYC reservoirs to those with the appro- can be found at www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/ be obtained. For those 18 years of age or older, priate DEP permits. Anglers must store their recreation/cannonsville_boating_program.shtml permits can be obtained online at www.nyc.gov/ fishing boats at designated storage areas. All html/dep/html/watershed_protection/recreation. boats must be approved and registered with DEP Offices shtml. Permits can also be obtained by completing DEP. Some of the over 240 boat storage areas • • Ashokan Reservoir an application and mailing to: NYCDEP—Access may at times be closed to the placement of new (845) 657-2663 Permits, 71 Smith Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. boats due to overcrowding and maintenance Guest passes are also available for those who •• Schoharie Reservoir needs; several are currently closed. People who (607) 588-6231 would like to accompany an access permit holder want to register a new boat must first obtain •• Rondout and Neversink Reservoirs onto water supply lands but do not want to a valid Access Permit and then call the DEP (845) 334-7152 obtain their own access permit. Access permits Office near the reservoir of interest to make a and applications can be obtained online or by steam-cleaning and registration appointment. •• Cannonsville and Pepacton Reservoirs visiting a DEP office or police precinct, town hall There is no cost for this service, which must be (607) 363-7009 or sports/tackle shop within the watershed. In performed by DEP. •• East of Hudson Reservoirs New York City, applications are available during NYC DEP allows non-motorized recre- (914) 232-1309 normal business hours at: ational boating on a day use basis in Cannon- For additional information, contact DEP at: •• DEP Central Office sville, Neversink, Pepacton and Schoharie 96-05 Horace Harding Expressway Reservoirs. This day use recreational boating [email protected] or call Corona, NY season opens on Memorial Day and runs 1-800-575-LAND (5263) (718) 595-4595

New York City Reservoir Regulations Daily Reservoir Species Open Season Minimum Length Method Limit Respect the Sport Amawalk Bog Brook of Angling Cross River • It is the angler’s responsibility to Ice fishing • Diverting Trout All year 12" 3 entice the fish to strike the bait or permitted Middle Branch lure. It is this challenge that makes Muscoot angling a lifetime sport. Titicus •• The sport of fishing is based upon the Ice fishing experience of fishing, not the number Croton Falls Trout All year 18" 1 permitted of fish taken.

Lake Gilead Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Ice fishing •• The sport of angling is based upon Lake Gleneida Trout All Year Any size 5 permitted the concept of “fair chase.” Fish are not fairly taken when confined Boyd Corners Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing by low water levels or temperature East Branch Walleye 1st Sat. in May through March 15 18" 3 permitted conditions.

Lake Trout All year 21" 3 •• Ethical fishing is not limited to any Ice fishing West Branch Trout All year 12" 3 particular method or technique as permitted long as fish are enticed to bite under LL Salmon All year 18" 1 fair chase conditions. Lake Trout All year 18" 3 Kensico •• Remember “Adults Teach by Example, Trout All year 12" 3 Children Learn by Observing” New Croton ALWAYS be aware of the example Trout All year 12" 3 Schoharie that you are setting. The future of our sport depends upon it! Lake Trout April 1 through Nov 30 18" 3 Rondout Trout April 1 through Nov 30 12" 3 Trout April 1 through Nov 30 12" 3 Ashokan Walleye 1st Sat. in May through March 15 18" 3 Cannonsville Trout April 1 through October 15 12" 3 Trout April 1 through October 15 12" 3 Neversink Smelt Smelt fishing prohibited 2 fish to include only Pepacton Trout April 1 through Sept 30 15" 1 over 21" Statewide regulations apply to all species not listed in the above table.

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 23 T idal Hudson River Regulations

T idal Hudson River Regulations Statewide Angling Regulations apply except as listed below: Species Location Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit

Eels 6–14" only may be From the Battery to the Troy Dam and all possessed in any number for American eel tributaries upstream to the first barrier All year bait. No eels greater than 14" impassable by fish may be possessed. No eels may be possessed for food. Hudson River from the Troy Dam down- 3rd Sat. in June stream and all tributaries in this section to 15" minimum length Daily limit 5 Black Bass through Nov 30 (Largemouth and the first barrier impassable by fish. Smallmouth) Note: It is illegal to fish for (including catch & release) largemouth bass and smallmouth bass during the closed season of December 1 through the Friday preceding the 3rd Saturday in June. Hudson River & Tributaries Mar. 16 through Striped Bass 18” minimum length Daily limit 1 north of Nov 30 American Shad Fishing for or possessing American Shad on the Hudson River or in the marine district is prohibited. Hudson River & Tributaries north of Tappan Aug. 1 through Hickory Shad Any Size Daily limit 5 Zee Bridge Nov 30

L icense Requirements Circle Hook Blue Crab Regulations Anglers 16 years of age and Recommendation 50 blue crabs per day. Mini- older who desire to fish in the If you plan to use natural baits mum carapice length across marine and coastal district of for striped bass, please use the back is: New York, or for migratory non-offset circle hooks. Circle •• Hard crab: 4½ inches marine species in all waters hooks increase the percentage of the state, including the of fish that are hooked in the •• Soft shell crab: 3½ inches Hudson River, must enroll in mouth, decreasing hooking •• Peeler crab: 3½ inches the Recreational Marine Fish- mortality in released fish. If ing Registry. Anglers targeting you plan on practicing catch- No license is required to collect solely freshwater species such and-release fishing, you should blue crabs. as largemouth and smallmouth only use circle hooks for natu- bass on the Hudson River ral baits. require only a “freshwater” fishing license.

Hudson River Anadromous River Herring* Regulations

Minimum Manner of Location Open Season Daily Possession Limit Length Taking

10 per angler, Hudson River Tributaries and OR March 15 through Embayments including Mohawk None a maximum boat limit of 50 per Angling only June 15 River day for a group of boat anglers, whichever is lower

10 per angler, Main stem of the Hudson River OR Angling or by from Lock 1 near Waterford NY March 15 through None personal use nets south to the George Washington June 15 a maximum boat limit of 50 per (see below) Bridge day for a group of boat anglers, whichever is lower * Anadromous river herring are alewife, “Alosa pseudoharengus,” and blueback herring, “Alosa aestivalis.”

T aking of Anadromous River Herring with Personal Use Nets 1. No person shall take anadromous river herring with a net within Hudson River Tributaries and Embayments. Prior to entering a Hudson River tributary or embayment, all personal use nets must be stowed in a secured container on deck or in a container below deck. 2. No person shall take anadromous river herring from the Hudson River: ùù with more than one net when taking with a scap or dip net; ùùwith a dip net exceeding 14 inches in diameter if it is round form or exceeding 13 inches by 13 inches if it is square form; ùùwith a scap, or lift net exceeding 16 square feet; ùùwith a seine net exceeding 36 square feet; or ùùwith a cast net exceeding 10 feet in diameter.

24 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Border Waters Regulations

The Statewide Angling Regulations apply to species and waters not listed. G reenwood Lake (New York/New Jersey Border Water) Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit

Third Sat. in June through Nov 30 12" 5 Black Bass December 1 through the Friday preceding the third Catch and Release only Sat. in June

Walleye May 1 through last day in Feb 18" 3

Pickerel All year 15" 5 Attention

Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge All year 36" 1 Tournament Organizers Channel Catfish All year 12" 5 Be certain to follow proper tournament procedures to ensure that fish intended for release survive. A critical factor is Crappie All year 8" 10 water temperature and it is highly recom- mended that tournaments not be held Ice fishing legal for any species during its open season. No more than five tip-ups and two handlines may be used. during hot mid-summer periods. Also, be certain that boat livewells and other Indian Lake (New York/Connecticut Border Water) fish-holding equipment are properly disin- fected after every event. This will help Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit prevent the spread of fish diseases such as VHS and largemouth bass virus (LMBV). Black Bass 3rd Sat. in April (6 AM) – November 30 12" 6 Disinfection procedures can be found on page 2. Additional information on Pickerel 3rd Sat. in April (6 AM) – March 31 15" 6 proper tournament procedures can be found at: Fishing Prohibited From April 1 to 6 AM on the 3rd Saturday in April. www.bassmaster.com/tips/ Ice fishing legal for any species during its open season. No more than five tip-ups and two handlines may be used. keeping-bass-alive

D elaware River & West Branch Delaware River (NY/PA Border Water) Minimum Body of Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Length Accessible 1st Saturday after April 11 through Oct 15 14" 1 Recreational Delaware River Trout Facilities Oct 16 through the Fri preceding Catch and Release only The Department of Environmental the first Sat after April 11 Conservation is committed to 1st Sat after April 11 through Oct 15 12" 2 providing an ever increasing range of West Branch access opportunities to its programs Trout Delaware River Oct 16 through the Fri preceding Catch and Release only and lands that it administers. The the first Sat after April 11 Artificial lures only South Bay Fishing Pier on Lake Champlain is an example of the efforts First Sat after June 11 through Fri preceding 12" 5 the first Sat After April 11 the Department has made towards improving fishing opportunities for Black Bass From Fri preceding the first Sat after April people with disabilities. For a complete 11 through Fri preceding the first Sat After Catch and Release only June 11 discussion of Department accessibility efforts and a list of accessible outdoor Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 opportunities, go to: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/34035.html Delaware River & Pickerel All year 12" 5 West Branch Delaware River Muskellunge, All year 40" 1 Tiger Muskellunge

Striped Bass All year 28" 2

River Herring* (Alewife and Possession Prohibited Blueback Herring)

American Shad All year Any size 3

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 25 HRegionead 5 • northeastern New York

Clinton County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length Lake Champlain and tributaries to All Species See Lake Champlain Regulations on page 35. first barrier Trout All year Any size 5 Upper Chateaugay Lake, Chazy Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Ice fishing permitted Lake LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Great Chazy River from Route 9B at Cooperville upstream to Perrys Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of Walleye season in May Mills Dam Region 5 Saranac River from Imperial Dam upstream to the Millstone Monu- Route 86, P.O. Box 296 ment located at the intersection of Trout All year 12" 5 Ray Brook, NY 12977-0220 Sand Pond Road and NYS Rt 22B (518) 897-1200 in Morrisonville Saranac River from the Millstone Sub-Office Monument located at the intersec- tion of Sand Pond Road and NYS Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only 232 Golf Course Road Rt. 22B in Morrisonville upstream to Warrensburg, NY 12885-0220 Kent Falls Dam (518) 623-1200 Saranac River from marked [email protected] boundary 100 yards upstream of its confluence with the North Branch Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only Saranac River upstream 1.4 miles to Stord Brook North Branch Saranac River from mouth of Cold Brook upstream to Trout All year 12" 3 Artificial lures only Alder Brook 1st Saturday in Fern Lake Walleye May through 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted Mar 15 Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.

E ssex County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method Lake Champlain and tributaries to the first barrier All Species See Lake Champlain Regulations on page 35. Boquet River from Wadhams Falls upstream to Route 9N in Trout April 1 through Oct 15 9" 5 Elizabethtown Indian River Trout All year Any size 5 West Branch Ausable River except section below: Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 West Branch Ausable River from mouth of Holcomb Pond Outlet downstream to marked boundary 2.2 miles down- Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only stream of Monument Falls West Branch Ausable River from the Whiteface Ski Center Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only bridge downstream to the Rt 86 bridge at the flume April 1 through Oct 15 15" 3 Tip-ups prohibited Bigsby Pond, Copperas Pond Lake Trout Fishing prohibited Oct 16 through Mar 31 Eagle Lake, Connery Pond, Hudson River Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Upper and Lower Cascade lakes Round Whitefish Possession Prohibited Use or possession of baitfish prohibited First Lake of Essex Chain, Pharaoh Lake Lake Trout April 1 through Oct 15 15" 3 Use or possession of baitfish prohibited Lake George and tributaries upstream to first barrier impass- Lake Trout, LL See Lake George under Warren County. Use or possession of smelt prohibited. able by fish Salmon, Trout, Smelt Ice fishing permitted. Crane Pond Lake Trout All year 15" 3 Use or possession of baitfish prohibited Trout All year Any size 5 Paradox Lake Ice fishing permitted Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Mirror Lake, Lake Placid Lake Trout April 1 through Oct 15 15" 3 Black Bass April 1 through Nov 30 Any size Any Number Moose Pond (Town of St. Armand) Use or possession of baitfish prohibited Lake Trout April 1 through Oct 15 15" 3 Trout All year Any size 5 Schroon Lake, from Schroon Lake upstream to Lake Trout All year 18" 2 Ice fishing permitted Alder Meadow Rd. LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Lake Trout, LL Ticonderoga Creek from lower falls upstream to Lake George Lake Champlain Regulations apply (page 35) Salmon, Trout Harris Lake, Franklin Falls Flow Walleye 1st Saturday in May through Mar 15 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.

30 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY Region 5 • northeastern New York

Franklin County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length Fishing for black Waters and State bass (including 3rd Sat in June All waters except Lake Colby Black Bass 12" 5 catch & release) is Lands Where through Nov 30 prohibited outside of Baitfish are the open season Trout All year Any size 5 Prohibited The use or possession of fish as bait is LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Lake Colby Ice fishing permitted prohibited on many trout waters and 3rd Sat in June on certain units of state land (listed in Black Bass Any size 5 through Nov 30 Special Regulations by County pages). Big Fish Pond, Little Fish Pond, St. April 1 through Use or possession of These restrictions are necessary to Lake Trout 15" 3 Regis Pond Oct 15 baitfish prohibited preserve trout fishing and maintain native fish communities. Baitfish can Trout All year Any size 5 Lake Clear, Meacham Lake Ice fishing permitted become established if they escape from a LL Salmon All year 15" 3 bait pail or get off a hook alive. Natural Franklin Falls Flow, Lower Saranac 1st Sat in May reproduction of trout can be severely Walleye 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted Lake, Rainbow Lake through March 15 reduced or eliminated by competing fish. Aquatic insects and other food items are Little Clear Pond, Little Green Pond, Fishing prohibited to protect hatchery brood stock. less available to trout in the presence of and their tributaries competitors. The result is a rapid and April 1 through Follensby Clear Pond LL Salmon 15" 3 Tip-ups prohibited dramatic decline in the total weight of Oct 15 trout in a pond after competing fishes April 1 through Catch and release Mountain Pond (Town of Brighton) Trout Artificial lures only become established. Nov 30 only Saranac River from Hough Brook at Union Falls Flow upstream to Fishing prohibited March 1 through May 15 to protect spawning walleye Franklin Falls Flow Dam Saranac River from Pine Street bridge upstream to Lake Flower Trout All year Any size 5 New York State Dam in Village of Saranac Lake Whey Pond Trout April 1 – Oct 15 12" 3 in combination Artificial lures only En vironmental Trout April 1 – Oct 15 Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted; Conservation Upper Saranac Lake Lake Trout April 1 – Oct 15 23" 3 Tip-ups prohibited Police Tupper Lake, Lake Kushaqua, Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Ice fishing permitted Rollins Pond Q: Can I use whole or parts of yellow Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. perch or other sportfish that I caught as bait? Fulton County A: Yes, as long as it is legal to use fish as bait Minimum in the waterbody you are fishing, the fish Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length were captured from that waterbody, and were legally taken and of legal size. Note that Lake Trout All year 21" 3 sportfish used for bait counts toward the daily Canada Lake, Green Lake, Lily Lake, Ice fishing permitted limit you may possess. West Lake Trout All year Any size 5 Q: Can I use felt-soled waders in New , West Caroga York State? Lake, Northville Pond, Great Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted A: Regulations do not prohibit the use of felt-soled waders and wading shoes in New Kyser Lake Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted York State. However, felt soles are difficult to clean and have been identified as a possible tributaries means by which whirling disease and from the stream mouth to first highway bridge. the invasive algae didymo may be spread. Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of Walleye season in May from the Bridge Street bridge in Because non-felt alternatives are now Northville upstream to the first readily available, we strongly recommend crossing of Route 30. that anglers consider using them.

Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. Q: Can I use lead fishing sinkers in New York State? A: The sale of lead fishing sinkers weighing less than one-half ounce is prohibited in New York State. Although you may still use small lead sinkers, we strongly recommend that you switch to the various non-lead alternatives that are now readily available.

TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR DEC DISPATCH CENTER: 1-877-457-5680

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 31 Region 5 • northeastern New York

Hamilton County Minimum Daily Water Species Open Season Method Length Limit Fishing for black bass (including catch & 3rd Sat in June All waters except Hudson River Black Bass 12" 5 release) is prohibited through Nov 30 outside of the open season Black Bass, Hudson River All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Trout Abanakee Lake (Town of Indian Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Lake) Lake Trout All year Any size 3 Trout All year Any size 5 Lake Algonquin 1st Sat in May Ice fishing permitted Walleye 18" 3 Richard Beauchamp holding the 6 lb., and new through Mar 15 Limekiln Lake, Great Sacandaga state record, brook trout he caught from Silver Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Lake Lake (Hamilton County) on a Lake Clear Wabbler. Blue Mountain Lake, Eagle Lake, Trout All year Any size 5 Forked Lake, Gilman Lake, South Pond, Utowana Lake, Indian Lake Lake Trout All year 21" 2 Ice fishing permitted (Town of Indian Lake), Lake Eaton, Lewey Lake, Raquette Lake LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Use or possession of Lake Lila, First Lake of Essex Chain Lake Trout April 1 – Oct 15 15" 3 baitfish prohibited Lake Trout All year 21" 2 Ice fishing permitted LL Salmon All year 18" 2 April 1 – Oct 15 18" 3 Tip-ups prohibited; Fawn Lake (Town of Lake Pleasant) Lake Trout Fishing prohibited Oct 16 – March 31 Trout All year 9" 5 Fourth Lake of Fulton Chain Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Ice fishing permitted LL Salmon All year 15" 3

Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May Joshua Trainor with an 8 lb. 15 oz. brown trout he Sacandaga Lake tributaries and caught from , Washington County on April outlet, Lake Pleasant tributaries First Saturday 9, 2012. Walleye in May through 18” 3 March 15 Trout All year Any size 5 Lake Pleasant, Sacandaga Lake Ice fishing permitted LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Lake Pleasant outlet to mouth of Closed from March 16th until the opening walleye season in May. the Kunjamuk River April 1 through Use or possession of Jennings Park Pond Trout Any size 3 Oct 15 baitfish prohibited Sagamore Lake Lake Trout April 1 – Oct 15 18" 3 Artificial lures only Round Lake to the boundary with April 1 through Brook Trout 12" 3 Use or possession of Little Tupper Lake Oct 15 baitfish prohibited Trout All year Any size 5 Seventh Lake, Sixth Lake Lake Trout All year 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Great Sacandaga Lake tributaries Life Jackets from the upstream mouth to first highway bridge. Sacandaga River Every pleasure vessel, including Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May from Bridge Street in Northville canoes, kayaks and rowboats, must upstream to the first crossing of have on board at least one wearable Route 30. personal floatation device (PFD) for Little Tupper Lake, Rock Pond & April 1 through Catch and release Artificial Use or possession of Rock Pond Outlet Stream between Trout each person on board. Children under Oct 15 only lures only. baitfish prohibited Rock Pond & Little Tupper Lake 12 years of age on any vessel 65 ft. Indian River (Town of Indian Lake) Trout All year Any size 5 or less in length must wear a U.S. Charley Pond Outlet (within W.C. Fishing prohibited July 1st through Sept 15th Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or Whitney Area) III PFD while underway. Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. From November 1 – May 1, everyone must wear a life jacket when underway on pleasure boats less than 21 ft. For more information on boating safety regulations, go to www.nysparks.com.

32 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY Region 5 • northeastern New York

Saratoga County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method Hudson River from Warren County line downstream to Washing- Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted ton County line east of Glens Falls Hudson River from Troy Dam upstream to Bakers Falls in the Catch and release fishing only. All fish shall be returned to the water immediately. Village of Hudson Falls and tributaries in this section to first All Species All year barrier impassable by fish, including Mohawk River below Route Baitfish listed on page 57 may be possessed for use as fish bait. Use of tip-ups is 32 bridge permitted. Creek from upstream to first Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May railroad bridge Kayaderosseras Creek from first railroad bridge upstream Trout All year Any size 5 Great Sacandaga Lake, Moreau Lake Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Great Sacandaga Lake tributaries from lake upstream to first Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May highway bridge Mohawk River from Lock 2 to Guard Gate 2 (Waterford Flight) Use or possession of alewife or blueback herring is prohibited Sunfish (Bluegill, Saratoga Lake including Fish Creek downstream to the old Pumpkinseed, All year Any size 15 Ice fishing permitted railroad crossing between Staffords and Bryants bridges Redbreast) Warren County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length Brant Lake, Brant Lake Mill Pond, New York State Brant Lake Outlet, Hudson River, Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Lake Luzerne, Trout Lake Ene vironm ntal Lake George and tributaries Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted; Conservation upstream to first barrier impassable Lake Trout All year 23" 2 Use or possession of by fish LL Salmon All year 18" 2 smelt prohibited Police Glen Lake Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Q: Hour Pond, Jabe Pond, Little Jabe Do I need a permit to conduct a bass April 1 through Pond, Peaked Mountain Pond, and Trout 12" 3 Artificial lures only tournament in New York State? Oct 15 their tributaries A: A permit is not necessary to conduct a 3rd Sat in June Lily Pond, Pack Forest Lake Black Bass 10" 5 bass tournament in New York. However, a through Nov 30 temporary revocable permit is required Schroon Lake, Schroon River from Trout All year Any size 5 to use a DEC boat launch or other state Schroon Lake downstream to Lake Trout All year 18" 2 Ice fishing permitted land for an organized purpose, such as a Starbuckville Dam LL Salmon All year 15" 3 tournament weigh-in. A permit issued Trout All year Any size 5 by the appropriate DEC regional office is Schroon River from Starbuckville Lake Trout All year Any size 3 Ice fishing permitted required to possess fish in excess of the daily Dam downstream limit for tournaments holding fish prior to LL Salmon All year Any size 3 release or using release boats. Thirteenth Lake and tributaries and Trout April 1 – Nov 30 Any size 5 Use or possession of outlet downstream to Hudson River Salmon April 1 – Nov 30 15" 3 baitfish prohibited Q: Can I collect crayfish and use them Palmer Pond Trout April 1 – Nov 30 Any size 5 for bait? Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. A: Yes. However, a fishing license is required to keep minnow species incidentally caught Washington County in a crayfish trap, and their take and use must be in accordance with DEC baitfish Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method regulations. Length Batten Kill from Vermont state line Q: If I put an electric motor on my downstream to covered bridge at Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only Eagleville canoe, does the canoe have to be registered with NYS? Hoosic River Trout April 1 – Oct 15 9" 5 A: Lake Champlain and tributaries to Yes. Any motorized vessel operated on All Species See Lake Champlain Regulations on page 35. first barrier the waters of the state of New York must be registered with the Department of Lake George and tributaries Lake Trout, Smelt: Use or upstream to first barrier impassable Trout, See Lake George under Warren County possession of smelt Motor Vehicles. by fish LL Salmon prohibited Hudson River from Troy dam TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR DEC DISPATCH CENTER: upstream to Ft. Edward and tributar- Catch and release fishing only. All fish shall be returned to ies in this section to first barrier All Species All year the water immediately. Baitfish listed on page 57 may be 1-877-457-5680 impassable by fish, Mohawk River possessed for use as fish bait. Use of tip-ups is permitted. below Route 32 Bridge Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 33 R egion 5 • Northeastern New York • Baitfish Prohibited Waters

Clinton County • Upper and Lower Preston • Porkchop Pond (0.6 mi. Hamilton County T own of Morehouse Ponds east of Upper Saranac • Bochen Lake • Blue Ridge Wilderness T own of Black Brook • Henderson Lake Lake) • Squaw Lake, • Buell Brook Primitive • Cranberry Pond • St. Germain Pond (1/2 • Unnamed Pond (1/4 T own of North Elba Area • Mud Pond (two miles mile north of Lake Clear) mile southwest of Squaw • Big Cherry Patch Pond • Five Ponds Wilderness southwest of riverview) • Cameras Pond T own of Malone Lake) • Mud Pond • High Peaks Wilderness • McKenzie Pond • Malone Village Ice Pond (except Raquette River) Warren County T own of Dannemora • Tom Peck Pond • Hudson Gorge T own of Tupper Lake • Pharaoh Lake Wilderness • Mud Pond • Upper and Lower Preston • Rag Pond (200 feet north • Primitive Area (except • Siamese Ponds Ponds of West Pine Pond) Hudson River) Wilderness Essex County T own of North Hudson • West Pine Pond • Pigeon Lake Wilderness • Dix Mountain Wilderness • Bass Lake • Siamese Ponds T own of Bolton • Giant Mountain T own of Santa Clara Wilderness • Brown Pond • Bloody Pond • Bad News Pond (1000 Wilderness • Silver Lake Wilderness • Boreas Pond feet northwest of T own of Chester • High Peaks Wilderness (except Sacandaga River) • Challis Pond Polliwog Pond) • Clear Pond • Hoffman Notch • Little Moose Lake • Courtney Pond • Black Pond (between • Palmer Pond Wilderness • West Canada Lakes • Deer Pond Square Pond and Whey • Hudson Gorge Primitive Wilderness T own of Hague • Howard Pond Pond) Area (except Hudson • William C. Whitney area • Buttermilk Pond • Moose Mountain Pond • Duck or Echo Pond River) • Jabe Pond • Triangle Pond • Duell Pond (1/4 mile T own of Arietta • McKenzie Mountain • Little Jabe Pond • Lower Twin Pond south of Little Green • Christian Lake Wilderness (except West • Racket Ponds • Upper Twin Pond Pond) • G Lake Branch of the Ausable • Spectacle Ponds (2) • White Lily Pond • East Copperas Pond • Iron Lake River) • Federation Pond (1/4 • Jockeybush Lake T own of Horicon • Pharaoh Lake Wilderness T own of St. Armand • Moose Pond mile southeast of East • Little Moose Lake • Duck Pond • Sentinel Range Pine Pond) • Lower Sargent Pond • Long Pond Wilderness (except East T own of Schroon • Frog Pond (650 feet • Middle Sargent Pond • Round Pond Branch Ausable River) • Cotters Pond north of Polliwog Pond) • Red Louse Lake T own of Johnsburg T own of Jay T own of Willmington • Grass Pond (1 1/4 mile T own of Hope • Crane Mountain Pond • Clements Pond • Morgan Pond northeast of Benz Pond) • Bennett Lake • Eagle Pond T own of Minerva (Cooperkill) • Little Black Pond • Middle Lake • Kibby Pond (between Black and • Barnes Pond T own of Moriah • Murphy Lake T own of Stony Creek • Black Pond • Goose Puddle Square ponds) • Green Pond (north of T own of Indian Lake • New Lake • Center Pond • Trout Pond • Barker Pond • Wilcox Lake • Clear Pond Follensby Clear Pond) • Horseshoe Pond • Blue Ledge Pond T own of Thurman • Corner Pond Franklin County • Bullhead Pond • Little Polliwog Pond • Little Joe Pond • Deer Pond • St. Regis Canoe Area • First Lake (Essex chain • Madewaska Pond • Lixard Pond • First Lake (Essex Chain • High Peaks Wilderness of lakes) • Polliwog Pond • Shiras Pond of Lakes) (except Raquette River • Grassy Pond • Rat Pond • Un-named Pond (1 mi. • Hewitt Pond and Saranac River) • Little Grassy Pond • Sunday Pond (southeast northwest of Lixard • Jackson Pond • Lower Carter Pond T own of Bellmont of Rat Pond) Pond) • Mud Pond (north of Clear • Lower Helms Pond • Drain Pond • Sunrise Pond (east of • Un-named Pond (2 miles Pond) • Middle Helms Pond • Mud Pond (north of Third T own of Brighton Follensby Clear Pond) east of Kibby Pond) • Track Pond (3/4 mile • OK Slip Pond Lake Essex Chain) • Barnum Pond, northeast of Floodwood • Pine Lake T own of Warrensburg • Nate Pond • Black Pond (on Visitors • Gay Pond Pond) • Pine Pond (east of Blue • Pine Lake Interpretive Center • Viele Pond • Twelfth Tee or Gordon Mt. Lake) • Rankin Pond Property) Pond (400 feet north of • Pug Hole Pond • Little Rankin Pond • Long Pond (north of Green Pond) • Tirrell Pond Washington • Second, Third and Fourth Black Pond) • Whey Pond • Unknown Pond Lakes of Essex Chain • Loon Pond • Unnamed pond (3/4 mile County • Sherman Pond • Lost Pond (0.4 mi. T own of Waverly east of Barker Pond) • Stony Pond T own of Dresden southwest of Mountain • Benz Pond • Upper Carter Pond • Black Mountain Ponds • Twenty Ninth Pond Pond) • Little Clear Pond • Upper Helms Pond (2) T own of Newcomb • Mountain Pond • Long Pond • Bumps Pond • Slush Pond T own of Inlet • Beaver Pond (south of • Bug Lake • Fishbrook Pond Lake Andrew) • Star Mountain Ponds (2) Fulton County • Greenland Pond • Upper Spectacle Pond • Eagle Nest Pond • Cedar (or Roundtop) T own of Bleecker • High Rock Pond • Lapland Pond Pond T own of Duane • Holmes Lake • Icehouse Pond • Cheney Pond (northwest T own of Fort Ann • Buck Pond • County Line Lake • Lost Ponds (3) • Inman Pond of Split Rock Lake) • Clear Pond • Mud Lake • Mitchell Ponds (2) • Chub Pond • Debar Pond T own of Jackson • Clear Pond • Skiff Pond T own of Caroga T own of Lake Pleasant • Dead Lake • Fish Hatchery Pond • Panther Mountain Pond • Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and • Winebago Pond T own of Whitehall Eighth Lakes of Essex • Indian Lake T own of Long Lake T own of Franklin • Otter Lake • Sawmill Pond Chain • Bog Pond • Spruce Pond • Jackson Pond • Hope Pond • Stewart Lake • Little Hope Pond • Clear Pond • Lake Andrew T own of Stratford • High Pond • Mud Pond (north of Clear • No Hope Pond (300 feet north of Hope Pond) • Coglin Lakes • Loon Pond Pond) • Fourth Lake • Lost Pond • Newcomb Lake (including T own of Harrietstown • Goose Egg Lake • Louie Pond Upper and Lower Duck • Bear Pond • House Pond • Mays Pond Hole) • Meadow Pond (1/2 mile • Knapps Long Lake • Mosquito Pond • Unnamed Pond (north of northwest of Lake Clear) • Long Pond • Owls Head Pond LeClaire Brook) • Panther Pond • Third Lake • Raquette Lake Reservoir

34 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Lake Champlain Regulations

L ake Champlain—including all tributaries upstream to the first barrier impassable by fish. Contact Region 5 DEC Regional Office atR ay Brook Aonttenti Lake for barrier locations. Champlain Anglers Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Lake Champlain Reciprocal Agreement: Trout All year 12" 3 Lake Trout All year 15" 3 Anglers with either a New York or Landlocked Salmon All year 15" 2 Vermont fishing license may fish in 2nd Sat. in June though Nov 30 10" 5 the “Main Lake” and “South Lake” Black Bass Dec 1 through the Fri preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only 2nd Sat in June portions of Lake Champlain between Walleye, Sauger 1st Sat. in May through March 15 18" 3 in combination New York and Vermont. South Bay Muskellunge All year 30" 1 in New York, and the Inland Sea, Northern Pike All year 20" 5 Mallett’s Bay and Missisquoi Bay Pickerel All year Any size 10 Crappie All year 8" 25 (including the area between North and Yellow Perch and Sunfish (except Cumber- South Hero Island commonly referred All year Any size Any number land Bay) to as “The Gut”) in Vermont are not Bullheads, Catfish, Carp, Cisco, Rock Bass, included in the agreement. Anglers Smelt, Suckers, Whitefish, and all other fish All year Any size Any number fishing on these waters must have a not listed in this table. Lake Sturgeon and Mooneye Possession Prohibited fishing license from the state in which Note: Each fishing line may have no more than two baited hooks or artificial lures with or without added natural bait. Ice the waterway is located. In addition, fishing is legal to take any species during its open season. No more than fifteen tip-ups and two hand lines may be used rivers that flow into Lake Champlain for ice fishing from Nov 15 – April 30. are excluded from the reciprocal C umberland Bay, Lake Champlain agreement. Cumberland Bay is defined as those waters of Lake Champlain north and west of a line extending from Cumberland Head Lighthouse to the northern tip of Crab Island, then westerly to the southerly of the two piers at the Oil Terminal known locally as the Copeland Oil Terminal. Quebec Quebec New York Vermont Yellow Perch, Sunfish Statewide angling regulations apply

A dditional Lake Champlain tributary regulations Missisquoi Bay Stream Section Regulations Saranac River from Catherine Street bridge upstream to Imperial Dam. Ausable River beginning at the marked boundary 800 feet Cumberland Inland Angling from boats prohibited. west of the first bridge upstream from Lake Champlain, continuing Bay Sea upstream and ending at Rainbow Falls. From June 15 through December 31: Saranac River from Catherine Street bridge upstream to Imperial Plattsburgh, The Gut Dam. Ausable River from D & H railroad bridge upstream to Maximum hook gap 1/2 inch. Fishing prohibited from 1/2 hour after NY Rainbow Falls. Boquet River from mouth upstream to Wadhams sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. Fishing permitted with unweighted Mallets Falls. North Branch Boquet and tributaries from mouth to first artificial flies or unweighted natural baits only (see definitions). Excep- Bay upstream barrier. tion: On the Saranac River, floating lures with one free-swinging hook permitted. No supplement weight, such as metal leaders, sinkers, split Note additional sections closed below. shot, twist-ons, or swivels may be attached to line, leader, or hook. Burlington, VT North Branch Boquet River and tributaries to first barrier;Mill Fishing prohibited from October 1 through December 31 to protect Main Lake Brook (in Port Henry) from mouth to falls west of Route 22. spawning salmon. Boquet River from marked boundary below Willsboro Dam upstream to Route 22 in Willsboro. Ausable Boat Basin pool at Fishing prohibited to protect migrating landlocked salmon. mouth of Ausable Chasm as posted on site. Chazy River from Route 9B at Coopersville upstream to Perrys Fishing prohibited March 16 through the opening of walleye season Mills Dam. in May to protect spawning walleye Snatching and blind snatching of burbot permitted from Scomotion Creek from mouth upstream to Pardy Road December 1 through March 31. FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED REPT OR SAUGER CATCHES New York or Sauger are closely related to walleye and are similar in appearance and habits. They can be Vermont identified by the unique three to four saddle-shaped dark brown blotches on their sides and Vermont Only the distinct black spots on the first dorsal (back) fin. Sauger also lack the white tip on the South New York Only lower lobe of the tail fin that is common in walleye. Sauger have declined in New York and Lake likely now only occur in Lake Champlain; however, the status of this population is in doubt. Quebec Only To help track the occurrence of sauger in Lake Champlain,or other waters in New York State, anglers are encouraged to report their catches to [email protected]. Please indicate the specific location where the fish was caught and a photo (if possible).

Walleye Sauger

South Bay, NY

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 35 Region 6 • North Central New York

Herkimer County Minimum Daily Water Species Open Season Method Length Limit Trout All year 9" 5 First, Second, Third, and Fourth Ice fishing Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Lakes of Fulton Chain permitted LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Ice fishing Limekiln Lake Trout All year Any size 5 permitted Horn Lake, Evergreen Lake, Hidden Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 3 Artificial lures only Lake, Peaked Mountain Lake Moose River, Middle and South Branch of Moose River down- 5 - with no stream of Moose River Plains Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size more than 2 Recreation Area, West Canada longer than 12" Creek from mouth upstream to Region 6 Comstock Bridge State Office Bldg. from Trenton Falls Dam downstream to the first Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only 317 Washington Street bridge (Comstock Bridge) below Watertown, NY 13601-3787 the mouth of Cincinnati Creek Stillwater Reservoir, Beardsley Ice fishing (315) 785-2263 Trout All year 12" 3 Lake, Kyser Lake permitted Wheeler Pond, Clear Pond (Town Brook Catch and Sub-Office April 1 through Oct 15 Artificial lures only 207 Genesee Street of Webb) Trout release only Forestport Reservoir, Hinckley Ice fishing Utica, NY 13501-2885 Reservoir, Kayuta Lake, Moshier Statewide Angling Regulations Apply permitted (315) 793-2554 Reservoir and North Lake [email protected] Refer to page 38 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.

Jefferson County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length Yellow All waters except Sandy Pond Perch & All year Any size Any number Sunfish 3rd Saturday in June through 12" 5 All waters except Black River Black November 30 and Indian River Bass Fishing for black bass (including catch & release) is prohibited outside of the open season. Black 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 Black River from Dexter Dam Bass Fishing for black bass (including catch & release) is prohibited outside of the open season. upstream, Indian River Walleye Statewide Angling Regulations Apply Black River from upstream tip of lower-most island to Mill St. Dam See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48-52. in Watertown Yellow Ice fishing Sandy Pond Perch & All year Any size 50 each permitted Sunfish Clear Lake, Grass Lake, Hyde Lake, Ice fishing Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Sixtown Pond, Butterfield Lake permitted Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Ice fishing Lake-of-the-Woods, Sixberry Lake LL Salmon All year 15" 3 permitted Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence All River, and their tributaries to See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48-52. Species first barrier Ice fishing permitted from Dec 1 through March 1. General angling Perch Lake Closed to all fishing from March 2 through Nov 30. regulations minimum lengths and daily limits apply Millsite Lake Statewide Angling Regulations Apply Ice fishing permitted Lewis County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length 3rd Sat June through Nov 30 10" 5 Black River, Deer River, West Black Dec 1 to Fri preceding the 3rd Branch Deer River, Beaver River Bass Catch and release only Artificial lures only Sat in June Black River, East Branch Fish 5 - with no Creek from Rome Reservoir Dam Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size more than 2 downstream, Moose River longer than 12" Trout All year 9" 5 Ice fishing Lake Bonaparte Lake Trout All year 18" 3 permitted Beaver Lake, Francis Lake, Soft Ice fishing Maple Reservoir, and Whetstone Statewide Angling Regulations Apply permitted Marsh Refer to page 38 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.

36 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY R egion 6 • North Central New York

Oneida County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method Black Bass 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June Catch and release only Artificial lures only Black River 5 - with no more than 2 Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size longer than 12" Mohawk River from Barge Canal upstream to Delta Dam, Mohawk River from bridge in Westernville 5 - with no more than 2 upstream to Lansing Kill, Moose River, Nine Mile Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size longer than 12" Creek, Oneida Creek, from Pinnacle Road in Sauquoit downstream Oneida Lake east of Route 81 bridge and tributaries upstream to first barrier impassable Walleye 1st Sat May through March 15 15" 3 Ice fishing permitted by fish, and Barge (Erie) Canal and tributaries upstream to Lock 22 from bridge in Deansboro down- April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 Trout stream to Mohawk River Oct 16 through Mar 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Oneida Creek from Peterboro Road (Rt. 25) Trout All year Any size 5 downstream to NYS Thruway West Canada Creek, East Branch Fish Creek from 5 - with no more than 2 Rome Reservoir downstream and West Branch Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size longer than 12" Fish Creek, except for sections below: West Canada Creek from Trenton Falls Dam downstream to the first bridge (Comstock Bridge) Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only below the mouth of Cincinnati Creek 5 - with no more than 2 Lansing Kill Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size longer than 12" Fish Creek from Barge Canal upstream to junction of East and West Branches of Fish Creek, West Branch of Fish Creek from mouth upstream to dam in McConnellsville, East Branch Fish Creek from Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May mouth upstream to the route 69 bridge in Taberg, Mohawk River from Delta Lake upstream to bridge in Westernville Delta Reservoir Statewide Angling Regulations Apply Ice fishing permitted Refer to page 38 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. St. Lawrence County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method Fishing for black bass (including catch & release) All waters except as listed below: Black Bass 3rd Saturday in June through November 30 12" 5 is prohibited outside of the open season. All rivers and streams except the Raquette River Black Bass 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 impoundments and those covered by Great Lakes Muskellunge 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 40" 1 regulations Fishing (including catch & release) for black bass outside of the open season is prohibited. Black Lake including the Indian River from falls Black Bass 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 15" 5 Ice fishing permitted in Rossie downstream to the confluence with the Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Oswegatchie River Cold Brook (on Cold Brook FWMA), South Branch Grass River from 0.5 mile downstream of Route 3 Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Catch and release only Artificial lures only upstream to Grass River Flow Allen Pond Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 3 West Branch St. Regis River from Route 11B bridge Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only upstream to Allen Falls Reservoir Dam St.Lawrence River and tributaries to first barrier All Species See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48-52. Tooley Pond Black Bass 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Trout All year 12" 3 Lake Ozonia Ice fishing permitted LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Pleasant Lake, Horseshoe Lake Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted Little River (Towns of Fine, Clifton), Oswegatchie Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any Size 5 River from Cranberry Lake Dam downstream St. Regis River from Ft. Jackson upstream to 5 - with no more than 2 Trout All year Any size Franklin County Line longer than 12" Trout All year 9" 5 Star Lake Ice fishing permitted Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Trout All year 9" 5 Trout Lake Ice fishing permitted Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Tupper Lake Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Ice fishing permitted Pine, Boottree, Town Line, Deer and Horseshoe ponds in the Massawepie Conservation Easement Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 3 Area, Tamarack Pond Cranberry Lake Northern Pike 1st Sat in May through Mar 15 Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Oswegatchie River from north side of the lower most bridge, State Rt. 68, upstream to the dam in Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May. Ogdensburg Sterling Pond Statewide Angling Regulations Apply Ice fishing permitted Refer to page 38 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 37 R egion 6 • North central New York • Baitfish Prohibited Waters

Herkimer County • Tied Lake T own of Watson • Curtis Pond • Lows Lake (Bog River • Twitchell Lake • Cleveland Lake • Dog Pond upstream of dam above • Five Ponds Wilderness • West Pond (0.6 miles • Evies Pond • Townline Pond Hitchens Pond) • He-De-Ron-Dah southwest of Big Moose • Long Lake • Big Trout Pond • Massawepie Lake Wilderness Lake) • Payne Lake • Little Trout Pond • Pine Pond • Pepperbox Wilderness • Wheeler Pond T own of Fine • Round Pond • Pigeon Lake Wilderness • Woods Lake Oneida County • Townline Pond • West Canada Lake • Long Lake Wilderness Lewis County T own of Forestport • Nicks Pond • Brandy Lake • Round Lake T own of Webb • Ha-De-Ron-Dah • Round Pond • Streeter Lake • Bear Lake Wilderness • Bubb Lake T own of Parishville • Brewer Lake T own of Croghan St. Lawrence • Clear Pond • Buck Lake (1/2 mile • Clear Pond County • Long Pond north of Hog Pond) • Rock Pond • Lilypad Pond • Seepage Pond • Five Ponds Wilderness • Buck Pond (one mile T own of Piercefield west of Thirsty Pond) • Trout Pond • Raquette-Boreal Wilderness Area • Big Trout Pond • Clear Pond T own of Diana • Black Pond • Moss Lake • Green Pond T own of Clare • Bottree Pond • Nicks Lake • Sealy Pond • Allen Pond • Bridgebrook Pond • Big Otter Lake • Silver Dawn Lake T own of Colton • Deer Pond • Quiver Pond • Little Silver Dawn Lake • Burntbridge Pond • Horseshoe Pond • Razorback Pond • Church Pond • Little Trout Pond • Sis Lake T own of Greig • Pitcher Pond • Clear or Hedgehog Pond • Long Pond

Give Them a Break New York’s efforts to restore the lake Sturgeon to its historic Although fishing for sturgeon is quite popular, particularly in north- range in our state have shown much promise. Fish raised in the western states, it is ILLEGAL in New York State. Any harassment DEC hatchery system have survived and grown well, and spawning of a spawning sturgeon can severely compromise its ability to concentrations of these fish are now showing up in tributaries to successfully spawn. Anglers incidentally catching a sturgeon should the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Finger Lakes and Oneida not remove it from the water and quickly and carefully remove the Lake. The success DEC has in stocking lake sturgeon is significant, hook or cut the leader if deeply hooked. Let’s give these ancient fish but only a component of an overall effort to restore these fish. an opportunity to replenish their populations in New York State. Lake Sturgeon must be allowed to spawn without harassment for a number of years in order to fully restore their populations. DON’T FISH FOR THEM!

38 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY HR eeadgion 7 • Central New York

Broome County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length 5 - with no more April 1 through All waters except as listed below Trout Any size than 2 longer Oct 15 than 12" 5 - with no more Arctic Lake, Greenwood Lake, Ice fishing Trout All year Any size than 2 longer Nanticoke Lake permitted than 12"

Muskellunge 1st Sat in May and Tiger 40" 1 of either species through March 15 Chenango River, Susquehanna Muskellunge River, Tioughnioga River American Catch and Release fishing only. All American Shad shall be Region 7 All year Shad returned to the water immediately. 615 Erie Blvd. West Oquaga Creek from Old Route 17 Syracuse, NY 13204-2400 bridge east of McClure downstream Catch and release Trout All year Artificial lures only (315) 426-7400 3 miles to new Route 17 bridge only west of Deposit Sub-Office Otselic River from mouth to 1285 Fisher Ave. Whitney Point Reservoir Dam, Cortland, NY 13045-1090 Susquehanna River in Binghamton between Rock Bottom Dam and (607) 753-3095 Exchange Street bridge, Susque- [email protected] hanna River in the towns of Union and Vestal from the Erie-Lackawa- Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May nna Railroad bridge downstream to Murphy’s Island, Tioughnioga River from New York Route 26 bridge to US Route 11 bridge, Little Choconut Creek from mouth to Goudey Station Building Whitney Point Reservoir and Upper Otselic River upstream to Cortland 1st Sat in May Walleye 18" 3 County Route 169 bridge at Land- through March 15 ers Corners West Branch Delaware River Special Regulations by River Section below: April 1 through Trout 12" 2 From Broome/Delaware Co. border Oct 15 downstream to Rte 17 overpass at Deposit All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout

Trout April 1 – Oct. 15 Catch and release only Artificial lures only From Route 17 overpass at Deposit Good Fishing downstream 2.0 miles All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout April 1 through From the lower limit of Trout catch Trout 12" 2 Depends on Oct 15 and release section near Deposit Clean Water downstream to NY/PA border (1.7 Many of our rivers, lakes, and coastal miles below Hale Eddy Bridge) All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout areas are experiencing algae blooms that cover our favorite fishing spots C ayuga County with green slime and cause fish kills Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method and “dead zones” where no aquatic Length life can survive. The cause is usually 5 - with no more All waters except those listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size than 2 longer nitrogen and phosphorus pollution than 12" that comes from farm and lawn Cayuga Lake, Owasco Lake, fertilizers, septic systems, animal Skaneateles Lake and their tributar- All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. ies to first barrier waste, and sewage treatment plants. Northern 1st Sat in May through Ice fishing Cross Lake, 22" 5 Everyone can do their part for clean Pike March 15 permitted water by reducing fertilizer use, Cross Lake, Seneca River from 1st Sat in May through Ice fishing Jordan Rd. to Plainville Rd. in Walleye 18" 3 preserving plants along shorelines, March 15 permitted Onondaga Co. and picking up pet waste. Supporting Dutch Hollow Brook from Owasco water quality protection supports Lake upstream to the Route 38A Angling and dipnetting prohibited from March 16 until the opening of the walleye season great fishing! Learn more at: bridge Lake Ontario and tributaries to www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/ All Species See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48-52. first barrier 5 - with no more United States April 1 through Oct 15 Any size than 2 longer Environmental Protection Salmon Creek Trout than 12" Agency Oct 16 – March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only

0 4 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY R egion 7 • Central New York

Chenango County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length 5 - with no more April 1 through All waters except as listed below Trout Any size than 2 longer Oct 15 than 12" Genegantslet Creek from first Route 220 bridge north of Smithville Flats Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only upstream to mouth of Five Streams 5 - with no more Ice fishing Guilford Lake, Mill Brook Reservoir Trout All year Any size than 2 longer permitted than 12" Muskellunge 1st Sat in May and Tiger 40" 1 of either species through March 15 Chenango River, Susquehanna Muskellunge River American Catch and Release fishing only. All American shad shall be All year Shad returned to the water immediately. 5 - with no more Marcus Gersch with a 21 ½” smallmouth bass he April 1 through Any size than 2 longer caught and released from Oneida Lake, Madison October 15 Otselic River Trout than 12" County on September 9, 2012. Oct 16 through Catch and Artificial Lures March 31 release only Only

Cortland County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 5 - with no more than 2 longer All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size than 12" Goodale Lake, Little York Lake, Casterline Pond, 5 - with no more than 2 longer Trout All year Any size Ice fishing permitted Tri-County Pond than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer East Branch Owego Creek, East Branch Tioughnioga April 1 through Oct 15 Any size Trout than 12" River, West Branch Tioughnioga River, Otselic River Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 Otselic River, Tioughnioga River, East Branch Tiough- Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd nioga River, West Branch Tioughnioga River Catch and release only Artificial lures only Sat in June Otselic River from County Rt. 169 bridge at Landers 1st Sat in May through Walleye 18" 3 Corners downstream to Broome County line March 15

Skaneateles Lake and tributaries to first barrier All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45.

1st Sat in May through Tully Lake Walleye 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted March 15

M adison County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 5 - with no more than 2 longer All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer Trout All year Any size Ice fishing permitted Eaton Brook Reservoir than 12" Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3

Chenango Canal from Route 46 to Oriskany Creek Trout All year 12" 2 Artificial lures only

Chittenango Creek from Route 20 north to Conrail 5 - with no more than 2 longer Trout All year Any size railroad line (except as listed below) than 12"

Chittenango Creek from the Town of Fenner/Town of Sullivan Town Line at mile marker 1219 on Rt. 13 to Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only mile marker 1237 south of the Village of Chittenango Line 5 - with no more than 2 longer Lebanon Reservoir, Leland Ponds Trout All year Any size Ice fishing permitted than 12" Oneida Creek from Peterboro Road (Rt.34) to NYS Trout All year Any size 5 Thruway Oneida Lake east of Route 81 bridge and tributaries upstream to the first barrier impassable by fish, and Walleye 1st Sat May through March 15 15" 3 Ice fishing permitted Barge (Erie ) Canal & tributaries upstream to Lock 22 5 - with no more than 2 longer April 1 through Oct 15 Any size East Branch Tioghnioga River, Otselic River Trout than 12" Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Canaseraga Creek from Route 31 bridge upstream to Thruway, Chittenango Creek from mouth upstream Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May to Conrail railroad line, Cowaselon Creek from mouth upstream to Route 13

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 41 R egion 7 • Central New York

Onondaga County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 5 - with no more than All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 2 longer than 12" Chittenango Creek from mouth upstream to Conrail Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May railroad line Cross Lake, Seneca River Northern Pike 1st Sat in May through March 15 22" 5 Ice fishing permitted Cross Lake, Seneca River from Jordan Road in Cayuga 1st Sat in May through Walleye 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted Co. to Plainville Rd. March 15 5 - with no more than 2 longer Green Lake in Green Lakes State Park Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size than 12" Limestone Creek-mouth to Route 20, Butternut Creek- 5 - with no more than 2 longer Trout All year Any size mouth to Route 20 than 12" Oneida Lake east of Route 81 bridge & tributaries upstream to the 1st barrier impassable by fish, and Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 15" 3 Ice fishing permitted Barge (Erie) Canal & tributaries upstream to Lock 22 Skaneateles Creek from Old Seneca Turnpike bridge Trout and LL north of Village of Skaneateles downstream 10.2 miles April 1 through Oct 15 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Salmon to the Jordan Road bridge in the Village of Jordan Otisco Lake, Skaneateles Lake and their tributaries to All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. first barrier Jamesville Reservoir, Tully Lake Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted

Oswego County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 5 - with no more than 2 longer All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size than 12" Lake Ontario and tributaries to first barrier impassable All Species See Great Lakes regulations on pages 48–52. to fish 5 - with no more than 2 longer Trout All year Any size than 12" Redfield Reservoir Ice fishing permitted 1st Saturday in May through Walleye 18" 3 March 15 Scriba Creek from mouth upstream to Fish Hatchery Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May Dam Oneida Lake east of Route 81 bridge & tributaries upstream to the 1st barrier impassable by fish, and Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 15" 3 Ice fishing permitted Barge (Erie) Canal & tributaries upstream to Lock 22 T ioga County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 5 - with no more than 2 longer All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size than 12" Catatonk Creek, Cayuta Creek Black Bass All year Any size 5 5 - with no more than 2 longer Cayuta Creek Trout All year Any size than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer Owego Creek, East Branch Owego Creek, West Branch April 1 through October 15 Any size Trout than 12" Owego Creek October 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Muskellunge and 1st Sat in May through March 15 40" 1 of either species Tiger Muskellunge Susquehanna River Catch and Release fishing only. All American Shad shall be returned to the water American Shad All year immediately T ompkins County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 5 - with no more than 2 longer All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size than 12" Cayuga Lake and tributaries to first barrier impassable All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. to fish Fall Creek from Ithaca Falls upstream Black Bass All year Any size 5 Fall Creek from Route 38 bridge at Freeville upstream 5 - with no more than 2 longer Trout All year Any size to bridge at Groton City than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer Tri-County Pond Trout All year Any size Ice fishing permitted than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer Salmon Creek above Ludlowville Falls, West Branch April 1 through Oct 15 Any size Trout than 12" Owego Creek Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only

2 4 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY R egion 8 • West Central New York

C hemung County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Cayuta Creek (except section Trout All year Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" below) Cayuta Creek from the Wyncoop Creek Road Bridge upstream to Trout All year 12" 2 Artificial lures only the NY Route 223 bridge Muskellunge 1st Sat in May through 1 of either and Tiger 40" March 15 species Chemung River and tributaries Muskellunge Region 8 American Catch and Release fishing only. All American Shad shall be All year 6274 East Avon-Lima Rd. Shad returned to the water immediately tributaries to first Avon, NY 14414-9519 All Species See Finger Lakes regulations on page 45. barrier (585) 226-2466 [email protected] Park Station Pond Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Genesee County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length All waters except as listed Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" below Oatka Creek Trout All year Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" In addition, the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited in the following water: Town of Darien—Harlow Lake.

L ivingston County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Conesus Lake and Hemlock Lake and tributaries to first All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. barrier North McMillan Creek and Conesus Inlet Fish and Wildlife Management Area from Fishing prohibited March 1 until the opening of walleye season in May Conesus Lake south to the dam, except the canal west of to protect spawning walleye and northern pike Conesus Inlet and that portion of the inlet north of the canal Cohocton River, Mill Creek Trout All year Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Spring Creek except Caledonia April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 Trout State Fish Hatchery property Oct 16 through Mar 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 Spring Creek on Caledonia 8 am through 4 pm State Fish Hatchery property Trout Artificial lures only Oct 16 through Mar 31 as posted Catch and release only 8 am through 4 pm

M onroe County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Lake Ontario and tributaries to All Species See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48–52. Susan Winter with an 18" smallmouth bass first barrier Oatka Creek except sections she caught and released from Conesus Lake, Trout All year Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Livingston County on July 30, 2012. below Oatka Creek from Bowerman April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 Road upstream 1.4 miles to Union St. and Wheatland Center Trout Rd. upstream 2.5 miles to the Oct 16 through Mar 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only mouth of Spring Creek Oatka Creek from Union Street upstream 1.7 miles to Wheat- Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only land Center Road April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 Spring Creek Trout Oct 16 through Mar 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 43 R egion 8 • West Central New York

Ontario County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Canadice Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Honeoye Lake, Seneca Lake and tributaries of Canadice All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45 Lake, Canandaigua Lake and Seneca Lake to first barrier Lake Ontario and tributaries to first barrier All Species See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48–52. Orleans County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any Size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Lake Ontario and tributaries to first barrier All Species See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48–52. Schuyler County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Cayuta Creek Trout All year Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Cayuta Lake Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted Seneca Lake and tributaries of Seneca Lake to All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. first barrier Seneca County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake and their tributaries All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. to first barrier Northern Pike 1st Sat in May through March 15 22" 5 Ice fishing permitted Seneca River Trout, Lake Trout, LL All year Any size 5 Salmon Steuben County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Keuka Lake and tributaries to first barrier All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 Chemung River and tributaries upstream of Route Black Bass Dec 1 through Fri preceding the 3rd 17 west of Corning Catch and release only Artificial lures only Sat in June Muskellunge and Tiger Chemung River, Tioga River 1st Sat in May through March 15 40" 1 combined Muskellunge Cohocton River except sections below Trout All year Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Cohocton River from North Boundary of U.S. Veterans Facility upstream to Route 415 bridge Trout All year 12" 2 Artificial lures only and from north boundary of Avoca Village upstream to mouth of Neil Creek Mill Creek Trout All year Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" W ayne County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Lake Ontario and tributaries to first barrier All Species See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48–52. Yates County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Canandaigua Lake, Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake and All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. their tributaries to first barrier Keuka Outlet from first barrier upstream Trout All year Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12"

“Ice Fishing Permitted” Where it appears in this guide, “Ice Fishing Permitted” means that any species, during its open season, may be taken from November 15th through April 30th by ice fishing. Persons required to have a fishing license must have a current license. No other DEC special permit is required. With few exceptions (as noted in the regional regulations sections), no more than five tip-ups and three hand lines may be used.

4 4 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY Finger Lakes and Tributary regulations

Conesus Lake, Hemlock Lake, Canadice Lake, Honeoye Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Additional Tributary Regulations Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Owasco Lake, Skaneateles Lake and a. Any action to frighten fish and move Otisco Lake Regulations them from concealment, including herding, driving, kicking and stoning Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method is prohibited. b. Angling is prohibited from January 1 1st Saturday in Northern Pike 22" 5 May – March 15 through March 31, and between sunset Ice fishing All Finger Lakes and sunrise from April 1 through May permitted 1st Saturday in 18" except 15" in Honeoye 15 and October 1 through December Walleye 3 May – March 15 Lake 31 except for those stream sections listed below. 3rd Sat. in 12" 5 June – March 15 c. Use of more than one line with a single hook point is prohibited except for those Black Bass March 16 – stream sections listed below. All Finger Lakes except Friday preceding Artificial Catch and release only Cayuga Lake, Otisco the 3rd Saturday lures only d. Possession of hooks with a gap greater Lake, Owasco Lake and in June than ½" is prohibited except for those Skaneateles Lake stream sections listed below. Brown Trout, 5 in combination. Catch Rainbow Trout, Lake shall include no more Stream sections for which additional All year 15” Trout, Landlocked than 1 rainbow trout or tributary regulations b, c, and d above do Salmon 3 Landlocked salmon not apply: (Trout season is closed January Honeoye Lake, 1 through March 31 in these sections.) Alewife (sawbellies) Possession prohibited Skaneateles Lake •• West River and Sucker Brook from Canan- Owasco Lake, Cayuga Brown Trout, 15” Except 12” for Brown 5 in combination. Catch daigua Lake upstream in Ontario County. Lake, Otisco Lake, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout in Otisco Lake, and shall include no more All year •• Guyanoga Creek from Keuka Lake upstream Skaneateles Lake, Trout, Landlocked 18” for Landlocked salmon than 3 lake trout or 3 Honeoye Lake Salmon in Cayuga Lake Landlocked salmon to Rt. 54 A bridge, Yates County. 1st Sat in May •• Cayuga Inlet and flood control channel Otisco Lake Tiger Muskellunge through March 36" 1 from Cayuga Lake upstream to posted “NO 15 FISHING” boundary below the fishway in Tompkins County. Finger Lakes Tributary Regulations •• Old Barge Canal from Seneca Lake upstream to northernmost Rt. 14 bridge in Montour Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length Falls, Schuyler County. •• Yawgers Creek from Cayuga Lake upstream 3 in All tributaries to Canadice Lake, Lake Trout combination, to abandoned Lehigh Valley railroad bridge Canandaigua Lake, Hemlock Brown Trout catch shall in Cayuga County. Lake, Keuka Lake, and Seneca April 1 through Dec 31 15" Rainbow Trout include no Lake upstream to the first barrier Landlocked Salmon more than 1 •• Owasco Inlet from Owasco Lake upstream impassable by fish rainbow trout 0.7 mile to marked boundary at old railroad bed in Cayuga County. Tributaries to all Finger Lakes Open season, daily limit and minimum length regulations that upstream to the first barrier All other species are in effect for the Finger Lakes •• Fall Creek from Cayuga Lake to the down- impassable by fish stream edge of the railroad bridge below Rt. All tributaries to Owasco Lake, 13 in Ithaca, Tompkins County. Lake Trout Otisco Lake and Skaneateles 9" except 15" for Brown Trout 3 in Lake upstream to the first April 1 through Dec 31 Lake Trout and Note: Dutch Hollow Brook from Owasco Lake Rainbow Trout combination barrier impassable by fish except Landlocked Salmon Landlocked Salmon to Rt. 38 A: fishing or dip-netting prohibited tributaries listed below from March 16 to the opening of walleye season. All tributaries to Cayuga Lake Lake Trout, Brown upstream to the first barrier Trout, Rainbow 15" except 18" for 3 in April 1 through Dec 31 impassable by fish except Trout, Landlocked Landlocked Salmon combination tributaries listed below Salmon

15" except 18" for 3 in April 1 through Dec 31 Landlocked Salmon combination

Artificial lures Fall Creek (Cayuga Lake) Lake Trout Catch and release only from the downstream edge of Brown Trout Jan 1 through only the railroad bridge below Rt. 13 Rainbow Trout March 15 to Ithaca Falls Landlocked Salmon Angling prohibited between sunset and sunrise

March 16 through Angling prohibited March 31

Spafford Creek (Otisco Lake) 5 - with no upstream to the first barrier Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size more than 2 impassable by fish longer than 12"

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 45 Region 9 • Western New York

Allegany County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length 5 - with no Ice fishing All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size more than 2 permitted longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer Rushford Lake Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size than 12" 5 - with no Ice fishing Allen Lake Trout All year Any size more than 2 permitted Region 9 longer than 12" Genesee River from Belmont Dam 5 - with no more than 2 longer 270 Michigan Ave. upstream to Pennsylvania State line Trout All year Any size than 12" Buffalo, NY 14203-2999 except section below Genesee River from Route 19 bridge (716) 851-7000 Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only in Shongo downstream 2.5 miles Sub-Office April 1 – October 15 10" 3 Wiscoy Creek Trout 182 East Union St., Suite 3 October 16 – March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Allegany, NY 14706 5 - with no more than 2 longer April 1 through Oct 15 Any size (716) 372-0645 East Koy Creek Trout than 12" [email protected] October 16 – March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Cattaraugus County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length 5 - with no Ice fishing All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size more than 2 permitted longer than 12" Allegany State Park State Park regulations may apply, check with Park Police Case Lake, Harwood Lake, New 5 - with no Ice fishing Albion Lake, Red House Lake, Trout All year Any size more than 2 permitted Quaker Lake longer than 12" 5 - with no more than 2 longer Clear Creek from Wyoming-Cattarau- April 1 through Oct 15 9" gus County line upstream, Lime Lake Trout than 12" Outlet, McKinstry Creek Oct 16 – March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Ischua Creek from 0.9 miles down- stream to 1.3 miles upstream of Rt. Trout All year Any size 5 98 bridge in Cadiz Cattaraugus Creek downstream of See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48–52. Springville Dam 5 - with no more than 2 longer Elm Creek, Elton Creek, Mansfield April 1 – October 15 Any Size Creek, Cattaraugus Creek upstream Trout than 12" of Springville Dam October 16 – March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only

Chautauqua County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length 5 - with no Ice fishing All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size more than 2 permitted longer than 12" Muskellunge 3rd Sat in June through and Tiger 40" 1 Chautauqua Lake and its tributaries and Nov 30 Ice fishing the Chadakoin River to Warner Dam Muskellunge permitted Walleye 1st Sat in May – Mar 15 18" 3 5 - with no more than 2 longer Goose Creek Trout All year Any Size than 12" Lake Erie and tributaries to first See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48–52. barrier impassable by fish

The Collectible for ALL Conservationists Now ANYBODY can help save habitat and increase public access to fish and wildlife. Purchase a HABITAT and ACCESS STAMP Only $5.00 where sporting licenses are sold.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY Region 9 • Western New York

Erie County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 5 - with no more than 2 All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size Ice fishing permitted longer than 12" Lake Erie, Niagara River, and their tributaries to the first barrier, Cattaraugus Creek downstream of Springville Dam, Buffalo River and tributaries to first barrier impassable All Species See Great Lakes Regulations see pages 48–52. by fish, that portion of Ellicott Creek within Amherst State Park April 1 through Oct 15 9" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Hosmer (Sardinia) Brook Trout Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only April 1 through October 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Cattaraugus Creek upstream of Springville Dam Trout Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Niagara County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method All waters except Lake Ontario, Niagara River and their 5 with no more than 2 Trout April 1 through October 15 Any size Ice fishing permitted tributaries to first barrier longer than 12” Lake Ontario, Niagara River, and their tributaries All Species See Great Lakes Regulations see pages 48 and 52. to first barrier Wyoming County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 5 - with no more than 2 All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size Ice fishing permitted longer than 12" April 1 through Oct 15 10" 3 Wiscoy Creek except section below Trout Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Wiscoy Creek from 0.5 mile upstream to 0.5 mile down- Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only stream of East Hillside Road Bridge Clear Creek from mouth to Wyoming-Cattaraugus April 1 through Oct 15 9" 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Trout County line Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only East Koy Creek, Cattaraugus Creek upstream of Springville April 1 through Oct 15 Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" Trout Dam Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 47 Great Lakes and Tributary Regulations

These regulations apply to New York waters of Lake Erie, the Upper and Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and designated sections of the tributaries to these waters. Tributary sections subject to these regulations are generally defined as the bridge closest to the mouth upstream to the first barrier impassable to fish. Tributaries with different boundaries and exemptions are listed separately below. Note that there are also seasonal tackle restric- tions and restrictions on night fishing in the tributaries. Statewide angling regulations apply for species not listed.

Lake Erie and Tributaries Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (including Steelhead), Coho All year 12" 3 in any combination Salmon, Chinook Salmon Lake Trout All year 12" 1 Northern Pike 1st Sat. In May through March 15 22" 5 Walleye 1st Sat. In May through March 15 15" 6 Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge 3rd Sat. in June through Nov 30 54" 1 Yellow Perch, Sunfish All year Any size 50 of each 1st Sat. in May through the Friday preceding 20" 1 the 3rd Sat. in June Black Bass 3rd Sat. in June through Nov 30 12" 5 Dec. 1 through the Friday preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only 1st Sat. in May Lake Sturgeon Closed Possession Prohibited Upper Niagara River and Tributaries Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (Including Steel- All year Any size 3 in any combination head), Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon

Lake Trout All year 12" 1 Northern Pike 1st Sat. In May through March 15 22" 5 Walleye 1st Sat. In May through March 15 15" 6 Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge 3rd Sat. in June through Nov 30 48" 1 Yellow Perch, Sunfish All year Any size 50 of each

Anglers are advised that attempting Black Bass (north of the Peace Bridge) Statewide Angling Regulations Apply to take fish by snatching in any Great Lake Sturgeon Closed Possession Prohibited Lake tributary, which is indicated by repeated or exaggerated jerking Lower Niagara River and Tributaries motions of the fishing rod, is prohib- Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit ited (see definition of snatching on Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (including Steel- 15", except 21" page 60). All year head), Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon for Rainbow Trout 3 (Trout & Salmon) in any combination not None, except only 1 Lake to include more than Lake Trout Jan. 1 through Sept. 30 Trout may be between 1 Atlantic Salmon or 2 25" and 30" Lake Trout Atlantic Salmon All year 25" Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge 3rd Sat. in June through Dec. 15 48" 1 Don’t Litter Northern Pike 1st Sat. in May through March 15 22" 5 Probably the #1 reason why access is Black Bass Statewide Angling Regulations Apply lost on privately owned lands providing 1st Sat. in May through Dec. 31 18" 3 access for fishing is littering. Nothing Walleye Jan. 1 through March 15 18" 1 annoys a landowner more than seeing his land mistreated by careless anglers who Yellow Perch, Sunfish All year Any size 50 of each are too lazy to properly dispose of fishing Lake Sturgeon, American Eel Closed Possession Prohibited line, bait cups, beverage cans, cigarette packages and butts and the other items that they carry in. Even if you are not the Lake Ontario Fisheries Research Unit Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit one creating the problem, why not take 514 East Broadway 178 Point Drive North the time to pick up litter you may find and P.O. Box 292 Dunkirk, NY 14048 properly dispose of it? If you don’t, you Cape Vincent, NY 13618 may very well come upon a POSTED sign 716-366-0228 315-654-2147 the next time you show up to fish. [email protected] [email protected]

48 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Great Lakes and Tributary Regulations

Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Tributaries Regulations for All Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Great Lakes & Tributaries 3 in any combination not to Regulations for all Great Lakes waters includ- 15", except 21" for Rain- include more than 1 Rainbow All year ing Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Upper and Lower bow Trout or Steelhead Trout (or Steelhead) in the Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (including Steel- Niagara River, St. Lawrence River and tributaries head), Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon tributaries to these waters. Except 9" in Irondequoit Creek (entire), Lindsey Creek and Skinner Creek (Oswego and Jefferson Counties), and the Black River (Jefferson County) At all times: None (except no more •• Snatching and attempting to snatch is prohib- Lake Trout Jan. 1 through Sept. 30 than 1 shall be between 2 25" and 30") ited. See definition of snatching on page 60. Atlantic Salmon All year 25" 1 •• All foul-hooked fish must be immediately 1st Sat. in May through released without unnecessary injury. Northern Pike 22" 5 March 15 •• Use or possession of gaff hooks is prohibited Black Bass (Lake Ontario & tributaries except Statewide Angling Regulations Apply in Jefferson County) except when ice fishing. 5 •• Any action to frighten fish and move them Black Bass (Lake Ontario and tributaries in 3rd Sat. in June through from concealment, including herding, driv- Jefferson County & St. Lawrence River and 12" Fishing for black bass (including Nov 30 tributaries) catch & release) is prohibited ing, kicking or stoning is prohibited. outside of the open season. •• The use of eggs for chumming is prohibited 1st Sat. in May through Walleye 18" 3 March 15 (see page 53). 3rd Sat. in June through Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge 48" 1 Dec. 15 Lake Sturgeon, American Eel Closed Possession Prohibited 50 Except Yellow Perch and Yellow Perch, Sunfish All year Any size Sunfish may be taken in any number in Jefferson County

Special Regulations for Great Lakes Tributaries

Great Lakes Waters Exempted from Seasonal Tributary Regulations The following regulations apply to all Great Lakes watersexcept those listed in the table below: Water County Applicable Regulations Upper Niagara River or Lower Niagara River regula- Niagara River Erie & Niagara tions apply Round Pond, Buck Pond, Long Pond, Monroe Lake Ontario regulations apply Cranberry Pond, and Irondequoit Bay Sodus Bay Wayne Lake Ontario regulations apply South Sandy Pond Oswego Lake Ontario regulations apply Tributaries to the St. Lawrence River All tributaries in Clinton and Franklin Statewide regulations apply

Special Regulations for Lake Erie Tributaries Lake Erie Tributaries with Seasonal Closures Fishing is prohibited from Jan. 1 through March 31 on Spooner Creek and its tributaries, and North Branch Clear Creek and tributaries from Taylor Hollow Road upstream to the outflow of Clear Lake.

Lake Erie Year Round Catch and Release Regulations for Chautauqua and Eighteen Mile Creeks •• Catch and release only for trout and salmon in creek sections described below •• Only artificial flies or artificial lures can be used in catch and release sections •• Seasonal regulations regarding hooks, leaders, and weights apply (see page 50)

Water County Section From bridge on South Gale Street upstream 1.3 miles Chautauqua Creek Chautauqua to the upper Village of Westfield water intake dam Main branch of creek (excluding South Branch) Eighteen Mile Creek Erie contained within Eighteen Mile Creek County Park

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 49 Spag eci l Re ulations for Great Lakes Tributaries

P ortions of Lake Erie Tributaries Subject to Seasonal (September 1 to March 31) Regulations Fishing Great The following tributary sections are subject to seasonal fishing regulations described below Lake Tributaries during the period September 1 to March 31: Anglers fishing Great Lakes Tributaries are Water County Section reminded that some of these tributaries From the Aldrich Street Extension Bridge in Gowanda Cattaraugus Creek Erie and Cattaraugus may contain hydro electric generating upstream to Springville Dam plants with dams, spillways, and deep From the I-90 (NYS Thruway) bridge upstream to first Buffalo River and its tributaries Erie pools that may produce strong currents. barrier impassable by fish Anglers should pay particular attention to From bridge closest to the mouth upstream to the first All others Erie, Chautauqua warning notice signs and audible signals barrier impassable by fish indicating fluctuating water levels, and the use of a personal flotation device (life jacket) when wading in these waters is L ake Erie Tributary Seasonal Fishing Regulations highly recommended. Fishing Hours •• Fishing only permitted one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (fishing at night is prohibited). Hook, Leader and Weight Regulations •• The distance between a hook’s shaft and point cannot exceed one-half inch. •• Hooks attached to any lure must be free-swinging, except on an artificial fly (see definition page 60). •• Use of hooks with added weight is prohibited, except for artificial flies with no more than one- eighth ounce of added feathers, hair, thread, tinsel, or similar material (see definition page 60). •• The distance between the hook, artificial fly or lure and any weight attached to the line or leader, whether fixed or sliding, shall not exceed four feet.

Special Regulations for Lake Ontario Tributaries Except the Lower Niagara River and Salmon River Lower Niagara River regulations can be found on page 48. Salmon River regulations can be found on pages 51-52.

L ake Ontario Tributaries with Seasonal Closures Helping You Get Fishing is prohibited from March 16 through the first Saturday in May on Little Sandy Creek (Oswego County) from the State Route 3 bridge downstream 850 feet to the intersection of the on the Water channelized area and upstream 1.0 miles for the bridge to the Public Fishing Rights section. DEC’s fishing web pages are some of the most popular on its website Sections of Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Tributaries Subject to Seasonal www.dec.ny.gov and new information (Sept. 1 to Mar. 31) Regulations is added regularly in an effort to help you The following tributary sections are subject to seasonal fishing regulations described below get on the water and have an enjoyable during the period September 1 to March 31: fishing and boating experience. Be sure Water County Portion of Tributary Subject to Special Regulations to check out our complete inventory of Public Fishing Rights maps that provide Eighteenmile Creek Niagara From the Route 18 bridge upstream to Burt Dam locations on streams where we have From the power lines that are 1.9 miles upstream (south) of Route 18 bridge purchased public fishing easements. Oak Orchard Creek Orleans upstream to Waterport Dam We have also updated our directory of Boat Launching Sites which provides Sterling Creek Cayuga From Old State Road to impassable barrier upstream of Route 104A directions to various state and municipal sites throughout New York State. This Sterling Valley Creek Cayuga From McIntyre Road to impassable barrier upstream of Route 104A directory is also available from all of our DEC regional offices. If you have a Oswego From the Utica Street bridge upstream to the Varick Dam specific question about fishing in New York State, all of our regions can be Catfish Creek Oswego From the mouth upstream to dam at County Route 1 reached by e-mail or phone. Contact information for each region can be found Black River Jefferson From the upstream tip of the lowermost island to Mill Street dam in Watertown in the Special Regulations by County section of this guide. All other tributaries All From the bridge closest to the mouth upstream to first barrier impassable by fish

0 5 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Special Regulations for Great Lakes Tributaries

Lake Ontario Tributary Seasonal Fishing ùùCan have multiple treble hooks except as Regulations follows where floating lures are restricted to one hook with a single hook point: Fishing Hours Fishing from one-half hour after sunset to one- »»From September 1 through March 31 on half hour before sunrise is prohibited except in all Lake Ontario tributaries in Cayuga the Black River (Jefferson County) from Lake and Oswego Counties, except the Salmon Ontario upstream to the Route 180 bridge in and Oswego Rivers. Dexter, where fishing is permitted at all times. »»From September 1 through November 30 from the Driving Park Bridge upstream Hook, Leader and Weight Regulations to the lower falls on the Genessee River. Hooks ùùAny hooks on a floating lure must be ùùOnly one hook with a single hook point attached to the lure by a ring or swivel. is permitted, except as outlined below for floating lures ùùThe distance between the body of a floating lure and the points of any attached hooks ùùHooks attached to any lure must be free- shall not exceed one and one-half inches. swinging, except on an artificial fly (see definition page 60). An artificial fly Leaders and Weights may not have more than one hook point. ùùThe distance between the hook, artificial ùùThe gap between a hook’s shaft and point fly or lure and any weight attached to the cannot exceed one-half inch. line or leader, whether fixed or sliding, shall not exceed four feet. ùùUse of hooks with added weight is prohib- ited, except for artificial flies with no more ùùFor tributaries in Oswego and Cayuga than one-eighth ounce of added feathers, Counties, and the Genesee River (Monroe hair, thread, tinsel, or similar material (see County) from the Driving Park Bridge definition page 60). upstream to the lower falls: any weight added to the line, leader, swivels, artificial Floating Lures fly or lure shall not hang lower than the ùùA floating lure is a lure that floats at rest hook when line or leader is held vertically. with or without additional weight attached to the lure, leader or line.

Special Regulations for the Salmon River Seasonal Regulations by Section (refer to page 52 for Fly Fishing Catch & Release section)

Section Effective Dates Regulations • Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Tributary regulations April 15 - August 14 apply (page 49). • Fishing is prohibited at night from ½ hr. after sunset to ½ hr. before sunrise. • Only one hook with a single hook point and a gap not exceeding ½ inch is permitted except on floating lures as noted below. • Hooks attached to any lure, except an artificial fly, must be free swinging and unweighted. Artificial flies with no more than 1/8 oz. of added weight may be used. The method by August 15 - April 14 which weight is added to a hook does not affect classification as an “artificial fly” provided the conditions of the definition of an artificial fly on page 60 are met. From the upstream most navigation • The distance between the hook, artificial fly or lure and any buoy located between the breakwalls at weight attached to the line or leader, whether fixed or sliding, the mouth of the river upstream to the shall not exceed 4 ft. County Rt. 52 bridge in Altmar • Weight shall not be added to the line, leader, swivels, artificial fly or lure in any manner that the weight hangs lower than the attached hook when the line is suspended vertically from the rod. Additional Regulations for Floating Lures Apply • A bead chain may be attached to the floating lure with a ring. • The bead chain may not exceed a distance of three and one August 15 - October 31 half inches between the body of the floating lure and the Now Available hook point. Request your copy of our free new guide • 1 hook with a single hook point and a gap of no more than 5/8 to Great Lakes fishing. To request your in. may be attached to the bead chain or directly to the lure. copy, email us at [email protected]. Multiple single, double and treble hooks are permitted on floating ny.us. Be sure to put Great Lakes Fishing November 1 - April 14 lures Map in the subject line. Copies are also available from all DEC offices. From Lake Ontario to Rt. 3 Bridge April 1- August 14 Fishing at night is permitted

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 51 Special Regulations for Great Lakes Tributaries

Special Regulations for the Salmon •• Between September 1 and April 30: a single River (Oswego County) Fly Fishing unweighted or weighted artificial fly with no Catch-And-Release Areas more than 1/8 oz. added weight, having one hook point with a one-half-inch maximum Fishing Hours, Season Dates and gap only permitted. Locations: Attractors: •• Angling Permitted: From one-half hour •• The use of added baits or attractors such as, before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. but not limited to, fish eggs, insects, beads, •• Lower Fly Section: Open September 15 spoons, spinners, plugs, or similar devices on through May 15, from County Route 52 the line above the artificial fly is prohibited. Bridge in Altmar upstream 0.25 mile to the Leaders: marked boundary at Beaverdam Brook. •• The total length of the leader including the •• Upper Fly Section: Open April 1 through tippet shall not exceed 15 feet. from a marked boundary November 30 •• Between May 1 and August 31: sinking and upstream of the New York State Fish Hatch- metal leaders are prohibited. ery property to a marked boundary 0.6 mile upstream at the Lighthouse Hill Reservoir Additional Weight: tailrace. •• Between May 1 and August 31: the use of supplemental weight such as split shot, •• Fishing is prohibited outside the open season. sinkers, metal leaders, twistons, or swivels Regulations: attached to the leader, tippet, fly line or fly is prohibited. •• Catch & Release: All fish must be immedi- ately released without unnecessary injury. •• Between September 1 and April 30: the use of supplemental weight is permitted with the •• Tackle Restrictions: Tackle is restricted following restrictions. to a traditional fly rod, fly reel, fly line, and artificial fly (definition on page 60). (As ùùThe combined weight of any supplemental permitted below) weight and fly may not exceed one-eighth of an ounce. Restrictions on fly lines, flies, attractors, leaders and supplemental weight: ùùThe maximum distance between the arti- ficial fly and any added weight to the line, Fly Lines: leader or tippet shall not exceed four feet. •• Use of less than 20 feet of floating, sinking, or combination floating/sinking fly line or ùùWeight added to the line, leader, swivels, shooting head immediately behind the leader or artificial fly in any manner such that and in front of any running line or other the weight hangs lower than the attached backing is prohibited. fly is prohibited. •• Between May 1 and August 31: Floating Fly Lines Only. •• Between September 1 and April 30: Floating, Salmon River Fishing Report Sinking, and Sinktip fly lines are permitted. Updated Daily: Flies: www.whitakers.com •• Between May 1 and August 31: a single unweighted artificial fly having one hook point with a one-half inch maximum gap only permitted. Eli Garnish caught and released this Chinook Salmon while fly fishing on the Salmon River.

52 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Ggeneral Re ulations

T aking and possession of fish •• In Clinton County, bowfin, burbot, carp, fresh- Spearfishing prohibited •• A person may not fish for a species (not even water drum, gar, redhorse and suckers may be •• Use of spearguns is prohibited in the fresh- catch and release) during the closed season taken from March 20 through September 30 waters of New York. from Corbeau Creek and Scomotion Creek from for that species on a given water. •• Spears may not be used within 275 yards the mouth upstream to Beekmantown town line. •• A person may not have in possession, or of eel weirs. •• In Lake Champlain, bowfin, burbot, carp, fresh- intentionally kill or injure fish other than the •• Spears may not be possessed on any water water drum, gar, redhorse and suckers may be sizes specified and allowed for that species in the or within 200 feet of taken from March 20 through September 30. on a given water. the high water mark of these waters. •• In Cayuga County, bullhead and sucker may •• A person may not possess, kill or unneces- •• Possession of spears is prohibited on all be taken from January 1 through May 15 from sarily injure fish in excess of the daily limit waters except where the taking of fish by Sterling Creek downstream of Rte. 104A, for that species. spear is permitted. Sterling Valley Creek downstream of Rte. •• The fish an angler catches and immediately 104A, Eightmile Creek and Ninemile Creek. releases uninjured will not be counted as part Bowfishing of the daily limit for that species. •• In Franklin County, bowfin, burbot, carp, freshwater drum, gar, redhorse and suck- Any person who has a fishing or small game •• A person may continue to fish for a species ers may be taken from March 20 through hunting license, or is entitled to fish without while in possession of a daily limit for that September 30 from Big Salmon River from a license, may take carp of any size and in any species provided all fish of that species subse- Canada upstream to the dam at Fort Coving- number by longbow (recurve or compound) from quently caught are immediately returned to ton, Lawrence Brook from the county line May 15 through September 30 from any water the water. See below for special provisions upstream to County Rte. 6 west of Moira, of the state where fishing and the discharge of a made for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Little Salmon River from the mouth upstream bow is permitted. Taking fish by bow is otherwise •• A single, uninjured largemouth bass or to County Rte. 32 in South Bombay, Pike prohibited. smallmouth bass that an angler is landing, Creek from Canada upstream to State Rte. 95 measuring or in the process of releasing west of Bombay, St. Regis River from Canada Snatching from a recirculating or aerated livewell, is upstream to the dam at Hogansburg, and The taking of fish by snatching, but not blind not considered to be part of the daily limit. Farrington Brook from the mouth upstream snatching (see definitions on page 60), is to U.S. Rte. 11. permitted from January 1 through March 15 only as follows: U se and possession of fish eggs •• In the Hudson River, carp and suckers may •• In Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, •• No person shall possess more than one quart be taken from March 20 through September 30 from Bakers Falls in the Village of Hudson Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, total of fish eggs from trout, lake trout or suckers may be taken from any stream. Atlantic salmon while on the waters of the Falls upstream to the confluence of Stony state or the shores thereof. Fish eggs which Creek in Warren County. •• In Delaware County, suckers may be taken from the West Branch Delaware River, East are still inside the carcass of an intact, legally •• In Oswego County, bullhead and suckers caught and possessed fish shall not be counted may be taken from January 1 through May Branch Delaware River and Charlotte Creek. towards the one quart total. 15 from Grindstone Creek downstream of the •• In Otsego County, suckers may be taken •• No person shall take or attempt to take any dam at Fernwood, Little Salmon River down- from the Unadilla River, Wharton Creek and fish by means of chumming with fish eggs. stream from the bridge at Arthur, Ninemile Butternut Creek. For the purposes of this section, “chumming” Creek downstream of Rte. 104A, Eightmile •• In Fulton, Saratoga, Washington, Franklin, means depositing fish eggs, not attached to a Creek downstream of Rte. 104A, Salmon Warren, Clinton, Essex and Hamilton coun- hook, in the waters of the State of New York River downstream of NY Rte. 3, Red Creek ties, suckers may be taken from any stream other than in the Marine and Coastal District. or Sunset Bay Creek, Otter Branch Creek, except the Mohawk River, the Hudson Butterfly Creek, Sage Creek and Snake Creek. River downstream of Bakers Falls includ- Spearfishing •• In Wayne County, bullhead and suckers may ing tributaries upstream to the first barrier, The taking of fish by spear (not spear gun) is be taken from January 1 through May 15 from or tributaries to Lake Champlain and Lake permitted only as follows: Black Creek Bay and Red Creek Bay. George upstream to the first barrier. •• In Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, suckers may be taken in any stream from January 1 through May 15. •• In Montgomery County, suckers may be taken from January 1 through May 15 from Evas Properly Dispose Kill, Flat Creek, from the of Fishing Line mouth to the dam one-half-mile above the Lost or discarded fishing line can last a long mouth, and . time in the environment. It is a type of litter that only comes from anglers! Too often, birds •• In Otsego County, suckers may be taken from and other wildlife become entangled, leading to January 1 through May 15 from Herkimer severe injury or a slow and painful death. Be sure Creek, Hyder Creek, Trout (Mink) Creek, to collect all fishing line for proper disposal in Hayden Creek from mouth to the Shipman the trash, a line disposal station, or bring it to a Pond Dam, Shadow Brook, Sand Hill Creek tackle store with a line recycling program. Any from the mouth to Rte. 7 bridge, Otsdawa additional line that you are able to collect and Creek from the mouth to Rte. 7 bridge and remove from the areas that you fish will also help. Mill Creek from the mouth to Rte. 7 bridge.

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 53 HGeneraead l Regulations

•• In Chenango and Madison counties, suck- Foul hooking reported. Please don’t remove tags from fish ers may be taken from the Chenango River All foul-hooked trout, lake trout, coho salmon, you release. downstream of Randallsville and the Unadilla chinook salmon, pink salmon and landlocked River downstream of South Edmeston. salmon must be released without unnecessary Ice fishing •• In Otsego County, snatching and blind injury to the fish. All foul-hooked walleye in Ice fishing is permitted in the following waters: snatching is permitted with hooks having no Oneida Lake and the tributaries to first bridge •• All non-trout waters unless otherwise more than two hook points to take whitefish upstream from the lake must be released with- prohibited. out unnecessary injury to the fish. in Otsego Lake from January 1 through •• Certain trout waters listed in the guide includ- November 30. Use of gaffs ing Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Niagara River, •• In Clinton County, snatching and blind Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, Finger Use or possession of gaffs or gaff hooks is snatching is permitted to take burbot in Lakes, Border Waters, most New York City prohibited when fishing in freshwater, including Scomotion Creek from its mouth to Pardy reservoirs, and all other waters designated the Hudson River upstream of the Tappan Zee Road from December 1 through March 31. as ICE FISHING PERMITTED in SPECIAL Bridge, except when ice fishing. REGULATIONS BY COUNTY. Read through Grappling hooks and snatch hooks may not be the regulations pertaining to the water you possessed on Lake George or within 200 feet Tagged fish intend to fish. Where ice fishing is permit- of the high water mark of Lake George, except If you catch a tagged fish, write down the tag ted, fish may be taken in accordance with in a dwelling or building. Possession of snatch number, length of the fish, date and location of the seasons, minimum size and creel limits hooks is prohibited on all waters except those capture, and send this information to the address in effect in that water. Wherever ice fishing where fish may be taken by snatching. on the tag. You will be sent information about is permitted, no more than 3 hand lines and DEC’s tagging program and the individual fish 5 tip-ups may be used, except as noted in

Before you leave a body of water: Remove any visible mud, plants or animals. Dry anything that comes into contact with water. If drying is not possible, disinfect. For disinfection guidance go to www.dec.ny.gov/animals/50267.html or contact your local DEC office. Never release plants, ish or animals into a body of water unless they came from that body of water.

54 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE General Regulations

BORDER WATERS, LAKE CHAMPLAIN or salable fish may be transported unless a tion purposes only. Once those species are SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY. All permit is obtained from a DEC Regional transported away from the water body, they tip-ups must be marked with the name and Office, or the fish are frozen, processed and may not be transported back to any water address of the operator. The operator must be packaged for storage. body for use as bait. present when lines (tip-ups or hand lines) are •• Smelt, suckers, alewives, and blueback herring •• Salable fish may be transported in any in the water. Tip-ups may only be operated taken by dip nets (page 56) or angling, and number. on waters of the state between November suckers taken by spearing, may be transported •• Baitfish transportation regulations can be 15 and April 30. overland by motorized vehicle for consump- found on pages 57-59. Remember: Trout waters where ice fish- ing is permitted are specifically designated in this guide; ice fishing is prohibited in all other trout waters. If you are unsure whether a water is considered trout or non-trout, contact the DEC Regional Office for that area. No person shall operate a tip-up that has more than 5 lures or baits or a combination of both, or has more than 15 hook points in any combination of single, double or treble hooks.

Ice shanties Ice shanties must be marked on the outside with the owner’s name and address in letters at least 3 inches high. Shanties must be removed from all waters by March 15 to prevent them from falling through the ice in spring and becoming hazards to navigation.

Fish cleaning law It is illegal on New York State waters to possess walleye, black bass, brook trout, lake trout or Atlantic salmon that have been cut, dismem- bered, filleted, skinned or otherwise altered so that the species and total length of such fish cannot be easily determined. However, these fish may be gilled or gutted. Other species of fish may be filleted provided that the skin is not removed from the fillets. This regulation allows more effective enforcement of harvest regulations on protected game fish.

Fish carcass disposal law It is illegal to discard any fish carcass, or parts thereof, into the freshwaters of the state within 100 feet of shore or upon any public or private lands contiguous to and within 100 feet of such water, except: •• On private lands by owners of such lands. •• If properly disposing into suitable garbage or refuse collection systems or by burial. •• Where incidental cleaning of fish for consumption is permitted. However, result- ing waste may not be disposed of within 100 feet of any public launching or docking site unless into a suitable refuse collection system. •• Live fish and fish which must be returned to the water because of size limits, open seasons and creel limits are not subject to the fish carcass disposal law.

Transportation Transportation of fish is permitted as follows: Fish caught in New York State •• No more than two days’ legal take of non-

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 55 HGgeneraead l Re ulations

Fish caught outside of New York State and pink salmon, Atlantic salmon, lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and their tributar- Fish caught outside of NY may be transported trout, whitefish, pickerel, crappie, northern ies upstream to the first barrier impassable into New York in any manner, except parcel pike and walleye. Additional regulations by fish is prohibited, except that eggs may be post, in the number that may be legally exported may apply to the sale of these imported bought and sold. from the place of taking. fish; contact a DEC regional office for more Non-salable fish transported by carrier information. Exception: The American Stocking eel is the only fish taken from the Quebec A tag must be attached showing name and A DEC stocking permit is required to stock fish portion of Lake Champlain and the Riche- address of both taker and consignee, and into a New York State water body (page 60). lieu River that may be transported into and contents of the package. A stocking permit may be obtained from your sold in New York State. regional DEC Fisheries Office. P urchase and sale •• Fish that are non-salable, unless taken E ndangered and threatened fish on a licensed fishing preserve or private • • Fish that are salable at any time include: It is illegal to fish for, or possess fish that hatchery and properly tagged, include: ùùThose species in the STATEWIDE black bass, landlocked salmon, muskellunge are officially listed by DEC as endangered or ANGLING REGULATIONS table for and trout. threatened: which there is no closed season and no •• Endangered: silver chub, bluebreast darter, minimum length. •• Exceptions: Sale of catfish taken in Lake Ontario deepwater sculpin, gilt darter, pugnose shiner, and its tributaries upstream to the first barrier round whitefish, shortnose sturgeon, Atlantic ùùFish taken on licensed fishing preserves. impassable by fish and in the St. Lawrence sturgeon and spoonhead sculpin. These fish must be properly tagged prior River is prohibited. Sale of American eel from to removal from preserve premises. Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence, Hudson, •• Threatened: eastern sand darter, lake chubsucker, lake sturgeon, longear sunfish, ùùThe following fish only if taken outside Harlem and East rivers is prohibited, except mooneye, gravel chub, banded sunfish, long- of New York State or if legally taken with for use as bait. Sale of coho, chinook and pink head darter, swamp darter, spotted darter licensed commercial gear: coho, chinook salmon taken in Lake Erie, Niagara River, Lake and mud sunfish. Smelt may be taken in a dip net not exceeding 14 inches in diameter, Frogs or 13 x 13 inches if square, as follows: Any person who has a small game hunting Daily Hours & Water Open Season Tributaries license, or a fishing license, or is entitled to Limit fish without a license, may take frogs with a Raquette Lake Anytime Anytime/8 quarts All from lake upstream ½ mile spear, club, hook or by hand. A small game Tupper Lake Anytime Anytime/8 quarts Lake and Bog River upstream to Rt 421 hunting license is required to take frogs with a gun or a longbow. Frogs may be taken in any Canandaigua Lake All from lake upstream to first barrier Anytime Anytime/8 quarts Canadice Lake impassable by fish number and at any time from June 15 through Hemlock Lake September 30, except that no person shall use Keuka Lake Exceptions: no dipping in Catharine Creek and L’Hommedieu Diversion channel (Seneca Lake) a gun to take frogs at night (sunset to sunrise). and upstream of old Lehigh Valley Railroad bridge at Naples Creek (Canandaigua Lake) Seneca Lake Frogs may be imported, bought and sold at any Indian Lake All from lake upstream to first barrier 5 am to 10 pm time. An importer must keep a record of names Fulton Chain (except Seventh Lake) impassable by fish. No dipping in Mead April 1 through May 15 (prevailing time) and addresses of buyers and sellers. East Caroga from mouth upstream to State 8 quarts Route 29A •• Exception: Leopard frogs may not be taken in NYC, Nassau or Suffolk counties. Northern Cayuga Lake* 7 pm to 2 am cricket frogs may not be taken anywhere in Owasco Lake March 1 through All from lake upstream to first barrier (prevailing time) New York State. *no smelt dipping permitted in Willow May 21 impassable by fish. 8 quarts Creek Hudson River from Tappan Zee Bridge All from river upstream to first barrier Salamanders Anytime Anytime/Any number upstream to the Troy Dam1 impassable by fish Native salamanders cannot be collected or Marine District1 Contact (631) 444-0435 or www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html used as bait.

Smelt may be taken in any size dip net as follows: Aquatic insects Daily Hours & No aquatic insect (or any insect that lives in Water Open Season Tributaries Limit the water during any of its life stages) shall be Lake Erie taken from waters inhabited by trout, or from All from lake upstream to first barrier Lake Ontario Anytime 8 quarts the banks of those waters at anytime. impassable by fish Niagara River D ip nets Suckers may be taken in a dip net not exceeding 14 inches Any person who has a fishing license, or is in diameter, or 13 x 13 inches if square, as follows: entitled to fish without a license, may operate Water Open Season Daily Limit Tributaries one dip net as specified in the tables to the left; these are the only circumstances where Cayuga Lake Anytime Any number All except Willow Creek dip-netting is permitted unless a commercial Seneca Lake Anytime Any number All except Catharine Creek license has been obtained. Refer to page 24 for regulations specific to dip net use on the All except Naples Creek where netting is Canandaigua Lake Anytime Any number prohibited upstream of old Lehigh Valley Hudson River. Railroad bridge Note: Smelt, suckers, alewives and blueback All from river upstream to first barrier herring are the only fish that may be taken Hudson River upstream to Troy Dam Anytime Any number impassable by fish with a dip net.

6 5 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Bait fish Regulations

Purchased Baitfish Stillwater to the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan Island; Keuka Lake; Otsego Lake; Otisco Lake; Owasco Lake; Lake Ontario; Lake Erie; G reen List Baitfish Lamoka Lake; Pepacton Reservoir; Seneca Lake; St. Lawrence River; The following baitfish are the only species that can be purchased and Niagara River; Mohawk River, and all waters in Dutchess, Orange, used in any water body in New York where it is legal to use fish as Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. bait. These baitfish are commonly used throughout New York and are •• Rainbow smelt: Canadice Lake; Canandaigua Lake; Cayuga Lake; not considered to be a threat to other native New York fish species Cayuta Lake; Conesus Lake; First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth (except for trout in waters where baitfish use is prohibited). Limiting lakes of the Fulton Chain; Hemlock Lake; Honeoye Lake; Keuka Lake; the use of baitfish to the “Green List” will help prevent the accidental Lake Champlain; Lamoka Lake; Lake Ontario; Lake Erie; Owasco introduction of unwanted species. Lake; Seneca Lake; Star Lake (St. Lawrence County); Waneta Lake; Golden shiner Blacknose dace the St. Lawrence River; and the Niagara River. Emerald shiner Longnose dace •• Mummichog: Hudson River and tidal portion of Hudson River Common shiner White sucker tributaries downstream of the Federal Dam at Troy; and all waters Spottail shiner Northern hogsucker in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Banded killifish Creek chub Fathead minnow Fallfish •• Blueback herring and Atlantic menhaden: Hudson River down- Bluntnose minnow Logperch stream from Lock C-4 and its associated dam in Stillwater to the Northern redbelly dace Eastern silvery minnow Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan Island; and the Mohawk River and tributaries to the first barrier impassable by fish. Other Baitfish •• American eel: Delaware River and tributaries to the first barrier In addition to the “Green List,” the following baitfish may be purchased impassable by fish, 6-inch minimum size limit; and the Hudson and used in specified waters and their tributaries to the first impass- River downstream from the Federal Dam at Troy to the Battery able barrier only. They are not included on the “Green List” for a at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, between 6 and 14 inches. variety of reasons including potential negative impacts on native fish populations (i.e., alewife predation on walleye fry) or they are Marine District species. •• Alewife: Canandaigua Lake; Canadice Lake; Cannonsville Reservoir; A Baitfish License is Required Cayuga Lake; Cayuta Lake; Conesus Lake; Hemlock Lake; Waneta Lake; to Sell Baitfish In N.Y. Hudson River downstream from Lock C-4 and its associated dam in

We may be small… but we can be BIG trouble! The effectiveness of baitfish as a means to catch fish cannot be argued, but spread from the Great Lakes to inland waters. Diseases may also be introduced careless use of baitfish can also cause irreparable harm to a fishery. One only by bait wholesalers who do not test their fish before they are sold to bait dealers. has to look to the Adirondacks where our state fish, the brook trout, has been To address this problem, DEC has established regulations to control the use of pushed out of much of its original range due to the introduction of competitive baitfish. Among other things, these regulations restrict the use of personally fish species, most likely via a bait bucket. Sometimes this is simply a result of collected baitfish to the water they were collected from and prohibit their an angler discarding unused bait at the end of the day. In other cases the intro- transport from these waters. Only 21 species of fish may now be sold for bait duction may be purposely done by an angler who feels that a bait species may in New York. Except for baitfish sold for use on the same water they were provide beneficial forage for a particular species that he or she desires to fish for. collected from, all baitfish must also be certified to be disease free. Certified What is not understood is that a fish population in a pond, lake or stream is disease-free baitfish are the only form of live baitfish that may be transported part of a stable community that has evolved over many years. Add a foreign overland outside of the three designated travel corridors without a DEC fish to this community and the entire system can be thrown out of balance. permit, and these fish must be used within 10 days of purchase. A complete Species such as brook trout that have evolved with few, if any, competitive discussion of these new baitfish regulations can be found on page 57. fish species and rarely feed on fish, can be eliminated from a pond if baitfish or other non-native species are introduced. Baitfish such as alewife can also ONLY use bait purchased from a dealer selling directly impact a fishery by feeding on the young of desirable fish species such certified disease-free bait as walleye. Black crappie and other notorious larval fish predators can also be DON’T move bait or other fish from one water to another mixed in with bait, particularly if it was harvested in the wild. This is why DEC DUMP unused bait in an appropriate location on dry land prohibits the stocking of fish, including the simple act of dumping a bait bucket, without a stocking permit. USE baitfish only in waters where their use is permitted Baitfish can also harm native fish communities by spreading disease. Just like REPORT illegal stocking activities a human with a cold can spread his or her illness to other humans, so too can diseased fish. In fact, movement of baitfish from water to water by unknowing Keep Fishing Great in New York State! anglers is thought to be the primary mechanism by which viral hemorrhagic Protect New York’s waters from fish diseases septicemia (VHS), a serious fish disease recently identified in New York, has and damaging non-native species.

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 57 Bait fish Regulations

U se, Possession and Transportation prohibited except within a designated overland transportation corridor of Purchased Baitfish (page 59). See exceptions on page 55 for smelt, suckers, alewives and blueback herring taken for human consumption. C ertified baitfish Certified baitfish are those that have been tested and found to be free Baitfish collection exceptions of specified diseases. Use of certified baitfish helps prevent the spread •• Possession or use of minnow traps and nets is prohibited on units of of fish diseases. Certified baitfish purchased from a bait dealer can state land/waters where the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited be transported overland in a motorized vehicle and used in any water (see Special Regulations by County). body where it is legal to do so. For baitfish to be considered certified, the seller must provide a •• In the Hudson River downstream of the Troy Dam and in Lake receipt that contains: Champlain, Upper and Lower Saranac Lakes, Lake Clear (Franklin • the seller’s name, Co.), Chazy Lake and their tributaries to the first barrier, smelt may be • date of sale, taken only by angling. • the species of fish, and Species That May Not Be Used for Bait • the number of each species sold. The buyer must retain that receipt while in possession of the baitfish. Carp, goldfish, lamprey larvae, round goby, as well as species listed as Baitfish without a receipt or with a receipt that is older than 10 days endangered or threatened in New York State may not be used for bait. shall be considered uncertified bait. R estrictions on Use and Possession U ncertified Baitfish of Marine Baitfish Uncertified baitfish are those that have not been tested to verify that they Baitfish collected in the Marine and Coastal District may be transported are free of specified diseases. These uncertified fish may carry diseases overland only for use in the Marine and Coastal District in the following that could be harmful to native fish species. Uncertified baitfish purchased counties: Queens, Kings, Richmond, New York, Bronx, Suffolk, Nassau, from a bait dealer can only be used on the same body of water that they Rockland and Westchester. The Marine and Coastal District includes waters were collected in. Uncertified baitfish cannot be transported overland by of the Atlantic Ocean within 3 miles of the coastline and all other tidal a motorized vehicle (e.q., car) except within a designated overland trans- waters, including the Hudson River upstream to the Tappan Zee Bridge. portation corridor (page 57). The seller of uncertified baitfish outside of an overland transportation corridor is required to provide the same receipt U se of Dead Fish as Bait information as for certified baitfish and also include the name of the water Any dead fish, or parts thereof excluding eggs, that are legal to possess body in which the uncertified bait fish can be used and a warning to the and are not prohibited for use as bait (see above) that have been packa- purchaser that the baitfish may not be transported by motorized vehicle. ged for commercial sale and have been preserved by methods other C ollection, Use and Transportation than by freezing only (e.q., salted minnows) can be used in any water of Personally Harvested Baitfish body where it is legal to use fish as bait and do not require a receipt. Any person who has a fishing license1 or is entitled to fish without Each package of dead bait fish must be individually labeled, identify- a license may collect2 minnows (except carp and goldfish), killifish, ing the name of the packager/processor, the name of the species, the mudminnows, darters, sticklebacks, stonecats, smelt, alewives and quantity of fish contained, and the means of preservation. suckers for personal use in hook and line fishing only (sale prohibited) by angling and with the gear types listed below. Special regulations associated with personally harvesting alewife and blueback herring in Please Note the Hudson River can be found on page 24. •• Any fish taken from a water body and used as bait counts toward your daily limit. Gear Time Water Seine or scap net: Sunrise •• Native salamanders cannot be collected or used as bait. All non-trout waters maximum size 36 square feet to Sunset Minnow trap: maximum length 20", Waters open to Anytime maximum entrance diameter 1", must be baitfish use marked with owner’s name and address Lakes Erie & Ontario excluding their inlets, Seine: outlets, bays Anytime maximum size 36 square feet Niagara River Hudson River below Troy Dam Cast net: Anytime Hudson River below Troy Dam maximum 10 feet in diameter In addition, alewives are the only fish that may be taken as follows: Gill nets: Canadice, Canandaigua, Cayuga, Hemlock, Anytime maximum length 25 feet, Keuka, Owasco, Otisco and Seneca lakes. maximum size 1" bar Stunning may be used to collect stonecats. Stunning means tapping a stone with an implement or other stone. 1 R ecreational marine fishing registration is required to collect alewives, blueback herring or smelt from the Hudson River below the Troy Dam, including tributaries to the first barrier impassible by fish. 2 P ossession of endangered or threatened fish species is prohibited. Baitfish or other legally taken fish species intended to be used as bait may only be used in the same water body (page 60) from which they were caught for bait in hook-and-line fishing. These fish may only be used in a water body where it is legal to use fish as bait. Transporta- tion of personally harvested baitfish overland by a motorized vehicle is

58 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Bait fish Regulations

Overland Transportation Corridors 2. Lower Niagara River/Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River Overland Three defined overland transportation corridors were designated for the Transportation Corridor shall mean the geographical area asso- purposes of allowing the transport and use of uncertified baitfish by ciated with New York portion of the Lower Niagara River, Lake anglers in specific areas of the state. The three overland transportation Ontario and the St. Lawrence River starting at the intersection of corridors are intended to primarily serve anglers fishing three major I-190 and the Lower Niagara River, then continuing eastward to water bodies: the Lake Erie-Upper Niagara River; the Lower Niagara its intersection with State Route 104, then continuing eastward to River-Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River; and the Tidal Hudson River. its intersection with State Route 3, then continuing east on State To protect against the spread of fish diseases into uninfected waters Route 3 to its intersection with State Route 104, then continuing through the use of baitfish, uncertified baitfish are only allowed to eastward on State Route 104 to its intersection with State Route be used on the same body of water where they were collected within 11, then continuing north on State Route 11 to its intersection these corridors. with State Route 56 , then continuing north along State Route 56 to its intersection with State Route 37, then continuing east along T ransportation of Purchased Uncertified Baitfish within an State Route 37 to its intersection with Racquette Point Road, then Overland Transportation Corridor continuing north on Racquette Point Road to its intersection with Uncertified baitfish purchased from a bait dealer may be transported Ransom Road, and then continuing west on Ransom Road and within a designated overland transportation corridor provided a receipt, terminating at the St. Lawrence River. Baitfish collected from the issued by the seller and retained by the purchaser while in possession New York portion of the Lower Niagara River/Lake Ontario/St. of the baitfish, contains (1) the seller’s name, (2) date of sale, (3) the Lawrence River water body may be transported within this corridor. species of fish, (4) the number of each species sold, (5) the water body 3. Hudson River Overland Transportation Corridor shall mean the baitfish must be used in, (6) the overland transportation corridor the geographical area associated with the Hudson River south the baitfish must be transported within, and (7) a warning that the of the Federal Dam at Troy starting at the eastern shore of the baitfish may only be transported within that overland transporta- Hudson River at the Federal Dam in Troy, continuing east on tion corridor. W Glenn Avenue in Troy to its intersection with State Route 4, T ransportation of Personally Collected Baitfish within an then continuing south on State Route 4 to its intersection with Overland Transportation Corridor State Routes 9 & 20, then continuing easterly to its intersection with State Route 9, then continuing east on State Route 82, to Personally collected baitfish taken from a water body within an over- its intersection with the Taconic State Parkway, then continu- land transportation corridor may be transported within that corridor. ing south on the Taconic State Parkway to its intersection with These baitfish may only be used in the same water body (page 60) they the Sprain Brook Parkway, then continuing south on the Sprain were collected in. Brook Parkway to its intersection with I-287, then continuing D esignated Overland Transportation Corridors west on I-287 across the Tappan Zee Bridge to I-87 North, then The three overland transportation corridors are defined as follows: continuing north on I-87 to where State Route 9W crosses I-87 1. Upper Niagara River/Lake Erie Overland Transportation Corridor in Greene County, then continuing north on State Route 9W shall mean the geographical area associated with the New York to where State Route 9W crosses I-87 in Albany County, then portion of Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River west of and continuing north on I-87 to its intersection with State Route 7, including a line starting at I-90 at the Pennsylvania border, then then continuing east on State Route 7 to its intersection with continuing east to its intersection with I-290, then continuing I-787, then continuing north on I-787 to its intersection with north along I-290 to its intersection with State Route 62, then Tibbets Avenue, then continuing east on Tibbets Avenue to its continuing west to its intersection with I-190, then north to its intersection with Delaware Avenue, then proceeding in a straight intersection with the Lower Niagara River. Baitfish collected line to the west edge of the Troy Dam. Baitfish collected from from the New York portion of the Upper Niagara River/Lake Erie the New York portion of the Tidal Hudson River water body may water body may be transported within this corridor. be transported within this corridor.

2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 59 D efinitions

A ngling means taking fish by hook and line. This includes bait and Snatching means taking fish not attracted by bait or artificial lure fly fishing, casting, trolling and the use of landing nets to complete with hooks, gangs or similar devices whether or not baited. Snagging, the catch. Anglers must be in immediate attendance when their lines lifting, and single hook snagging are types of snatching. Snatching is are in the water. An angler may operate no more than three lines with indicated by repeated or exaggerated jerking motions of the fishing rod. or without a rod, and each line is limited to not more than five lures Spearfishing or “spear” means taking a fish with a hand-propelled or baits or a combination of both, and in addition, each line shall not single or multiple pronged pike, blade or harpoon. It does not include exceed fifteen hook points in any combination of single, double or treble the mechanically propelled device commonly called a spear gun. hooks. Snatching, lifting, hooking and use of tip-ups are not angling. T rout means brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and hybrids A rtificial lures or bait means artificial imitations of natural bait, man- of these species including splake. made flies, spinners, spoons, plugs, jigs and other lures, including those T ip-up means any device used for fishing through the ice that has that may contain some natural substances such as deer hair and feathers. a signaling device attached, except a bobber or other floating object A rtificial flymeans a hook with no more than two points dressed on the water, that will visually or audibly signal a strike. with feathers, hair, thread, tinsel or any similar material to which no W ater body, as referenced in DEC baitfish and fish health regulations, additional hooks, spinners, spoons or similar devices have been added. shall mean any lake, river, pond, stream or any other distinct mass of Black bass means both largemouth and smallmouth bass. water existing in the State of New York, whether publicly or privately Blind snatching means the taking of fish by snatching when the owned, including the banks and shores thereof. A water body shall fish is not visible to the angler. also include all tributaries upstream to the first barrier impassable to C atch and release means catching and immediately releasing the fish, including the banks and shores thereof. For the purposes of this caught fish without harm. Measuring, weighing and photographing of definition, locks and dams shall be considered impassable barriers. In the fish are permitted as long as the fish is not removed from the water addition, each of the following 12 combined water bodies, including for an extended period or handled in a manner that could cause it harm. all tributaries up to the first impassable barrier, shall be considered Fish may not be placed in a bucket, tub, livewell, on a string or any other the same water body except that border waters shall only include the holding device. Catch and release angling is only permitted during the open portion inside New York: season for a particular fish species. Catch and release angling during the •• Lake Ontario in combination with the Lower Niagara River and closed season, or for endangered or threatened fish species is prohibited. the St. Lawrence River; C humming means depositing in the water any substance, not •• Lake Erie in combination with the Upper Niagara River, Black Rock attached to a hook, which may attract fish. Canal, and waters of the Erie Barge Canal from the Upper Niagara Fishing means the taking, killing, netting, capturing or withdrawal River to Lock E-35 in Lockport; of fish by any means. This includes every attempt to take fish, plus •• Oswego River from Lock 7 to junction with Oneida River and Seneca assisting another person in taking or attempting to take fish. River at Three Rivers; Foul-hooked means not hooked in the mouth. Hook gap means the distance from the shank to the point of the hook. •• Oneida River downstream of Caughdenoy Dam and Erie Barge Canal LL Salmon means landlocked salmon or Atlantic salmon. from Lock E23 to the junction with Oswego and Seneca Rivers; M arine and Coastal District includes waters of the Atlantic Ocean •• Oneida Lake and Erie Barge Canal downstream to Lock E23 and upstream within 3 miles of the coastline and all other tidal waters, including to Lock E22, and the Oneida River downstream to Caughdenoy Dam; the Hudson River upstream to the Tappan Zee Bridge. •• Mohawk River from Barge Canal in Rome upstream to Delta Dam; M inimum length means the greatest possible length measured •E• rie Barge Canal from Lock E22 east to Lock E6; from the tip of the fish’s snout to the tip of the tail. The mouth may •• Lake Champlain, including the north of Lock 12; be open or closed and the tail may be spread or compressed in order to achieve the greatest length. •• Hudson River from the Federal Dam at Troy to Bakers Falls in the Natural bait means all baits which entice or might be ingested or City of Hudson Falls, and the Champlain Canal up to but not above swallowed by fish including, but not limited to, fish (dead or alive), Lock 7 in Fort Edward, and the Erie Barge Canal up to but not above fish eggs, worms, shellfish, crustacea, amphibians (frogs and toads), Lock E6 in Waterford; insects (including all stages of development such as larvae, pupae, etc.), •• Hudson River downstream from the Federal Dam at Troy to the pork rinds, liver, meat, corn or other vegetable matter, tapioca, candy, Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan Island. cheese, bread and putty or dough-like scented baits. •• Susquehanna River downstream of dam in Oakland, Pennsylvania Night means ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. and the Chenango River. •• Saranac Chain of Lakes from Lake Flower upstream to Barlett Carry Dam.

Be a Responsible Angler •• Be aware of your actions and their potential impact on other •• Share advice and techniques. Helping someone learn the proper anglers. Try not to reduce the chances or enjoyment of others by and effective way to fish a body of water will help create an your actions. ethical angler and perhaps a lifelong friend.

•• Respect other water users. Boating anglers are advised to follow •• The game law violator is always a thief. Even when illegal activity New York State Navigation Law and be aware of the impact that does not affect a fish population, it robs a law abiding angler of the their vessel’s wake can have on others. opportunity to have an enjoyable fishing experience.

•• Respect other anglers that have reached the water before you. The person that first reaches a location has the right to fish it without being squeezed by another person, whether they are a tournament pro or first time angler.

0 6 2013–14 FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE