NEW YORK Freshwater

FISHING2015–16 OFFICIAL REGULATIONS GUIDE VOLUME 7, ISSUE NO. 1, APRIL 2015

Fishing for Muskie

www.dec.ny.gov

Most regulations are in effect April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016 MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

New York: A State of Angling Opportunity When it comes to freshwater fishing, no state in the nation can compare to New York. Our consistently deliver outstanding fishing for salmon and steelhead and it doesn’t stop there. In fact, New York is home to four of the Bassmaster’s top 50 bass lakes, drawing anglers from around the globe to come and experience great smallmouth and largemouth . The crystal clear lakes and streams of the Adirondack and Catskill parks make New York home to the very best fly fishing east of the Rockies. Add abundant , , trout and trophy muskellunge and to the mix, and New York is clearly a state of angling opportunity. Fishing is a wonderful way to reconnect with the outdoors. Here in New York, we are working hard to make the sport more accessible and affordable to all. Over the past five years, we have invested more than $6 million, renovating existing boat launches and developing new ones across the state. This is in addition to the 50 new projects begun in 2014 that will make it easier for all outdoors enthusiasts to access the woods and waters of New York. Our 12 DEC hatcheries produce 900,000 pounds of fish each year to increase fish populations and expand and improve angling opportunities. Last year alone, we budgeted $4 million to repair and upgrade these facilities, as well as purchase 16 new stocking trucks. Fishing and hunting are now more affordable in New York, too. We have simplified license types and reduced costs for both residents and non-residents alike. We also made fishing licenses valid for a full year from their purchase date, allowing anglers to fully enjoy all four seasons of fishing regardless of when they purchased their license. To promote fishing, we have quadrupled the number of allowable statewide free fishing days from two to eight, established special Adventure Licenses and Adventure License Plates, and launched the New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App for smartphone users. Coming this year, new anglers can look forward to an introductory fishing guide from DEC. There’s nothing like fishing a Catskill Mountain stream for trout, the for bass, or Lake for salmon. Surrounded by natural beauty, and an incred- ible range of fishing opportunities, New York has something to offer anglers of all skill levels. Your reward is the excitement of the catch and sharing these wonderful experiences with friends and family. Wherever you fish in New York, I’m sure you’ll want to return to our Empire State—the state of fishing opportunity. Wishing you all an enjoyable and successful 2015 season. See you on the water!

Andrew M. Cuomo Governor, State of New York CONTENTS USING THIS GUIDE 1. Review the Statewide Angling Regulations. — page 14 2. Review the Special Regulations section, which begins on page STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE 2 15 and includes regulations for specific waters (i.e., ) or group of waters (i.e., Great Lakes). IF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF CHANGES 4 WATER YOU INTEND TO FISH IS NOT LISTED IN THIS LICENSE INFORMATION 6 SECTION, STATEWIDE ANGLING REGULATIONS APPLY. 3. Review: NYS ENVIRONMENTAL • General Regulations — page 52 CONSERVATION POLICE Q&A 8 • Baitfish Regulations — page 57 FEATURE: MUSKELLUNGE IN NEW YORK STATE 10 • Definitions — page 60 4. Consult the License Information section to determine if you STATEWIDE ANGLING REGULATIONS 14 need a fishing license. — page 6 SPECIAL REGULATIONS: REGION 1 16 5. Review the NYS Environmental Conservation Police Q&A SPECIAL REGULATIONS: REGION 2 18 section, which provides answers to some of the more frequently asked questions concerning the information in this SPECIAL REGULATIONS: REGION 3 19 guide. — pages 8, 16, 31 and 33 SPECIAL REGULATIONS: REGION 4 21 6. Review Health Advisories. — page 71 REGULATIONS 23 If you have any questions or are unsure of any regulations, call 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 15–47 BORDER WATERS REGULATIONS 25 FEATURE: MUSKIE 101 26 SPECIAL REGULATIONS: REGION 5 30 This guide is a summary that is intended for convenience only. LAKE CHAMPLAIN REGULATIONS 35 For a complete reference, consult New York State Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and Volume 6 of the Codes, Rules and SPECIAL REGULATIONS: REGION 6 36 Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR). Copies can be SPECIAL REGULATIONS: REGION 7 40 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 8 43 www.dec.ny.gov/regs/2494.html for NYCRR, or by contacting a Regional DEC Division of Law Enforcement Office. FINGER LAKES AND TRIBUTARY REGULATIONS 45 SPECIAL REGULATIONS: REGION 9 46 STATE OF NEW YORK GREAT LAKES AND TRIBUTARY REGULATIONS 48 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor GENERAL REGULATIONS 52 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Joe Martens, Commissioner BAITFISH REGULATIONS 57 Kathy Moser, Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources DEFINITIONS 60 Patricia Riexinger, Director, Division of Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources Phil Hulbert, Chief, Bureau of Fisheries FRESHWATER FISH IDENTIFICATION 62 How to contact us: NEW YORK STATE ANGLER NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Fisheries ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 64 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4753 WEIGH YOUR FISH WITH A RULER 65 [email protected] PUBLIC FISHING RIGHTS 69 Website: www.dec.ny.gov Main cover photo: Chautauqua Lake Muskie (Chautauqua County), CATCH & RELEASE GUIDELINES 70 Justin Brewer HEALTH ADVISORIES 71 Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources’ Mission: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION OFFICERS 76 The mission of DEC’s Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources is DEC FISH HATCHERIES 78 to serve the interests of current and future generations of New Yorkers by using our collective skills, in partnership with the public, to describe, FUNDING FISHERIES MANAGEMENT 80 understand, manage and perpetuate a healthy and diverse assemblage of fish, wildlife and ecosystems.

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 1 NEW YORK reshwater FFISHING Anglers and Boaters 2015–16 OFFICIAL REGULATIONS GUIDE VOLUME 7, ISSUE NO. 1, APRIL 2015 Help STOP the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species and Fish Diseases Fishing for

Fish diseases such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) and invasive species such as Muskie the zebra mussel and Eurasian water milfoil can be spread through the use of boating and fishing equipment that has not been properly cleaned, dried or disinfected prior to its use in another waterbody. Help stop the spread of these noxious species and diseases by adhering to the following simple guidelines. Effective June 4, 2014, you are now required www.dec.ny.gov to remove all visible plant and material from your boat, trailer and associated Most regulations are in effect April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016 equipment and drain your boat’s bilge, livewell, baitwell, and other water holding com- partments when launching or leaving DEC boat launch facilities.

INSPECT your boat, trailer and other About this Guide fishing and boating equipment, and remove all mud, plants and other organisms that This high-quality regulation guide is offered to you might be clinging to it. Never release plants, by the New York State Department of Environmental fish or into a body of water, unless Conservation through its unique partnership with they came out of that body of water. J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. 1 J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house that specializes in producing state fish and wildlife regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports the DEC’s staff in the design, layout and editing of the guides. They also manage the marketing and sales of advertising DRAIN AND DRY everything that came to appropriate businesses within the book. into contact with water. Many aquatic invasive The revenue generated through ad sales significantly species and fish diseases are microscopic and lowers production costs and generates savings. can be transported in as little as a drop of water. These savings translate into additional funds for Dry boats for at least 5 days and other equip- other important fisheries and habitat programs. ment for at least 48 hrs before use in another 2 waterbody. Difficult-to-dry gear may require If you have any feedback or are interested in adver- even longer drying times. Recommended dry- tising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or online ing times for each month of the year can be at www.JFGriffin.com calculated at 100thmeridian.org/emersion.asp. Be sure to completely drain your boat, includ- Graphic Design: ing baitwells and livewells. Jon Gulley, Erin Murphy, Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski and Dane Fay

DISINFECT the boat’s bilge, water holding compartments and equipment if you cannot dry it prior to use in another waterbody. Effec- tive disinfectants include water at 430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267 least 140° F (hot tap water is usually 3 J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud to print the 120°–130°F), steam, or 2% bleach official New York Freshwater Fishing Regulations solution (3 ounces of household Guide on post-consumer recycled paper. bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water). Maintain a contact time of 30 seconds if using hot water and 10 minutes if using a bleach solution. If you cannot disinfect your boat or equipment, flush it thoroughly (par- available online ticularly the boat's bilge, livewells in a new Digital Edition! and baitwells) with water at a loca- tion that does not drain into the Fully searchable Email pages water body you will be boating on. Live hyperlinks to One-click printing expanded content FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on aquatic invasive eRegulations.com/NY/fishing species and preventing their spread go to: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48221.html, or scan this QR code with a smartphone.

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New York State facilities are available to all or salmon in Star Lake and Trout Lake (St. •• The use of artificial flies with up to two hook persons without regard to race, color, national Lawrence County); landlocked salmon is now points is legal on all Great Lake tributaries. origin or physical disability in accordance with included as part of the open year round trout •• Statewide terminal tackle restrictions, not the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Reha- season in Star Lake. Lake Ontario tributary restrictions, apply bilitation Act of 1973. This guide is a summary •• A year-round trout season for Sylvia Lake (St. to St. Lawrence River tributaries in Jefferson that is intended for convenience only. For Lawrence County) with a 12-inch minimum and St. Lawrence counties. complete information, consult New York State size limit and 3 fish daily creel limit, with ice Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and fishing permitted. Marine Recreational Volume 6 of the Codes, Rules and Regulations •• A total of seven ice fishing devices/lines is Fishing Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR). Copies allowed for ice fishing (statewide) with a Recreational fishing regulations for marine can be reviewed at the nearest library with a total of 15 ice fishing devices/lines for Lake State Supreme Court references section or by fish species are subject to frequent changes in Champlain. Names and addresses are not response to rapid changes in fishing conditions contacting a regional Division of Law Enforce- required on ice fishing devices. ment Office. They can also be found online and development of interstate management •• With the exception of the Salmon River, the at www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/ for ECL and strategies for these species. For complete and use of floating lures with multiple hooks with www.dec.ny.gov/regs/2494.html for NYCRR. Be accurate information on current New York multiple hook points is permitted on all Lake sure to see “Using This Guide” (page 1) and marine recreational fishing regulations, contact Ontario tributaries. review “Highlights of Changes” below. the DEC Bureau of Marine Resources, Finfish and •• Any weight added to the line, leader, swivels, Unit (631) 444-0435 or visit the DEC Highlights of Changes artificial fly or lure shall not hang lower than website at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html. the hook when line or leader is held vertically Anglers 16 years and older desiring to fish in Note: Changes are highlighted in green from September 1 through March 31 on all the marine and coastal district or for migratory throughout the guide. Lake Ontario tributaries. marine species must enroll in the no fee Recre- •• Sauger season closed statewide. •• The use of multiple hooks with multiple hook ational Marine Fishing Registry (see page 6). •• Increased minimum size limit to 9 inches and points on Lake Erie tributaries is legal. reduced daily limit to 25 for American eel. •• Increased minimum size limit and extended Fishing Hotlines season for muskellunge, statewide, as well as Central New York (607) 753-1551 for specific waters including Lake Champlain Orleans County (585) 589-3220 and St. Lawrence County rivers and streams, Lake Erie (Dunkirk) (716) 679-ERIE and for both muskellunge and tiger muskel- Lake Erie (Buffalo) (716) 855-FISH lunge in Chautauqua Lake. Niagara County (877) FALLS US •• Increased minimum size limit for muskel- Southeastern New York (845) 256-3101 lunge to 54 inches for the Niagara River, Lake Wayne County (315) 946-5466 Ontario and St. Lawrence River. DEC Web Hotlines www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishhotlines.html •• Increased minimum size limit for walleye in Honeoye Lake from 15 to 18 inches. •• Year-round trout seasons, with catch-and- release fishing only, from October 16 through March 31, have been established for streams FREE Fishing Days in western New York: Chenunda Creek, Oatka June 27–28, 2015 Creek, Clear Creek, Fenton Brook, Prendergast Creek, and waters in . During the last weekend in June, anyone can fish the fresh or marine waters of New •• Catch-and-release seasons for trout have York State and no license is required! been established for sections of the Salmon Since no license is required, it’s the perfect time to take a friend or relative fishing. River (Franklin County) and Ninemile Creek (Onondaga County). For more information, contact a Regional DEC Fisheries Office. For a list of •• Special trout regulations with a daily creel limit DEC-sponsored Fishing Clinics, contact a DEC Regional Fisheries Office or go to: of five fish with no more than two fish longer www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html than 12 inches, have been established for waters in Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, and St. Lawrence Counties, as well as for Little River and Oswegatchie River in St. Lawrence County, and in Oneida County. •• An all-year trout season, with a 12-inch mini- Angling mum size limit and daily limit of 3 fish, has been established for Hinckley and Prospect in Herkimer and Oneida counties, for a new North Lake in Herkimer County, and for an additional section of the North Branch Sara- place to nac River in Franklin and Clinton counties. •• 15-inch minimum size limit for has been established for Owasco Outlet (Cayuga County). fi s h ? •• The minimum size limit for trout has been Download DEC’s free mobile app to increased to 12 inches and the daily creel your smartphone at www.dec.ny.gov limit has been reduced to 3 for trout and/

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License Requirements Lost Annual License Replacement Everyone must have a valid fishing license A lost license may be replaced for $5.00 at any An annual fishing license is valid for in their possession while fishing or helping license issuing outlet. 365 days after purchase. someone to fish except: •• Persons under 16 years of age. Recreational Marine •• NYS-resident owners, lessees and members Fishing Registry of their immediate families occupying and Anglers 16 years of age and older who desire to Resident Annual cultivating farm lands, when fishing on their fish in the marine and coastal district of New Fishing (16–69) $ 25 own lands. York, or for migratory marine species such as striped bass, hickory shad, and river herring Fishing (70+) $ 5 •• Persons holding farm fish pond licenses and from all waters of the state including the Hudson 7-day (16+) $ 12 members of their immediate families, when River and must enroll in the 1-day (16+) $ 5 fishing on waters covered by their licenses. Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. General Fishing (military/disabled)* $ 5 •• Resident patients at Dept. of Mental provisions include: Marine Registry $ 0 Health institutions and Dept. of Health •• There is no fee for residents or non-residents rehabilitation hospitals, and inmates at to register. (See resident licenses on page 7 Non-Resident Annual Division of Youth rehabilitation centers. for residency requirement). Fishing (16+) $ 50 License exemptions must be requested •• Registration is effective for 365 days from 7-day (16+) $ 28 for such persons through the hospital/insti- date of purchase. 1-day (16+) $ 10 tution by writing NYSDEC License Sales •• Anglers may register at any License Issuing Marine Registry $ 0 Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4790, or by e-mailing [email protected]. Agent, by phone, or by internet as noted on Lifetime Fishing (available to NYS residents only) page 7, under “Purchasing a License.” Lifetime Fishing (0–69) $ 460 •• When fishing on licensed fishing preserves. Lifetime Fishing (70+) $ 65 Lifetime License (available to NYS residents only) Free Licenses (includes Hunting, Fishing and Turkey Permits) The following individuals are eligible for a free Please do not laminate your license. The heat from this process will cause Lifetime License (0–4) $ 380 fishing license and may obtain a license at any it to become unreadable. Lifetime License (5–11) $ 535 license issuing outlet: Lifetime License (12–69) $ 765 •• New York State residents who are legally blind and provide a doctor’s note to the License Lifetime License (70+) $ 65 Issuing Agent. * Military Disabled persons with a 40% or more disability annually pay $5.00 for the first of the following 3 privi- •• New York State residents who are active leges: fishing, hunting, trapping. Subsequent purchases of service members of the NYS Organized Lifetime Licenses the other 2 privileges are free within the calendar year. Buy a lifetime license and never worry about Questions should be directed to 518-402-8843. Militia (i.e., National Guard), or U.S. Reserve future fee increases. Lifetime licenses are Forces. available only to New York State residents, License Requirements for Border Waters •• New York State residents stationed outside but remain valid even if you move out of state. Does a New York State fishing license entitle holder to fish of New York who are on full time active duty the out-of-state portion of waters listed below? in the U.S. Armed Forces and are on leave in Lifetime licenses can now be purchased at all Water State/Province Yes/No NY for no longer than 30 days. license issuing outlets. For more information, visit DEC’s website or contact us at: Lake Ontario Ontario No •• Resident patients at U.S. Department of Lake Erie Ontario, No Veteran’s Affairs hospitals or state funded License Sales Unit NYSDEC St. Lawrence River Ontario, Quebec No facilities can obtain a free fishing license 625 Broadway through their hospital or facility. Niagara River Ontario No Albany, NY 12233-4790 Quebec No •• Native Americans who are members of the (518) 402-8843 Lake Champlain Vermont Yesa Shinnecock and Poospatuck tribes or the Lost lifetime license ID Cards can be Delaware River & West Six Nations residing on reservations in New replaced for a fee of $5 at any license issuing Branch Delaware River Pennsylvania Yes York State may obtain a free fishing license by agent. The ID Card will be sent to you in the (along boundary) contacting their reservation or DEC’s License mail. Greenwood Lake New Jersey Yesb Sales Office at (518) 402-8843. Indian Lake Connecticut Yesb a All Vermont portions of Lake Champlain with the exception of The Inland Sea (including “The Gut”), Mallett’s Bay, Missisquoi Bay and all rivers. (See map on page 35) b New York license permits fishing out-of-state portion from boat Anglers Under the Age of 16 or ice only. Anglers (residents and non-residents) under the age of 16 are not required to have a freshwater fishing license or enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.

Type of Fishing License Valid Proof of Fishing License License on official “Freshwater” Fishing DEC License sales number Plastic lifetime card Adventure license license paper Online printable license (DEC-LS-99999999) Recreational Marine Fishing Registry (Valeron) N/A N/A

6 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE LICENSE INFORMATION

License or Registry Requirements for hook; and take baitfish for personal use, all as temporarily located) always intends to return. Fishing in the Tidal Hudson River or permitted by law or DEC. Proof of residency is the address listed on a Marine and Coastal District •• The holder of a license, tag or stamp shall person’s registration to vote in elections for any have such license, tag, stamp or other valid public office other than school board. If applicant Species License or Location Fishing For Registry proof (see page 6) on his/her person is under 18, the residence of parents or legal “Freshwater” while exercising any privilege of that license. guardian shall be deemed such person’s residence. Freshwater Species Fishing License Active members of the U.S. Armed Forces North of •• The holder of a license, tag or stamp shall Tappan Zee Bridge Migratory Marine stationed in the state, and full-time college Species exhibit it on demand to any police officer, students in residence in the state during the South of Recreational Marine peace officer, or the owner, lessee or other school year (proof required) also qualify for Tappan Zee Bridge Fishing Registry All Species person in control of the lands or waters on resident licenses at regular prices. (marine and coastal which the license holder is present. district) •• No license or stamp authorizes the holder to Purchasing a License For additional information concerning the trespass upon private lands or waters or inter- Fishing licenses may be purchased at License Issu- Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, contact fere with property belonging to another person. ing Agents (town and county clerks, some major the DEC Bureau of Marine Resources at discount stores and many tackle shops and sport- ing goods stores) throughout New York State. (631) 444-0435 or visit the DEC website at Resident Licenses Licenses may also be purchased online through www.dec.ny.gov/permits/54950.html. To qualify for a resident license, one must DEC’s Automated Licensing System (DECALS), reside in New York State for more than 30 days by calling 1-866-933-2257. VISA and Master- License Privileges immediately preceding the date of application Card are accepted. For further information, go Persons holding a freshwater fishing license may for a license. Property ownership in New York to www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html. Resident take fish by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, State does not necessarily constitute residency. license buyers must have a NYS driver’s license, nets, traps and tip-ups; take frogs by spearing, Residency is a fixed, permanent and principal learners permit or non-driver’s ID for online catching with the hands or by use of a club or home to which a person (regardless wherever purchases.

Note: Periodically, DEC or its designated agent(s) may use contact information from license holders to communicate with license holders and to conduct surveys and research involving New York State fish and wildlife. The information obtained will provide public input on fish and wildlife management actions and human interactions with New York’s fish and wildlife resources.

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2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 7 TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR DEC DISPATCH CENTER: 1-877-457-5680

CONSERVATION POLICE CONSERVATION A quick reference to some of the more commonly asked questions concerning New York State fishing regulations

Q: The “Statewide Regulations” indicate that the Q: How about catch-and-release fishing for largemouth and walleye season runs from the first Saturday in May — can I do that during the closed season? through March 15. Can I fish for walleye on March 15? A: Yes. A special catch-and-release season running from December 1 A: Yes. The walleye season runs through March 15 and through the Friday preceding the third Saturday in June exists for many closes at midnight. Note that in the regulations guide, a waters in New York State. This allows an angler to catch and immediately dash (–) is often used instead of the word “through.” release a bass using artificial lures only. However, there are exceptions to NEW YORK STATE ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATE YORK NEW this regulation on and in several northern New York counties Q: If trout season opens April 1, what time may I in DEC regions 5 and 6. start fishing? Q: A: Anytime after 12 midnight. If the daily limit for a particular species is five fish and I keep five from a lake, can I keep another five from another lake? Q: Who do I contact if I have a question concerning a fishing A: No. The legal limit represents the maximum number of a species you regulation? can keep in a day. After reaching the legal limit, you cannot keep any A: We strongly recommend that you contact the law enforcement office more of that species on the same day. Note that some species such as in the DEC region covering the water where you fish. Phone numbers trout, bass and panfish are lumped together in a species category, and and e-mail addresses for each DEC region can be found in the “Special the daily limit applies to the total number of fish kept in that category. Regulations” section of the guide. For example, you may keep three brook trout and two for a total of five trout in a day, but you may not keep five brook trout AND Q: Do I need a fishing license to help my child fish? five rainbow trout in the same day. A: Unlike states such as Pennsylvania that have a specific law Q: My daughter is under 16 years of age and does not need a fishing that waives the fishing license requirement for an adult directly license. Can she still take a daily limit of fish? assisting a child, New York State does not have such a law. We strongly A: encourage children to get involved in the sport of fishing and discretion An angler is entitled to a daily limit of fish whether they need a fishing will be used as long as the child is actively involved in the fishing license or not. activity. If in the eyes of an Environmental Conservation Officer an Q: adult is more actively involved in the fishing activity than the child that Am I now required to remove all visible plant and animal material they are supposedly instructing, a citation for fishing without a license from my boat and trailer and drain my bilge and livewell when could be issued. launching at or leaving a DEC boat launch? A: Yes. Please see page 2 for more information. Q: I own a camp on a 100 acre private lake. Do I need a fishing license? Additional Q&As can be found on pages 16, 31, and 33. A: Yes. A fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older, whether the lake is accessible to the public or not. Note that there are exceptions for holders of a Farm Fish Pond License, but this license only applies to ponds 10 acres or less in size located on an active farm.

Q: If I get a ticket for fishing without a license, how much will it cost? A: The fine amount is determined by the court. They may impose a fine from $0 to $250 and/or 15 days in jail.

Q: Can I keep my fishing license in my vehicle when I am fishing so it doesn’t get wet? A: No. You must be in possession of your license or other valid proof (see page 6) when fishing.

Q: Can I continue to fish once I have caught and kept my daily limit? A: Yes. As long as you immediately release any additional fish you catch, you may continue to fish after reaching the daily limit.

Q: Does this mean that I can’t cull fish during a bass tournament? A: No. A special provision is provided for black bass anglers that allows the replacement of a single, uninjured largemouth or smallmouth bass in a livewell with another bass.

Q: The trout season is closed on my favorite stream; can I still fish for trout if I release all of the fish that I catch? ECO Russell Ritzel, Oneida County, assists these aspiring anglers at a DEC sponsored youth A: No. It is illegal to target a fish during its closed season. fishing clinic.

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uskellunge, or “muskies,” are the largest freshwater sport- Distribution fish in New York State and are considered the ultimate At least 13 lakes and 19 rivers have muskellunge populations in trophy by anglers who pursue them. Their legendary New York State (see map on page 12). The St. Lawrence River, Mability to challenge and confound the angler, their massive size Upper Niagara River and Chautauqua Lake are the most renowned potential, and their well-earned status as top predators, have often muskie fisheries in the state, but quality fisheries also exist in smaller inspired anglers to forsake other fish for a chance to encounter the lakes such as Waneta, Greenwood, Bear, and the Cassadaga lakes, “fish of 10,000 casts.” and in inland rivers such as the Susquehanna, Allegheny, Delaware, Muskellunge are the largest members of the pike family, Esocidae, Great Chazy and major tributaries of the St. Lawrence River. which also includes northern pike, chain pickerel, redfin pickerel and grass pickerel—all native to New York State. When muskel- Types lunge and northern pike interbreed, they produce a sterile hybrid Two native muskie types or “strains” occur in New York State—the cross called a tiger muskellunge. Tiger muskellunge are sometimes Great Lakes strain and the Ohio River strain. The Great Lakes produced naturally in waters where both species reside, but they strain is found in the St. Lawrence River and tributaries, Lake are also reared in hatcheries and stocked as a popular sportfish. Ontario, Lake Erie and the Niagara River. These populations are Muskellunge inhabit coolwater lakes and large river systems in self-sustaining. Ohio River strain fish are native to the Allegheny eastern and north-central . They spawn in the spring River watershed but have been introduced to the Lake Champlain, in water temperatures around 50–60° F in shallow water, typically Delaware and watersheds. Populations in the along lake and river shorelines. Muskellunge grow rapidly, attain- Susquehanna River and tributaries are now self-sustaining, but ing 10–12 inches in length by their first winter, and are around the other populations are supplemented or maintained by stock- 30 inches long by age 4. Most muskies are reproductively mature ing. Ohio River strain fish tend to have a barred, or striped, color by age 6, when they average 34 inches long, with females typically pattern, while the Great Lakes strain is typically spotted. larger than males. Muskies can grow to enormous proportions, sometimes reaching 50 pounds or more. The state record muskel- (Continued on page 12) lunge tipped the scales at 69 lbs., 15 oz!

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ope9058_NY_Fish_ad_8-25x10-75_2a.indd 1 1/29/15 4:05 PM Management Muskellunge fisheries in New York are managed through habitat protection and enhancement, research and monitoring, stocking, Muskie Waters and fishing regulations. of New York Habitat Protection and Enhancement Maintaining and enhancing water quality and habitat are critical to the maintenance of healthy muskie populations. Shoreline develop- ment and erosion, unnatural water level fluctuations, invasive species and wetland encroachment all threaten the stability of muskellunge populations. Habitat protection and enhancement measures include identification and rehabilitation of spawning sites, enforcement of water quality and wetland regulations, identifying and preserving important spawning and nursery habitats, and determining the impacts of invasive species on habitat quality. 1. Lake Erie 2. Upper Niagara River 3. Findley Lake Research and Monitoring 4. Chautauqua Lake As top predators, muskellunge are naturally low in abundance. Because 5. Bear Lake 6. Cassadaga Lakes 15. Tioughnioga River of this, monitoring their populations is challenging and requires 7. Cassadaga Creek 16. Chenango River a variety of sampling techniques dependent on the objective and 8. Conewango Creek 17. Delaware River waterbody. The status of some important lake muskellunge fisheries 9. 18. Greenwood Lake 24. Grass River 10. Olean Creek 19. Lower Niagara River 25. Raquette River in New York State, including Chautauqua Lake, and the 11. Waneta/ 20. Lake Ontario 26. St. Regis River Cassadaga lakes, is regularly monitored by adult trap netting surveys 12. Tioga River 21. St. Lawrence River 27. Deer River 13. Chemung River 22. Black Lake 28. Great Chazy River during spawning in the spring. Boat electrofishing surveys are also 14. Susquehanna River 23. Oswegatchie River 29. Lake Champlain sometimes used to check the status of populations in inland rivers, such as the Great Chazy and Susquehanna. The St. Lawrence and Upper Niagara River populations are two of only a few large, self-sustaining populations in North America, and unique River, a northern Lake Champlain tributary, are also stocked. Most management programs have been established for them. The St. Lawrence stocked fingerlings are fin clipped to aid in monitoring the success River population is managed through the efforts of an international St. of the stocking programs. A list of stocked waters can be found at: Lawrence River Esocid Working Group, to perpetuate the muskellunge www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/100348.html as a viable, self-sustaining component of the fish community in the river, and to provide a quality trophy fishery. Monitoring of adult and young- Fishing Regulations of-the-year muskellunge has been ongoing since 1990, providing an Fishing regulations, including harvest limits, minimum sizes, and annual assessment of population changes. Beginning in 2005, widespread open seasons, are important management tools designed to provide mortality of adult muskellunge due to the fish disease viral hemorrhagic angling opportunity while protecting muskellunge during the spawn- septicemia (VHS) was observed. This resulted in major declines in adult ing season, and allowing them to survive to reproductive maturity catches in spring spawning surveys and young-of-the-year catches during and grow to desirable sizes. summer seining in nursery grounds. Continued monitoring in nursery areas and studying the factors influencing reproductive success are highly Statewide (Inland Waters) important. The information derived from these efforts is guiding habitat Statewide fishing regulations for muskellunge changed in 2015. The and population enhancement strategies. new regulations provide for an open season from the last Saturday Research in the Upper Niagara River has focused on evaluating in May to November 30, a 40-inch minimum size limit, and a daily habitat quality, young-of-the-year production and fish community possession limit of 1. These regulations raised the size limit and opened structure in both the river and Buffalo Harbor. Habitat quality has the season earlier than the previous regulations. They are intended been identified as a key limiting factor for the muskellunge popula- to bring regulatory consistency to all inland muskie waters, provide tion in this area. In addition, annual angler catch-and-release records more spring fishing opportunities after the spawning period, and collected by the Niagara Musky Association have allowed for a long- require that more muskies are returned to their respective fisheries, term assessment of the fishery. which will allow them to grow to more desirable sizes and give them The St. Lawrence and Upper Niagara River research programs are additional years to spawn. conducted by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) under a contract with NYSDEC using Federal Aid in Sportfish Great Lakes, Niagara River, St. Lawrence River Restoration grant funds. Niagara River muskellunge research is also The minimum size limit was changed in 2015 from 48 inches to supported by funds from the New York Power Authority through the 54 inches for the Upper and Lower Niagara rivers, Lake Ontario and Niagara Greenway Ecological Fund. the St. Lawrence River. The increased minimum size limit will provide added protection for large females, allowing these fish to spawn for a few Propagation and Stocking additional years before reaching harvestable size. This regulation also Many of the high-quality muskie fisheries in New York’s inland lakes standardizes the muskellunge minimum size limit across New York’s and rivers are products of successful stocking programs. Stocking has Great Lakes waters and the Province of Ontario, with the exception of been used to establish new fisheries and maintain fisheries where natural their 44-inch minimum size limit on Lake Erie/upper Niagara River. reproduction may be lacking. Muskellunge have been raised for stocking in The season opening date for all of New York’s Great Lakes waters New York since the late 1800s, and this continues today at the Chautauqua remains the third Saturday in June. The season closes on November 30 State Fish Hatchery. Each spring, hatchery staff collect and fertilize eggs in Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River and on December 15 in from wild fish, usually from Chautauqua Lake. Fertilized eggs are then the Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. hatched and reared at the hatchery. The first four months of the rearing Muskellunge have long been considered a trophy fish, and the new process occur in tanks inside the hatchery, where muskellunge are fed a dry regulations reflect that status. Dedicated muskie anglers already pellet diet and grow to about 5 inches long. In August, these “fingerlings” practice catch and release, which has helped sustain and improve are transferred to outside ponds, where they are fed live minnows until New York’s outstanding muskie fisheries. With the new higher size they are ready for stocking at about 9 inches long in October. limits, it is important for all muskie anglers to become familiar with About 25,000 fingerlings are annually stocked in 14 waters, primar- proper handling and release techniques to ensure that these fisheries ily in the Allegheny River watershed, including Chautauqua Lake. reach their full potential for trophy fish. For information on how to Waneta Lake, in the Susquehanna watershed, and the Great Chazy get started fishing for muskies, see page 26 in this guide.

12 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE “The St. Lawrence River Valley has a greater variety of true trophy angling than any place on earth.” - Don Meissner, nationally-recognized angler and TV host

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The 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 15–51.

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 48–51.

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 Last Sat in May through Nov 30 40" 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 (including catch and release) or possession prohibited Paddlefish, Sauger

Lake Whitefish All year Any size 5

Striped Bass—Hudson River and all inland waters except Delaware River Regulation change in progress. See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/31427.html for current regulations. (see page 24) 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) All year Any size 50 Sunfish (, 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 9" 25 Ontario and tributaries to these waters.

All endangered or threatened fish species. Fishing for (including catch and release) or possession prohibited See page 52 for complete list of species.

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 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Special Regulations

The following pages list 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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2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 15 HEADREGION 1 • LONG ISLAND

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, ENVIRONMENTAL 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: If DEC stocks fish in a stream, a East (Swan) Lake Trout April 1 through Nov 30 10" 3 portion of which is private, do I have the Laurel Lake Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted Trout All year 12" 3 right to fish for these fish on private land? Deep Pond Ice fishing permitted A: Chain Pickerel All year Catch and release only No. Many stocked streams have both All freshwater and tidal Brown & Rainbow private and public segments. Although fish streams except Carmans All year Any size 3 are typically stocked only in segments open River in Southhaven County Trout to the public, the fish can swim into private Park, Connetquot River in sections. In these circumstances, unless Connetquot River State Park DEC has purchased public fishing rights and Nissequoque River in Brook Trout April 1 through Sept 30 Catch and release only (PFR) from the landowner, you must ask Caleb Smith State Park Connetquot and Caleb Smith Park Regulations apply, permit required. Call (631) 581-1005 Connetquot, permission of the landowner to legally fish Trout on private land. PFR segments are posted State Parks (631) 265-1054 Nissequogue. Carmans River with yellow signs. Brook Trout April 1 through Sept 30 Catch and release only (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 A: You may transport twice the daily limit lines at Gate G upstream to Trout April 1 through Sept 30 Catch and release only Fly fishing only Yaphank Avenue for fish such as trout, black bass and crappie From Cement Dam upstream Brown & Rainbow that have a daily catch limit. There are to LIPA transmission lines April 1 through Sept 30 9" 3 Fly fishing only Trout exceptions for processed and packaged at Gate G fish or when a permit has been obtained From Cement Dam down- Brown & Rainbow 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.

16 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY

REGION 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. All Species Central Park- all waters except All year All fish, except for snakeheads, shall be returned to the water Queens snakeheads immediately. See Snakehead Alert information below for Baisley’s Pond, Kissena Lake, instructions on handling a snakehead you have caught. Meadow Lake, Oakland Lake, Willow Lake Region 2 Richmond () 1 Hunters Point Plaza Brooks Lake, Clove Lake, Willow- 47-40 21st Street brook Lake, Wolfe’s Pond Long Island City, NY 11101-5407 (718) 482-4922 [email protected] SNAKEHEAD ALERT Northern snakehead and other snakehead species are listed as species dangerous to native fish populations in New York, and their possession is strictly prohibited. These fish can seriously damage native fish communities. Any snakehead caught while angling cannot be released back into the water. It must be immediately euthanized and reported to DEC. Kill it, freeze it, and report your catch to a local DEC office. Note that the northern snakehead can be confused with burbot and bowfin, two species native to New York. To determine if you have indeed caught a northern snakehead, review the distinguishing characteristics below.

A happy angler at a DEC Free Fishing Clinic at Baisley Pond, Queens County

18 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY REGION 3 • SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK

Dutchess 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 Putnam 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

Rockland 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

2015–16 NEW YORK 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. Ulster 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 Use or possession of baitfish Alder Lake, Echo Lake Trout April 1 through Sept 30 10" 3 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" Westchester 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"

20 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY REGION 4 • EAST CENTRAL NEW YORK

Albany 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, 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

Delaware 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 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

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 21 REGION 4 • EAST CENTRAL NEW YORK

Greene 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

Montgomery 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) Lake Trout All year 23" 1 Ice fishing permitted

Rensselaer 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 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 10" 5 Schoharie Creek 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 10" 5 Schoharie Creek from 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

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 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.

22 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY NEW YORK CITY RESERVOIR REGULATIONS

Almost 400 miles of shoreline are open for •• DEP Central Office NYC DEP allows non-motorized recre- fishing on the reservoirs and controlled lakes 96-05 Horace Harding Expressway ational boating with canoes, kayaks, sailboats, of the New York City Water Supply. A free New Corona, NY and skulls on a day use basis on Cannonsville, York City Department of Environmental Protec- (718) 595-4595 Neversink, Pepacton and Schoharie Reservoirs. tion (DEP) Public Access Permit is required to Recreational boating season currently opens •• DEP’s Bureau of Customer Conservation fish New York City reservoirs. In addition, all on the Friday before Memorial Day and runs Services in Manhattan anglers 16 years of age or older must possess a through Columbus Day. 1250 Broadway, 8th Floor valid New York State fishing license. All DEP A pilot program now allows the use of New York, NY permits issued prior to 2002 are no longer electric trolling motors on fishing rowboats (212) 643-2215 valid and a new permit must be obtained. For on Cannonsville Reservoir. All trolling motors those 18 years of age or older, permits can be In addition to shoreline fishing, boating for must be registered and steam cleaned prior obtained online at www.nyc.gov/html/dep/ the purposes of fishing is allowed on NYC to use. Details about these expanded recre- html/watershed_protection/recreation.shtml. reservoirs to those with the appropriate DEP ational boating opportunities can be found at Permits can also be obtained by completing Access Permits and Boat Tags. Anglers must www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/recreation/ an application and mailing to: NYCDEP— store their fishing boats at designated storage cannonsville_boating_program.shtml. Access Permits, 71 Smith Avenue, Kingston, areas. All boats must be steam cleaned and NY 12401. Guest passes are also available for registered with DEP. Some of the over 240 boat DEP Offices those who would like to accompany an access storage areas may at times be closed to the •• Ashokan Reservoir permit holder onto water supply lands but do placement of new boats due to overcrowding (845) 657-2663 not want to obtain their own access permit. and maintenance needs; several are currently Access permit applications can be obtained closed. People who want to register a new boat •• Schoharie Reservoir online or by visiting a DEP office or police must first obtain a valid DEP Access Permit and (607) 588-6231 precinct, town hall or sports/tackle shop within then call the DEP Office near the reservoir of •• Rondout and Neversink Reservoirs the watershed. In New York City, applications interest to make a steam-cleaning and Boat Tag (845) 334-7152 are available during normal business hours at: registration appointment. There is no cost for •• Cannonsville and Pepacton Reservoirs this service, which must be performed by DEP. (607) 363-7009 •• East of Hudson Reservoirs (914) 232-1309 New York City Reservoir Regulations For additional information, contact DEP at: Daily Reservoir Species Open Season Minimum Length Method Limit [email protected] or call 1-800-575- LAND (5263) Amawalk Bog Brook Cross River Ice fishing Diverting Trout All year 12" 3 permitted Middle Branch Respect the Sport Muscoot Titicus of Angling •• It is the angler’s responsibility to entice the fish to strike the bait or Ice fishing Croton Falls Trout All year 18" 1 lure. It is this challenge that makes permitted angling a lifetime sport. Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Lake Gilead Ice fishing • The sport of fishing is based upon the Lake Gleneida permitted • Trout All Year Any size 5 experience of fishing, not the number Boyd Corners Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing of fish taken. East Branch permitted Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 •• The sport of angling is based upon Lake Trout All year 21" 3 the concept of “fair chase.” Fish Ice fishing are not fairly taken when confined West Branch Trout All year 12" 3 permitted by low water levels or temperature LL Salmon All year 18" 1 conditions. Lake Trout All year 18" 3 • Ethical fishing is not limited to any Kensico • Trout All year 12" 3 particular method or technique as long as fish are enticed to bite under New Croton Trout All year 12" 3 fair chase conditions. Schoharie • Remember “Adults Teach by Example, Lake Trout April 1 through Nov 30 18" 3 • Rondout Children Learn by Observing” Trout April 1 through Nov 30 12" 3 ALWAYS be aware of the example Trout April 1 through Nov 30 12" 3 that you are setting. The future of our Ashokan sport depends upon it! Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Cannonsville Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 3 Trout April 1 through Oct 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.

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 23 TIDAL HUDSON RIVER REGULATIONS

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

From the Battery to the Troy Dam and all Eels 9"–14" only may be American eel tributaries upstream to the first barrier All year possessed for bait. No eels 25 impassable by fish 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 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. Striped Bass Regulation change in progress. See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/31427.html for current regulations. 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 5 Zee Bridge Nov 30

License 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

Hudson River Tributaries and 10 per angler, Embayments, including Mohawk OR March 15 through River (see Saratoga County None a maximum boat limit of 50 per Angling only June 15 Mohawk River exception on day for a group of boat anglers, page 33). 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.

Taking 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: ùùwith 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 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE BORDER WATERS REGULATIONS

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

3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 12" 5 Black Bass Dec 1 through the Friday preceding the Catch and Release only 3rd 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 seven ice fishing lines 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 seven ice fishing lines may be used. keeping-bass-alive

Delaware River & West Branch Delaware River (NY/PA Border Water) Minimum Body of Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Length Accessible

1st Sat 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 1st Sat after April 11 Conservation is committed to providing an ever increasing range of 1st Sat after April 11 through Oct 15 12" 2 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 1st Sat after April 11 Artificial lures only South Bay Fishing Pier on Lake Champlain is an example of the efforts 1st Sat after June 11 through Fri preceding 12" 5 the Department has made towards the 1st Sat After April 11 Black Bass improving fishing opportunities for From Fri preceding the 1st Sat after April 11 people with disabilities. For a complete Catch and Release only through Fri preceding the 1st Sat after 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:

Pickerel All year 12" 5 www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/34035.html Delaware River & West Branch Muskellunge, All year 40" 1 Delaware River Tiger Muskellunge

Regulation change in progress. Striped Bass See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/31427.html for current regulations.

River Herring* (Alewife and Possession Prohibited Blueback Herring)

American Shad All year Any size 3

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 25 NewMuskie York abounds in opportunities for anglers to pursue these hard-hitting and hard-fighting, toothy, apex predators. 101

By Anthony Scimé and Scott McKee Niagara Musky Association

Anthony Scime is a founding member of the Niagara Musky Association and has pursued muskies in New York’s Niagara region for over 35 years. Scott McKee is the current president and newsletter editor of the Niagara Musky Association.

26 Don’t just catch any fish... teeped in legend and lore, New York State boasts some of the most famous and productive muskie fisheries in North America. From the gigantic fish factory of the St. Lawrence Catch a Record Fish! SRiver and the heavy currents of the Niagara River, to the vastness Enjoy 4 seasons of phenomenal fishing on of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie and the stocked gem of Chautauqua Great Lake Ontario, and the Salmon and Oswego Rivers. Lake, New York abounds in opportunities for anglers to pursue these hard-hitting and hard-fighting, toothy, apex predators. This www.visitoswegocounty.com article offers tips and a list of tools and tackle necessary for the novice or less seasoned muskie angler. 1-800-248-4FUN for current fishing reports Pursuing muskies is a multi-decade endeavor for the most serious and committed muskie anglers, and even they will admit they are constantly learning. Fishing for these beasts can seriously test your resolve and commitment to the sport. Muskie anglers must be willing to sacrifice days, weeks or even months on the water, often in less than ideal conditions, to land one huge fish. Then, as soon as the fish is landed, their only goal is to release it as fast as possible. In that respect, muskie fishing may seem to be a silly exercise. If you agree, read no further. If you want to start fishing for muskies, however, read on. You will find the first few years of your muskie angling experi- ence to be the hardest (and most expensive), but they may also be the most rewarding. Learning how to fish for muskies by explor- ing waterways, by experimenting, and through trial and error 101 before seeing the fruits of your labors make successful muskie fishing especially rewarding. Then there are the fish themselves of course. There is a certain allure to catching fish that swim alone atop the food chain. With the exception of lake sturgeon, muskies are the largest freshwater fish in New York’s waters, and they have teeth—big, sharp teeth. Pursuing these fish can become addictive. For dyed-in-the-wool muskie anglers, other freshwater fish are viewed as merely bait. For current Oswego County fishing blogs visit: fishingandhuntinginoswego.blogspot.com

Photo credit: Paul DiConza

27 Catch and Release Releasing a muskie: Hold the fish in the water until it swims away under Serious muskie anglers don’t keep muskies, period. Also, when the its own power. If you’ve done every- season opens in 2015, minimum size limits in waters such as the thing right, this should take less St. Lawrence and Niagara River will be 54 inches and for inland waters, than a minute. 40 inches. Because you will have to release almost all the muskies you catch, the most important aspect of muskie fishing is knowing Angling Gear how to properly and effectively handle and release the fish. Although muskies are at the top of the food chain, they are very susceptible to Muskies can be caught by trolling and casting in almost any post-release mortality if not handled properly. The first step is having water containing muskies in New York State. A modest investment in the right release tools. muskie-specific equipment is needed. This equipment often varies, depending on whether you troll or cast: Do Not Go Muskie Fishing Without These Tools Rods Large coated landing net designed specifically for muskies: The large hoop and bag enables you to land really large fish with minimal Trolling: Medium-heavy trolling rods 8 to 10 feet long and rated for 20 damage to them. After netting a muskie, never bring the net with the to 40 lb. test line. Acceptable trolling rods can be found for under $50. fish into your boat. A thrashing muskie on the bottom of a boat with Casting: Rods at least 8 feet long, heavy action, with stiff but modest large hooks in its mouth could injure you or your boat partner(s) and flex in the upper third are a good place to start. Beginner casting rods it will certainly injure itself. While removing hooks from a muskie, can be found for about $100. keep its head under water so it is able to breathe. Hook cutters: By cutting hooks which cannot be easily removed, Reels you place less stress on the muskie and allow for a more successful Trolling: Larger capacity line counters are the favored reels among release. This will be the most important tool you’ll ever purchase if a trollers. Counters with larger line capacities and handles are best — hook from a muskie lure becomes embedded in you, especially if the they make it easier to reel in large muskie lures and muskies alike. lure is also attached to a thrashing muskie. Good reels can be purchased for around $100. Large long-nose pliers: Muskie lures are large, with big hooks. Long Casting: You’ll be chucking large lures all day long, so don’t go cheap pliers enable you to keep your hands away from them as you remove on a casting reel. Larger capacity reels with large handles, good hooks and hook pieces. cranking power, and fast retrieve rates are preferable. Expect to spend Jaw spreaders: On occasion, muskies take lures deep into their mouths, $100–$200 or more on an appropriate casting reel. and jaw spreaders enable you to access these deeply embedded hooks. Line Proper Handling and Release Trolling and casting: 80-pound braid is the standard. It is tough, Limit a muskie’s time out of water to less than 30 seconds. If you want but thin, enabling your lures to go deep when trolling. The diameter to get a picture of your muskie, have your camera ready and make sure of 80-pound braid is around that of 17-pound monofilament, which your partner knows how to use it before you remove the muskie from makes it easy to cast. the water. One picture with you and the fish and a quick measure- ment—in the water or on a wet bump (measuring) board—is sufficient. Leaders Holding a muskie: Slide four fingers of one hand under the fish’s gill Trolling: 100 to 200-pound seven-strand or solid stainless steel wire flap (be sure to avoid the gills), with the thumb on the outside where at least 3 feet long. Trollers who bounce lures on the bottom often the two gill covers meet, and hold very firmly while cradling the fish use leaders up to 6 feet long. under its belly with the other hand. No vertical holds. Best yet—do Casting: 200-pound solid wire, 8 to 12 inches long. not take the fish out of the water at all. Never use cheap leaders—they will fail on a big fish. Muskies will always exploit the weakest link in your presentation, so be sure that all leaders have quality snaps and swivels. Lures There are thousands of lures to choose from, which can present a problem for anglers new to the sport. The truth is, you only need a few. For trolling deep: A few large-lipped deep divers 8 to 12 inches long. Legend Perchbaits, Believers, Depth Raiders, Jakes, Ernies, Grandmas and Mr. Toothy baits are tough, solid, and proven muskie catchers. For trolling shallow: Large in-line spinners and spinnerbaits work well. Also, 6 to 8-inch Pikie minnow-type plugs will troll through and over most shallow aquatic environments. Casting: Popular casting baits include jerk baits, crank baits, in-line Although muskies are at the spinners, spinnerbaits, top water baits, rubber creatures and tubes (like those made by Red October Baits). They are countless. Go online top of the food chain, they are and purchase a few proven, quality-made baits. Colors: A few lures in natural colors (perch, sucker, walleye, shad), a few very susceptible to post-release in hot colors (firetiger, orange tiger, hot perch) and a few in black (night shiner, black perch) are all you need to get started. In clearer water, start mortality if not handled properly. with natural colors or black. In murky water, hotter colors can excel. The first step is having the right While fishing at night, black, white or hot colors are good choices. release tools.

28 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Angling Tips and Tactics It’s all about location. Keys for casting and trolling shallow areas are weeds and their edges. Cast and troll above and along the edges. Any deviations from the norm—such as points, openings, and rocks among weed flats—are prime areas for muskies. If you like trolling deep, also make sure to key in on edges, especially rocky breaklines or deep shoals (which act as feeding shelves). Troll both the top and bottom of the breakline. Let your lure hit and bounce off the rocks, which will help trigger strikes from curious muskies. Vary the speeds of your presentations until you contact fish. When casting, erratically moving your baits may trigger strikes. The same applies to trolling. Vary your speed until a muskie strikes. Experienced trollers often pull their baits up to 6 MPH (or more) when water temperatures are warm, and may drop speeds to under 2 MPH when water temperatures dip into the high 30s. Muskies tend to follow baits. At the end of each cast, you should alter the direction of your lure with a 90-degree “L” or sweep them into a figure 8 or large circle, which will result in more strikes. When trolling, jerking your rod forward may also trigger more strikes. Fight and land muskies as quickly as possible. The longer you fight a muskie, the more apt it is to succumb to post-release mortality. Even very large muskies can be landed quickly with the proper equipment. Time spent on the water is the key to muskie fishing. The more time you spend fishing for muskies, the more muskies you will catch. It is that simple. This is a very basic article which was condensed for this guide, but it should help you get started in your pursuit of New York State’s ultimate freshwater angling achievement—catching and releasing a trophy muskellunge! For the complete article, including more tips on muskie fishing, visit: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/100343.html. Good luck!

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2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 29 REGION 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- 1115 State Route 86 ment located at the intersection of Trout All year 12" 5 P.O. Box 296 Sand Pond Road and NYS Rt 22B Ray Brook, NY 12977-0220 in Morrisonville Saranac River from the Millstone (518) 897-1200 Monument located at the intersec- tion of Sand Pond Road and NYS Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only Sub-Office Rt. 22B in Morrisonville upstream to 232 Golf Course Road Kent Falls Dam Warrensburg, NY 12885-0220 Saranac River from marked (518) 623-1200 boundary 100 yards upstream of its confluence with the North Branch Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only [email protected] 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 Goldsmith Road bridge (in Franklin County) Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.

Essex 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, Crane Pond 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 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 Waters and State Fishing for black bass (including Lands Where Baitfish 3rd Sat in June All waters except Lake Colby Black Bass 12" 5 catch & release) is through Nov 30 are Prohibited prohibited outside of The use or possession of fish as bait is the open season prohibited on many trout waters and on Trout All year Any size 5 certain units of state land (listed in Special LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Regulations by County pages: 15–47). Lake Colby Ice fishing permitted These restrictions are necessary to 3rd Sat in June Black Bass Any size 5 through Nov 30 preserve trout fishing and maintain native fish communities. Baitfish can Big Fish Pond, Little Fish Pond, St. April 1 through Use or possession of Lake Trout 15" 3 become established if they escape from a Regis Pond Oct 15 baitfish prohibited bait pail or get off a hook alive. Natural Trout All year Any size 5 reproduction of trout can be severely Lake Clear, Meacham Lake Ice fishing permitted LL Salmon All year 15" 3 reduced or eliminated by competing fish. Aquatic 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 Salmon River from the Flat Rock dramatic decline in the total weight of Road bridge to 200 yards down- Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only trout in a pond after competing stream of the Cargin Road bridge become established. April 1 through Catch and release Mountain Pond (Town of Brighton) Trout Artificial lures only 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 NEW YORK STATE Saranac River from Pine Street bridge upstream to Lake Flower Trout All year Any size 5 ENVIRONMENTAL Dam in Village of Saranac Lake North Branch Saranac River from CONSERVATION the mouth of Cold Brook (Clinton Trout All year 12" 3 County) upstream to the Goldsmith POLICE Road bridge Q: Whey Pond Trout April 1 – Oct 15 12" 3 Artificial lures only Can I use whole or parts of yellow perch or other sportfish that I caught as bait? Ice fishing permitted; Upper Saranac Lake Lake Trout April 1 – Oct 15 23" 3 Tip-ups prohibited A: Yes, as long as it is legal to use fish as bait Tupper Lake, Lake Kushaqua, in the waterbody you are fishing, the fish Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Ice fishing permitted Rollins Pond were captured from that waterbody, and they Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. were legally taken and of legal size. Note that sportfish used for bait count toward the daily limit you may possess. Fulton County Minimum Q: Can I use an ATV or snowmobile for ice Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length fishing at DEC fishing or boating access sites? Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Lake, Green Lake, Lily Lake, A: Ice fishing permitted Use of properly registered snowmobiles West Lake Trout All year Any size 5 and ATV is permitted at DEC boat launches that provide for ice fishing access, unless , West Caroga there are specific local restrictions that Lake, Northville Pond, Great Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted prevent their use on a body of water. The ice must be accessed in a fashion that does not damage landscaping, fences or other site Kyser Lake Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted amenities. tributaries Q: from the stream mouth to first Can I use a gaff while ice fishing? highway bridge. Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of Walleye season in May A: Although prohibited during the open from the Bridge Street bridge in water season in freshwater, gaffs may be used Northville upstream to the first crossing of Route 30. when ice fishing. Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. Q: Do I have the right to fish a stream bordering a public road? A: If the stream is on private land, you may not fish it without permission. Although the stream Attention Boaters may be bordered by a public road or road New Law Effective May 1st 2014: All easement, the stream bottom can be privately individuals born on or after 5/1/96 are now owned. Therefore, you must ask permission of required to successfully complete an approved the landowner to legally fish the stream. course in boater education in order to operate a motorboat. To find a boating course near you go to: TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR DEC DISPATCH CENTER: www.parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/ 1-877-457-5680

2015–16 NEW YORK 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 Limekiln Lake, Great Sacandaga Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted Lake 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 Sacandaga Lake tributaries and Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May outlet, Lake Pleasant tributaries 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 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 Come enjoy a fishing trip Trout All year Any size 5 you won’t soon forget! Seventh Lake, Sixth Lake Lake Trout All year 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Great Sacandaga Lake tributaries from the upstream mouth to first highway bridge. Sacandaga River Fishing prohibited March 16 until the opening of walleye season in May from Bridge Street in Northville upstream to the first crossing of Route 30. Little Tupper Lake, Rock Pond & April 1 through Catch and release Artificial Use or possession of Rock Pond Outlet Stream between Trout Oct 15 only lures only. baitfish prohibited Rock Pond & Little Tupper Lake Indian River (Town of Indian Lake) Trout All year Any size 5 Charley Pond Outlet (within W.C. Fishing prohibited July 1st through Sept 15th 44 lakes and 74,000 acres Whitney Area) of wild forest in the Southern Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. Adirondacks await you.

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New York A 19½ inch smallmouth bass caught and Ian Gordon caught and released this 18 inch Tourism Department released by Scott Pringle on June 23, 2014 smallmouth bass he caught from Lake Champlain, from Lake George, Warren County. Clinton County on July 25, 2014. 32 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY REGION 5 • NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK

Saratoga County Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method 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, Brant Lake Outlet, Hudson River, Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted NEW YORK STATE Lake Luzerne, Trout Lake Lake George and tributaries Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted; ENVIRONMENTAL 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 CONSERVATION Glen Lake Trout All year Any size 5 Ice fishing permitted POLICE Hour Pond, Jabe Pond, Little Jabe April 1 through Pond, Peaked Mountain Pond, and Trout 12" 3 Artificial lures only Q: Oct 15 Do I need a permit to conduct a bass their tributaries tournament in New York State? Trout All year Any size 5 Schroon Lake, Schroon River from A: A permit is not necessary to conduct a Schroon Lake downstream to Lake Trout All year 18" 2 Ice fishing permitted Starbuckville Dam bass tournament in New York. However, a LL Salmon All year 15" 3 temporary revocable permit is required Trout All year Any size 5 to use a DEC boat launch or other state Schroon River from Starbuckville Lake Trout All year Any size 3 Ice fishing permitted Dam downstream land for an organized purpose, such as a LL Salmon All year Any size 3 tournament weigh-in. Additionally, a permit Trout April 1 – Nov 30 Any size 5 issued by the appropriate DEC regional Thirteenth Lake and tributaries and Use or possession of office is required to possess fish in excess of outlet downstream to Hudson River baitfish prohibited Salmon April 1 – Nov 30 15" 3 the daily limit for tournaments holding fish Palmer Pond Trout April 1 – Nov 30 Any size 5 prior to release or using release boats. Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. Q: Can I collect crayfish and use them Washington County for bait? Minimum A: Yes, except for rusty crayfish (see page Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length 56). However, a fishing license is required from Vermont state line to keep minnow species incidentally caught downstream to covered bridge at Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only in a crayfish trap, and their take and use Eagleville must be in accordance with DEC baitfish Trout April 1 – Oct 15 9" 5 regulations. Lake Champlain and tributaries to All Species See Lake Champlain Regulations on page 35. Q: first barrier If I put an electric motor on my canoe, does the canoe have to be Lake George and tributaries Lake Trout, Smelt: Use or registered with NYS? upstream to first barrier impassable Trout, See Lake George under Warren County possession of smelt by fish LL Salmon prohibited A: Yes. Any motorized vessel operated on Hudson River from Troy dam the waters of the state of New York must upstream to Ft. Edward and tributar- Catch and release fishing only. All fish shall be returned to be registered with the Department of ies in this section to first barrier All Species All year the water immediately. Baitfish listed on page 57 may be Motor Vehicles. impassable by fish, Mohawk River possessed for use as fish bait. Use of tip-ups is permitted. below Route 32 Bridge TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR DEC DISPATCH CENTER: Refer to page 34 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited. 1-877-457-5680

Attention Lake George Boaters All trailered boats being launched into Lake George must undergo an inspection at one of the six regional inspection stations around Lake George to ensure that they are free of aquatic invasive species. Visit www.lgboatinspections.com for more information.

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 33 REGION 5 • NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK • BAITFISH PROHIBITED WATERS

Clinton County • Upper and Lower Preston • Panther Pond • Long Pond • Mosquito Pond Ponds • Porkchop Pond (0.6 mi. • Third Lake • Owls Head Pond Town of Black Brook • Henderson Lake east of Upper Saranac • Raquette Lake Reservoir • Cranberry Pond Town of North Elba Lake) Hamilton County Town of Morehouse • Mud Pond (2 miles • St. Germain Pond (½ • Big Cherry Patch Pond • Blue Ridge Wilderness • Bochen Lake southwest of riverview) mile north of Lake Clear) • Cameras Pond • Buell Brook Primitive • Squaw Lake, • Mud Pond • McKenzie Pond Town of Malone Area • Unnamed Pond (¼ mile Town of Dannemora • Tom Peck Pond • Malone Village Ice Pond • Five Ponds Wilderness southwest of Squaw • High Peaks Wilderness • Mud Pond • Upper and Lower Preston Town of Tupper Lake Lake) Ponds (except Raquette River) Essex County • Rag Pond (200 feet north • Hudson Gorge Warren County Town of North Hudson of West Pine Pond) • Primitive Area (except • Dix Mountain Wilderness • Pharaoh Lake Wilderness • Bass Lake • West Pine Pond Hudson River) • Giant Mountain • Siamese Ponds • Bloody Pond Town of Santa Clara • Pigeon Lake Wilderness Wilderness Wilderness • Boreas Pond • Bad News Pond (1000 • Siamese Ponds • High Peaks Wilderness • Challis Pond feet northwest of Wilderness Town of Bolton • Hoffman Notch • Courtney Pond Polliwog Pond) • Silver Lake Wilderness • Brown Pond Wilderness • Deer Pond • Black Pond (between (except Sacandaga River) • Hudson Gorge Primitive Town of Chester • Howard Pond Square Pond and Whey • Little Moose Lake Area (except Hudson • Clear Pond • Moose Mountain Pond Pond) • West Canada Lakes River) • Palmer Pond • Triangle Pond • Duck or Echo Pond Wilderness • McKenzie Mountain • Lower Twin Pond • Duell Pond (¼ mile south • William C. Whitney area Town of Hague Wilderness (except West • Upper Twin Pond of Little Green Pond) • Buttermilk Pond Branch of the Ausable Town of Arietta • White Lily Pond • East Copperas Pond • Jabe Pond River) • Christian Lake Town of St. Armand • Federation Pond (¼ mile • Little Jabe Pond • Pharaoh Lake Wilderness • G Lake • Moose Pond southeast of East Pine • Racket Ponds • Sentinel Range • Iron Lake Pond) • Spectacle Ponds (2) Wilderness (except East Town of Schroon • Jockeybush Lake • Frog Pond (650 feet Branch Ausable River) • Cotters Pond • Little Moose Lake Town of Horicon north of Polliwog Pond) • Duck Pond Town of Jay Town of Willmington • Lower Sargent Pond • Grass Pond (1¼ mile • Middle Sargent Pond • Long Pond • Clements Pond • Morgan Pond northeast of Benz Pond) • Red Louse Lake • Round Pond (Cooperkill) • Little Black Pond Town of Minerva Town of Hope Town of Johnsburg • Barnes Pond Town of Moriah (between Black and • Bennett Lake • Crane Mountain Pond • Black Pond • Goose Puddle Square ponds) • Middle Lake • Eagle Pond • Center Pond • Trout Pond • Green Pond (north of • Murphy Lake • Kibby Pond • Clear Pond Follensby Clear Pond) • Corner Pond Franklin County • Horseshoe Pond Town of Indian Lake Town of Stony Creek • Little Polliwog Pond • New Lake • Deer Pond • St. Regis Canoe Area • Barker Pond • Madewaska Pond • Wilcox Lake • First Lake (Essex Chain • High Peaks Wilderness • Blue Ledge Pond of Lakes) • Polliwog Pond • Bullhead Pond (except Raquette River • Rat Pond Town of Thurman • Hewitt Pond and Saranac River) • First Lake (Essex chain • Little Joe Pond • Jackson Pond • Sunday Pond (southeast of lakes) Town of Bellmont of Rat Pond) • Lixard Pond • Mud Pond (north of Clear • Grassy Pond • Shiras Pond • Drain Pond • Sunrise Pond (east of Pond) • Little Grassy Pond • Un-named Pond (1 mi. • Mud Pond (north of Third Town of Brighton Follensby Clear Pond) • Lower Carter Pond • Track Pond (¾ mile northwest of Lixard Lake Essex Chain) • Barnum Pond, • Lower Helms Pond northeast of Floodwood Pond) • Nate Pond • Black Pond (on Visitors • Middle Helms Pond Pond) • Un-named Pond (2 miles • Pine Lake Interpretive Center • OK Slip Pond • Twelfth Tee or Gordon east of Kibby Pond) • Rankin Pond Property) • Pine Lake Pond (400 feet north of • Little Rankin Pond • Long Pond (north of • Pine Pond (east of Blue Town of Warrensburg Green Pond) • Gay Pond • Second, Third and Fourth Black Pond) Mt. Lake) • Whey Pond • Viele Pond Lakes of Essex Chain • Loon Pond • Pug Hole Pond • Sherman Pond • Lost Pond (0.4 mi. Town of Waverly • Tirrell Pond • Stony Pond southwest of Mountain • Balsam Pond (2 miles • Unknown Pond Washington • Twenty Ninth Pond Pond) west of Duck Pond) • Unnamed pond (¾ mile County Town of Newcomb • Mountain Pond • Benz Pond east of Barker Pond) • Upper Carter Pond • Beaver Pond (south of • Slush Pond • Little Clear Pond Town of Dresden • Upper Helms Pond Lake Andrew) • Star Mountain Ponds (2) • Long Pond • Black Mountain Ponds • Cedar (or Roundtop) • Upper Spectacle Pond Town of Inlet (2) Pond Town of Duane Fulton County • Bug Lake • Bumps Pond • Fishbrook Pond • Cheney Pond (northwest • Buck Pond • Eagle Nest Pond Town of Bleecker • Greenland Pond of Split Rock Lake) • Clear Pond • High Rock Pond • Holmes Lake • Lapland Pond • Chub Pond • Debar Pond • County Line Lake • Icehouse Pond • Clear Pond • Skiff Pond • Mud Lake • Lost Ponds (3) Town of Fort Ann • Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and • Winebago Pond • Mitchell Ponds (2) • Inman Pond Town of Caroga Eighth Lakes of Essex Town of Lake Pleasant Town of Jackson Chain Town of Franklin • Fish Hatchery Pond • Panther Mountain Pond • Dead Lake • Jackson Pond • Fishhole Pond • Indian Lake • Lake Andrew • Hope Pond • Otter Lake Town of Long Lake Town of Whitehall • Mud Pond (north of Clear • Little Hope Pond • Stewart Lake • Bog Pond • Clear Pond Pond) • No Hope Pond (300 feet • Clear Pond • Sawmill Pond north of Hope Pond) Town of Stratford • Newcomb Lake (including • Conglin Lakes • High Pond • Spruce Pond Upper and Lower Duck Town of Harrietstown • Fourth Lake • Loon Pond Hole) • Bear Pond • Goose Egg Lake • Lost Pond • Unnamed Pond (north of • Meadow Pond (½ mile • House Pond • Louie Pond LeClaire Brook) northwest of Lake Clear) • Knapps Long Lake • Mays Pond

34 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE LAKE CHAMPLAIN REGULATIONS

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

Quebec Quebec Additional Lake Champlain Tributary Regulations New York Vermont Stream Section Regulations Saranac River from Catherine Street bridge upstream to Imperial Missisquoi Dam. Ausable River beginning at the marked boundary 800 feet Angling from boats prohibited. west of the first bridge upstream from Lake Champlain, continuing Bay upstream and ending at Rainbow Falls. From June 15 through December 31: Inland Saranac River from Catherine Street bridge upstream to Imperial Dam. Ausable River from D & H railroad bridge upstream to Maximum hook gap 1/2 inch. Fishing prohibited from 1/2 hour after Sea Rainbow Falls. Boquet River from mouth upstream to Wadhams sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. Fishing permitted with unweighted artificial flies or unweighted natural baits only (see definitions). Excep- Falls. North Branch Boquet and tributaries from mouth to first Plattsburgh, The Gut upstream barrier. tion: On the Saranac River, floating lures with one free-swinging hook permitted. No supplement weight, such as metal leaders, sinkers, split NY Note additional sections closed below. shot, twist-ons, or swivels may be attached to line, leader, or hook. Mallets Bay North Branch Boquet River and tributaries to first barrier;Mill Fishing prohibited from October 1 through December 31 to protect Brook (in Port Henry) from mouth to falls west of Route 22. spawning salmon. Boquet River from marked boundary below Willsboro Dam Burlington, VT upstream to Route 22 in Willsboro. Ausable Boat Basin pool at Fishing prohibited to protect migrating landlocked salmon. Main Lake 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

FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED New York or Properly Dispose Vermont of Fishing Line Vermont Only Lost or discarded fishing line can last a long time South New York Only in the environment. It is a type of litter that only Lake comes from anglers! Too often, birds and other Quebec Only wildlife become entangled, leading to severe injury or a slow and painful death. Be sure to collect all fishing line for proper disposal in the trash, a line disposal station, or bring it to a tackle store with a line recycling program. Any additional line that you are able to collect and remove from the areas that you fish will also help. South Bay, NY

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 35 REGION 6 • NORTH CENTRAL NEW YORK

Herkimer County Minimum Daily Water Species Open Season Method Length Limit 5 - with no All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size more than 2 longer than 12" All baitfish-prohibited waters listed on Trout Statewide Angling Regulations Apply page 38 except as listed below First, Second, Third, and Fourth Trout All year 9" 5 Ice fishing Lakes of Fulton Chain, Old Lake Trout All year 21" 3 permitted Forge Pond 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 Region 6 Moose River, Middle and South Branch of Moose River down- State Office Bldg. 5 - with no stream of Moose River Plains Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size more than 2 317 Washington Street Recreation Area, West Canada longer than 12" Watertown, NY 13601-3787 Creek from mouth upstream to (315) 785-2263 Comstock Bridge from Trenton Falls Dam downstream to the first Sub-Office Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only 207 Genesee Street bridge (Comstock Bridge) below the mouth of Cincinnati Creek Utica, NY 13501-2885 Stillwater Reservoir, Beardsley (315) 793-2554 Lake, Kyser Lake, Hinckley Ice fishing Trout All year 12" 3 [email protected] Reservoir, Prospect Reservoir, permitted North Lake Forestport Reservoir, Kayuta Ice fishing Statewide Angling Regulations Apply Lake, and Moshier Reservoir permitted 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 5 - with no All waters except as listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size more than 2 longer than 12" 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 48–51. 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 48–51. 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 LL All year 15" 3 Salmon Ice fishing Millsite Lake Trout All year 12" 3 permitted Lake April 1 through Oct 15 21" 3 Trout

Meghann Leclair with a 50" tiger muskellunge she caught from 42980 NYS RT 12, PO Box 128 Hyde Lake, Jefferson County on June 15, 2014 Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 – www.tibait.com Phone: (315) 482-9903 – Fax: (315) 482-4505 – Fishing tackle – Open evenings and year round – Live bait – Ammo New York and Ontario fi shing licenses available!

36 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY REGION 6 • NORTH CENTRAL NEW YORK

Lewis 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 longer than 12" All baitfish-prohibited waters listed on page 38 Trout Statewide Angling Regulations Apply except as listed below 3rd Sat June through Nov 30 10" 5 Black River, Deer River, West Branch Deer River, Black Bass Beaver River Dec 1 to Fri preceding the 3rd Sat in June Catch and release only Artificial lures only

Black River, East Branch Fish Creek from Rome 5 - with no more than 2 Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size Reservoir Dam downstream, Moose River longer than 12" Trout All year 9" 5 Lake Bonaparte Ice fishing permitted Lake Trout All year 18" 3 Beaver Lake, Francis Lake, Soft Maple Reservoir, Statewide Angling Regulations Apply Ice fishing permitted and Whetstone Marsh Refer to page 38 for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.

Oneida 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 longer than 12" All baitfish-prohibited waters listed on page 38 Trout Statewide Angling Regulations Apply except as listed below 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 Black Bass 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 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, 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 5 - with no more than 2 Oriskany Creek from bridge in Deansboro down- April 1 through Oct 15 Any size Trout longer than 12" 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 Hinckley and Prospect Reservoirs Trout All year 12" 3 Ice fishing permitted 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.

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

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 37 REGION 6 • NORTH CENTRAL NEW YORK

St. Lawrence 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 longer than 12" 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 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 10" 5 impoundments and those covered by Great Lakes Black Bass Fishing (including catch & release) for black bass outside of the open season is prohibited. regulations All baitfish-prohibited waters listed on page 38 Trout Statewide Angling Regulations Apply except as listed below 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 South Branch Grass River from 0.5 mile down- Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Catch and release only Artificial lures only stream of Route 3 upstream to Grass River Flow Allen Pond Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 3 St. Lawrence River and tributaries to first barrier All Species See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48–51. 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 5 - with no more than 2 Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any Size River from Dam downstream longer than 12" 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 12" 3 Star Lake Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Ice fishing permitted LL Salmon All year 15" 3 Trout All year 12" 3 Trout Lake, Sylvia Lake Ice fishing permitted Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Tupper Lake Lake Trout All year 21" 3 Ice fishing permitted All waters in the Massawepie Conservation Trout April 1 through Oct 15 12" 3 Easement 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 See below for a complete listing of waters in which the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited.

REGION 6 BAITFISH PROHIBITED WATERS Herkimer County Lewis County St. Lawrence • Big Trout Pond Town of Piercefield • Little Trout Pond • Big Trout Pond • Five Ponds Wilderness • Ha-De-Ron-Dah County • Black Pond • He-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness Town of Fine • Bottree Pond Wilderness • Five Ponds Wilderness • Long Lake Town of Croghan • Bridgebrook Pond • Pepperbox Wilderness • Raquette-Boreal • Nicks Pond • Clear Pond • Deer Pond • Pigeon Lake Wilderness Wilderness Area • Round Lake • Rock Pond • Horseshoe Pond • West Canada Lake • Streeter Lake • Seepage Pond Town of Clare • Little Trout Pond Wilderness • Trout Pond • Allen Pond Town of Parishville • Long Pond • Clear Pond Town of Webb Town of Diana Town of Colton • Lows Lake ( • Bear Lake • Burntbridge Pond • Long Pond upstream of dam above • Green Pond • Lilypad Pond • Bubb Lake • Sealy Pond • Church Pond Hitchens Pond) • Brewer Lake • Silver Dawn Lake • Clear or Hedgehog Pond • Massawepie Lake • Buck Lake (1/2 mile • Little Silver Dawn Lake • Curtis Pond • Pine Pond north of Hog Pond) • Dog Pond • Round Pond • Buck Pond (one mile Town of Greig • Townline Pond • Townline Pond west of Thirsty Pond) • Pitcher Pond • Clear Pond Town of Watson • Moss Lake • Cleveland Lake • Nicks Lake • Evies Pond • Big Otter Lake • Long Lake The Collectible for • Quiver Pond • Payne Lake • Razorback Pond ALL Conservationists • Sis Lake Oneida County Now ANYBODY can help save habitat and increase • Tied Lake public access to fish and wildlife. • Twitchell Lake Town of Forestport • West Pond (0.6 mile • Brandy Lake Purchase a HABITAT and ACCESS STAMP. southwest of Big Moose • Round Pond Lake) Only $5.00 where sporting licenses are sold. • Wheeler Pond • Woods Lake

38 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY THE SIMPLE ACT OF FISHING, PRESERVES FISHING. Every time you purchase a fi shing license or register your boat, a portion of the proceeds go toward preserving our nation’s coastlines, lakes, rivers and streams. Protecting our memories on the water for generations to come.

Learn more at TakeMeFishing.org/Conservation

46831_TMF_PSA_Pg_Ad.indd 1 2/4/11 9:53 AM REGION 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 All year Shad returned to the water immediately. Region 7 Oquaga Creek from Old Route 17 bridge east of McClure downstream Catch and release 615 Erie Blvd. West Trout All year Artificial lures only Syracuse, NY 13204-2400 3 miles to new Route 17 bridge only west of Deposit (315) 426-7400 Otselic River from mouth to Sub-Office Whitney Point Reservoir Dam, Susquehanna River in Binghamton 1285 Fisher Ave. between Rock Bottom Dam and Cortland, NY 13045-1090 Exchange Street bridge, Susque- (607) 753-3095 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 [email protected] 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 From Broome/Delaware Co. border Trout 12" 2 downstream to Rte 17 overpass Oct 15 at Deposit All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout From Route 17 overpass at Deposit Trout April 1 – Oct 15 Catch and release only Artificial lures only downstream 2.0 miles All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout From the lower limit of Trout catch April 1 through Trout 12" 2 and release section near Deposit Oct 15 downstream to NY/PA border (1.7 Good Fishing miles below Hale Eddy Bridge) All angling prohibited from Oct 16 through March 31 to protect spawning trout Depends on Cayuga County Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Clean Water Length Many of our rivers, lakes, and coastal 5 - with no more areas are experiencing algae blooms All waters except those listed below Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size than 2 longer that cover our favorite fishing spots than 12" with green slime and cause fish kills Cayuga Lake, Owasco Lake, Skaneateles Lake and their tributar- All Species See Finger Lakes Regulations on page 45. and “dead zones” where no aquatic ies to first barrier life can survive. The cause is usually Northern 1st Sat in May through Ice fishing Cross Lake, 22" 5 nitrogen and phosphorus pollution Pike March 15 permitted that comes from farm and lawn Cross Lake, Seneca River from 1st Sat in May through Ice fishing fertilizers, septic systems, animal Jordan Rd. to Plainville Rd. in Walleye 18" 3 March 15 permitted waste, and sewage treatment plants. Onondaga Co. Dutch Hollow Brook from Owasco Everyone can do their part for clean Lake upstream to the Route 38A Angling and dipnetting prohibited from March 16 until the opening of the walleye season water by reducing fertilizer use, bridge preserving plants along shorelines, Lake Ontario and tributaries to All Species See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48–51. and picking up pet waste. Supporting first barrier water quality protection supports great fishing! Learn more at: Owasco Lake Outlet Lake Trout All year 15" 3 www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/ 5 - with no more April 1 through Oct 15 Any size than 2 longer Salmon Creek Trout than 12" Environmental Protection Oct 16 – March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Agency

40 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY REGION 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. Harry Hurst with a 24 lb. 4 oz. lake trout he 5 - with no more April 1 through caught from Skaneateles Lake, Onondaga County Any size than 2 longer October 15 Otselic River Trout than 12" on July 25, 2014 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.

Madison 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) Trout All year Any size 5 downstream to NYS 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

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 41 REGION 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 Walleye 1st Sat in May through March 15 18" 3 Ice fishing permitted Ninemile Creek from Amboy Dam downstream to Trout All year Catch and release only Onondaga Lake 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 48–51. 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 Tioga 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 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 Tompkins 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

42 SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY REGION 8 • WEST CENTRAL NEW YORK

Chemung 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"

Livingston 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 , 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

Monroe County D.L. Ramsey III with a 37 inch common carp Minimum Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method he caught and released from , Length Yates County on July 24, 2014 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 48–51. first barrier Oatka Creek except sections Trout All year Any size 5 - with no more than 2 longer than 12" 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 Sailing out of Plymouth Harbor for the Northeast’s best land Center Road fishing, without the Cape Cod traffic. We make sure that April 1 through Oct 15 12" 2 you have a great day at sea. Excellent option for trips of 4, Spring Creek Trout 5 or 6 anglers. Comfortable for corporate/business client Oct 16 through Mar 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only fishing. Tuna Trips, Shark, Striped Bass, Cod & Haddock. 508.747.1577 · www.PlymouthWatersport.com

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 43 REGION 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 48–51. 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 48–51. 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 352 Patterson Bridge 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" Wayne 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 48–51. 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 7 ice fishing lines may be used.

44 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 them Otisco Lake Regulations from concealment, including herding, driving, kicking and stoning is prohibited. Water Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit Method b. Angling is prohibited from January 1 through March 31, except for those stream sections 1st Sat in May – Northern Pike 22" 5 March 15 listed below and Fall Creek downstream of Ice fishing All Finger Lakes Ithaca Falls. permitted 1st Sat in May – Walleye 18" 3 c. Angling is also prohibited between sunset March 15 and sunrise from April 1 through May 15 and October 1 through December 31 except for 3rd Sat in 12" 5 June – March 15 those stream sections listed below. d. Use of more than one line with a single hook Black Bass March 16 – Fri point is prohibited except for those stream All Finger Lakes except Artificial preceding the Catch and release only Cayuga Lake, Otisco lures only sections listed below. 3rd Sat in June Lake, Owasco Lake and e. Possession of hooks with a gap greater than ½" Skaneateles Lake is prohibited except for those stream sections , 5 in combination. Catch listed below. Rainbow Trout, Lake shall include no more All year 15" Trout, Landlocked than 1 rainbow trout or f. Possession of landing nets larger than 50 inches Salmon 3 Landlocked salmon around the frame or with handles longer than 20 inches is prohibited except for those stream Honeoye Lake, Alewife (sawbellies) Possession prohibited sections listed below. Skaneateles Lake Stream Sections For Which Additional Brown Trout, 15" Except 12" for Brown 5 in combination. Catch Owasco Lake, Cayuga Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout in Otisco Lake, and shall include no more Tributary Regulations B, C, D, E and F Lake, Otisco Lake, All year Trout, Landlocked 18" for Landlocked salmon than 3 lake trout or 3 Above Do Not Apply: Skaneateles Lake Salmon in Cayuga Lake Landlocked salmon (Trout season is closed January 1 1st Sat in May through March 31 in these sections.) Otisco Lake Tiger Muskellunge through 36" 1 March 15 •• West River and Sucker Brook from Canan- daigua Lake upstream in Ontario County. Finger Lakes Tributary Regulations •• Guyanoga Creek from Keuka Lake upstream Minimum to Rt. 54 A bridge, Yates County. Water Species Open Season Daily Limit Method Length •• Cayuga Inlet and flood control channel 3 in from Cayuga Lake upstream to posted “NO All tributaries to Canadice Lake, Lake Trout combination, FISHING” boundary below the fishway in Canandaigua Lake, Hemlock Brown Trout catch shall Lake, Keuka Lake, and Seneca April 1 through Dec 31 15" Tompkins County. Rainbow Trout include no Lake upstream to the first barrier Landlocked Salmon more than 1 •• Barge Canal from Seneca Lake upstream to impassable by fish rainbow trout northernmost Rt. 14 bridge in Montour Falls, Schuyler County. All tributaries to Owasco Lake, Lake Trout Otisco Lake and Skaneateles 9" except 15" for Brown Trout 3 in •• Old Seneca Inlet in the southeast corner of Lake upstream to the first April 1 through Dec 31 Lake Trout and Rainbow Trout combination Seneca Lake upstream of State Route 414. barrier impassable by fish except Landlocked Salmon Landlocked Salmon tributaries listed below •• Yawgers Creek from Cayuga Lake upstream to abandoned Lehigh Valley railroad bridge All tributaries to Cayuga Lake Lake Trout, Brown upstream to the first barrier Trout, Rainbow 15" except 18" for 3 in in Cayuga County. April 1 through Dec 31 impassable by fish except Trout, Landlocked Landlocked Salmon combination •• Owasco Inlet from Owasco Lake upstream tributaries listed below Salmon 0.7 mile to marked boundary at old railroad 15" except 18" for 3 in bed in Cayuga County. April 1 through Dec 31 Landlocked Salmon combination Fall Creek (Cayuga Lake) Lake Trout •• Fall Creek from Cayuga Lake to the down- from the downstream edge of Brown Trout Artificial lures stream edge of the railroad bridge below Rt. Catch and release only the railroad bridge below Rt. 13 Rainbow Trout only 13 in Ithaca, Tompkins County. to Ithaca Falls Landlocked Salmon Jan 1 through March 31 Dutch Hollow Brook from Owasco Lake Angling prohibited between sunset and sunrise Note: to Rt. 38 A: fishing or dip-netting prohibited 5 - with no from March 16 to the opening of walleye season. Spafford Creek (Otisco Lake) Trout April 1 through Oct 15 Any size more than 2 longer than 12"

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 impassable by fish

2015–16 NEW YORK 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 Rushford Lake Trout April 1 through Nov 30 Any size more than 2 longer than 12" 5 - with no Ice fishing Allen Lake Trout All year Any size more than 2 Region 9 permitted longer than 12" 270 Michigan Ave. Genesee River from Belmont Dam 5 - with no Buffalo, NY 14203-2999 upstream to Pennsylvania State line Trout All year Any size more than 2 (716) 851-7000 except section below longer than 12" Genesee River from Route 19 bridge Trout All year Catch and release only Artificial lures only Sub-Office in Shongo downstream 2.5 miles April 1 – October 15 10" 3 182 East Union St., Suite 3 Wiscoy Creek Trout Allegany, NY 14706 October 16 – March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only 5 - with no more than 2 longer (716) 372-0645 April 1 through Oct 15 Any size [email protected] East Koy Creek, Chenunda Creek Trout than 12" 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 Clear Creek from Wyoming-Cattarau- April 1 through Oct 15 9" more than 2 gus County line upstream, Lime Lake Trout longer than 12" Outlet, McKinstry Creek Oct 16 – March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only Cattaraugus Creek downstream of See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48–51. Springville Dam Elm Creek, Elton Creek, Mansfield 5 - with no Creek, Cattaraugus Creek upstream April 1 – Oct 15 Any Size more than 2 Trout of Springville Dam, Clear Creek longer than 12" (Ellington), Fenton Brook Oct 16 – March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only 5 - with no All waters in Allegany State Park April 1 through Oct 15 Any size more than 2 except for Quaker Lake and Red Trout longer than 12" House Lake Oct 16 through Catch and release only Artificial lures only March 15 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 Last Sat in May 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 Goose Creek Trout All year Any Size more than 2 longer than 12" Lake Erie and tributaries to first See Great Lakes Regulations on pages 48–51. barrier impassable by fish 5 - with no April 1 through Oct 15 Any size more than 2 Clear Creek (Ellington), Prendergast Trout longer than 12" View real-time reports and Creek Oct 16 through Catch and release only Artificial lures only photos from all 50 states. March 15 EIGHT APPS IN ONE.

46 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, All Species See Great Lakes Regulations see pages 48–51. Buffalo River and tributaries to first barrier impassable by fish, that portion of Ellicott Creek within Amherst State Park 5 - with no more than 2 April 1 through Oct 15 9" Hosmer (Sardinia) Brook Trout longer than 12" Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only 5 - with no more than 2 April 1 through October 15 Any size Cattaraugus Creek upstream of Springville Dam Trout longer than 12" 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 to first barrier All Species See Great Lakes Regulations see pages 48 and 51. 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 5 - with no more than 2 Clear Creek from mouth to Wyoming-Cattaraugus April 1 through Oct 15 9" Trout longer than 12" County line Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only 5 - with no more than 2 East Koy Creek, Cattaraugus Creek upstream of Springville April 1 through Oct 15 Any size Trout longer than 12" Dam, Oatka Creek Oct 16 through March 31 Catch and release only Artificial lures only

SAUGER RECOVERY IN NEW YORK Sauger are members of the true perch family, Percidae, and are similar to the closely related walleye in both appearance and habits. They were historically common in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and Lake Champlain watersheds of New York, but now only a small remnant population in Lake Champlain may still exist. Sauger are currently considered critically imperiled in New York and a Conservation Management Plan Chenango County – (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92788.html) was developed to aid in their recovery. A plan objective is to establish a sauger population in the Allegheny River watershed, and this was initiated in 2014 Don’t Pass Us By via a stocking program that will be conducted through 2018. Initial follow-up surveys indicated excellent growth and survival of stocked fish. Fishing for, and possession of, sauger is now prohibited in New York, so anglers need to know how to differentiate them from walleye where they may co-exist. Sauger can be identified by the unique three to four saddle-shaped dark brown blotches on their sides and the distinct black spots on the first dorsal (back) fin. Sauger also lack the white tip on the lower lobe of the tail fin that is common in walleye.

Walleye

Chenango County Recreational River Guide Book – Now Available – Cost $10 + shipping

Photo Credit: Josh Sheldon, outdoor writer, Evening Sun Sauger

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 47 GREAT LAKES AND TRIBUTARY REGULATIONS

These regulations apply to New York waters LAKE ERIE AND TRIBUTARIES ANGLING REGULATIONS of Lake Erie, the Upper and Lower Niagara Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit River, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and designated sections of the tributaries to Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (including Steelhead), Coho All year 12" 3 in any combination these waters. Tributary sections subject to Salmon, Chinook Salmon these regulations are generally defined as the bridge closest to the mouth upstream to the Lake Trout All year 12" 1 first barrier impassable to fish. Tributaries Northern Pike 1st Sat In May through March 15 22" 5 with different boundaries and exemptions are Walleye 1st Sat In May through March 15 15" 6 listed separately below. Note that there are also Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 54" 1 seasonal tackle restrictions and restrictions Yellow Perch, Sunfish All year Any size 50 of each on night fishing in the tributaries. Statewide 1st Sat in May through the angling regulations apply for species not listed. Friday preceding 20" 1 the 3rd Sat in June REGULATIONS FOR Black Bass 3rd Sat in June through Nov 30 12" 5 Dec 1 through the Friday ALL GREAT LAKES preceding the Catch and release only Artificial lures only & TRIBUTARIES 1st Sat in May Regulations for all Great Lakes waters, includ- Lake Sturgeon Closed Possession Prohibited ing Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Upper and Lower Niagara River, St. Lawrence River and tributaries SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR LAKE ERIE TRIBUTARIES to these waters. Lake Erie Tributaries with Seasonal Closures AT ALL TIMES: Fishing is prohibited from Jan. 1 through March 31 on Spooner Creek and its tributaries, and •• Snatching and attempting to snatch is prohib- North Branch Clear Creek and tributaries from Taylor Hollow Road upstream to the outflow ited. See definition of snatching on page 60. of Clear Lake. •• All foul-hooked fish must be immediately released without unnecessary injury. Lake Erie Year-Round Catch-and-Release Regulations •• Use or possession of gaff hooks is prohibited for Chautauqua and Eighteenmile Creeks except when ice fishing. •• Catch and release only for trout and salmon in creek sections described below •• Any action to frighten fish and move them •• Only artificial flies or artificial lures can be used in catch-and-release sections from concealment, including herding, driv- •• Seasonal regulations regarding hooks, leaders, and weights apply (see below) ing, kicking or stoning, is prohibited. Water County Section •• The use of eggs for chumming is prohibited From bridge on South Gale Street upstream 1.3 miles (see page 56). Chautauqua Creek Chautauqua to the upper Village of Westfield water intake dam Main branch of creek (excluding South Branch) Eighteenmile Creek Erie contained within Eighteenmile Creek County Park Anglers are advised that attempting to take fish by snatching in any Great Lakes tributary, which is indicated Portions of Lake Erie Tributaries Subject to Seasonal (September 1 through March 31) Regulations by repeated or exaggerated jerking motions of the fishing rod, is prohib- The following tributary sections are subject to seasonal fishing regulations described below during the period September 1 through March 31: ited (see definition of snatching on page 60). Water County Section From the Aldrich Street Extension Bridge in Gowanda Cattaraugus Creek Erie and Cattaraugus upstream to Springville Dam From the I-90 (NYS Thruway) bridge upstream to first Buffalo River and its tributaries Erie barrier impassable by fish From bridge closest to the mouth upstream to the first All others Erie, Chautauqua Don’t Litter barrier impassable by fish Probably the number one reason why access is lost on privately owned lands providing access for fishing is littering. Lake Erie Tributary Seasonal Fishing Regulations Nothing annoys a landowner more than seeing his or her land mistreated by Fishing Hours •• Use of hooks with added weight is prohibited, careless anglers who are too lazy to •• Fishing only permitted one-half hour before except for artificial flies (page 60)and jigs properly dispose of fishing line, bait cups, sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (fishing weighing no more than one-eighth ounce beverage cans, cigarette packages and at night is prohibited). are permitted. butts and the other items that they carry in. Even if you are not the one creating Hook, Leader and Weight Regulations •• The distance between the hook, artificial fly or lure and any weight attached to the line the problem, why not take the time to •• The distance between a hook’s shaft and point pick up litter you may find and properly or leader, whether fixed or sliding, shall not cannot exceed one-half inch. dispose of it? If you don’t, you may very exceed four feet. well come upon a POSTED sign the next •• Hooks attached to any lure must be free- time you show up to fish. swinging, except on an artificial fly (see definition on page 60).

48 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE GREAT LAKES AND TRIBUTARY REGULATIONS UPPER NIAGARA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES ANGLING REGULATIONS 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 54" 1 Yellow Perch, Sunfish All year Any size 50 of each

Black Bass (north of the Peace Bridge) Statewide Angling Regulations Apply Life Jackets Every pleasure vessel, including Lake Sturgeon Closed Possession Prohibited canoes, kayaks and rowboats, must Statewide gear restrictions apply in Upper Niagara River and tributaries. have on board at least one wearable personal floatation device (PFD) for LOWER NIAGARA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES each person on board. Children under ANGLING REGULATIONS 12 years of age on any vessel 65 ft. Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit or less in length must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD while Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (including Steel- 15", except 21" All year head), Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon for Rainbow Trout 3 (Trout & Salmon) in underway. any combination not None, except only 1 Lake to include more than From November 1 – May 1, everyone Lake Trout Jan 1 through Sept 30 Trout may be between 1 Atlantic Salmon or 2 must wear a PFD when underway on 25" and 30" Lake Trout pleasure boats less than 21 ft. Atlantic Salmon All year 25" Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge 3rd Sat in June through Dec 15 54" 1 For more information on boating Northern Pike 1st Sat in May through March 15 22" 5 safety regulations, go to Black Bass Statewide Angling Regulations Apply www.nysparks.com. 1st Sat in May through Dec 31 18" 3 Walleye Jan 1 through March 15 18" 1 Yellow Perch, Sunfish All year Any size 50 of each Lake Sturgeon, American Eel Closed Possession Prohibited GREAT LAKES Statewide gear restrictions apply in Lower Niagara River and tributaries. PLANERS LAKE ONTARIO, ST. LAWRENCE RIVER AND Ask about “No Questions Guarantee” TRIBUTARIES* ANGLING REGULATIONS Copper Trolling Specialists Species Open Season Minimum Length Daily Limit 3 in any combination not to 15", except 21" for Rain- include more than 1 Rainbow All year Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout (including Steel- bow Trout or Steelhead Trout (or Steelhead) in the head), Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon tributaries Except 9" for brown trout in Irondequoit Creek (entire), Lindsey Creek and Skinner Creek (Oswego and Jefferson Counties), and the Black River (Jefferson County) None (except no more Lake Trout Jan 1 through Sept 30 than 1 shall be between 2 25" and 30") Atlantic Salmon All year 25" 1 1st Sat in May through Northern Pike 22" 5 March 15 Black Bass (Lake Ontario & tributaries except Statewide Angling Regulations Apply in Jefferson County) Built Great Lakes Tough! 5 Black Bass (Lake Ontario and tributaries in 3rd Sat in June through Jefferson County & St. Lawrence River and 12" Fishing for black bass (including Nov 30 tributaries) catch & release) is prohibited Strongest trolling systems outside of the open season. 1st Sat in May through on the market! Walleye 18" 3 March 15 Modular Planer, Rocket Launcher 3rd Sat in June through Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge 54" 1 Dec 15 and Rod Holder Systems Lake Sturgeon, American Eel Closed Possession Prohibited Located in Three Mile Bay, NY. 50 Except Yellow Perch and Yellow Perch, Sunfish All year Any size 315-649-2589 Sunfish may be taken in any number in Jefferson County * Statewide Angling Regulations (page 14) apply to all St. Lawrence River tributaries in Clinton and Franklin counties. www.greatlakesplaners.com

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 49 SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR GREAT LAKES TRIBUTARIES

SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR LAKE ONTARIO TRIBUTARIES EXCEPT THE LOWER NIAGARA RIVER AND SALMON RIVER Lower Niagara River regulations can be found on page 49. Salmon River regulations can be found on page 51. Lake Ontario Tributaries with Seasonal Closures Little Sandy Creek (Oswego County): Fishing is prohibited from March 16 through the first Saturday in May from the State Route 3 bridge downstream 850 feet to the intersection of the channelized area and upstream 1.0 miles from the bridge to the Public Fishing Rights section. Sections of Lake Ontario Tributaries Subject to Seasonal (Sept. 1 to Mar. 31) Regulations The following tributary sections are subject to seasonal fishing regulations described below during the period September 1 to March 31:

Water County Portion of Tributary Subject to Special Regulations Eighteenmile Creek Niagara From the Route 18 bridge upstream to Burt Dam From the power lines that are 1.9 miles upstream (south) of Route 18 bridge Oak Orchard Creek Orleans upstream to Waterport Dam Genesee River Monroe From the State Route 104 Bridge upstream to the Lower Falls. Sterling Creek Cayuga From Old State Road to impassable barrier upstream of Route 104A Sterling Valley Creek Cayuga From McIntyre Road to impassable barrier upstream of Route 104A Oswego From the Utica Street bridge upstream to the Varick Dam Catfish Creek Oswego From the mouth upstream to dam at County Route 1 Black River Jefferson From the upstream tip of the lowermost island to Mill Street dam in Watertown All other tributaries All From the bridge closest to the mouth upstream to first barrier impassable by fish

Lake Ontario Waters and Tributaries Exempted from Seasonal Tributary Regulations The following regulations applyexcept 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 Now Available Cranberry Pond, and Irondequoit Bay Request your copy of our free new guide Sodus Bay Wayne Lake Ontario regulations apply to Great Lakes fishing. To request your copy, email us at [email protected]. South Sandy Pond Oswego Lake Ontario regulations apply Be sure to put Great Lakes Fishing Map in the subject line. Copies are also available from all DEC offices.

Lake Ontario Tributary Seasonal Fishing Regulations Fishing Hours •• The gap between a hook’s shaft and point lure and the points of any attached hooks Fishing from one-half hour after sunset to one- cannot exceed one-half inch. shall not exceed one and one-half inches. half hour before sunrise is prohibited except in •• Use of hooks with added weight is prohib- Leaders and Weights the Black River (Jefferson County) from Lake ited, except that artificial flies (page 60) •• The distance between the hook, artificial fly Ontario upstream to the Route 180 bridge in weighing no more than one-eighth and jigs or lure and any weight attached to the line Dexter, where fishing is permitted at all times. ounce are permitted. or leader, whether fixed or sliding, shall not Hook, Leader and Weight Regulations exceed four feet. Floating Lures Hooks •• A floating lure is a lure that floats at restin •• Any weight added to the line, leader, swiv- •• Only one hook with a single hook point water with or without any weight attached els, artificial fly or lure shall not hang lower is permitted, except as outlined below for to the lure, leader or line. than the hook when the line or leader is held vertically. floating luresand artificial flies. •• Can have multiple treble hooks. •• Hooks attached to any lure must be free- •• Any hooks on a floating lure must be attached swinging, except on an artificial fly (see to the lure by a ring or swivel except for definition on page 60). artificial flies. •• An artificial fly (page 60) may not have •• The distance between the body of a floating more than two hook points.

50 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR GREAT LAKES TRIBUTARIES

SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY SECTION FOR SALMON RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES (OSWEGO COUNTY) Salmon River Downstream of Rt. 52 Bridge in Altmar Salmon River Fishing Report From the upstream most navigation buoy located between the breakwalls at the mouth of the Updated Daily: river upstream to the County Rt. 52 bridge in Altmar www.whitakers.com Effective Dates Regulations April 15 – August 14 • Statewide gear restrictions apply. • Fishing is prohibited at night from ½ hr. after sunset to ½ hr. before sunrise except as permitted below. • 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 which weight is added to a August 15 – April 14 hook does not affect classification as an “artificial fly” provided the conditions of the definition of an artificial fly on page 60 are met. • 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 4 ft. • 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. August 15 – October 31 • The bead chain may not exceed a distance of three and one half inches between the body of the floating lure and the hook point. • 1 hook with a single hook point and a gap of no more than 5/8 in. may be attached to the bead chain or directly to the lure. November 1 – April 14 • Multiple single, double and treble hooks are permitted on floating lures April 1 – August 14 • Fishing at night is permitted from Lake Ontario to Rt. 3 Bridge

Salmon River Fly Fishing Catch-and-Release Sections

Fishing Hours, Season Dates and Locations Flies: ùùThe maximum distance between the arti- •• Angling Permitted: From one-half hour •• From May 1 through August 31: a single ficial fly and any added weight to the line, before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. unweighted artificial fly having one hook leader or tippet shall not exceed four feet. point with a one-half inch maximum gap •• Lower Fly Section: Open September 15 ùùWeight added to the line, leader, swivels, only permitted. through May 15, from County Route 52 or artificial fly in any manner such that Bridge in Altmar upstream 0.25 mile to the •• From September 1 through April 30: a single the weight hangs lower than the attached marked boundary at Beaverdam Brook. unweighted or weighted artificial fly with no fly is prohibited. more than 1/8 oz. added weight, having one •• Upper Fly Section: Open April 1 through hook point with a one-half-inch maximum Beaverdam Brook in Altmar November 30 from a marked boundary gap only permitted. Fishing Closure upstream of the New York State Fish Hatch- Fishing in Beaverdam Brook and its tributar- ery property to a marked boundary 0.6 mile Attractors: ies, Oswego County, is prohibited from their upstream at the Lighthouse Hill Reservoir •• The use of added baits or attractors such as, mouths to the upstream boundary of the Salmon tailrace. but not limited to, fish eggs, insects, beads, River Hatchery property. •• Fishing is prohibited outside the open season. spoons, spinners, plugs, or similar devices on the line above the artificial fly is prohibited. Catch & Release All fish must be immediately released without Leaders: unnecessary injury. •• The total length of the leader including the Tackle Restrictions tippet shall not exceed 15 feet. Tackle is restricted to a traditional fly rod, fly •• From May 1 through August 31: sinking Fishing Great reel, fly line, and artificial fly (definition on page and metal leaders are prohibited. 60). Restrictions on fly lines, flies, attractors, Lake Tributaries leaders and supplemental weight are as follows: Additional Weight: Anglers fishing Great Lakes tributaries are •• From May 1 through August 31: the use reminded that some of these tributaries Fly Lines: of supplemental weight such as split shot, may contain hydro-electric generating •• Use of less than 20 feet of floating, sinking, sinkers, metal leaders, twist-ons, or swivels or combination floating/sinking fly line or plants with dams, spillways, and deep attached to the leader, tippet, fly line or fly pools that may produce strong currents. shooting head immediately behind the leader is prohibited. and in front of any running line or other Anglers should pay particular attention to backing is prohibited. •• From September 1 through April 30: the use warning notice signs and audible signals of supplemental weight is permitted with the indicating fluctuating water levels, and •• From May 1 through August 31: Floating following restrictions. fly lines only. the use of a personal flotation device (life ùùThe combined weight of any supplemental jacket) when wading in these waters is •• From September 1 through April 30: weight and fly may not exceed one-eighth highly recommended. Floating, sinking, and sink tip fly lines are of an ounce. permitted.

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 51 GENERAL REGULATIONS

Taking and Possession of Fish •• A person may continue to fish for a species Any unintentionally caught threatened or General Take and Possession while in possession of a daily limit for that endangered fish species must be unhooked and species provided all fish of that species subse- released immediately. They may not be handled •• A person may not fish for a species (even quently caught are immediately returned to for any purpose other than removing the hook if immediately released) during the closed the water. See below for special provisions and placing them back into the water. season for that species on a given water. Fish made for largemouth and smallmouth bass. caught during the closed season must be Foul Hooking unhooked and released immediately. They •• A single, uninjured largemouth bass or may not be handled for any other purpose. smallmouth bass that an angler is landing, All foul-hooked trout, lake trout, coho salmon, measuring or in the process of releasing chinook salmon, pink salmon and landlocked from a recirculating or aerated livewell, is salmon must be released without unnecessary •• A person may not have in possession, or not considered to be part of the daily limit. injury to the fish. All foul-hooked walleye in intentionally kill or injure fish other than the •• Any snakehead caught while angling cannot Oneida Lake and the tributaries to first bridge sizes specified and allowed for that species upstream from the lake must be released with- on a given water. be released back into the water. They must be immediately euthanized and reported to DEC. out unnecessary injury to the fish. •• A person may not possess, kill or unneces- See page 18 for identification guidance. Use of Gaffs sarily injure fish in excess of the daily limit Use or possession of gaffs or gaff hooks is for that species. Endangered and Threatened Fish prohibited when fishing in freshwater, including •• Any fish an angler catches and immediately It is illegal to fish for, or possess fish that the Hudson River upstream of the Tappan Zee releases uninjured will not be counted as part are officially listed by DEC as endangered or Bridge, except when ice fishing. of the daily limit for that species. threatened: •• Endangered: silver chub, bluebreast darter, Methods of Taking Fish deepwater sculpin, gilt darter, pugnose shiner, round whitefish, shortnose sturgeon, Atlantic Angling Stocking sturgeon and spoonhead sculpin. Angling means taking fish by hook and line. This A DEC stocking permit is required to stock includes bait and fly fishing, casting, trolling and fish (including fish used as bait) into a New •• Threatened: , lake the use of landing nets to complete the catch. York State water body (page 60). A chubsucker, lake sturgeon, longear sunfish, •• Anglers must be in immediate attendance stocking permit application may be obtained mooneye, gravel chub, banded sunfish, long- when their lines are in the water. from your regional DEC Fisheries Office. head darter, swamp darter, spotted darter and mud sunfish. •• An angler may operate no more than three lines with or without a rod. Black Lake New York A Freshwater Fisherman’s Paradise!

For lake effect smiles...

Before you leave a body of water: Remove any visible mud, plants or animals. Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter ... Dry anything that comes into contact with water. If drying is not possible, disinfect. For disinfection guidance Come fi sh Black Lake! 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 www.blacklakeny.com unless they came from that body of water.

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2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 53 GENERAL REGULATIONS

ùùeach line is limited to not more than five Smelt may be taken in a dip net not exceeding 14 inches in diameter, lures or baits or a combination of both. or 13 x 13 inches if square, as follows: Daily Hours & Water Open Season Tributaries ùùin addition, each line shall not exceed 15 Limit hook points in any combination of single, Tupper Lake All year Anytime/8 quarts Lake and Bog River upstream to Rt 421 double or treble hooks. Canandaigua Lake All from lake upstream to first barrier All year Anytime/8 quarts •• Snatching, lifting, hooking and use of tip-ups Canadice Lake impassable by fish are not angling. Hemlock Lake Keuka Lake Ice Fishing Seneca Lake Exceptions: no dipping in Catharine Creek and L’Hommedieu Diversion channel (Seneca Lake) Cayuga Lake and upstream of old Lehigh Valley Railroad bridge at Naples Creek (Canandaigua Lake) Ice fishing (see definition on page 60) is Owasco Lake permitted in the following waters: Indian Lake All from lake upstream to first barrier 5 am to 10 pm •• All non-trout* waters unless otherwise Fulton Chain (except Seventh Lake) impassable by fish. No dipping in Mead April 1 through May 15 (prevailing time) prohibited. East Caroga from mouth upstream to State 8 quarts Route 29A •• Certain trout waters* listed in the guide Hudson River from Tappan Zee Bridge All from river upstream to first barrier including Lake Champlain, Lake Erie, Niagara All year Anytime/Any number upstream to the Troy Dam1 impassable by fish River, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, Finger Lakes, Border Waters, most New Marine District1 Contact (631) 444-0435 or www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html York City reservoirs, and all other waters designated as ICE FISHING PERMITTED Smelt may be taken in any size dip net as follows: in SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY. Water Open Season Daily Limit Tributaries Read through the regulations pertaining to Lake Erie the water you intend to fish. All from lake upstream to first barrier Lake Ontario All year 8 quarts impassable by fish •• If you are unsure whether a water is consid- Niagara River ered trout or non-trout, contact the DEC Regional Office for that area. Suckers may be taken in a dip net not exceeding 14 inches in diameter, or 13 x 13 inches if square, as follows: Ice fishing regulations (where ice fishing is permitted) Water Open Season Daily Limit Tributaries •• Fish may be taken in accordance with the All tributaries from the lake upstream to Cayuga Lake All year Any number seasons, minimum size and creel limits in the first impassable barrier by fish effect in that water. Seneca Lake All year Any number All except Catharine Creek •• No more than 7 ice-fishing lines (see definition All except Naples Creek where netting is on page 60) may be used, except as noted Canandaigua Lake All year Any number prohibited upstream of old Lehigh Valley in BORDER WATERS, LAKE CHAMPLAIN Railroad bridge or SPECIAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY. All from river upstream to first barrier Hudson River upstream to Troy Dam All year Any number impassable by fish •• No person shall operate an ice fishing line that has more than 5 lures or baits or a combination of both, or has more than 15 by bow is otherwise prohibited. Taking fish by •• In Otsego County, suckers may be taken hook points in any combination of single, crossbow is prohibited at all times. from the Unadilla River, Wharton Creek and double or treble hooks. Dip Nets Butternut Creek. •• The operator must be present when ice-fishing Any person who has a fishing license, or is •• In Fulton, Saratoga, Washington, Franklin, lines are in the water. entitled to fish without a license, may operate Warren, Clinton, Essex and Hamilton coun- one dip net as specified in the tables above; these ties, suckers may be taken from any stream •• Between May 1 and November 14, only hand are the only circumstances where dip-netting is except the Mohawk River, the Hudson lines (including rod and reels) may be used permitted unless a commercial license has been River downstream of Bakers Falls includ- while ice fishing. obtained. Refer to page 24 for regulations ing tributaries upstream to the first barrier, specific to dip net use on the Hudson River. or tributaries to Lake Champlain and Lake Ice Shanties Note: Smelt, suckers, alewives and blueback George upstream to the first barrier. Ice shanties must be marked on the outside with herring are the only fish that may be taken •• In Chenango and Madison counties, suck- the owner’s name and address in letters at least with a dip net. 3 inches high. Shanties must be removed from ers may be taken from the Chenango River Snatching all waters by March 15 to prevent them from downstream of Randallsville and the Unadilla falling through the ice in spring and becoming The taking of fish by snatching, but not blind River downstream of South Edmeston. hazards to navigation. snatching (see definitions on page 60), is •• In Hamilton County, snatching and blind snatch- permitted from January 1 through March 15 Bowfishing ing is permitted with hooks having no more than only as follows: Any person who has a fishing or small game two hook points to take whitefish in Piseco Lake •• In Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, from January 1 through November 30. hunting license, or is entitled to fish without Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, a license, may take carp of any size and in any suckers may be taken from any stream. •• Grappling hooks and snatch hooks may not number by longbow (recurve or compound) from be possessed on Lake George or within 200 May 15 through September 30 from any water •• In Delaware County, suckers may be taken feet of the high water mark of Lake George, of the state where fishing and the discharge of from the West Branch Delaware River, East except in a dwelling or building. Possession of a bow is permitted. The Fish Carcass Disposal Branch Delaware River and Charlotte Creek. snatch hooks is prohibited on all waters except Law (page 56) must be followed. Taking fish those where fish may be taken by snatching.

54 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE GENERAL REGULATIONS

Spearfishing •• In Cayuga County, bullhead and sucker may Creek downstream of Rte. 104A, Eightmile The taking of fish by spear (not spear gun) is be taken from January 1 through May 15 from Creek downstream of Rte. 104A, Salmon permitted only as follows: Sterling Creek downstream of Rte. 104A, River downstream of NY Rte. 3, Red Creek •• In Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sterling Valley Creek downstream of Rte. or Sunset Bay Creek, Otter Branch Creek, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, 104A, Eightmile Creek and Ninemile Creek. Butterfly Creek, Sage Creek and Snake Creek. suckers may be taken in any stream from •• In Franklin County, bowfin, burbot, carp, In Wayne County, bullhead and suckers may January 1 through May 15. freshwater drum, gar, redhorse and suck- be taken from January 1 through May 15 from •• In Montgomery County, suckers may be taken ers may be taken from March 20 through Black Creek Bay and Red Creek Bay. from January 1 through May 15 from Evas September 30 from Big Salmon River from Spearfishing prohibited Canada upstream to the Route 37 bridge Kill, Flat Creek, from the •• Use of spearguns is prohibited in the fresh- in Fort Covington, Lawrence Brook from mouth to the dam one-half-mile above the waters of New York. mouth, and . the county line upstream to County Rte. 6 west of Moira, Little Salmon River from the •• Spears may not be used within 275 yards •• In Otsego County, suckers may be taken from mouth upstream to County Rte. 32 in South of eel weirs. January 1 through May 15 from Herkimer Bombay, Pike Creek from Canada upstream Creek, Hyder Creek, Trout (Mink) Creek, •• Spears may not be possessed on any water to State Rte. 95 west of Bombay, St. Regis Hayden Creek from mouth to the Shipman in the or within 200 feet of River from Canada upstream to the dam at Pond Dam, Shadow Brook, Sand Hill Creek the high water mark of these waters. Hogansburg, and Farrington Brook from the from the mouth to Rte. 7 bridge, Otsdawa mouth upstream to U.S. Rte. 11. •• Possession of spears is prohibited on all Creek from the mouth to Rte. 7 bridge and waters except where the taking of fish by Mill Creek from the mouth to Rte. 7 bridge. •• In the Hudson River, carp and suckers may spear is permitted. be taken from March 20 through September •• In Clinton County, bowfin, burbot, carp, 30 from Bakers Falls in the Village of Hudson freshwater drum, gar, redhorse and suck- Falls upstream to the confluence of Stony ers may be taken from March 20 through Creek in Warren County. September 30 from Corbeau Creek and Scomotion Creek from the mouth upstream •• In Oswego County, bullhead and suckers to Beekmantown town line. may be taken from January 1 through May 15 from Grindstone Creek downstream of the •• In Lake Champlain, bowfin, burbot, carp, fresh- dam at Fernwood, Little Salmon River down- water drum, gar, redhorse and suckers may be stream from the bridge at Arthur, Ninemile taken from March 20 through September 30.

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2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 55 GENERAL REGULATIONS

Taking Baitfish •• Salable fish may be transported in any Rusty Crayfish See page 58. number. •• Rusty crayfish may not be purchased and/or Use of Nets •• Baitfish transportation regulations can be transported to a water body (page 60) for Nets may only be used to take fish as follows: found on pages 57–59. use as bait or released. •• The use of a landing net to complete the catch •• Rusty crayfish may not be transported away while angling is permitted. Fish Caught Outside of New York State from or within a water body (page 60). Fish caught outside of NY may be transported •• Personally harvested baitfish may be collected into New York in any manner, except parcel with the various nets as described on page 58. post, in the number that may be legally exported •• Smelt and suckers may be collected by dip from the place of taking. nets as described on page 54. Non-salable fish transported by carrier •• No other use of nets to collect fish is A tag must be attached showing name and permitted. address of both taker and consignee, and contents of the package. Regulations for Harvested Fish Purchase and Sale of Fish Fish Cleaning Law Fish that are salable at any time include: It is illegal on New York State waters to possess •• Those species in the STATEWIDE ANGLING Fish Eggs walleye, black bass, brook trout, lake trout or REGULATIONS table for which there is no •• No person shall possess more than one quart Atlantic salmon that have been cut, dismem- closed season and no minimum length. total of fish eggs from trout, lake trout or bered, filleted, skinned or otherwise altered so Atlantic salmon while on the waters of the •• The following fish only if taken outside of New that the species and total length of such fish state or the shores thereof. Fish eggs which York State or if legally taken with licensed cannot be easily determined. However, these are still inside the carcass of an intact, legally commercial gear: coho, chinook and pink fish may be gilled or gutted. Other species of caught and possessed fish shall not be counted salmon, Atlantic salmon, lake trout, whitefish, fish may be filleted provided that the skin is towards the one quart total. not removed from the fillets. This regulation pickerel, crappie, northern pike and walleye. •• No person shall take or attempt to take any allows more effective enforcement of harvest Additional regulations may apply to the sale fish by means of chumming with fish eggs. regulations on protected . of these imported fish; contact a DEC regional office for more information.Exception : The For the purposes of this section, “chumming” Fish Carcass Disposal Law American eel is the only fish taken from the means depositing fish eggs, not attached to a It is illegal to discard any fish carcass, or parts Quebec portion of Lake Champlain and the hook, in the waters of the State of New York thereof, into the freshwaters of the state within that may be transported into other than in the Marine and Coastal District. 100 feet of shore or upon any public or private and sold in New York State. lands contiguous to and within 100 feet of such Taking and Possession of Frogs water, except: Fish that are non-salable, unless taken on a Any person who has a small game hunting •• On private lands by owners of such lands. licensed fishing preserve or private hatchery license, or a fishing license, or is entitled to black bass, and properly tagged, include: fish without a license, may take frogs with a •• If properly disposing into suitable garbage landlocked salmon, muskellunge and trout. spear, club, hook or by hand. A small game or refuse collection systems or by burial. : Sale of catfish taken in Lake Exceptions hunting license is required to take frogs with Ontario and its tributaries upstream to the •• Where incidental cleaning of fish for a gun or a longbow. Frogs may be taken in any first barrier impassable by fish and in the St. consumption is permitted. However, result- number and at any time from June 15 through Lawrence River is prohibited. Sale of American ing waste may not be disposed of within 100 September 30, except that no person shall use eel from Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence, feet of any public launching or docking site a gun to take frogs between sunset to sunrise. Hudson, Harlem and East rivers is prohibited, unless into a suitable refuse collection system. Frogs may be imported, bought and sold at any except for use as bait. Sale of coho, chinook time. An importer must keep a record of names •• Live fish and fish which must be returned to and pink salmon taken in Lake Erie, Niagara and addresses of buyers and sellers. the water because of size limits, open seasons River, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Exception: Leopard frogs may not be taken and daily limits are not subject to the fish their tributaries upstream to the first barrier in NYC, Nassau or Suffolk counties. Northern carcass disposal law. impassable by fish is prohibited, except that cricket frogs or eastern spadefoot toads may not eggs may be bought and sold. Transportation be taken anywhere in New York State. Transportation of fish is permitted as follows: Natural Baits Other Than Baitfish Fish Caught in New York State Salamanders and Snakes •• No more than two days’ legal take of nonsal- Native salamanders and snakes cannot be able fish may be transported unless a permit collected or used as bait. is obtained from a DEC Regional Office, or the fish are frozen, processed and packaged Aquatic Insects for storage. No aquatic (or any insect that lives in the water during any of its life stages) shall be •• Smelt, suckers, alewives, and blueback herring Tagged fish taken from waters inhabited by trout, or from If you catch a tagged fish, write down the tag taken by dip nets (page 54) or angling, and the banks of those waters at anytime. number, length of the fish, date and location suckers taken by spearing, may be transported of capture, and send this information to the overland by motorized vehicle for consump- address on the tag. You will be sent informa- tion purposes only. Once those species are tion about DEC’s tagging program and the transported away from the water body, they individual fish reported. Please don’t remove may not be transported back to any water tags from fish you release. body for use as bait.

56 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE BAITFISH REGULATIONS

Purchased Baitfish waters and their tributaries to the first impass- able barrier only. They are not included on the Green List Baitfish “Green List” for a variety of reasons including A Baitfish License The following baitfish are the only species that potential negative impacts on native fish popu- is Required to Sell can be purchased and used in any water body lations (i.e., alewife predation on walleye fry) in New York where it is legal to use fish as bait. or they are Marine District species. Baitfish In NY. These baitfish are commonly used throughout •• Alewife: Canandaigua Lake; Canadice Lake; New York and are not considered to be a threat Cannonsville Reservoir; Cayuga Lake; Cayuta the at Troy; and all waters in to other native New York fish species (except for Lake; Conesus Lake; Hemlock Lake; Waneta Nassau and Suffolk counties. trout in waters where baitfish use is prohibited). Lake; Hudson River downstream from Lock •• Blueback herring and Atlantic menhaden: Limiting the use of baitfish to the “Green List” C-4 and its associated dam in Stillwater to the Hudson River downstream from Lock C-4 and will help prevent the accidental introduction Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan Island; its associated dam in Stillwater to the Battery of unwanted species. Keuka Lake; Otsego Lake; Otisco Lake; Owasco at the southern tip of Manhattan Island; and Golden shiner Blacknose dace Lake; Lake Ontario; Lake Erie; Lamoka Lake; the Mohawk River and tributaries to the first Pepacton Reservoir; Seneca Lake; St. Lawrence Emerald shiner Longnose dace barrier impassable by fish. River; Niagara River; Mohawk River, and all Common shiner White sucker waters in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, •• American eel: Delaware River and tributaries Spottail shiner Northern hogsucker Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. to the first barrier impassable by fish, 9-inch minimum size limit; and the Hudson River Banded killifish Creek chub •• Rainbow smelt: Canadice Lake; Canandaigua downstream from the Federal Dam at Troy to Fathead minnow Fallfish Lake; Cayuga Lake; Cayuta Lake; Conesus the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan Bluntnose minnow Logperch Lake; First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Island, between 9 and 14 inches. lakes of the Fulton Chain; Hemlock Lake; Northern Eastern silvery redbelly dace minnow Honeoye Lake; Keuka Lake; Lake Cham- plain; Lamoka Lake; Lake Ontario; Lake Stonecat Margined madtom Erie; Owasco Lake; Seneca Lake; Star Lake Tadpole madtom Brindled madtom (St. Lawrence County); Waneta Lake; the Please Note St. Lawrence River; and the Niagara River. Any fish taken from a water body and used as Other Baitfish bait counts toward your daily limit. In addition to the “Green List,” the following •• Mummichog: Hudson River and tidal portion baitfish may be purchased and used in specified of Hudson River tributaries downstream of

USE BAITFISH WISELY Baitfish are a very effective and commonly used form of live bait for a variety of fish species. However, the careless use and disposal of bait fish can have a dramatic impact on native fish populations. Populations of fish such as brook trout that have evolved with few, if any, competitive fish species and rarely feed on fish, have been destroyed by the introduction of baitfish or other non-native fish species. Anglers should also be cautious with how they dispose of the water that the baitfish only in waters where their use is permitted. bait fish are contained in. This water could contain aquatic invasive species USE such as larval zebra mussels or water fleas, as well as fish diseases. These species can be introduced into another waterbody if bait water is dumped into it. ONLY use bait purchased from a dealer selling certified disease-free bait. Help us protect New York’s waters from damaging fish diseases, aquatic DON’T move bait or other fish from one water to another. invasive species and non-native fish. DUMP unused bait in the trash or other receptacle, or in an appropriate location on dry land. Introduction of fish species, including the dumping of unused baitfish, into a water body without a DEC stocking permit is a violation of Environmental Conservation Law.

NEVER dump bait water into a waterbody. If you need to replace the water in your bait bucket, first drain the existing water on dry land. If you intend to place bait fish into a boat’s bait well, replace the water they are being held in with water from the waterbody you will be fishing in prior to dumping them into the bait well.

REPORT illegal stocking activities KEEP FISHING GREAT IN NEW YORK STATE!

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 57 BAITFISH REGULATIONS

Use, Possession and minnows (except carp and goldfish), killifish, following counties: Queens, Kings, Richmond, Transportation mudminnows, darters, sticklebacks, stonecats, New York, Bronx, Suffolk, Nassau, Rockland and of Purchased Baitfish smelt, alewives and suckers for personal use in Westchester. The Marine and Coastal District hook and line fishing only (sale prohibited) by includes waters of the Atlantic Ocean within 3 Certified Baitfish angling and with the gear types listed below. All miles of the coastline and all other tidal waters, Certified baitfish are those that have been tested other species must be immediately returned to including the Hudson River upstream to the and found to be free of specified diseases. Use the water. Special regulations associated with Tappan Zee Bridge. of certified baitfish helps prevent the spread of personally harvesting alewife and blueback fish diseases. Certified baitfish purchased from herring in the Hudson River can be found on Use of Dead Fish as Bait a bait dealer can be transported overland in a page 24. Any dead fish, or parts thereof excluding eggs, motorized vehicle and used in any water body Baitfish or other legally taken fish species that are legal to possess and are not prohib- where it is legal to do so. intended to be used as bait may only be used in ited for use as bait (see above) that have been For baitfish to be considered certified, the the same water body (page 60) from which packaged for commercial sale and have been seller must provide a receipt that contains: they were caught for bait in hook-and-line fish- preserved by methods other than by freezing • the seller’s name, ing. These fish may only be used in a water body only (e.q., salted minnows) can be used in any • date of sale, where it is legal to use fish as bait. Transporta- water body where it is legal to use fish as bait • the species of fish, and tion of personally harvested baitfish overland by and do not require a receipt. Each package of • the number of each species sold. a motorized vehicle is prohibited except within dead bait fish must be individually labeled, The buyer must retain that receipt while in a designated overland transportation corridor identifying the name of the packager/proces- possession of the baitfish. Baitfish without a (page 59). See exceptions on page 56 for sor, the name of the species, the quantity of receipt or with a receipt that is older than 10 smelt, suckers, alewives and blueback herring fish contained, and the means of preservation. days shall be considered uncertified bait. taken for human consumption. Uncertified Baitfish Overland Transportation Corridors Uncertified baitfish are those that have not been Baitfish Collection Exceptions Three defined overland transportation corridors tested to verify that they are free of specified •• Possession or use of minnow traps and nets is were designated for the purposes of allowing diseases. These uncertified fish may carry diseases prohibited on units of state land/waters where the transport and use of uncertified baitfish by that could be harmful to native fish species. the use or possession of baitfish is prohibited anglers in specific areas of the state. The three Uncertified baitfish purchased from a bait dealer (see Special Regulations by County). overland transportation corridors are intended to primarily serve anglers fishing three major can only be used on the same body of water that •• In the Hudson River downstream of the Troy water bodies: the Lake Erie-Upper Niagara they were collected in. Uncertified baitfish cannot Dam and in Lake Champlain, Upper and Lower River; the Lower Niagara River-Lake Ontario-St. be transported overland by a motorized vehicle Saranac Lakes, Lake Clear (Franklin Co.), Chazy Lawrence River; and the Tidal Hudson River. To (e.q., car) except within a designated overland Lake and their tributaries to the first barrier, protect against the spread of fish diseases into transportation corridor (page 59). The seller smelt may be taken only by angling. of uncertified baitfish outside of an overland uninfected waters through the use of baitfish, transportation corridor is required to provide the Species That May Not uncertified baitfish are only allowed to be used on the same body of water where they were same receipt information as for certified baitfish Be Used for Bait and also include the name of the water body in collected within these corridors. which the uncertified bait fish can be used and Carp, goldfish, lamprey larvae, round goby, as Transportation of Purchased well as species listed as endangered or threat- a warning to the purchaser that the baitfish may Uncertified Baitfish within an ened in New York State may not be used for bait. not be transported overland by motorized vehicle. Overland Transportation Corridor Collection, Use and Transportation Restrictions on Use and Uncertified baitfish purchased from a bait Possession of Marine Baitfish dealer may be transported within a designated of Personally Harvested Baitfish overland transportation corridor provided a 1 Baitfish collected in the Marine and Coastal Any person who has a fishing license or is receipt, issued by the seller and retained by the 2 District may be transported overland only for entitled to fish without a license may collect purchaser while in possession of the baitfish, use in the Marine and Coastal District in the contains (1) the seller’s name, (2) date of sale, (3) the species of fish, (4) the number of each Gear Time Water species sold, (5) the water body the baitfish Seine or scap net: Sunrise to All non-trout waters must be used in, (6) the overland transporta- maximum size 36 square feet Sunset tion corridor the baitfish must be transported Minnow trap: within, and (7) a warning that the baitfish maximum length 20", maximum entrance diameter 1", Anytime Waters open to baitfish use may only be transported within that overland must be marked with owner’s name and address transportation corridor. Lakes Erie & Ontario excluding their inlets, outlets, bays Seine: Anytime Niagara River Transportation of Personally maximum size 36 square feet Hudson River below Troy Dam Collected Baitfish within an Cast net: 3 Overland Transportation Corridor Anytime Hudson River below Troy Dam maximum 10 feet in diameter Personally collected baitfish taken from a water In addition, alewives are the only fish that may be taken as follows: body within an overland transportation corri- Gill nets: Canadice, Canandaigua, Cayuga, Hemlock, Keuka, Owasco, dor may be transported within that corridor. Anytime maximum length 25 feet, maximum area 200 square Otisco and Seneca lakes. These baitfish may only be used in the same feet, maximum size 1" bar water body (page 60) they were collected in. Stunning may be used to collect stonecats. Stunning means tapping a stone with an implement or other stone. 1 Recreational 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 impassable by fish. 2 Possession of endangered or threatened fish species is prohibited. 3 The only place where cast nets may be used is in the Hudson River below the Troy Dam.

58 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE BAITFISH REGULATIONS

Designated Overland to its intersection with State Route 3, then 37 to its intersection with Racquette Point Transportation Corridors continuing east on State Route 3 to its inter- Road, then continuing north on Racquette The three overland transportation corridors section with State Route 104, then continuing Point Road to its intersection with Ransom are defined as follows: eastward on State Route 104 to its intersection Road, and then continuing west on Ransom with State Route 11, then continuing north on Road and terminating at the St. Lawrence 1 Upper Niagara River/Lake Erie Overland State Route 11 to its intersection with State River. Baitfish collected from the New York Transportation Corridor shall mean the Route 56 , then continuing north along State portion of the Lower Niagara River/Lake geographical area associated with the New Route 56 to its intersection with State Route Ontario/St. Lawrence River water body may York portion of Lake Erie and the Upper 37, then continuing east along State Route be transported within this corridor. Niagara River west of and including a line 1 2 starting at I-90 at the Pennsylvania border, then continuing east to its intersection with Lake Ontario Hudson River Overland Transportation Corridor I-290, then continuing north along I-290 to ¨¦§87 NIAGARA Æÿ4 its intersection with State Route 62, then ALBANY Upper Niagara River RENSSELAER Ü continuing west to its intersection with 1¨¦§90 I-190, then north to its intersection with Lake Erie Overland Æÿ62 the Lower Niagara River. Baitfish collected Transportation Corridor Æÿ9W Æÿ9

from the New York portion of the Upper ¨¦§290 GREENE COLUMBIA Niagara River/Lake Erie water body may be Ü Æÿ82 transported within this corridor.

2 Hudson River Overland Transportation DUTCHESS ULSTER Corridor shall mean the geographical area y a

¨¦§87 w

k ERIE r Legend associated with the Hudson River south a

P Lake Erie

e

t NYS County Boundary

a of the Federal Dam at Troy starting at the t S Corridor c

i eastern shore of the Hudson River at the n

co Waterbodies

a Federal Dam in Troy, continuing east on T W. Glenn Avenue in Troy to its intersection ¨¦§90 PUTNAM with State Route 4, then continuing south on ORANGE Legend State Route 4 to its intersection with State R E T S D E NYS County Boundary N Routes 9 & 20, then continuing easterly to A H L C K T C S O E its intersection with State Route 9, then R

CHAUTAUQUA Corridor W A

continuing east on State Route 82, to its Y ¨¦§87 P

N Waterbodies intersection with the Taconic State Parkway, ¨¦§287 then continuing south on the Taconic State Parkway to its intersection with the Sprain 3 Brook Parkway, then continuing south on Ra ns the Sprain Brook Parkway to its intersection Lower Niagara River/Lake Ontario om R d. with I-287, then continuing west on I-287 R

St. Lawrence River Overland S a 56 F Æÿ T

q

R .

u across the Tappan Zee Bridge to I-87 North, L A

Transportation Corridor A e N

W t

K t

then continuing north on I-87 to where State e R L

I E P N

N

t

Route 9W crosses I-87 in Greene County, . C

R

E then continuing north on State Route 9W d Ü Æÿ37 . to where State Route 9W crosses I-87 in ST. LAWRENCE Albany County, then continuing north on I-87 to its intersection with State Route 7, Æÿ11 Æÿ104 then continuing east on State Route 7 to N O S its intersection with I-787, then continuing R NYPA E F north on I-787 to its intersection with Tibbets Power F E Avenue, then continuing east on Tibbets Reservoir J Avenue to its intersection with Delaware 1¨¦§90 Lake Ontario Avenue, then proceeding in a straight line to the west edge of the Troy Dam. Baitfish collected from the New York portion of 104 Æÿ3 OSWEGO Æÿ104 the Tidal Hudson River water body may be ÆÿORLEANS

transported within this corridor. NIAGARA 1Æÿ04 A

MONROE WAYNE G

U Y 3 Lower Niagara River/Lake Ontario/St. A Lake C Legend Lawrence River Overland Transportation Corridor shall mean the geographical area Erie NYS County Boundary associated with New York portion of the Corridor Waterbodies Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River starting at the intersection of I-190 and the Lower Niagara River, then continuing eastward to its intersection with Overland Transportation Corridor Maps State Route 104, then continuing eastward For full page maps of the transportation corridors, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/47282.html.

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 59 DEFINITIONS

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

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.

60 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

COLDWATER SPORTFISH OF NEW YORK

BROOK TROUT BROWN TROUT RAINBOW SMELT Spots on tail Red/orange spots restricted to Adipose fin Worm-like markings Bright/red (pale halos around upper edge Large mouth orange spots dark spots)

Upper jaw extends Nearly square tail Leading white edge Past the eye ATLANTIC SALMON Few spots on back RAINBOW TROUT Spots on dorsal fin, LAKE TROUT and sides tail and back

Slightly forked tail Light spots on Forked tail Upper jaw extends Pink line dark background to edge of eye

COHO SALMON* CHINOOK SALMON* Spots on dorsal fin Spots on dorsal and entire tail fin and upper lobe of tail

Black mouth with white gums Black mouth

* Pacific salmon (Coho and Chinook Salmon) are characterized by an anal fin that is longer along the body than it is away from the body

Showcase your business NEW YORK with the reshwater FFISHING NEW YORK 2015–16 OFFICIAL REGULATIONS GUIDE VOLUME 7, ISSUE NO. 1, APRIL 2015

Freshwater Fishing Fishing for Community Muskie For advertising inquiries, please call

www.dec.ny.gov

Most regulations are in effect

(413) 884-1001 April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016

April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016

Most regulations are in effect www.dec.ny.gov

62 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE

Muskie

Fishing

for

VOLUME 7, ISSUE NO. 1, APRIL 2015

FISHING2015–16 OFFICIAL REGULATIONS GUIDE

F

reshwater NEW YORK WARMWATER SPORTFISH OF NEW YORK

LARGEMOUTH BASS SMALLMOUTH BASS BLUEGILL Deep notch Shallow notch Dusky spot at rear of dorsal fin

Upper jaw extends Dark horizontal band Upper jaw does not Bluish gill cover Faint vertical past eye extend past eye dark bars

WALLEYE YELLOW PERCH PUMPKINSEED Two separate Red spot on Two separate Black spot at rear of dorsal fins gill cover dorsal fins edge of first dorsal fin

Wavy turquoise Canine teeth bands on sides of Dark vertical bars head and cheek on yellow sides

NORTHERN PIKE CHAIN PICKEREL ROCK BASS Light spots on a Chain-like markings Irregular blotches dark background on sides on upper half Red eye

T. Knepp /USFWS Dark vertical bar under eye

Faint horizontal lines on lower half

Cheek and upper half of Cheek and gill cover gill cover scaled fully scaled 5 or fewer pores on underside of jaw

MUSKELLUNGE TIGER MUSKELLUNGE BLACK CRAPPIE 7 or 8 dorsal spines Irregular vertical bars on Dark vertical bars on A light background light background Curved Snout B

Flat, diamond Dark mottled shaped body patches

Note: White crappie (not shown) can be similar in coloration to black crappie. They can best be told apart by comparing the distance from the eye to the front of the dorsal fin (A) with the length of the base of the dorsal fin (B). In white crappie, B is significantly shorter than A, Upper half of cheek and 6 to 9 pores on 5 to 8 pores on Cheek and upper half of while the lengths are pretty much equal in black crappie. gill cover scaled underside of jaw underside of jaw gill cover scaled Black crappie also have 7–8 dorsal spines, while white crappie usually have 6 (rarely 7).

BROWN BULLHEAD CHANNEL CATFISH

Dark barbels Square tail Dark barbels Forked tail, less noticeable under chin under chin in larger fish

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 63 NEW YORK STATE ANGLER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Each year numerous anglers take to the water receive a custom engraved plaque, an Angler b. Make sure the fish is weighed on a certi- in hope of catching a trophy-sized fish. For Achievement Award lapel pin and a Certificate fied scale by the owner or an employee of those lucky enough to land a large fish, one of Achievement. the business where the scale is located. way of marking the event is to enter the fish For more information on the New York Certified scales can be found at post in DEC’s New York State Angler Achievement State Angler Achievement Awards program, offices, supermarkets and bait shops, just Awards Program. Started in the early 1900s contact (518) 402-8891. to name a few. Fish weighed on personal and expanded in 1990, this program officially handheld scales will not be accepted. recognizes anglers for their fishing accomplish- Rules of Entry c. Make sure the fish meets or exceeds ments. Awards are given for catching any of 43 1. Fish must be taken during their respective the minimum qualifying weight for different eligible freshwater fish species. You can open season by angling or ice fishing in the species. get an award for catching a one-pound perch New York State waters in accordance with just as easily as you can for catching a 33-pound New York State fishing regulations. Angling d. Make sure weighing is observed by one chinook salmon. You can enter your catch in does not include any method by which the witness other than the scale owner or any of three categories—Annual Award, Catch fish are foul hooked. Fish showing signs of business employee. and Release, and State Record. foul hooking, gill nets, tampering or foreign e. Make sure sections A, B, C, D, E, and G objects will be disqualified. of the entry form are completed. Annual Award 2. Qualifying fish must be entered on an The Annual Award recognizes the anglers who f. Make sure a side-view photograph of the official entry form or facsimile. All appli- caught the three heaviest fish of the calendar fish (angler with the fish, if possible) is cable portions of the entry form must be year (Jan. 1–Dec. 31) for each species. Each enclosed with the entry form. completed. fish entered must meet or exceed the mini- 7. To enter a fish in the Catch and Release mum qualifying weights found on page 66. 3. Entry forms must be received by the category: The winning anglers are awarded an Angler Department of Environmental Conserva- a. Make sure the fish is one of the 21 Achievement Award lapel pin and a Certificate tion (DEC), Bureau of Fisheries within 30 species designated under the Catch and of Achievement. days of the catch. Release category. 4. All entries must be accompanied by a Catch and Release clear, side-view photograph of the fish or if b. Make sure the fish is measured from The Catch and Release Award commends possible, the angler with the fish. Informa- tip of nose to tip of tail. the actions of those anglers who return their tion provided on the entry form and any c. Make sure the fish meets or exceeds qualifying catch to the water. This category is associated photographs become the property the minimum qualifying length for limited to 21 major sportfish species found on of DEC and may be used for promotional its species. page 66. Anglers catching a qualifying fish purposes. Photographs cannot be returned. are awarded a distinctive Catch and Release d. Make sure sections A, B, C and G of the lapel pin. 5. Pins awarded annually will be limited to one entry form are completed. pin per angler per species. e. Make sure a side-view photograph of State Record 6. To enter a fish in the Annual Award category: the fish (angler with the fish, if possible) The State Record recognizes those anglers a. Make sure the fish is one of the 44 is enclosed with the entry form. Photo- who break current New York State records species designated under the Annual graph must be taken at the catch site; for any of the 44 eligible fish species. Anglers Award category. entry forms accompanied by photo- graphs taken at the angler’s home, bait shop, etc. will be disqualified. f. Make sure the fish is handled properly. Fish should be measured, photographed R & J OUTFITTERS and released quickly. Improper handling Affordable trophy whitetail hunts in N.W. (i.e., fish hanging from stringers or scales) will result in disqualification. Fish not released promptly (i.e., weighed off-site prior to release) are not eligible 5-Day, Fully Guided, Fair for Catch and Release consideration. Chase Hunts with Lodging 8. To enter a fish in the New York State Record start at only $1,700.00! category: Thousands of private acres. a. Make sure the fish is one of the 44 No trophy fees or hidden charges. species designated for State Record consideration. YES YOU CAN! b. Make sure the fish is weighed on a certi- Ray: 786-319-1367 fied scale by the owner or an employee of John: 786-394-3536 the business where the scale is located. c. Make sure weighing is observed by one witness other than the scale owner or 176 B&C business employee. d. Fish must exceed previous record by a www.randjoutfitters.com minimum of 1 oz. in order to qualify as a new state record.

64 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE NEW YORK STATE ANGLER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

e. Make sure sections A–G of the entry 9. For fish entered in the Annual Award or 10. The DEC Bureau of Fisheries reserves the form are completed. Catch & Release categories,* send completed right to reject any Angler Achievement entry forms to: Award Application on the basis of erro- f. Make sure a clear side-view photograph neous species identification, improper of the fish (angler with the fish, if New York State Angler Achievement Awards handling, illegal fishing methods, evidence possible) is enclosed with the entry form. NYSDEC—Bureau of Fisheries of tampering or foreign objects, or inability 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4753 g. Make sure the fish is identified and to adequately document any of the circum- examined by a DEC fisheries biologist, * Completed entry forms for fish entered stances relating to the catch. or a designee, prior to any cutting of in the State Record category should be the fish or removal of entrails. Section sent directly to DEC’s Bureau of Fisheries F will be completed by the person regional office nearest you. verifying the fish. h. Fish fed or otherwise grown with the intention of breaking a state record will be disqualified.

WEIGH YOUR FISH WITH A RULER Ever wanted to know the weight of your catch but didn’t have a scale handy or the desire to kill your fish and weigh it on land? For the species listed below, you can get an approximate weight by measuring the fish from the snout to the tip of the tail. These weights are averages taken from fish collected by DEC fish management crews from across the State of New York. Remember, these are averages—fish growth can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the length of the growing season and food supply. Average weight by length (in inches) of various New York freshwater fish species

Black Smallmouth Largemouth Brook Rainbow Lake Chain Length Bluegill Yellow Perch Brown Trout Walleye Northern Pike Muskellunge Crappie Bass Bass Trout Trout Trout Pickerel 5 1 oz 6 3 oz 1 oz 7 4 oz 2 oz 8 7 oz 3 oz 9 7 oz 10 oz 5 oz 10 9 oz 13 oz 7 oz 6 oz 11 13 oz 10 oz 8 oz 12 1 lb 1 oz 13 oz 13 oz 14 oz 11 oz 10 oz 10 oz 13 1 lb 6 oz 15 oz 1 lb 1 oz 1 lb 2 oz 14 oz 12 oz 13 oz 14 1 lb 12 oz 1 lb 2 oz 1 lb 5 oz 1 lb 7 oz 1 lb 2 oz 1 lb 0 oz 1 lb 1 oz 15 1 lb 5 oz 1 lb 10 oz 1 lb 13 oz 1 lb 6 oz 1 lb 3 oz 1 lb 5 oz 1 lb 0 oz 1 lb 1 oz 11 oz 16 1 lb 15 oz 2 lb 4 oz 1 lb 11 oz 1 lb 7 oz 1 lb 9 oz 1 lb 4 oz 1 lb 4 oz 14 oz 17 2 lb 9 oz 2 lb 12 oz 2 lb 0 oz 1 lb 12 oz 1 lb 14 oz 1 lb 8 oz 1 lb 9 oz 1 lb 1 oz 18 3 lb 2 oz 3 lb 5 oz 2 lb 7oz 2 lb 1 oz 2 lb 4 oz 1 lb 13 oz 1 lb 14 oz 1 lb 4 oz 1 lb 4 oz 19 3 lb 5 oz 3 lb 15 oz 2 lb 14 oz 2 lb 7 oz 2 lb 11 oz 2 lb 3 oz 2 lb 4 oz 1 lb 8 oz 1 lb 7 oz 20 3 lb 14 oz 4 lb 10 oz 3 lb 6 oz 2 lb 14 oz 3 lb 2 oz 2 lb 9 oz 2 lb 10 oz 1 lb 12 oz 1 lb 11 oz 21 4 lb 8 oz 5 lb 7 oz 3 lb 15 oz 3 lb 5 oz 3 lb 10 oz 3 lb 0 oz 3 lb 1 oz 2 lb 1 oz 2 lb 1 oz 22 5 lb 3 oz 6 lb 6 oz 3 lb 13 oz 4 lb 3 oz 3 lb 8 oz 3 lb 9 oz 2 lb 6 oz 2 lb 6 oz 23 4 lb 6 oz 4 lb 12 oz 4 lb 0 oz 4 lb 1 oz 2 lb 12 oz 2 lb 9 oz 24 5 lb 0 oz 5 lb 7 oz 4 lb 9 oz 4 lb 11 oz 3 lb 3 oz 2 lb 15 oz 25 5 lb 11 oz 6 lb 3 oz 5 lb 4 oz 5 lb 5 oz 3 lb 10 oz 3 lb 5 oz 26 6 lb 6 oz 6 lb 15 oz 5 lb 15 oz 6 lb 0 oz 4 lb 1 oz 3 lb 11 oz 27 7 lb 2 oz 7 lb 13 oz 6 lb 11 oz 6 lb 12 oz 4 lb 10 oz 4 lb 2 oz 28 8 lb 0 oz 8 lb 12 oz 7 lb 8 oz 7 lb 10 oz 4 lb 9 oz 29 8 lb 14 oz 9 lb 11 oz 8 lb 7 oz 8 lb 9 oz 5 lb 1 oz 30 9 lb 14 oz 10 lb 12 oz 9 lb 6 oz 9 lb 8 oz 5 lb 10 oz 7 lb 4 oz 31 10 lb 7 oz 6 lb 3 oz 8 lb 1 oz 32 11 lb 8 oz 6 lb 13 oz 8 lb 15 oz 33 12 lb 11 oz 7 lb 7 oz 9 lb 15 oz 34 14 lb 0 oz 8 lb 2 oz 11 lb 0 oz 35 15 lb 5 oz 8 lb 13 oz 12 lb 1 oz 36 9 lb 10 oz 13 lb 4 oz 37 10 lb 6 oz 14 lb 8 oz 38 11 lb 4 oz 15 lb 14 oz 39 12 lb 2 oz 17 lb 5 oz 40 HOW OLD IS MY BASS 13 lb 1 oz 18 lb 13 oz 41 Average Age (in years) by Length of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass in New York State 20 lb 7 oz 42 22 lb 2 oz 43 LENGTH 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 lb 15 oz 44 Smallmouth Bass 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 25 lb 14 oz

45 AGE Largemouth Bass 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 27 lb 14 oz 46 30 lb 0 oz 47 32 lb 3 oz 48 34 lb 8 oz 49 37 lb 0 oz 50 39 lb 9 oz 51 42 lb 4 oz

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 65 NEW YORK STATE ANGLER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Qualifying Criteria To enter a fish in the Angler Achievement Awards Program, it must meet the minimum qualifying weight or length for the species in the entered category. The following list shows the minimum qualifying requirements for each species.

Catch and Release Category Annual Award Category Minimum Minimum Species Length Species Weight Helping You Get Bass, Largemouth 20 inches Bass, Largemouth 6 lb 0 oz Bass, Rock 1 lb 0 oz on the Water Bass, Smallmouth 18 inches DEC’s fishing webpages are some Bass, Smallmouth 4 lb 0 oz Bass, Striped 36 inches Bass, Hybrid Striped 6 lb 0 oz of the most popular on its website (Hudson River, Delaware River) Bass, Striped 30 lb 0 oz www.dec.ny.gov and new information Bluegill (Sunfish) 10 inches (Hudson River, Delaware River) is added regularly in an effort to help you Carp, Common 36 inches Bass, White 1 lb 0 oz get on the water and have an enjoyable Crappie, Black or White 14 inches Bluegill (Sunfish) 1 lb 0 oz fishing and boating experience. Be sure Bowfin 5 lb 0 oz Muskellunge to check out our complete inventory of Bullhead, Black 1 lb 0 oz Public Fishing Rights maps that provide Great Lakes 54 inches Bullhead, Brown 1 lb 0 oz locations on streams where we have Inland 48 inches Burbot 3 lb 0 oz purchased public fishing easements. Muskellunge, Tiger 36 inches Carp, Common 20 lb 0 oz Catfish, Channel 10 lb 0 oz We have also updated our directory of Perch, Yellow 14 inches Catfish, White 2 lb 0 oz Boat Launching Sites which provides Pickerel, Chain 25 inches Cisco (Lake Herring) 1 lb 0 oz directions to various state and municipal Pike, Northern 36 inches Crappie, Black 1 lb 8 oz sites throughout New York State. This Pumpkinseed (Sunfish) 10 inches Crappie, White 1 lb 8 oz directory is also available from all of Drum, Freshwater 10 lb 0 oz Salmon, Atlantic our DEC regional offices. If you have Eel, American 4 lb 0 oz a specific question about fishing in Great Lakes 30 inches Fallfish 1 lb 0 oz New York State, all of our regions Inland 24 inches Gar, Longnose 5 lb 0 oz can be reached Salmon, Chinook 40 inches Muskellunge 30 lb 0 oz Muskellunge, Tiger 15 lb 0 oz by e-mail or Salmon, Coho 33 inches phone. Contact Perch, White 1 lb 0 oz Trout, Brook 18 inches Perch, Yellow 1 lb 0 oz information Trout, Brown Pickerel, Chain 4 lb 0 oz for each region Great Lakes 32 inches Pickerel, Redfin 1 lb 0 oz can be found Pike, Northern 15 lb 0 oz Inland Lakes 24 inches in the Special Pumpkinseed (Sunfish) 1 lb 0 oz Regulations by Inland Streams 20 inches Salmon, Atlantic County section Trout, Lake Great Lakes 14 lb 0 oz of this guide. Great Lakes 34 inches Inland 6 lb 0 oz Salmon, Chinook 33 lb 0 oz Inland 30 inches Salmon, Coho 16 lb 0 oz Trout, Rainbow Salmon, Kokanee 1 lb 0 oz Great Lakes 30 inches Shad, American 6 lb 0 oz Inland Lakes 24 inches Sucker, Redhorse 6 lb 0 oz Sucker, White 2 lb 8 oz Inland Streams 20 inches Trout, Brook* 3 lb 0 oz Walleye 25 inches Trout, Brown Great Lakes 16 lb 0 oz Inland Lakes 7 lb 0 oz Inland Streams 3 lb 8 oz Trout, Lake Use of Non-Toxic Sinkers Great Lakes 16 lb 0 oz The loss of sinkers and lures is a routine part of fishing. Unfortunately, lost sinkers, especially Inland 10 lb 0 oz split-shot, may be mistaken for food or grit and eaten by water birds such as ducks, geese, swans, gulls or loons. Toxic effects of even a single lead sinker can cause birds to sicken and Trout, Rainbow increase the risk of death through predation, exposure or lead poisoning. The sale of certain Great Lakes 14 lb 0 oz lead sinkers (including “split shot”) weighing one-half ounce or less is prohibited in New Inland Lakes 5 lb 0 oz York State. This includes sale from out-of-state vendors, including catalog and Internet sales. Inland Streams 3 lb 8 oz This prohibition does not include artificial lures, weighted line, weighted flies or jig heads. Trout, Splake 8 lb 0 oz Even though the use of lead is not currently restricted in New York, as responsible anglers, Walleye 8 lb 0 oz we should all seek to reduce any unintended effects on the natural environment and leave Whitefish, Lake 4 lb 0 oz no trace of our presence. A trip to your favorite tackle shop will reveal a variety of alterna- tives to lead split shot, sinkers and jig heads. By switching to non-toxic sinkers with your next * Lakes and ponds containing brook trout brood stock, splake, or purchase, you can assure that your fishing tackle choices are helping to reduce the risk of recently stocked trophy-sized brook trout are not eligible for NYS lead poisoning to birds. brook trout records. Check with your regional fisheries office.

66 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE NEW YORK STATE ANGLER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

New York State Freshwater Fishing Records (as of November 1, 2014) Fish Species Weight Water Angler Name Catch Date American Eel 7 lb. 14 oz. Cayuga Lake Larry Manino 7/25/1984 American Shad 9 lb. 4 oz. Hudson River Robert Kubica 5/9/2007 Atlantic Salmon 24 lb. 15 oz. Lake Ontario Mike Dandino 4/5/1997 Black Bullhead 7 lb. 7 oz. Mill Pond Kevin Kelly 8/25/1993 Black Crappie 3 lb. 12 oz. Duck Lake Kenneth Kierst 4/17/1998 Bluegill 2 lb. 8 oz. Kohlbach Pond Devin VanZandt 8/3/1992 Bowfin 12 lb. 13 oz. Basha Kill Jeff Harrington 6/5/2000 Brook Trout 6 lb. Silver Lake Richard Beauchamp 5/16/2013 Brown Bullhead 7 lb. 6 oz. Lake Mahopac Glen Collacuro 8/1/2009 Brown Trout 33 lb. 2 oz. Lake Ontario Tony Brown 6/10/1997 Burbot 16 lb. 12 oz. Lake Ontario (Black River Bay) Terrance Colwell 2/14/1991 Chain Pickerel 8 lb. 1 oz. Toronto Reservoir John Bosland 2/13/1965 Channel Catfish 32 lb. 12 oz. Brant Lake Chris Dixon 6/21/2002 Chinook Salmon 47 lb. 13 oz. Salmon River Kurtis Killian 9/7/1991 Cisco (Lake Herring) 5 lb. 7 oz. Lake Lauderdale Albert Baratto 1/25/1990 Coho Salmon 33 lb. 7 oz. Lake Ontario Stephen Sheets Jr. 8/13/1998 Common Carp 50 lb. 6 oz. Tomhannock Reservoir Charles Primeau Sr. 5/12/1995 Fallfish 3 lb. 9 oz. Susquehanna River Jonathan McNamara 4/15/2009 Freshwater Drum 26 lb. 9 oz. Lake Ontario (Irondequoit Bay) James VanArsdall 6/14/2014 Hybrid Striped Bass 15 lb. 5 oz. Lake Waccabuc Bryan Colley 7/30/2004 Kokanee Salmon 3 lb. 6 oz. Boy Scouts Clear Pond Kenneth Shear 6/14/2002 Lake Trout 41 lb. 8 oz. Lake Erie Jesse Wykstra 8/9/2003 Lake Whitefish 10 lb. 8 oz. Lake Pleasant Randolph Smith 8/29/1995 Largemouth Bass 11 lb. 4 oz. Buckhorn Lake John Higbie 9/11/1987 Longnose Gar 13 lb. 3 oz. Lake Champlain Kenneth Cassant 7/25/1999 Muskellunge 69 lb. 15 oz. St. Lawrence River Arthur Lawton 9/22/1957 Northern Pike 46 lb. 2 oz. Great Sacandaga Lake Peter Dubuc 9/15/1940 Pink Salmon 4 lb. 15 oz. Lake Erie Randy Nyberg 9/16/1985 Pumpkinseed 1 lb. 9 oz. Indian Lake R. Kennard Mosher 7/19/1994 Rainbow Trout 31 lb. 3 oz. Lake Ontario Robert Wilson 8/14/2004 Redfin Pickerel 2 lb. 1 oz. Lake Champlain Duane Gillespie 3/5/1989 Rock Bass 1 lb. 15 oz. Ramapo River Eric Avogardo 5/26/1984 Sauger 4 lb. 8 oz. Lower Niagara River Darrin Schwenkbeck 9/30/1990 Shorthead Redhorse 11 lb. 11 oz. Salmon River Joe Williams 5/26/1996 Smallmouth Bass 8 lb. 4 oz. Lake Erie Andrew Kartesz 6/4/1995 Splake 13 lb. 8 oz. Limekiln Lake Jonathan Simon 6/27/2004 Striped Bass 60 lb. 0 oz. Hudson River Eric Lester 5/14/2014 Tiger Musky 35 lb. 8 oz. Tioughnioga River Brett Gofgosky 5/25/1990 Walleye 16 lb. 9 oz. Mystic Lake Thomas Reed 1/20/2009 White Bass 3 lb. 6 oz. Furnace Brook Robert Hilton 5/2/1992 White Catfish 10 lb. 5 oz. New Croton Reservoir Joe Silicato 5/17/1998 White Crappie 3 lb. 13 oz. Sleepy Hollow Lake James Weinberg 6/9/2001 White Perch 3 lb. 1 oz. Lake Oscaletta Joseph Tansey 9/21/1991 White Sucker 5 lb. 3 oz. Hudson River Eric Kindron 5/13/1994 Yellow Perch 3 lb. 8 oz. Lake Erie George Boice 4/28/1982

Nesting Birds Many species of birds select nest sites on or close to water. These include ducks, geese, swans, loons, herons, ospreys and eagles. Close approach by anglers and activities associated with fishing may cause these birds to leave their nests. This makes the eggs or young vulnerable to predators, chilling, overheating, disruption of parental care, and possible abandonment and starvation. Please pay attention and keep a good distance from nesting birds or birds with chicks. Also, be sure to move away from birds that appear to be frightened or defending nesting areas.

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 67 NEW YORK STATE ANGLER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

Section A: Entry Category

Fish is being entered in Catch and Release Category Annual Award Category State Record (check one) (complete sections B, C, G) (complete sections B, C, D, E, G) (complete sections B, C, D, E, F, G)

Section B: Angler Information Name of Angler: Phone: Email: Address: City/Town: State: Zip Code:

Section C: Catch Information Fish Species: Kept: Released: Date of Catch: Time of Catch: AM PM (Circle one) Name of County: Nearest Town: Length: Water Body:

Brief description of Lure/Bait Used: Lure Color/Size: how fish was caught:

Section D: Weight Information: (Annual Award or State Record entries only) Weights taken on personal/ Name of Weigher: Business Name: Weight: lbs: oz: handheld scales are ineligible. Address of Business: Phone: City/Town: State: Zip Code: Weigher Scale Certification Number: Date Last Certified: Date: Signature:

Section E: Witness Verification (Annual Award or State Record entries only) Name of Witness: Witness Signature: Address of Witness: Phone: City/Town: State: Zip Code: Date:

Section F: Species Information (State Record Entries Only—to be completed by a DEC Fisheries Biologist or Designee) I have examined the fish described above and confirm that it is a: Name of DEC Fisheries Biologist or Designee: Signature: Date:

Section G: Angler Signature (all entries) and Notarization (State Record Entries only) I hereby swear that the information provided on this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and that the taking of the fish described above was in accor- dance with the rules of the New York State Angler Achievement Awards Program. Furthermore, I release to the New York State Department of Environmental Conserva- tion the right to use the above information and any enclosed photographs for promotional purposes, although I understand that this does not restrict my use of the same information and photographs. Signature of Angler (all entries): Sworn before me this day of: Year: Signature of Notary (State Record entries only):

Notary Seal (State Record Entries Only) Miscellaneous Notes

68 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE PUBLIC FISHING RIGHTS

Landowner Benefits: •• Landowners receive a payment based on a rate per bank-mile or proportionate part of a mile that is owned. (Rates vary on different waters.) •• Extra money is given if a footpath easement or parking area is acquired. Footpaths are for crossing a landowner’s property from a road to the water at a specified location. For more information, contact your regional fisheries manager (see Special Regulations by County: pages 15–47) or visit: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7746.html

PFR LOCATION MAPS Public Fishing Rights locator maps have been completed for most of New York. For a listing of available maps, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html Yellow public fishing stream signs will help you know you have legal access to the stream.

Fishing is a timeless tradition enjoyed by millions of people of all ages, and New York State has some of the finest fishing waters in the nation. Many of these waters, however, can be difficult to access because they Didymo Alert are privately owned. Since 1935, the Department of Environmental Didymo (Didymosphenia Conservation (DEC) has worked with private landowners to ensure geminata), also known as access to these prime fishing waters. During that time, nearly 1,300 “rock snot,” is a non-native miles of public fishing rights (PFR) easements have been purchased invasive algae that can form on over 400 streams across the state. The landowners participating in this worthwhile program are the key to its success, and the reason thick brown mats in coldwater that our children will be able to continue enjoying fishing. As an streams. Heavy growths of owner of land along one of the state’s waterways, you may qualify to didymo may choke out insects participate in and receive the benefits of this program. and other aquatic organisms, negatively impacting species Public Fishing Rights: such as trout that depend •• Are permanent easements along game fish streams that allow the on these organisms for food. public to wade and walk along the streambed and banks for the Long strands of didymo can purpose of fishing, and for no other activity. also make fishing difficult as it •• Are granted voluntarily to the people of the State of New York by tends to foul flies, lures and leaders. Since its first discovery owners of private land. The landowner continues to own the land in New York in the Batten Kill (Washington County), didymo affected by the limited fishing rights easement. has now been confirmed in the Delaware River system, •• Are permanent easements which will apply to all future owners of Esopus Creek, and most recently, in Kayaderosserras Creek the property. The easement gives DEC the right, when funds are in Saratoga County. Didymo can be easily spread from water available, to do stream improvement work (such as planting trees to water by anglers, kayakers, tubers and other stream users or shrubs), if needed, to protect and stabilize stream banks. that do not follow proper cleaning, drying and/or disinfec- •• Usually consist of a 33-foot strip of land along each bank or along one tion procedures. Waders and wading shoes are considered to bank if that is all the landowner owns. Foot path rights-of-way may also be a primary transport mechanism for didymo, particularly be included, especially if a parking area is also purchased. those with felt soles. Anglers are encouraged to use cleated, •• Do not interfere with the landowner’s use of the property for non-felt soles that are much less likely to transport didymo farming, grazing, water supply and fishing. Landowners may fence and easier to clean and disinfect. If you cannot throughly the land, plow it, cut trees, or otherwise improve it. Landowners dry your equipment for at least 48 hours, please disinfect it may also post their property against hunting or any other type of before using it in another water. Household disinfectants such trespass except fishing. as Fantastik® and Formula 409® are effective in disinfecting •• Place no obligation on the owner to keep their lands safe for entry fishing and boating equipment. or use by anglers or for acts of such persons (see Section 9-103 of General Obligations Law). For further information on disinfection procedures, see page 2. •• Follow the natural course of the stream even if it should change its course, as long as it remains on the landowner’s property.

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 69 Catch Release

lthough a fresh fish dinner can be the climax of a great below 75°F. Additional information on avoiding fish fishing trip, more and more anglers have come to real- injury in livewells and at tournaments can be found at ize that quality fish populations can only& be maintained http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/conservation A if catch and release angling is practiced. This is particularly the case for large gamefish that are typically rare in a population and 10. Fish caught in deep water may be injured by rapid pressure usually take an extended time to grow to a quality size. With the change and may suffer from an expanded swim bladder. To advent of fiberglass fish mounts, it is no longer necessary to kill minimize these problems, a moderate retrieve rate should a trophy to get it mounted. Before releasing your trophy, take be employed to ensure that the fish has an opportunity to a photograph of it and measure its length and girth. Take this adjust to the change in pressure. Depending on the fish information to a taxidermist and they can produce an accurate, species, there are techniques that may be helpful if your fish long-lasting replica of your catch. To ensure that the fish that suffers from an expanded swim bladder that prevents it from you release have the best chance of survival, please follow these swimming properly. Go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9224.html guidelines: for a discussion of these techniques. 1. Quickly play and land the fish that you catch. Using light tackle is challenging to the angler, but can result in an Release Guidelines for exhausted fish that may not be able to recover. Muskellunge, Pike & Pickerel 2. Avoid catch and release fishing for thermally stressed trout. All members of the pike family tend to be very intolerant of Survival of released trout substantially decreases as the water handling. Please follow the following guidelines to reduce warms to 70°F and higher. the stress on the fish you catch: 3. Have the necessary tools in convenient reach, so that you •• Never play your fish to exhaustion. can rapidly remove the hook. •• If at all possible, do not remove your fish from the water. 4. Minimize the length of time that the fish is out of the water. Release your fish in the water where its body is Handle and unhook the fish in the water. supported. •• Never hold a fish by the eye sockets or gills. 5. Avoid contact with the gills. Do not squeeze the fish or handle by the eye-sockets. Minimize a fish’s contact with •• If you intend to release your fish, never hold it vertically dry surfaces. Wet hands before handling to avoid removal as this can put unnecessary strain on body tissues and of the fish’s protective slime coat. vertebrae that can lead to its death. If you must hold it out of the water, hold it horizontally with one hand 6. Anglers catching large members of the pike family should cradling its belly. remember to always hold the fish horizontally (preferably •• Remember—chain pickerel, northern pike, muskellunge in the water). When fish with long bodies such as these are and tiger muskellunge can all grow to record proportions held vertically, the weight of their internal organs can cause in New York waters, but only if you release the interme- them to shift to the rear of their bodies, often resulting in diate size fish that you catch. irreparable harm. 7. Do not jerk hooks out of a deeply hooked fish. Instead, cut the leader close to the eye of the hook. 8. Consider using barbless or circle hooks. Circle hooks, when used properly, usually ensure that the fish is hooked in the mouth and are particularly good for fishing with bait. 9. Avoid culling fish. Anglers keeping fish in livewells should be sure to keep oxygen levels high and water temperatures

70 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE HEALTH ADVISORIES

New York State Department of Health (DOH) FIREWOOD Your firewood may be hiding invasive pests that are killing our trees and forever changing Advisories for Chemicals in Sportfish WARNING the forests we love. Protect our trees. Fish are an important part of a healthy diet and can be good to eat, Buy Local, Burn Local. For questions or to report any but some fish contain chemicals that may be harmful to health. The invasives you find, call toll-free: New York State Department of Health (DOH) issues advice to help y It is illegal to bring untreated* people make healthier choices about eating the fish they catch in New firewood into New York State 1-866-640-0652 York State waters. y It is illegal to transport State and federal quarantines The following recommendations are based on contaminant levels untreated firewood exist that further restrict the in fish and shellfish. The advisories are for the year 2015–2016, but more than 50 miles from movement of firewood. For they may change from year to year based on new information. The its source or origin more information please visit complete, up-to-date advisories are available from the internet at: y When transporting firewood, www.dec.ny.gov and search www.health.ny.gov/fish. you must carry proof of for “invasive insects”. source (receipt from a * Treated firewood has been General Advisory for Eating Sportfish vendor), origin (self-issued heated to 160°F for 75 minutes to eliminate pests living inside the The general health advisory for sportfish is that you can eat up to four certificate from DEC website), wood. Treated firewood can be (one half pound) meals per month of fish taken from most of the state’s or treatment (label showing moved without restriction. freshwaters and some marine waters at the mouth of the Hudson River. treatment method) What’s lurking in In the water-rich state of New York, there are many waterbodies where Failure to follow these the entire family can enjoy up to four fish meals a month. regulations may result in a ticket. your firewood? Specific Advisories for Freshwater and the Hudson River Fish from more than 140 water bodies in New York have specific

ASIAN advisories. For these listed waters, DOH recommends either limit- LONGHORNED EMERALD ing or not eating certain fish. The specific advisories for fresh waters BEETLE ASH BORER and the Hudson River are provided in the Health Advisory tables on pages 72 through 74. DOH recommends that women under age 50 and children under 15 don’t eat any fish from waters listed in the tables on pages 72 through 74. The reason for this advice is that chemicals may have a greater effect on developing organs of young Attention Anglers: children or in the unborn child. They also build up in women’s bodies Avoid Areas Containing and are often passed on in the mother’s milk. Blue-green Algae Blooms Health Advisories for Marine Waters Consuming fish from areas with blooms of blue- Health advisories for New York State marine waters, including the green algae may be harmful to your health. Upper Bay of New York Harbor, East and Harlem Rivers, Newark Bay, Arthur Kill, , Raritan Bay, Jamaica Bay, Long Island •• Avoid areas that have the thick paint-like or pea soup-like Sound, Block Island Sound, Peconic and Gardiners Bays and Long coloration characteristic of blue-green algae blooms. Island South Shore/Atlantic Ocean can be found on the DOH website at: www.health.ny.gov/fish. •• Don’t eat fish caught in these areas. •• Rinse with clean water if exposed to a blue-green algae bloom. 2015–2016 Health Advisories for Freshwaters and the Hudson River Estuary For information about blue-green algae blooms and related To minimize potential adverse health impacts, the DOH recommends: fish consumption advice, visit •• Eat up to four (one-half pound) meals per month of fish from the state’s freshwaters and the Hudson River Estuary, except as recom- http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html mended on pages 72–74. http://www.health.ny.gov/fish •• Follow the advice on eating fish for waters listed on pages 72–74 and their tributaries to the first barrier impassable by fish.

Blue-green algae blooms can make the water look like pea soup

Steve Pannasch with an impressive largemouth bass he caught and released from the Hudson River in Ulster County

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 71 HEALTH ADVISORIES

Women under 50 years of age and children under 15 years of age should not eat any fish from the waters listed below. All others should follow the listed advice. Also, see Special Advice on Lake Erie and Niagara River Above Niagara Falls on Page 74. Water (County) Species Recommendations Water (County) Species Recommendations Amawalk Reservoir Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass (St. Lawrence) 1 meal/month (Westchester) over 16" Mouth to Massena Power All species Don’t Eat Ashokan Reservoir (Ulster) Smallmouth Bass over 16" & Walleye 1 meal/month Canal Great Sacandaga Lake Beaver Lake (Lewis) Chain Pickerel 1 meal/month Smallmouth Bass & Walleye 1 meal/month Beaver River (Fulton, Saratoga) •between High Falls Dam Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Halfmoon Lake (Lewis) Yellow Perch 1 meal/month and Croghan Dam (Lewis) Hall’s Pond (Nassau) Carp and Goldfish Don’t Eat Big Moose Lake Herrick Hollow Creek Yellow Perch over 10" and Lake Trout 1 meal/month Brook Trout 1 meal/month (Herkimer & Hamilton)) (Delaware) Blue Mountain Lake Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass High Falls Pond (Lewis) Smallmouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month 1 meal/month (Hamilton) over 15" Hinckley Reservoir (Herkimer Chain Pickerel and Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Bog Brook Reservoir & Oneida) Walleye over 21" 1 meal/month (Putnam) Hoosic River (Rensselaer) Brown Trout over 14" 1 meal/month Boyd Corners Reservoir Hudson River See Table on page 74 Largemouth Bass over 16" & Walleye 1 meal/month (Putnam) Indian Lake, Town of Diana/ All species 1 meal/month Breakneck Pond (Rockland) Largemouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Fort Drum (Lewis) Brown Tract Ponds, Upper Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass Indian Lake—Towns of Indian 1 meal/month and Lower (Hamilton) over 15" Lake and Lake Pleasant Smallmouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Carp Don’t Eat (Hamilton) Buffalo River/Harbor (Erie) Channel Catfish 1 meal/month Irondequoit Bay (Monroe) See Lake Ontario Advice Smallmouth Bass over 15" & Chain Kinderhook Lake (Columbia) American Eel 1 meal/month Canada Lake (Fulton) 1 meal/month Pickerel Kings Flow (Hamilton) Largemouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Lake Trout over 23" Don’t Eat Koppers Pond (Chemung) Carp 1 meal/month Canadice Lake (Ontario) Brown Trout, smaller Lake Trout 1 meal/month Lake Capri (Suffolk) American Eel and Carp 1 meal/month Cannonsville Reservoir Smallmouth Bass over 15" & Yellow Lake Champlain (Whole Lake Trout over 25" and Walleye 1 meal/month 1 meal/month (Delaware) Perch Lake) over 19" Carry Falls Reservoir (St. • Bay within Cumberland Walleye 1 meal/month Follow advice above plus: American Eel 1 meal/month Lawrence) Head to Crab Island Cayuga Creek (Niagara) All species Don’t Eat Lake Durant and Rock Chase Lake (Fulton) Yellow Perch over 9" 1 meal/month Pond, Town of Indian Lake Largemouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Chenango River Walleye over 22" 1 meal/month (Hamilton) Chodikee Lake (Ulster) Largemouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Lake Eaton (Hamilton) Yellow Perch over 10", Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Cranberry Lake (St. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass Channel Catfish, Carp Don’t Eat 1 meal/month Lake Ontario (Whole Lake) White Sucker, Lake Trout over 25", Lawrence) over 15" 1 meal/month Crane Pond (Essex) Smallmouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Brown Trout over 20" Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass • West of Point Breeze White Perch Don’t Eat 1 meal/month (Westchester) over 16" • East of Point Breeze White Perch 1 meal/month Dart Lake (Herkimer) Yellow Perch over 10" 1 meal/month (note: harvest/possession of Niagara River, Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River American eel is Delaware Park/Hoyt Lake (Erie) Carp 1 meal/month prohibited per NYSDEC Regulations.) Lewey Lake Diverting Reservoir (Putnam) Walleye 1 meal/month Smallmouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month (Hamilton) Dunham Reservoir Walleye Don’t Eat Lewiston Reservoir/Power (Rensselaer) Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Carp Don’t eat Reservoir (Niagara) (Rensselaer) Largemouth Bass 1 meal/month Limekiln Lake East Branch Reservoir Yellow Perch over 10" 1 meal/month Walleye 1 meal/month (Putnam) (Hamilton & Herkimer) Effley Falls Pond (Lewis) Chain Pickerel & Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Lincoln Pond (Essex) Largemouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Eighteenmile Creek, above Loch Sheldrake (Sullivan) Walleye 1 meal/month and below Burt Dam All species Don’t Eat Loft’s Pond (Nassau) Carp and Goldfish 1 meal/month (Niagara) Long Lake, Town of Long Northern Pike 1 meal/month Elmer Falls Pond (Lewis) Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Lake (Hamilton) Long Pond, Town of Croghan Between Lockport SpLake over 12" Don’t Eat and Niagara River (Erie/ Carp 1 meal/month (Lewis) Niagara) Lower & Upper Sister Lakes Yellow Perch over 10" Don’t Eat Smallmouth Bass over 15" and Rock (Hamilton) (Hamilton) 1 meal/month Bass Lower Saranac Lake Smallmouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Ferris Lake (Hamilton) Yellow Perch over 10" 1 meal/month (Franklin) Forked Lake (Hamilton) Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Massapequa Reservoir/ Fourth Lake (Herkimer & Upper Massapequa Reser- Carp and White Perch 1 meal/month Lake Trout Don’t Eat Hamilton) of Fulton Chain voir (Nassau) Massena Power Canal (St. Francis Lake (Lewis) Chain Pickerel over 20" 1 meal/month Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Lawrence) Franklin Falls Flow/ Pond Walleye Don’t Eat (Franklin & Essex) Yellow Perch over 12" Don’t Eat Smaller Yellow Perch 1 meal/month Freeport Reservoir (Nassau) Carp 1 meal/month Meacham Lake (Franklin) Fresh Pond, Hither Hills State Smallmouth Bass Don’t Eat Largemouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Park (Suffolk) Northern Pike 1 meal/month Middle (East) Stoner Lake Goodyear Lake (Otsego) Walleye over 22" 1 meal/month Smallmouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Grant Park Pond (Nassau) Carp 1 meal/month (Fulton & Hamilton)

72 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE HEALTH ADVISORIES

Women under 50 years of age and children under 15 years of age should not eat any fish from the waters listed below. All others should follow the listed advice. Also, see Special Advice on Lake Erie and Niagara River Above Niagara Falls on Page 74. Water (County) Species Recommendations Water (County) Species Recommendations Mohawk River Sand Lake—Town of Arietta Chain Pickerel 1 meal/month • Between Oriskany and Carp Don’t Eat (Hamilton) West Canada Creeks Sauquoit Creek (Oneida) (Oneida & Herkimer) Largemouth Bass & Tiger Muskellunge 1 meal/month Mohawk River to Old Silk Mill Brown Trout Don’t Eat • Between West Canada Dam (near New Hartford/ Creek and Fivemile Paris town line) Carp 1 meal/month Dam below Little Falls (Westchester) American Eel 1 meal/month (Herkimer) Smallmouth Bass over 15" & Walleye Don’t Eat Moshier Reservoir (Herkimer) Yellow Perch & Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Schoharie Reservoir over 18" (Delaware, Greene and Nassau Lake (Rensselaer) All species Don’t Eat Smaller Smallmouth Bass & smaller Schoharie) 1 meal/month Neversink Reservoir Brown Trout over 24" & Smallmouth Walleye 1 meal/month (Sullivan) Bass Schroon Lake (Warren and Lake Trout over 27", Yellow Perch over 1 meal/month Niagara River Essex) 13" and Smallmouth Bass over 15" Channel Catfish, Carp and White Perch Don’t Eat Seneca River (Onondaga) • Below Niagara Falls White Sucker, Lake Trout over 25", • Downstream of Lock 24 See Onondaga Lake advisories 1 meal/month Brown Trout over 20" at Baldwinsville (note: harvest/possession of Niagara River, Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River American eel is Sheldrake River American Eel Don’t Eat prohibited per NYSDEC Regulations.) (Westchester) Goldfish 1 meal/month North Lake—Town of Ohio Yellow Perch 1 meal/month Skaneateles Creek (Onondaga) (Herkimer) • Seneca River to Brown Trout over 10" 1 meal/month North-South Lake (Greene) Largemouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Skaneateles Lake Dam at Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass over Skaneateles 15", Walleye, Carp, Channel Catfish and Don’t Eat Smith Pond at Rockville White Perch 1 meal/month Onondaga Lake (Onondaga) White Perch Centre (Nassau) Brown Bullhead and Pumpkinseed 4 meals/month Smith Pond at Roosevelt American Eel Don’t Eat All fish not listed 1 meal/month Park (Nassau) Carp and Goldfish 1 meal/month Osgood Pond (Franklin) Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Soft Maple Dam Pond and Rock Bass & Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Oswego River (Oswego) Soft Maple Reservoir (Lewis) • Varick Dam at Oswego South Pond—Town of Long Channel Catfish 1 meal/month Yellow Perch over 10" 1 meal/month (Lock #8) to upper dam Lake (Hamilton) at Fulton (Lock #2) Spring Lake - Middle Island Carp and Goldfish Don’t Eat • Mouth to Varick Dam at (Suffolk) See Lake Ontario Advice Oswego (Lock #8) Spy Lake (Hamilton) Smallmouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Pepacton Reservoir Smallmouth Bass over 15", Brown Trout Stark Falls Reservoir 1 meal/month Northern Pike over 26" Don’t eat (Delaware) over 24" & Yellow Perch (St. Lawrence) Pine Lake (Fulton) Largemouth Bass 1 meal/month Stillwater Reservoir Yellow Perch over 9", Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Polliwog Pond (Franklin) Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month (Herkimer) & Splake Raquette Lake (Hamilton) Largemouth Bass 1 meal/month Chain Pickerel Don’t Eat Sunday Lake (Herkimer) Red Lake (Jefferson) Walleye 1 meal/month Yellow Perch over 10" 1 meal/month Ridders Pond (Nassau) Goldfish Don’t Eat Susquehanna River Walleye over 22" 1 meal/month Rio Reservoir Swinging Bridge Reservoir Smallmouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Walleye 1 meal/month (Orange & Sullivan) (Sullivan) Rock Pond and Lake Threemile Creek (Oneida) White Sucker 1 meal/month Durant—Town of Indian Lake Largemouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month Titicus Reservoir White Perch 1 meal/month (Hamilton) (Westchester) Rollins Pond (Franklin) Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Tupper Lake (Franklin & St. Smallmouth Bass & Walleye 1 meal/month Rondout Reservoir (Sullivan Lawrence) Smallmouth Bass over 16" 1 meal/month & Ulster) Unadilla River Walleye over 22" 1 meal/month Round Pond—Town of Long Union Falls Flow/Pond Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch over 12" 1 meal/month 1 meal/month Lake (Hamilton) (Clinton, Franklin) and Walleye Rushford Lake (Allegany) Walleye 1 meal/month Upper & Lower Sister Lakes Yellow Perch over 10" Don’t Eat Russian Lake (Hamilton) Yellow Perch over 9" 1 meal/month (Hamilton) Sacandaga Lake (Hamilton) Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Upper Chateaugay Lake Smallmouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month St. Lawrence River (Clinton) Carp, Channel Catfish Don’t Eat Upper Twin Pond (Nassau) American Eel & Carp 1 meal/month • Whole river White Perch, White Sucker, Lake Trout Valatie Kill 1 meal/month over 25", Brown Trout over 20" • Between County Rt. All species Don’t Eat • Bay and cove east of 18 and Nassau Lake S. Channel Bridge, near (Rensselaer) All species Don’t Eat • Between Nassau Lake St. Lawrence/ Franklin American Eel, Bluegill and Redbreasted and Kinderhook Lake 1 meal/month Co. line Sunfish (note: harvest/possession of Niagara River, Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River American eel is (Rensselaer & Columbia) prohibited per NYSDEC Regulations.) Weller Pond (Franklin) Northern Pike 1 meal/month West Branch Reservoir Salmon River (Oswego) Walleye 1 meal/month (Putnam) • Mouth to Salmon River Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Reservoir (also see Lake Whitney Park Pond (Nassau) Carp and Goldfish 1 meal/month Ontario advice) Willis Lake (Hamilton) Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Salmon River Reservoir Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass 1 meal/month Woods Lake (Hamilton) Smallmouth Bass over 15" 1 meal/month (Oswego)

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 73 HEALTH ADVISORIES

Additional Advice for Women and Children Eating 6. When cooking sportfish, use cooking Fish from Adirondack and Catskill Waters methods (broiling, grilling and baking) Certain larger, older fish in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountain regions often contain relatively which allow contaminants from the fatty high levels of mercury in their flesh. Because of this, children under 15 and women under 50 portions of fish to drain out. Pan-frying is not should NOT EAT yellow perch longer than 10", northern pike, pickerel, walleye, largemouth bass recommended. The cooking liquids and fat or smallmouth bass from all Adirondack and Catskill region waters. The statewide advisory to drippings of fish should be discarded since eat up to four meals per month applies for yellow perch less than 10", brook, brown and rainbow these liquids may contain contaminants. trout, bullhead, bluegill/sunfish, rock bass, crappie and other fish because these fish tend to 7. Do not eat the soft “green stuff” (mustard, have lower mercury levels. Children under 15 and women under 50 should NOT EAT fish from tomalley, liver or hepatopancreas) found in any waters listed on pages 72–73, including those in the Catskill and Adirondack regions. the body section of crab and lobster. This tissue can contain high levels of chemical Fish Advisories for the Hudson River contaminants, including PCBs, dioxin and Women under 50 years of age and children under 15 should not eat any fish from the Hudson River downstream of the Corinth Dam. heavy metals. All others should follow the advice listed below. 8. Anglers who want to enjoy the fun of fish- Eat up to one Eat up to four ing but who wish to eliminate the potential Location (chemicals of concern) Don’t Eat (1/2 pound) meal (1/2 pound) meals risks associated with eating contaminated per month per month sportfish may want to consider “catch and Upstream from Corinth Dam (mercury) Follow advice for Adirondack waters (above) release” fishing. 9. Space out your fish meals so you don’t get Corinth Dam to Dam at Route 9 Bridge Smallmouth Bass over 14" All other fish species in South Glens Falls (mercury and PCBs) and Carp too much exposure to chemicals at any given time. This is particularly important Dam at Route 9 Bridge in South Glens All fish species for women and young children. Falls to Bakers Falls (PCBs) Catch and release fishing only per NYS Department of Environmental 10. Bacteria, viruses or parasites may be in Bakers Falls to Troy Dam (PCBs) Conservation regulations. or on fish. Keep harvested fish cold. Wear Take no fish. Eat no fish. protective gloves when gutting, skinning Alewife, Blueback Herring, and filleting. Wash hands and surfaces often Troy Dam south to Rip Van Winkle All fish species except those Rock Bass and when preparing fish, and keep raw foods Bridge at Catskill (PCBs) listed at right Yellow Perch separate. Cook fish and shellfish thoroughly South of at Catskill Atlantic Needlefish, Bluefish, before eating. (PCBs in fish and cadmium, dioxin and PCBs Brown Bullhead, Carp, Channel catfish, Gizzard shad, All other fish species in crabs) Goldfish, Largemouth Bass, White catfish, Crab hepatopan- Blue crab meat* (note: harvest/possession of Hudson River Rainbow Smelt, Smallmouth Deformed or Abnormal Fish creas and crab cooking liquid* (six crabs per meal) American eel for food and American shad is Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye, The health implications of eating deformed prohibited per NYSDEC regulations) White Perch or abnormal fish are unknown. Any obviously * The hepatopancreas (“the green stuff” also known as mustard, tomalley, liver) found in the body section of crabs and lobsters should diseased fish (marked by tumors, lesions or other not be eaten because it has high contaminant levels. Because contaminants are transferred to cooking liquid, crab or lobster cooking abnormal condition of the fish skin, meat or liquid should also be discarded (Contaminants — cadmium, dioxin, PCBs) internal organs) should be discarded.

Botulism in Fish and Waterfowl Additional Advice In recent years, large numbers of some species Advisories for Lake Erie and the Niagara River Above Niagara Falls of Lake Erie fish and waterfowl have been found Advice for Men Over 15 Advice for Women Under 50 dead, sick and dying, many of them as a result Fish species & Women over 50 & Children Under 15 of botulism poisoning. The botulism poison is Rock bass, Yellow perch, Burbot Eat up to 4 meals/month Eat up to 4 meals/month produced by Clostridium botulinum, a bacte- Carp, Channel catfish Eat up to 1 meal/month Don’t eat rium which is common in the environment and All Other Fish Eat up to 4 meals/month Eat up to 1 meal/month can produce harmful levels of botulism poison under certain environmental conditions. This Tips for Healthier Eating poison has been found in some of the affected fish and waterfowl. The botulism poison can 1. Choose sportfish from waterbodies that are not listed on pages 72 through 74 and cause illness and death if consumed by humans follow the advice in this guide. or animals. Cooking may not destroy the botu- 2. When deciding which sportfish to eat, choose smaller fish, consistent with DEC regulations, lism poison. This problem may also occur in within a species since they may have lower contaminant levels. Older (larger) fish within other waters, and we don’t know whether all a species may be more contaminated because they have had more time to accumulate or only some fish and waterfowl species can contaminants in their bodies. be affected. No human cases of botulism poisoning 3. To reduce exposures to mercury, avoid or eat less largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern have been linked to these events. However, pike, pickerel, walleye and larger yellow perch (e.g., longer than 10 inches) because these fish as a precaution, do not eat any fish or game if tend to have higher mercury levels. they are found dead or dying, act abnormally 4. To reduce exposures to PCBs, dioxin, mirex, DDT, chlordane and dieldrin, avoid or eat less or seem sick. If you must handle dead or dying American eel, bluefish, carp, chinook and coho salmon, lake trout, striped bass, weakfish, fish, birds or other animals, cover your hands white and channel catfish, and white perch, because these fish tend to have higher levels of with disposable rubber or plastic protective these contaminants. gloves or a plastic bag. 5. When preparing sportfish, use a method of filleting the fish that will remove the skin, fatty material and dark meat. These parts of the fish contain many of the contaminants.

74 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE HEALTH ADVISORIES

Good Sanitary Practices— Additional Information Bacteria, Viruses and To receive an updated, complete version of Parasites in Fish & Game the advisories, or for more DOH information Fish and game and other meats can be contami- on health effects from exposure to chemical nated with bacteria, viruses or parasites that contaminants, contact: can cause illness. You should harvest fish and •• Environmental Health Information, call game that act and look healthy, and follow good 518-402-7800 or 800-458-1158. Leave your sanitary practices when preparing them. We name, number and a brief message and recommend that you wear rubber or plastic your call will be returned. protective gloves while filleting, field dressing, •• The complete updated advisories are skinning or butchering. We also recommend available from the internet at: that you remove intestines soon after harvest, www.health.ny.gov/fish don’t eat intestines and avoid direct contact with intestinal contents. Hands, utensils and •• You can also request these updates by work surfaces should be washed before and e-mail: [email protected] after handling any raw food, including fish •• For more DEC information on contami- and game meat. Fish and game should be nant levels in sportfish, contact: kept cool (with ice or refrigerated below 45° F Bureau of Habitat or 7° C) until filleted or butchered, and then 625 Broadway should be refrigerated or frozen. Some hunters Albany, New York 12233-4756 prefer to hang big game for several days before Telephone: 518-402-8920 butchering; this should not be done unless the game can be kept at temperatures consistently below 45° F. Fish and other seafood should be thoroughly cooked before eating; game birds and other types of wild game meat should be cooked to an internal temperature (in the thickest part) of 165° F (74° C).

Lisa Masi

2015–16 NEW YORk FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 75 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION OFFICERS

New York State has about 300 Environmental •• How did it occur? ERIE Conservation Officers (ECOs) and Investigators What methods or circumstances were used ECO C. Gill...... (716) 908-5051 ECO S. Marshall...... (716) 537-2464 (ECIs) who work throughout the state, includ- to commit the violations? Provide any other ECO M. Mazurkiewicz...... (716) 537-2533 ing New York City. ECOs spend most of their information the ECO may find useful. ECO R. Peinkofer...... (716) 425-8329 time patrolling within their assigned county. ECO J. P. Powers...... (716) 604-5353 The assistance of the public is essential to ALBANY ECO A. C. Wilson...... (716) 675-1095 Supervisor, Lt. W. Powell...... (716) 851-7050 the effective enforcement of state environmental ECO L. Billotto...... (518) 505-4029 ECO K. Bush...... (518) 813-6805 Supervisor, Lt. J. Schultz...... (716) 851-7050 laws and regulations. If you observe someone ECO K. Swan...... (518) 869-5237 violating Environmental Conservation Law Supervisor, Lt. J. Hays...... (518) 357-2047 ESSEX or see the results of a violation, REPORT IT! ECO J. Blades...... (518) 335-5201 ALLEGANY ECO A. Brassard...... (518) 396-6428 Poachers and polluters are thieves, stealing from ECO K. Basile...... (585) 403-2447 ECO J. Hovey...... (518) 354-9014 you, our fellow anglers and future generations. ECO R. Calanni...... (585) 403-2437 Supervisor, Lt. H. Barber...... (518) 897-1326 Those who pollute our air or water, destroy our Supervisor, Lt. W. Powell...... (716) 851-7050 FRANKLIN environment, or ignore fish and wildlife laws BRONX ECO J. Cranker...... (518) 708-1220 are criminals. ECO J. Bastedo...... (845) 623-3767 ECO N. Favreau...... (518) 354-9833 ECO T. Czora...... (646) 294-7170 ECO J. Okonuk...... (518) 319-0064 Contact an Environmental ECO K. Reynolds...... (646) 630-1679 ECO K. Riggs...... (518) 335-3558 Conservation Officer (ECO) Supervisor, Lt. B. Gillis...... (718) 482-4885 Supervisor, Lt. H. Barber...... (518) 897-1326 For general questions, call 1-877-457-5680. You BROOME FULTON will speak with a dispatcher who will assist you ECO A. Mccormick...... (607) 621-3464 ECO M. Clemens...... (518) 708-9424 or connect you to an ECO. For best service, let ECO E. Templeton...... (607) 621-3255 ECO S. Manns...... (518) 708-1168 Supervisor, Lt. K. Warner...... (315) 426-7431 Supervisor, Lt. J. Ellithorpe...... (518) 897-1326 them know the area you are calling from or the area your question is about. CATTARAUGUS GENESEE ECO N. Mead...... (716) 548-1482 ECO R. Rauscher...... (585) 300-7715 Report all Poachers and Polluters ECO R. Nosal...... (716) 532-0461 ECO G. Wilson...... (585) 683-0773 ECO J. M. Powers...... (716) 771-8266 Supervisor, Lt. J. Verhague...... (585) 226-6866 Call 1-844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267). You Supervisor, Lt. D. Pleakis...... (716) 851-7050 will speak to a dispatcher who will assist you GREENE CAYUGA in filing a complaint. You may ask to have your ECO M. Arp...... (518) 966-5357 ECO M. Colesante...... (315) 567-1835 ECO S. Dewey...... (518) 653-3077 name kept confidential, or you may ask to file ECO S. Sincebaugh...... (315) 253-8534 ECO A. Glorioso...... (518) 755-9242 the complaint without leaving a name (anony- Supervisor, Lt. D. McShane...... (315) 426-7431 Supervisor, Lt. K. Beiter...... (518) 357-2047 mously). Complaints may also be reported CHAUTAUQUA HAMILTON online at www.dec.ny.gov.regulations/67751. ECO K. Budniewski...... (716) 401-1163 ECO P. Buswell...... (518) 335-5013 Complaints are forwarded to an ECO for ECO D. Dougherty...... (716) 316-5607 ECO K. Kelly...... (315) 804-9435 investigation. The more detailed information ECO C. Freeman...... (716) 490-3947 ECO S. Pierce...... (518) 866-4723 you provide, the more likely the violator will be ECO J. Kinney...... (716) 401-1187 Supervisor, Lt. J. Ellithorpe...... (518) 897-1326 Supervisor, Lt. D. Pleakis...... (716) 851-7050 apprehended. Try to remember the “who, what, HERKIMER where, when and how” of the event. CHEMUNG ECO S. Hutton...... (315) 767-5232 ECO D. Lucas...... (315) 823-4071 •• ECO T. Dragotta...... (607) 331-7458 Keep a distance from the violator. ECO J. Lifrieri...... (607) 644-3815 ECO R. Ritzel...... (315) 489-3907 Do not approach or attempt to confront Supervisor...... (585) 226-6866 ECO C. Schoonover...... (315) 269-6646 suspects. They may be dangerous, destroy Supervisor, Lt. B. Hummel...... (315) 785-2231 CHENANGO evidence, or simply evade officers if JEFFERSON forewarned. ECO B. Armstrong...... (607) 895-6515 ECO A. Markey...... (607) 423-2971 ECO S. Bartoszewski...... (315) 489-6984 •• Who did it? Supervisor, Lt. K. Warner...... (315) 426-7431 ECO G. Maneeley...... (315) 542-4293 ECO S. Mathis...... (315) 489-9803 Provide names, ages, sex, height, weight, CLINTON ECO T. Worden...... (315) 778-9279 clothing or vehicle descriptions, and ECO M. Lacroix...... (518) 335-5422 Supervisor...... (315) 785-2231 other details. ECO C. Lagree...... (518) 319-7706 ECO D. Malone...... (518) 643-8172 KINGS •• What occurred? Supervisor, Lt. H. Barber...... (518) 897-1326 ECO K. Cummings...... (917) 618-2555 What exactly do you think is the nature ECO N. Digiovanni...... (718) 987-5094 COLUMBIA of the violation? Examples — taking over ECO K. Iovino...... (718) 668-0276 ECO J. Cox...... (518) 794-8935 ECO P. Pasciak...... (718) 704-6659 limit of fish, snagging, illegal netting, fish- Supervisor, Lt. J. Hays...... (518) 357-2047 Supervisor, Lt. L. Bobseine...... (718) 482-4885 ing out of season, trespassing. CORTLAND LEWIS •• When did it occur? ECO T. Fernandes...... (607) 836-6595 ECO F. Fuerch...... (315) 542-4290 Provide dates and times. Is it still in prog- ECO K. Markey...... (607) 749-0163 ECO G. Maneeley...... (315) 542-4293 ress, ongoing or something yet to happen? Supervisor, Lt. K. Warner...... (315) 426-7431 ECO E. Roderick...... (315) 489-3269 ECO T. Worden...... (315) 778-9279 Examples — happening right now, happens DELAWARE Supervisor, Lt. B. Hummel...... (315) 785-2231 every Friday night. ECO V. Bauer...... (845) 586-3079 ECO N. Doig...... (607) 267-5452 LIVINGSTON •• Where did it occur? ECO G. Wilber III...... (607) 267-5479 ECO B. Wade...... (585) 303-0065 Provide street addresses, town/county, ECO J. Woodin...... (607) 437-6259 ECO C. Ward...... (585) 303-0098 name of stream, river or pond, GPS loca- Supervisor, Lt. K. Beiter...... (518) 357-2047 Supervisor, Lt. J. Verhague...... (585) 226-6866 tion. Many fishing violations occur on DUTCHESS MADISON large waterways, so specific locations are ECO R. Hodor, Jr...... (845) 483-9672 ECO H. Chase...... (315) 662-3412 valuable. Examples — at the north end of ECO D. Read III...... (845) 240-6758 ECO C. Childs...... (315) 254-0657 the spillway on Smith Creek dam, near red ECO B. Whalen...... (914) 589-5759 Supervisor, Lt. J. Reitmeier...... (315) 426-7431 buoy 32 on Reynolds Channel. Supervisor, Lt. D. Clayton...... (845) 256-3013

76 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION OFFICERS

MONROE QUEENS SULLIVAN ECO E. Haag...... (585) 414-0611 ECO B. Buffa ...... (718) 744-4076 ECO M. Baker...... (845) 428-8679 ECO J. Lutz...... (585) 303-1506 ECO J. Gates...... (718) 424-3628 ECO M. Bello...... (845) 665-5489 ECO B. Shea...... (585) 576-5678 ECO D. Lum...... (718) 956-6460 ECO R. Wood...... (845) 665-5637 ECO E. Snowdon...... (585) 683-6758 ECO G. Younglove...... (646) 542-4305 Supervisor, Lt. D. Clayton...... (845) 256-3013 ECO J. Wolgast...... (585) 613-2418 Supervisor, Lt. B. Gillis...... (718) 482-4885 Supervisor, Lt. M. Lochner...... (585) 226-6866 TIOGA RENSSELAER ECO B. Wilson...... (607) 972-4435 MONTGOMERY ECO B. Canzeri...... (518) 270-5035 ECO S. Winnick III...... (607) 245-9751 ECO J. Deangelis...... (518) 339-7612 ECO J. Curinga...... (518) 925-5549 Supervisor, Lt. K. Warner...... (315) 426-7431 ECO C. Valenty...... (518) 505-4104 Supervisor, Lt. J. Hays...... (518) 357-2047 ECO B. Willson...... (518) 491-2273 TOMPKINS Supervisor, Lt. T. Harrington...... (518) 357-2047 RICHMOND ECO O. Eisenberg...... (607) 564-9458 ECO E. Piwko...... (718) 979-0610 ECO T. Machnica...... (607) 227-8742 NASSAU Supervisor, Lt. L. Bobseine...... (718) 482-4885 Supervisor, Lt. K. Warner...... (315) 426-7431 ECO M. Burdick...... (516) 325-8616 ECO D. Ferraro...... (516) 826-0832 ROCKLAND ULSTER ECO I. Helmer...... (516) 325-8636 ECO E. Dowling...... (845) 784-6045 ECO M. Nichols...... (845) 687-9350 ECO R. Howe...... (516) 325-8550 ECO D. Galvin...... (845) 638-0979 ECO M. Schillinger...... (845) 246-8002 ECO M. Unger...... (516) 328-0579 Supervisor, Lt. M. Townley...... (845) 256-3013 ECO C. Stephens, Jr...... (845) 430-8541 Supervisor, Lt. T. Gadomski...... (631) 444-0250 ECO J. Sulkey...... (845) 663-6504 SARATOGA Supervisor, Lt. D. Clayton...... (845) 256-3013 NEW YORK ECO R. Higgins...... (518) 860-8677 ECO J. Doroski...... (845) 429-5141 ECO M. Klein...... (518) 892-9402 WARREN ECO W. Leubner...... (718) 979-0696 ECO S. Shaw...... (518) 860-8675 ECO L. Gerrain...... (518) 925-5560 Supervisor, Lt. L. Bobseine...... (718) 482-4885 ECO B. Toth...... (518) 222-1815 ECO G. Lapoint...... (518) 793-3767 Supervisor, Lt. C. Ruckert...... (518) 897-1326 Supervisor, Lt. J. Ellithorpe...... (518) 897-1326 NIAGARA ECO J. Rogers...... (716) 773-0984 SCHENECTADY WASHINGTON ECO R. Thompson...... (716) 433-3369 ECO J. Deangelis...... (518) 339-7612 ECO S. Gonyeau...... (518) 567-2104 ECO N. Verhague...... (716) 433-1432 ECO C. Valenty...... (518) 505-4104 ECO M. Krug...... (518) 417-9954 Supervisor, Lt. J. Schultz...... (716) 851-7050 ECO B. Willson...... (518) 491-2273 ECO T. Wensley...... (518) 742-0523 Supervisor, Lt. T. Harrington...... (518) 357-2047 Supervisor, Lt. C. Ruckert...... (518) 897-1326 ONEIDA ECO R. Grisolini...... (315) 240-6966 SCHOHARIE WAYNE ECO S. Hutton...... (315) 767-5232 ECO K. Isles...... (518) 339-6110 ECO A. Gordon...... (315) 489-3422 ECO S. Lakeman...... (315) 734-0648 ECO M. Terrell...... (518) 505-4056 ECO T. Smith...... (315) 745-9371 ECO R. Ritzel...... (315) 489-3907 Supervisor, Lt. T. Harrington...... (518) 357-2047 ECO K. Thomas...... (315) 359-1122 ECO C. Starczek...... (315) 489-4224 Supervisor, Lt. M. Lochner...... (585) 226-6866 Supervisor, Lt. B. Hummel...... (315) 785-2231 SCHUYLER ECO E. Dalecki...... (607) 592-2783 WESTCHESTER ONONDAGA Supervisor...... (585) 226-6866 ECO J. Davey...... (845) 787-7025 ECO D. Damrath...... (315) 445-2061 ECO D. Dainack...... (845) 424-3073 ECO R. Head...... (315) 673-3067 SENECA ECO P. Jackson...... (845) 424-3281 ECO P. Sherman...... (315) 484-9678 ECO S. Angotti...... (315) 568-5370 ECO T. Koepf...... (845) 612-6099 ECO S. Yacavone...... (315) 487-4401 ECO K. Levanway...... (607) 339-6796 Supervisor, Lt. M. Filmer...... (845) 256-3013 Supervisor, Lt. D. McShane...... (315) 426-7431 Supervisor...... (585) 226-6866 WYOMING ONTARIO ST. LAWRENCE ECO J. Hunt...... (716) 628-3488 ECO S. Dussault...... (585) 362-0395 ECO S. Atwood...... (315) 262-2304 ECO R. Ward, Jr...... (585) 919-4465 ECO J. Stansfield...... (315) 986-9438 ECO T. Basford...... (315) 265-2757 Supervisor, Lt. W. Powell...... (716) 851-7050 Supervisor...... (585) 226-6866 ECO B. Canary...... (315) 489-3180 ECO J. Munn...... (315) 842-2854 YATES ORANGE ECO J. Ryan...... (315) 322-5106 ECO P. Blanton...... (585) 694-4077 ECO M. Buckley...... (845) 236-7684 ECO J. Schneller...... (315) 566-9258 ECO J. Crain...... (315) 775-7168 ECO J. Conway...... (845) 699-8913 ECO M. Sherry...... (315) 566-9574 Supervisor...... (585) 226-6866 ECO E. Dowling...... (845) 784-6045 Supervisor, Lt. J. Murphy...... (315) 785-2231 ECO D. Galvin...... (845) 638-0979 ECO C. Lattimer...... (845) 662-5787 STEUBEN Marine Enforcement Units Supervisor, Lt. M. Townley...... (845) 256-3013 ECO S. Farrand...... (607) 331-7549 ECO D. Oliver...... (607) 590-1135 NASSAU/SUFFOLK ORLEANS Supervisor...... (585) 226-6866 ECO M. Foster...... (516) 375-8355 ECO V. Fonda...... (585) 735-6963 ECO K. Holzle...... (516) 375-9495 ECO P. Kroth...... (585) 682-7791 SUFFOLK ECO S. Reilly...... (516) 779-9358 Supervisor, Lt. J. Verhague...... (585) 226-6866 ECO C. Derose...... (631) 601-5284 Supervisor, Lt. J. Billotto...... (631) 444-0851 ECO J. Eastwood...... (631) 874-3132 OSWEGO ECO B. Farrish...... (631) 351-8601 NEW YORK CITY ECO W. Burnell...... (315) 676-5387 ECO T. Fay...... (631) 447-0959 ECO W. Auguscinski...... (646) 630-1534 ECO M. Dorrett...... (315) 625-4129 ECO M. Goodrich...... (631) 820-1521 ECO J. Hilliard...... (646) 630-1237 ECO M. Harger...... (315) 383-1766 ECO K. Grady...... (631) 744-2507 ECO J. Krueger...... (646) 294-7153 ECO D. Thomas...... (315) 236-0307 ECO R. Gross...... (631) 601-5287 ECO A. Rigoli...... (646) 542-4297 Supervisor, Lt. J. Reitmeier...... (315) 426-7431 ECO T. Hansen...... (516) 204-6623 Supervisor, Lt. M. Trottier...... (718) 482-4885 ECO J. Hull...... (516) 881-6548 OTSEGO ECO R. Johnson...... (631) 601-5793 ECO T. Card...... (607) 267-9547 ECO A. Lawston...... (631) 325-8569 ECO R. Fetterman...... (607) 422-8342 ECO R. McNamara...... (631) 601-5792 Supervisor, Lt. T. Harrington...... (518) 357-2047 ECO L. Simmons...... (631) 205-0470 ECO M. Simmons...... (631) 874-2591 PUTNAM Supervisor, Lt. D. Bengel...... (631) 444-0250 ECO D. Dainack...... (845) 424-3073 Supervisor, Lt. M. Blaising...... (631) 444-0250 ECO J. Davey...... (845) 787-7025 Supervisor, Lt. F. Carbone...... (631) 444-0250 ECO P. Jackson...... (845) 424-3281 ECO T. Koepf...... (845) 612-6099 Supervisor, Lt. M. Filmer...... (845) 256-3013

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 77 and egg collection on Chautauqua Lake, and in some years, other waters. Pond-reared walleye fingerlings are also grown at this hatchery. Total production is 3,300 pounds annually. Oneida Hatchery is located in the Village of Constantia in Oswego County, on the north shore of Oneida Lake. The hatchery was reconstructed in 1992. The rearing program is focused on walleye, and includes egg collections from Oneida Lake (200–300 million eggs/year), and stocking of millions of walleye fry and up to 220,000 advanced walleye fingerlings (four to six inches). Experimental culture of rare or threatened fishes, such as round whitefish, lake sturgeon and paddlefish, also occurs here. Annual fish production is about 6,000 pounds. Randolph Hatchery is located in the Village of Randolph in Catta- raugus County. This is a major brood stock facility which annually handles five to six million brook, brown and rainbow trout eggs. Annual production totals almost 100,000 pounds of fish. Rome Hatchery is located in Oneida County about four miles north of DEC the City of Rome. The hatchery is one of DEC’s largest, with annual production totaling nearly 160,000 pounds of brook, rainbow and brown trout. Hatchery staff play a major role in providing fish for Fish Hatcheries airplane and helicopter stocking of remote waters. Rome Fish Disease Control Center, also known as Rome Lab, is DEC operates 12 fish hatcheries and one fish pathology laboratory. located on Rome Hatchery property. Staff maintain brood stock of Numerous fish species are reared for stocking into more than disease-resistant strains of brook and brown trout, and maintain a 1,200 public waters across the state. Annual production averages laboratory where research activities and disease diagnosis can be 850,000 to 900,000 pounds of fish. All hatcheries are open to the conducted. Staff are heavily involved in testing numerous stocks of public from spring through fall, and several are open year-round. cultured and wild fish for the presence of parasites and pathogens. Adirondack Hatchery is located about 12 miles from the Village Salmon River Hatchery, located in the Village of Altmar in Oswego of Saranac Lake in Franklin County. This facility specializes in County, is the mainstay of DEC’s stocking program for Lake Ontario rearing landlocked Atlantic salmon for statewide distribution. and Lake Erie. The hatchery attracts up to 500,000 visitors annually, Annual production averages 30,000 pounds of salmon, with many of whom come to watch egg collections from steelhead, coho most fish stocked as yearling smolts (six inches long) or as small salmon and chinook salmon returning to the hatchery. Annual fingerlings in the spring. fish production totals 120,000 pounds. Bath Hatchery is located one mile from the Village of Bath in Steuben South Otselic Hatchery is located in Chenango County in the Village County. The hatchery rears lake trout, brown trout and rainbow of South Otselic. The hatchery rears the entire statewide supply trout. All of the lake trout and many of the rainbow trout reared of tiger muskellunge, produces pond-reared walleye fingerlings, here are obtained from fish collected from Cayuga Lake. Annual and rears small lots of wild, heritage-strain brook trout. Annual production of all species is about 86,000 pounds. production is 15,000 pounds of fish. Caledonia Hatchery, located in Livingston County in the Village of VanHornesville Hatchery is located in southern Herkimer County in Caledonia, is the oldest hatchery in New York State and the Western the Village of VanHornesville. The hatchery raises rainbow trout, ■ Hemisphere. Caledonia Hatchery rears brown trout and rainbow with production totaling about 30,000 pounds. trout. Virtually all of the two-year-old brown trout used in DEC’s stocking program for 13 to 15-inch trout are produced at Caledonia Hatchery. Annual production is approximately 170,000 pounds. Catskill Hatchery is located in Sullivan County near the Village of Livingston Manor and near two of New York State’s fabled trout streams, the Beaver Kill and Willowemoc Creek. This facility specializes in rearing brown trout and it maintains a brood stock capable of producing two million eggs. About 115,000 pounds of brown trout are produced annually. Chateaugay Hatchery is located near the Village of Chateaugay in northern Franklin County. This facility has a very diverse rearing program which includes Raquette Lake-strain lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout, including the Temiscamie x domestic hybrid used extensively in Adirondack Mountain lakes and ponds. Annual production is approximately 90,000 pounds. Chautauqua Hatchery is located near the Village of Mayville in Chautauqua County. This is the only DEC hatchery currently raising pure-strain muskellunge, which are obtained from netting

78 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE DEC Fish Hatchery System Update

The goal of New York’s fish culture program is to operate a modern, efficient system of fish hatcheries that annually produce and stock a variety of disease free fish. In 2013, almost 830,000 lbs of fish were raised and stocked into approximately 1,200 waters. The number and species of fish stocked in 2013 can be found in the table below. In addition to the various sportfish species reared, DEC also raises and stocks lake sturgeon, paddlefish, round whitefish, and longear sunfish. These rare fish species were once native to New York State and an effort is currently underway to restore them to their native range. Hatchery infrastructure improvements over the past year include new bird-deterrent structures at Randolph and Rome hatcheries, painting of the hatchery buildings and the paving of access roads at Caledonia Hatchery, new macadam pathways and drainage pipes in the production pond areas at Van Hornesville Hatchery, new aquari- ums in the visitor center at Salmon River Hatchery, a new visitor informational kiosk at Bath Hatchery, and the purchase of 16 new stocking trucks along with all new stocking tanks and life support systems for the fish. The painting of the buildings and paving of the access roads at Caledonia Hatchery and the purchase of the trucks, tanks and life support systems was from NY Works III funding. The Caledonia Fish Hatchery had its hatchery buildings painted and access roads paved in time for its 150th Anniversary in August 2014. ANNUAL STOCKING REPORT BY SPECIES (January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013) Less Than 1" 1" – 4.24" 4.25" – 5.74" 5.75" – 6.74" 6.75" – 7.74" 7.75" Plus Total

SPECIES Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Number Number Number Number Number Number Number (lbs.) (lbs.) (lbs.) (lbs.) (lbs.) (lbs.) (lbs.)

Brook Trout 138,020 2,759 50,514 1,824 5,750 231 2,200 400 191,408 43,268 387,892 48,482

Brown Trout 63,100 3,271 725 24 34,275 2,456 1,541,287 441,993 1,639,387 447,744

Rainbow Trout 45,000 309 58,200 5,454 26,820 4,621 390,019 102,605 520,039 112,989

Steelhead 10,000 580,900 24,966 209,630 19,401 800,530 44,367

Lake Trout 330 10,200 306 140,060 9,138 556,710 51,904 77,400 12,119 784,700 73,467

Splake 22,340 3,641 22,340 3,641

Cold Water Landlocked 104,068 1,371 153,695 504 169,080 16,320 130,582 16,154 51,471 11,716 608,896 46,065 Salmon

Coho 155,000 4,168 68,600 6,860 223,600 11,028

Chinook 1,769,600 19,025 1,769,600 19,025

Round Whitefish 4,000 2 8,341 6 12,341 8

Cold Water Total 118,398 1,373 2,269,656 26,771 704,714 30,367 652,045 57,428 772,927 79,176 2,251,585 611,701 6,769,325 806,816

Walleye 216,500,000 2,887 811,067 1,703 217,311,067 4,590

Muskellunge 748,300 27 53,710 44 31,420 2,567 833,430 2,638

Tiger Muskellunge 3,600 108,068 14,466 111,668 14,466

Panfish 500 100 500 100

Warm Water Warm Lake Sturgeon 10,100 300 3,500 389 13,600 689

Paddlefish 301 67 683 152 984 219

Warm Water Total 217,252,201 2,981 864,777 1,747 - - 10,100 300 - - 144,171 17,674 218,271,249 22,702

Grand Total 217,370,599 4,354 3,134,433 28,518 704,714 30,367 662,145 57,728 772,927 79,176 2,395,756 629,375 225,040,574 829,518

2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE 79 FUNDING FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

NYS CONSERVATION FUND ADVISORY BOARD The NYS Conservation Fund Advisory Board (CFAB) was established CFAB consults with and advises DEC about expenditure of Conserva- by law to make recommendations to state agencies on state government tion Fund monies and ways to increase revenue to this fund. For more plans, policies and programs affecting fish and wildlife. information, visit: www.dec.ny.gov/about/566.html

Supporting New York’s Fish, Round Lake Wildlife and Marine Resources

Revenue from fishing and hunting license fees, federal funds and other resources is used to accomplish efforts Second Pond to conserve, manage and protect New York State’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats; inform and educate the public; and provide oppor- tunities for people to use and appreciate these resources. Some recently funded projects include:

New or upgraded boat launch projects have been completed or will be completed prior to Million Dollar Beach the start of the 2015 boating season at Round Lake, Lower Saranac Lake (Second Pond), Upper Saranac Lake, Forge Pond (Peconic River) and Lake George (Million Dollar Beach).

Sauger recovery efforts in New York began A bird-deterrent enclosure has recently been Lake Ontario and its embayments and tributar- with a stocking program in the Allegheny River completed at Rome Hatchery. The enclosure ies provide year-round fishing opportunities. watershed. Sauger fingerlings (top photo) will help in deterring bird predation on the fish Angler surveys provide valuable information were stocked into the in raised at Rome Hatchery, which will benefit essential for managing this multimillion dollar June 2014. Follow-up surveys in September sportsmen and women by providing more fish sportfishery. indicated good survival and growth of these for stocking throughout New York State. fish (bottom photo).

80 2015–16 NEW YORK FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE Angler’s Showplace

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