Freshwater Fishing: a Driver for Ecotourism
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New York FRESHWATER April 2019 FISHINGDigest Fishing: A Sport For Everyone NY Fishing 101 page 10 A Female's Guide to Fishing page 30 A summary of 2019–2020 regulations and useful information for New York anglers www.dec.ny.gov Message from the Governor Freshwater Fishing: A Driver for Ecotourism New York State is committed to increasing and supporting a wide array of ecotourism initiatives, including freshwater fishing. Our approach is simple—we are strengthening our commitment to protect New York State’s vast natural resources while seeking compelling ways for people to enjoy the great outdoors in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. The result is sustainable economic activity based on a sincere appreciation of our state’s natural resources and the values they provide. We invite New Yorkers and visitors alike to enjoy our high-quality water resources. New York is blessed with fisheries resources across the state. Every day, we manage and protect these fisheries with an eye to the future. To date, New York has made substantial investments in our fishing access sites to ensure that boaters and anglers have safe and well-maintained parking areas, access points, and boat launch sites. In addition, we are currently investing an additional $3.2 million in waterway access in 2019, including: • New or renovated boat launch sites on Cayuga, Oneida, and Otisco lakes • Upgrades to existing launch sites on Cranberry Lake, Delaware River, Lake Placid, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, Chautauqua Lake and Fourth Lake. New York continues to improve and modernize our fish hatcheries. As Governor, I have committed $17 million to hatchery improvements. This year, we will begin construction of a new fish ladder at the Salmon River Hatchery, and renovation of our historic Caledonia Hatchery, the oldest hatchery in the U.S. DEC is also working with SUNY Cobleskill to develop innovative solutions to modernize our hatcheries by reducing water consumption and energy use. Our investments are paying dividends. Based on the most recent national survey of fishing, hunting, and wildlife-associated recreation: • More than 1.2 million people fish in New York’s freshwaters each year, enjoying an estimated 19.2 million days of healthy outdoor recreation; • Anglers spend an estimated $1.4 billion annually in freshwater fishing equipment, trips, and related expenditures that support more than 9,200 jobs in New York; • New York ranks second in the nation in recreational fishing expenditures. Every dollar spent on our freshwater fisheries creates a significant return on investment. The state’s investments are even greater considering the value of ecological services provided by these vital resources. Fishing also contributes to a healthier wellbeing for those practicing the sport, and greater appreciation and advocacy for the protection of New York’s lands and waters. I encourage you to get out and cast a line this year and enjoy New York’s great fishing while supporting our local economies. Most of all, good luck on the water this year. Andrew M. Cuomo Governor, State of New York Ticonderoga Boat Launch Boat Ticonderoga 2019–2020 New York Freshwater Fishing Guide Contents Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species ������������������2 Using This Guide License Information �����������������������������������������������������������������6 1� Review the Statewide Angling Regulations� — page 13 2� Review the Special Regulations section, which begins on page 14 NYS Environmental Conservation Police Q&A ���������������8 and includes regulations for specific waters (i�e�, Lake Champlain) Feature: NY Freshwater Fishing 101 �����������������������������������10 or group of waters (i�e�, Great Lakes)� If the water you are fishing or Statewide Angling Regulations ������������������������������������������13 the species you are fishing for is not listed in this section, statewide angling regulations apply� Special Regulations: Region 1 �������������������������������������������15 3� Review: Special Regulations: Region 2 ������������������������������������������16 » General Regulations — page 50 Baitfish Regulations — page 55 Special Regulations: Region 3 ������������������������������������������17 » » Definitions — page 54 Special Regulations: Region 4 ������������������������������������������19 4� Consult the License Information section to determine if you need a fishing license� — page 6 New York City Reservoir Regulations ����������������������������� 21 5� Review the NYS Environmental Conservation Police Q&A section, Tidal Hudson River Regulations ���������������������������������������22 which provides answers to some of the more frequently asked ques- tions concerning the information in this guide� — page 8 Border Waters Regulations ������������������������������������������������23 6� Review Health Advisories� — page 67 Special Regulations: Region 5 �����������������������������������������24 If you have any questions or are unsure of any regulations, call or e-mail Lake George and Lake Champlain Regulations ����������29 the nearest DEC regional office� Contact information can be found in the Feature: Women's Fishing — Its Catching On ��������������30 Special Regulations section of the guide� — pages 14–49 Special Regulations: Region 6 �����������������������������������������34 This guide is a summary that is intended for convenience only� For a com- Special Regulations: Region 7 �����������������������������������������38 plete reference, consult New York State Environmental Conservation Law Special Regulations: Region 8 ������������������������������������������41 (ECL) and Volume 6 of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR)� Copies can be reviewed at the nearest library with a State Finger Lakes and Tributary Regulations�������������������������43 Supreme Court reference section, online at www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/ Special Regulations: Region 9 �����������������������������������������44 for ECL and www.dec.ny.gov/regs/2494.html for NYCRR, or by contacting a Regional DEC Division of Law Enforcement Office� Great Lakes and Tributary Regulations ��������������������������46 General Regulations ������������������������������������������������������������50 State of New York Definitions �������������������������������������������������������������������������������54 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor Baitfish Regulations �������������������������������������������������������������55 58 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Freshwater Fish Identification ������������������������������������������� Basil Seggos, Commissioner Weigh Your Fish With A Ruler��������������������������������������������60 Judy Drabicki, Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources New York State Angler Achievement Awards ��������������61 Tony Wilkinson, Director, Division of Fish and Wildlife Stephen Hurst, Chief, Bureau of Fisheries Catch & Release Guidelines ����������������������������������������������65 How to contact us: Public Fishing Rights ������������������������������������������������������������66 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Fisheries Health Advisories������������������������������������������������������������������ 67 625 Broadway Environmental Conservation Officers ����������������������������� 72 Albany, NY 12233-4753 [email protected] DEC Fish Hatcheries ������������������������������������������������������������ 74 Website: www.dec.ny.gov Spotlight on Partnerships ��������������������������������������������������� 76 Cover photo: Rose and Hanna Greulich with a Salmon River steelhead� Division of Fish and Wildlife Mission: The mission of DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is to serve the interests of current and future generations of New Yorkers by using our collective skills, in partnership with the public, to describe, understand, manage and perpetuate a healthy and diverse assemblage of fish, wildlife and NYS Conservation Fund ecosystems� Advisory Board The NYS Conservation Fund Advisory Board (CFAB) was estab- lished by law to make recommendations to state agencies on The advertisements contained herein offset the cost of this guide, state government plans, policies and programs affecting fish and wildlife. are provided for informational purposes only, and do not constitute an endorsement by the New York State Department of Environmental CFAB consults with and advises DEC about expenditure of Conservation� Conservation Fund monies and ways to increase revenue to this fund. 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