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DEC 2018 Trout Fishing Season
DEC Announces Opening of New York's 2018 Trout Fishing Season |
Residents and Tourists Encouraged to Catch Wild and Stocked Trout throughout StateDEC to Stock 2.26 Million Catchable-Size Trout in New York WatersState Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that this year's trout fishing season in New York opens on Sunday, April 1. Supporting the State's growing sport fishing industry with an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity each year, DEC will stock 2.26 million catchable-size trout in 315 lakes and ponds and roughly 2,845 miles of streams across the state. Anglers should visit DEC's website for a list of stocked waters and the 2018 Coldwater Fishing Forecast for recommended trout and salmon fishing locations. DEC Commissioner Seggos said, "Good stewardship and improved water quality has resulted in an increase wild trout abundance in many waters across the State. Learning the habits and needs of wild trout contributes to angling success and a deeper appreciation of the resource and I encourage anglers to experience these fisheries." DEC's spring stockings will include 1.72 million brown trout, 377,500 rainbow trout, and 158,500 brook trout. Approximately 97,000 two-year-old brown trout 13 to 14 inches in length will also be stocked into lakes and streams across the state. These fish will provide enhanced angling experiences for the estimated 647,000 anglers that fish for trout in New York. As part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, which is aimed at increasing outdoor recreational opportunities in New York, the State is making significant improvements to DEC's fish hatchery system and waterway access facilities. Since 2014, $14 million in NY Works funding has been budgeted for hatchery improvements. Under the 2018-19 Executive Budget Proposal, New York's Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative provides $19.5 million for state land access projects and an additional $4 million for fish and wildlife infrastructure.
From stream habitat protection to the maintenance of public access infrastructure, a variety of management strategies are required to protect and enhance the diverse selection of trout and salmon fishing opportunities in New York State. Guided by recent studies on angler behavior and input from trout stream anglers in 16 public meetings held statewide last fall, DEC is revisiting inland trout stream management to identify strategies to support an assortment of trout stream angling experiences. Visit the DEC's Trout Stream Management in New York web page for more information. DEC also provides maps of its public fishing rights easements. Anglers are reminded to observe special trout regulations on waters noted in the current fishing guide. Additional information on places to fish for wild and stocked trout is available on DEC's website. For beginning or youth anglers, ponds are easiest to fish, particularly during the early season. Information about where and how to fish, including a new highly effective technique for early season trout, can be found on the DEC's website. |