Article Library
Friday, April 25, 2008
Opening day approaches for several prized freshwater species
Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Muskellunge Season Opens on
May 3
Catch-and-Release Bass Season is Open on Many of the State’s waters
With the opening of the season for many popular warmwater and
coolwater gamefish species, fishing season in New York State is now in
full swing. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(DEC) today provided some valuable tips for anglers looking towards the
May 3 opener for Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger
Muskellunge, as well as the catch-and-release bass season already in
progress in several state waters.
“I can think of no state in the country that can provide
fishing opportunities as diverse as those found in New York,” said DEC
Commissioner Pete Grannis. “Fishing is better than it ever has been in
New York and I encourage all of you to go fishing and better yet, take a
friend with you.”
Information on all of DEC’s fishing seasons and special
regulations can be found in the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide at
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html on DEC’s website. In
addition, DEC suggests the following hotspots for the gamefish and
provides additional important advice.
Many other waters throughout the State provide excellent fishing
for walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel and tiger muskellunge. For
more information, anglers should contact their local DEC regional
office, go to the DEC fishing hotlines website at
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishhotlines.html or visit DEC’s
fishing homepage at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html . For a
listing of popular fishing waters go to
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7912.html .
Walleye
Because of the challenge they present to anglers, their large
size, and high quality as table fare, walleye are one of New York’s
most popular gamefish species. Walleye fisheries can be found throughout
New York State, in over 150 waters from all major watersheds. DEC
Regions 5, 6, and 7 (northern and central New York) contain about 80
percent of the state’s walleye waters. These regions support some of
the most productive walleye fisheries in the state, including Oneida
Lake, Black Lake, Tupper Lake, Union Falls Flow, Saratoga Lake, Great
Sacandaga Lake, and Whitney Point Reservoir.
Anglers are also encouraged to fish Chautauqua Lake, Silver
Lake, Cuba Lake, Conesus Lake, and Honeoye Lake in Regions 8 and 9, and
Canadarago Lake and Otsego Lake in Region 4. In Region 3, the dam repair
on Swinging Bridge Reservoir is now complete and walleye fishing here
should be worth the trip. Other Region 3 opportunities exist at East
Branch, Bog Brook, Diverting, and Boyds Corners reservoirs in Putnam
County. All four of these waters are New York City water supply
reservoirs and require a free New York City Public Access Permit.
Information about the city’s permitting can be found at
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed_protection/html/wsrecreation.html
. Long Island supports two excellent walleye fisheries because of
successful DEC stocking programs on Lake Ronkonkoma and Fort Pond.
Walleye are also thriving in a number of large rivers including
the Allegheny, Oswego, Chemung, Susquehanna, Chenango, Tioughnioga,
Unadilla, Oswegatchie, the Hudson downstream of the Troy Dam, and the
Mohawk rivers. Two lower Hudson River tributaries in Ulster County - the
Wallkill River and Rondout Creek - have been included in recent DEC
stocking efforts and angler reports indicate the successful
establishment of walleye fisheries in these waters. The Delaware River
is also a productive walleye fishery, particularly the 50-mile section
between Callicoon and Port Jervis.
The Great Lakes provide some of New York’s finest walleye
fishing opportunities. Both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario continue to
produce abundant walleye populations and trophy-class fish. The
abundant 2003 year class in Lake Erie is still going strong. Fish in
this year class now range between 22 and 24 inches in length. They are
still a major part of the Lake Erie fishery and should continue to
support quality fishing opportunities. There is also a good opportunity
to catch even larger trophy size walleye from Buffalo to Barcelona. In
Lake Ontario, the best walleye fishing can be found in the eastern basin
in places like Henderson Harbor, Black River, and Chaumont and Mud bays.
Good walleye populations can also be found in Irondequoit Bay, Sodus
Bay, Braddocks Bay, Oswego Harbor, North Sandy Pond and Port Bay. The
St. Lawrence River supports a quality fishery and is a recommended
destination for walleye anglers. To the west, the lower Niagara River
commonly produces large walleye and receives relatively little pressure
from walleye anglers.
Anglers fishing Lake Ronkonkoma and Fort Pond in Region 1 and
Schoharie Reservoir, Schoharie Creek and Canandarago Lake in Region 4
are encouraged to become angler diary cooperators. Angler cooperators
keep track of their catches in diaries provided by DEC and this
information is analyzed to assess the current status of the fisheries in
these waters. Diaries are returned to the anglers along with a summary
report, after the data has been analyzed. Interested anglers should
contact the Region 1 office at (631) 444-0280 or Region 4 office at
(607) 652-7366.
Walleye mark and recapture studies are currently underway on
Oneida, Canadarago and Otsego lakes to estimate the abundance of adult
walleye in these waters. In addition, legal size walleye on Otsego Lake
are being tagged with jaw tags to determine the harvest rate. Anglers
keeping any tagged walleye are asked to return the tag to the Region 4
office. The address is on the tag. If tagged walleye are caught and
released, the tag number should be recorded and forwarded to the Region
4 office.
The general statewide regulation for walleye is a 15-inch
minimum length and a daily limit of 5 fish. However, many waters have
special regulations where length and daily limits vary, so be sure the
check the Fishing Regulations Guide.
Northern Pike
New York has long been recognized as a priority destination for
trophy pike anglers. High quality pike waters include many of the
larger Adirondack lakes such as Tupper Lake, Schroon Lake, Lake George,
the Saranac Lake Chain, Lake Champlain, First through Fourth Lakes
(Fulton Chain), Long Lake, Upper Chateaugay and the St. Regis Chain of
Lakes. Great Sacandaga Lake regularly provides a trophy pike fishery for
anglers with a number of 20 lb+ fish having been caught in recent years.
Further south, good pike fishing can also be found in Saratoga Lake and
Round Lake in Saratoga County. Numerous pike fishing opportunities
exist in Western New York including the Upper Niagara River, Silver
Lake, Quaker Lake, Cuba Lake, Allegheny River, Olean Creek, Conewago
Creek, Tonawanda Creek, and Olcott Harbor. In central New York anglers
should try Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco and Consesus lakes. To the north the
St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario embayments, and the Indian River Chain
of Lakes provide quality fishing.
Tiger Muskellunge
DEC has been raising and stocking tiger muskellunge, a
fast-growing cross between northern pike and muskellunge, since 1967.
There are 44 waters throughout the state that are stocked with tigers
and 30 of these are in Regions 6 and 7. In Region 6, First through
Fourth Lakes (Fulton Chain), Horseshoe Lake and Hyde Lake are good bets.
Also, an often overlooked tiger muskie fishery is found in the Mohawk
River/Barge Canal from Rome downstream to Lock 16. In Region 7,
excellent fishing opportunities exist at Lake Como and Otisco Lake,
where the tiger muskie population has rebounded in recent years and good
numbers of 30+-inch fish are present. Also, the Lower Chenango River and
the Susquehanna River downstream of Binghamton have thriving muskellunge
and tiger muskellunge populations. In these locations the muskellunge
season also opens on May 3 to avoid confusion for anglers trying to
distinguish between the two species. To the west, Conesus Lake provides
a quality fishery. In the eastern half of the state, good tiger muskie
waters include Middle Branch Reservoir, Greenwood Lake, Rockland Lake,
Canadarago Lake, Cossayuna Lake, Lake Durant, Lake Lauderdale, and
Lincoln Pond.
Chain Pickerel
Chain pickerel are also very popular with a dedicated group of
anglers seeking these toothy predators that typically inhabit shallow,
weedy waters. Many of the best chain pickerel waters are in the
southeastern section of the state (Regions 1 and 3). In Region 3 some
good choices are Swinging Bridge Reservoir, Lake Superior and the
Harriman Park Lakes in Rockland and Orange counties. On Long Island, the
Peconic River provides some of the finest chain pickerel fishing in the
state. Other New York pickerel hotspots include Lake George, Brant
Lake, Saratoga Lake and Lake Champlain in Region 5 and Black River in
Region 6. In Region 7, the south end of Skaneateles Lake and Tully Lake
offer outstanding fishing for quality size pickerel. Good pickerel
fishing in Region 8 can be found at Hemlock Lake and Canadice Lake.
Black Bass
The black bass catch-and-release season runs from Dec. 1 through
the Friday preceding the third Saturday in June (June 21 in 2008)
throughout the state, except waters in Bronx, Franklin, Hamilton,
Jefferson, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, St. Lawrence, and
Suffolk counties. The regular season when bass harvest is permitted
follows this special catch-and-release season, providing year-round bass
angling opportunities on many waters. Exceptions to the regulation
exist on Lake Champlain where the catch and release season runs until
the second Saturday in June and on Oneida Lake, where the catch and
release season runs from the first Saturday in May through the Friday
preceding the third Saturday in June. Other exceptions exist, so
anglers should check their Fishing Regulations Guide before hitting the
water.
Black bass anglers are also reminded that a special black bass
season has been in place for the past few years on Lake Erie to allow
anglers to take advantage of the great fishing available for smallmouth
bass during the early spring. From May 3 to the regular opener of the
statewide black bass season on June 21, anglers may take one bass a
minimum of 20 inches in length per day in Lake Erie and its tributaries.
Smallmouth bass are particularly abundant in the open waters of Lake
Erie, as well as in Dunkirk and Buffalo Harbors. Fish are usually in
15- to 30-foot depths along rocky drop-offs. Bass in the
two-to-five-pound range are abundant, with even larger fish not
uncommon.
DOH Fish Consumption Advice
DEC regularly monitors fish from throughout the state for
contaminants and, based on this monitoring, the New York State
Department of Health (DOH) annually updates health advisories for people
wishing to consume their catch. Anglers should be aware that due to
high levels of mercury in large, predatory fish such as northern pike,
walleye and bass, a special fish consumption advisory has been put in
place for Catskill and Adirondack waters. For more information on fish
consumption advisories refer to the Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Guide, the DOH website
http//www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/outdoors/fish/fish.htm , or
contact the DOH toll-free information line at 1-800-458-1158.
Prevent the spread of Fish Diseases and Invasive Species
Anglers are reminded that due to the detection of a serious fish
disease, Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS), new restrictions on use of
bait fish and transportation of live fish have been enacted. With some
specific exceptions, all live bait fish sold for use on New York State
waters must be certified to be free of VHS and a number of other
potentially serious fish diseases. This restriction does not apply to
commercially packaged and preserved dead bait fish such as salted
minnows. Personal collection and use of bait fish is permitted, but
these bait fish may only be used on the water from which they were
collected and may not be transported off the body of water. For more
information on VHS and the actions the DEC has taken to prevent its
spread, please go to: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/25328.html
To reduce the likelihood of spreading diseases and invasive
species DEC is providing these important guidelines:
1. Be certain that your boats, trailers and other fishing gear are
not transporting “aquatic hitchikers.” Boaters and anglers are
reminded that they are a common mechanism by which nuisance exotic
species such as Eurasian water milfoil, didymo, zebra mussels and
numerous undesirable fish species are spread in New York. Anglers
should never dump unused bait into a body of water unless the bait was
taken from that body of water. Boaters should make certain that their
trailers, boat props and other locations where vegetation may cling are
clean before leaving the water from which the “weeds” were
collected. Livewells and bilges should also be drained prior to leaving
a launch-site. Similarly, non-boating anglers should be certain that
their waders and other fishing gear are free of mud, plants, fish or
animals before leaving the water they have been fishing.
2. Dry all fishing and boating equipment before using it in
another body of water. Drying is the most effective "disinfection"
mechanism and is least likely to damage sensitive equipment and
clothing. All fishing and boating equipment, clothing and other gear
should be dried completely before moving to another body of water. This
may take a week or more depending upon the type of equipment, where it
is stored and weather conditions. A basic rule of thumb is to allow at
least 48 hours for drying most non-porous fishing and boating gear at
relative humidity levels of 70% or less. Drying is not recommended for
disinfecting absorbent items such as felt-soled waders.
3. Disinfect all fishing and boating equipment if it cannot be
dried before its use in another body of water. Disinfection
recommendations vary depending upon the type of equipment and disease of
concern. Be particularly aware of bilge areas, livewells and baitwells
in boats. These areas are difficult to dry and can harbor invasive
species. Effective disinfection techniques include the following:
Hot Water: Soak equipment in water kept above 140°F (hotter than
most tap water) for 1 minute or in water at least 100 F for 20 minutes.
Note that hot water can de-laminate Gore-Tex® fabric and damage other
sensitive clothing items. Personal steamers also can be used to
disinfect equipment following the same guidelines above. Commercial hot
water car washes are effective for disinfecting boats and vehicles.
Bleach: Soak or spray equipment for at least 1 minute with 2
percent bleach solution (13 oz. of household bleach with water added to
make 5 gallons). Note that bleach is an extremely effective disinfection
agent, but it is a caustic substance that can be corrosive to aluminum
and other sensitive fishing and boating equipment.
Cleaning Agents: Detergents specifically produced for the
cleaning and disinfection of fishing and boating equipment are not
readily available in this country. Of the materials traditionally used
to disinfect for human or animal health purposes, quaternary ammonium
compounds have been found to be most effective in controlling fish
viruses and pathogens. Commercial formulations, such as Parvasol® and
Kennelsol®, are available through laboratory or veterinary supply
companies. Household cleansers and disinfectants, such as Formula 409®
and Fantastic® that contain the quaternary ammonium compound alkyl
dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, also can be used to disinfect
equipment. These solutions can be used full strength as a spray or as a
1:2 dilution with water for soaking. For all materials, follow label
instructions and be sure to soak equipment for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Absorbent equipment should be soaked, not sprayed. Felt-soled waders
should be soaked for at least 40 minutes. Be sure to dispose of
materials away from surface waters in accordance with label
restrictions.
Special Note to Wading Anglers: Felt-soled waders and wading shoes have
been identified as ways in which whirling-disease spores and didymo can
be transported, and they are difficult to disinfect. Rubber and/or
studded soles are readily available now, provide similar traction and
are much less likely to transport these invasives.
For more information on invasive species, anglers and boaters
are encouraged to refer to:
www.ProtectYourWaters.net
Other ways anglers can protect New York’s natural resources
and promote increased fishing opportunities include:
· Purchasing a Fishing License and Habitat/Access Stamp. Fishing
licenses can be purchased online at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html or
by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS. Fishing licenses can also be purchased from
various sporting license outlets throughout the state, such as town and
county clerks, some major discount stores, and many tackle and sporting
goods stores. When purchasing a fishing license, anglers should also
consider purchasing a Habitat/Access stamp. This $5 stamp will help
support the Department’s efforts to conserve fish and wildlife habitat
and increase public access for fish and wildlife related recreation. For
information on the Habitat/Access Stamp program go to:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/329.html.
· Being certain that they know the most current regulations for
the waters they intend to fish. Restrictive fishing regulations are put
in place to maintain or improve fishing opportunities, but can only work
if they are followed. Numerous exceptions to the statewide regulations
exist in each DEC region. Regulations may be found in the revised
edition of the 2006-2008 Fishing Regulations Guide issued with your
license, or from http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html
· Releasing a trophy to fight again. Many of our fish species,
including all of our pike species, can grow to world-record proportions
in New York waters. However, this can only happen if anglers release the
intermediate size fish that they catch. For many anglers a five- or
10-pound pike, muskellunge or tiger muskellunge represents the
freshwater fish of a lifetime. These species can attain far larger
sizes in our waters, but only if they are released. Given the ready
availability of fiberglass mounts, there is no longer a need to harvest
these future trophies. All one needs is a photo of the fish, along with
a length and girth measurement for a taxidermist to produce a quality
and longer lasting mount. The fish can then be released to grow even
larger and provide the same thrill for another angler in the future.
· Using non-lead fishing sinkers. Anglers and New York fishing
tackle retailers are reminded that the sale of small lead sinkers
weighing ½ ounce or less is prohibited in New York State. Sale of jig
heads, weighted flies, artificial lures or weighted line are not
included in this prohibition. Although the law does not prohibit the
use of lead sinkers of this size, anglers are encouraged to seek
non-lead alternatives which are readily available in tackle stores.
Ingestion of lead sinkers has been linked to the death of waterfowl and
loons.
