The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the start of the spring trout fishing season, which provides excellent angling opportunities for wild and stocked trout, officially opened on Wednesday.
“New York’s season opener is a welcome sign of spring for trout anglers,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a press release. “I encourage anglers to introduce someone new to recreational fishing this year and enjoy Getting Offline and Getting Outside to experience some of the greatest freshwater fishing opportunities in the nation.”
According to the DEC, trout stocking is in full swing with more than 1.7 million catchable-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout stocked in waters across the state from mid-March through early June.
Spring Trout Stocking locations in Franklin County are: Chateaugay River, Chub River, Deer River, Drain Pond, Green Pondm Lake Clear, Lake Colby, Little Long Pond, Little Salmon River, Malone Village Pond, North Branch Saranac River, Rat Pond, Rock Pond, Salmon River, Saranac River, St. Regis River, Trout River, Two Bridge Brook, and Whey Pond, according to the DEC website, and sites will receive fish every other week for two months to provide season-long opportunities for angler success. Most stream stockings include larger trout (12 inches or more) as 10 percent of the total number, according to the agency, and spring trout stocking lists, including the scheduled week of stocking for trout streams, can be found on DEC’s website.
Trout Stream Fishing Opportunities
The popular Trout Stream Fishing Map on DECinfo Locator allows anglers to view trout stream reaches, color-coded by management category, as well as fishing access associated with those reaches, the release said. Links to the Trout Stream Fishing Map and a User Guide are available on DEC’s website.
Anglers can also use their smart phones to find trout fishing opportunities around the state by accessing the Tackle Box feature in DEC’s HuntFishNY app, the agency said. The Tackle Box provides one-stop-shopping for information on access sites, stocking, regulations and more. Information on how to download the app can be found on DEC’s website. Anglers are encouraged to check out these valuable resources when planning their next fishing trip.
To help make fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers, DEC has also partnered with libraries across the state to provide a Fishing Rod Lending Program. While borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod, according to the DEC. This program offers an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information and a list of the more than 80 participating libraries, visit DEC’s website.
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.
A digital version of the new guide is available to download on the DEC website. Hard copies of the guide are available wherever sporting licenses are sold. For locations visit the DEC website.
Renewing or buying a fishing license for the first time is easier than ever, the release said. Anglers can call, go online, or visit their nearest license issuing agent. When purchasing a license, anglers can also consider purchasing a Habitat & Access Stamp for just $5. This small donation directly supports habitat restoration projects and recreational access to New York’s public lands.