Trout fishing season officially begins in New York State on Wednesday, April 1, offering anglers a chance to enjoy one of the state\u2019s most popular spring pastimes. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that trout fishing will be open on streams, rivers, and lakes statewide, with more than 1.7 million catchable-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout being stocked from mid-March through early June.<\/p>\n
According to Amanda Lefton, the DEC Commissioner<\/a>, “New York\u2019s season opener is a welcome sign of spring for trout anglers. 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.”<\/p>\n The DEC clarified that some trout stocked this year may be smaller than usual. Drought conditions last summer and fall at the Catskill Fish Hatchery reduced water supplies, so many yearling brown trout will be shorter than the typical nine-inch stocking size. Still, most streams will include larger trout\u201412 inches or more make up about ten percent of trout stocked, according to WETM<\/a>.<\/p>\n To support anglers, the DEC provides several resources. The Trout Stream Fishing Map<\/a> lets users find color-coded trout stream sections and access points. The HuntFishNY app<\/a> offers a Tackle Box feature with information on sites, stocking, and regulations. For those new to fishing, more than 80 public libraries participate in a Fishing Rod Lending Program<\/a> so visitors can borrow rods before investing in their own equipment.<\/p>\n Stocked-Extended streams\u2014listed in the Inland Trout Streams Regulations<\/a>\u2014will be restocked every other week for two months, providing ongoing opportunities for anglers. The DEC\u2019s website<\/a> includes a list of specific stocking locations and dates.<\/p>\n Anglers must have a valid fishing license, which can be obtained online, by phone, or through local agents. The digital Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide<\/a> is available for download, and hard copies are sold wherever sporting licenses are issued.<\/p>\n