For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Michael Fraser

Wednesday March 26, 2003 (518) 402-8000

NEW YORK STATE TROUT FISHING SEASON OPENS APRIL 1

Anglers Can Look Forward To Successful Season of Fishing New York's Waters

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today encouraged anglers to make the proper preparations for the start of trout season on Tuesday, April 1, 2003.

"New York has a wide variety of trout waters that offer anglers wonderful opportunities for successful fishing on opening day," Commissioner Crotty said. "However, due to the large winter snowfalls experienced over much of the state, this years's opener may find many streams with high water levels. As such, anglers may want to try some of the smaller streams and tributaries. I expect another successful fishing season as New York continues its legacy as a popular and unique venue for outdoor recreation."

Most Adirondack ponds are likely to remain frozen for the April 1st opener. Ice fishing is prohibited in trout waters except as noted in the Fishing Regulations Guide. Anglers should scout out areas beforehand where the possibility of frozen waters may exist.

DEC suggests that early season anglers can improve their success by fishing deep and slow, and by using natural baits such as worms and minnows, where permitted. Pond fishing is often best immediately after the winter ice melts. Prime areas to fish are those that warm the earliest, including tributary mouths and near surface and shallow shoreline areas.

DEC plans to stock approximately 2.35 million catchable-size brook, brown and rainbow trout in more than 650 lakes, ponds and streams across the state. The 2003 spring mix will include approximately 1.8 million brown trout, 440,000 rainbow trout and 115,000 brook trout.

DEC will again include 2-year-old brown trout in the spring stocking program. These fish average 12-13 inches in length, with some as large as 15 inches. Approximately 97,000 of these larger fish will be placed in 187 lakes and streams statewide, providing additional opportunities for anglers to catch larger fish early in the season.

In addition, DEC will also stock New York waters with more than 2 million yearling lake trout, steelhead, landlocked salmon, splake and coho salmon this spring to provide exciting fishing opportunities over the next several years. With fingerling and smaller fish included, DEC plans to stock more than 7.7 million trout and salmon in state waters this year. This includes more than 350,000 brook trout fingerlings going to over 330 lakes and ponds. For a complete listing of stocked waters in New York State, access DEC's website at www.dec.state.ny.us/index.html.

In addition to stocked waters, New York State has thousands of miles of wild trout streams that provide excellent fishing opportunities. Regional Fisheries offices, which are listed in the Fishing Regulations Guide, can offer specific details about these streams. DEC also remains committed to increasing public access to New York's coldwater streams. Since 1935, DEC has worked with private landowners to secure more than 1,200 miles of public fishing rights to prime trout waters. The streams are marked with public fishing rights signs, and anglers may also contact local Regional Fisheries offices for a list of these sites and directions to the accessible sections. Any landowners who want to work with DEC to provide access to trout streams should contact their local DEC office.

Anglers are reminded that the general creel limit for brook, brown and rainbow trout is five. The open season for trout in most New York State waters runs from April 1 through October 15, but there are exceptions in all DEC regions, so anglers should check the Fishing Regulations Guide prior to heading out on the water. Anglers are also reminded again that there are new procedures for fishing New York City reservoirs. Updated information and permit applications can be obtained at nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed.html or by calling 800-575-LAND.

When purchasing a fishing license, anglers are reminded to also consider purchasing a Habitat Stamp. Recent legislation signed by Governor Pataki has established this new stamp, which is available to anyone for $5 from any sporting license issuing agent. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps will be deposited in a newly created Habitat Account, and will be used to support DEC's efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation.

Regional opening day highlights follow.

Long Island (DEC Region 1)

Long Island lakes, ponds and streams typically provide excellent early season trout angling. By the end of April, nearly 20,000 trout, including 5,000 two-year-old brown trout in the 12- to 15-inch range, will have been stocked into Long Island lakes, ponds and streams. For premier early season fly fishing action, the Carmans, Connetquot and Nissequogue rivers in Suffolk County are highly recommended. Tidal sections of these waters also provide excellent fishing opportunities and include trophy-size fish.

For anglers who prefer to fish still waters, Laurel Lake, Upper Lake, Lower Lake, East Lake, West Lake and Argyle Lake are recommended in Suffolk County. In Nassau County, Upper Twin Pond, Oyster Bay Mill Pond and Massapequa Reservoir are good bets. Many of these waters hold over a good number of fish from one year to the next, increasing the opportunity to catch a lunker. Anglers are also reminded that the trout season in Nassau and Suffolk Counties is now open year round. In addition to the fish to be stocked this spring, 7,500 12"+ brown trout were stocked this past fall. These fish have provided fast fishing action which continues to this day. Please remember that there is a three trout daily limit on Long Island and brook trout are catch and release only in all streams except the Connetquot and Nissequogue in the State Parks.

Long Island trout anglers are encouraged to participate in the region's Coldwater Angler Diary Cooperator Program. Cooperating anglers are asked to keep a diary of the species, length, and location and number of trout caught during their fishing trips on Long Island. In return, cooperators receive periodic summaries of the results of the program and the satisfaction of knowing that they are making a significant contribution towards the effective management of Long Island's coldwater resources. For more information on this program please contact the regional office at (631) 444-0280.

Anglers are also invited to bring their families and participate in the Seventh Annual Spring Fishing Festival to be held at Belmont Lake State Park on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 2,000 trout will be stocked into the lake in advance of the Festival. Seminars will be given on fly fishing, fly tying, fishing for panfish and other topics. Loaner rods and bait will be available. This is a Free Fishing Event, no fishing license will be needed to participate. Fishing licenses will be on sale at the event for those who want to fish later in the season. For more information on the Spring Fishing Festival please contact the Regional Fisheries Unit at (631) 444-0280.

For a complete list of Long Island trout stocked waters, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Trout Stocking List, Bureau of Fisheries, SUNY Building 40, Stony Brook, NY, 11790-2356 or check out the Region 1 Fisheries Web Site at: www.dec.state.ny.us/website/reg1/reg1bof.html .

Hudson Valley/Catskills (DEC Region 3)

In southeastern New York, spring arrives first in the Hudson River Valley. Many of the streams are stocked early, and so provide excellent early-season fishing. Among the most popular early season waters are Wappinger Creek, Fishkill Creek, Peekskill Hollow Brook, Sawmill River and the Ramapo River.

In the Catskills, stocking is delayed until later in April to allow flows to recede and water temperatures to rise. In these streams, which include such nationally-renowned waters as the Beaver Kill, Willowemoc, Neversink and Esopus, wild trout and hatchery-holdovers from previous years provide the opportunity for good early season fishing. On the Delaware River, which forms the boundary between New York and Pennsylvania, trout season doesn't begin until April 16. All trout in the Delaware are wild fish, primarily browns and rainbows, spawned in the tributaries. The spawning tributaries in New York have the same delayed season opener as the Delaware to provide added protection for spawning rainbows.

Catskill region trout anglers also should be aware that the multi-year study of the Beaver Kill and Willowemoc trout streams in Sullivan and Delaware counties will continue in 2003. This year, 132 hatchery brown trout will be radio-tagged and tracked throughout the season to assess movements, mortality, and response to unfavorable water conditions. Anglers are requested to advise the regional fisheries office if they happen to harvest a fish trailing a wire antenna and/or with a small internal radio transmitter.

Other notable trout resources in the area include 17 New York City reservoirs totaling more than 23,000 acres. Large brown trout, including occasional fish more than 20 pounds, may be found in many of these waters. Ashokan Reservoir also is famous for large rainbow trout. Lake trout are present in some of the deeper reservoirs, including Kensico and Rondout. Neversink Reservoir provides the region's only landlocked salmon fishery. All New York City watershed lands were closed to public access following September 11, but have all since been reopened to fishing. However, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection has implemented a new permit system, and older permits are no longer valid. Check the DEP web site at nyc.gov/html/dep/html/watershed.html to obtain information and application forms for the new permits.

During the spring and early summer, DEC hatchery staff will deliver more than 300,000 trout to 85 streams and 30 lakes and ponds within Region 3. Included in this total will be nearly 17,000 of the larger (12-15") 2-year-old brown trout, which will be distributed in about 40 of the larger and more accessible streams. This year's stocking information can be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Fisheries Office, DEC Region 3, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY, 12561.

Northern Catskills/Hudson Valley/Capital District (DEC Region 4)

Given this year's extensive snow pack it is likely that some usual preseason stocking will be delayed to all streams to warm and stabilize. Fishing early in the season should probably focus on wild trout streams, such as the East and West Branch of the Delaware below the reservoirs. Most streams throughout the Region should be stocked by mid-April, weather permitting. Waters to be stocked with 2-year-old brown trout along with yearling fish, include both branches of the Delaware River, Catskill Creek, Beaver Kill, Schenevus Creek, Poesten Kill, Roeliff Jansen Kill, Walloomsac River, Hannacrois Creek, Kinderhook Creek, Onesquethaw Creek, Claverack Creek, Taghkanic Creek, Charlotte Creek, Ouleout Creek, Schoharie Creek, Batavia Kill, Canajoharie Creek, Otsquago Creek, Butternut Creek, Oaks Creek, Otego Creek, Wharton Creek, and Tackawasick Creek.

DEC is in the fourth year of study on the Beaver Kill/Willowemoc system in Delaware, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. As noted in the Region 3 update, a major new initiative planned for 2003 will be the surgical implanting of radio transmitters in 88 yearling hatchery brown trout and 44 two-year-old brown trout. These fish will be placed in the upper "no kill" reach of the Beaver Kill and the "no kill" reach of the Willowemoc. The purpose of this work is to monitor the movement of these trout. Some of these radio-tagged trout might move outside of the "no kill" regulation areas so anglers are asked to release all fish with external antennas and report the fish location to the regional fisheries office in Stamford. Should any of these radio-tagged trout be creeled, the anglers are asked to contact the fisheries office in Stamford and make arrangements to return the tag.

Angler diary cooperators continue to be needed. Fishermen who routinely fish the Beaver Kill/Willowemoc are asked to sign up for the Diary Cooperator Program by writing: NYSDEC, Fisheries Unit, Route 10, Stamford, NY, 12167. Diary cooperators are also being sought for the Delaware tailwaters - that is the West Branch downstream of Cannonsville Reservoir, the East Branch downstream of Pepacton Reservoir, and the main Delaware from Hancock to Callicoon. Bait, lure, and fly anglers are welcome. The diary program is being established to monitor the trout fishery on these rivers. Cooperators will be issued a diary to record fishing trip information. All diaries will be returned to the angler along with an annual summary of results prior to the start of the 2004 fishing season.

Anglers should remember that the "border water" reach on the West Branch of the Delaware River where New York and Pennsylvania share a common boundary has a delayed season which does not open until April 12 this year. This delayed season also applies to all Delaware River tributaries located in Delaware County and on the East Branch between Hancock and the Hamlet of East Branch.

Looking for a new fishing spot? Many of the smaller, less well known streams are identified in brochures such as Capital District Fishing, Fishing Delaware County and Catskill Fishing. Stocking lists are also available. These can all be obtained by writing the above address. Anglers with access to the Internet can find a great deal of information from the DEC website at dec.state.ny.us. Other websites, such as the one operated by the USGS, can find up-to-date flow information for a number of the larger streams. Finally, West Branch anglers wanting to know current releases can call 1-845-295-1006. This hotline is run as a cooperative effort with NYC DEP and Trout Unlimited.

Adirondacks (DEC Region 5)

Snow pack has been moderate to heavy in most counties of Region 5, so anglers may find many area waters high and turbid for the trout opener. Most streams and rivers are expected to be flowing at high, early spring levels and could be challenging to fish.

Best bets for early season angling in the southern part of the region are the Batten Kill, Kayaderosseras and Mettawee rivers. The Chateaugay River offers good fishing in the northern part of Region 5.

Many regional streams and rivers will be stocked in April and May. However, it is likely that few, if any, streams in the northern part of the region will be accessible or warm enough for stocking prior to opening day. If possible yearling brook trout will be stocked the Chateaugay River in Franklin County before the season begins.

Hundreds of smaller streams contain wild brook or brown trout. Try fishing deep pools and riffle areas with live bait where it is allowed. Fish slowly, especially if the water is cold, high, and swift.

Ice-out may not occur until later on many northern lakes. During the beginning stages of ice-out, excellent trout fishing should be available in open water areas near the shoreline. Once waters are ice free and temperatures rise, surface trolling for salmon and lake trout is a good bet on the larger lakes. Brook trout pond fishing is good from ice-out through May.

Anglers are reminded that in many Adirondack ponds, the use of fish as bait is prohibited. For waters where the use of fish as bait is prohibited, check the Special Regulations by County section in the Fishing Regulations Guide or contact the DEC's Region 5 Fisheries Office in Ray Brook at (518) 897-1333. A variety of leaflets are also available from that office including: stocking lists for Region 5; Top Fishing Waters in Region 5; a list of reclaimed trout ponds; and others.

For up-to-date information on fishing conditions in the region, anglers can call these DEC fishing hotlines: For the southern Adirondacks, (518) 623-3682; for the northern and central Adirondacks, (518) 891-5413.

North Country (DEC Region 6)

Due to the above average snowfall, many streams will be inaccessible on opening day. Anglers should use extreme caution on streams with high snow banks and ice covering flowing water. Personal flotation devices, polarized sunglasses, and felt or other gripping soled waders should be worn at all times.

Fishing will improve when the water temperature reaches 50 degrees. This usually occurs in mid to late April in the Mohawk River Valley and early to mid May in the Tug Hill and Western Adirondack Regions. At this time, streams such as West Canada Creek, the Mohawk River below Delta Lake, Oriskany Creek, St. Regis River and Sauquoit Creek should all provide good fishing.

Historically, the only stream that receives a preseason stocking is the Oswegatchie River below Cranberry Lake, but due to the weather this will be delayed to late April - early May. The popular 2-year-old brown trout stocking occurs in early May on some of the region's larger, more accessible streams. Worms usually produce the best catches this time of year when the water temperatures are colder and the fish are more sluggish. Spinners, flies and salted minnows also are popular lures. For best results, fish the pools and slow, deep riffles. Fishing in the late afternoon after the water has been warmed by the sun is also productive.

Lake Ontario tributaries should offer good fishing conditions for steelhead. Try Stony Creek, North and South Sandy Creeks, Lindsey Creek, Skinner Creek and the Black River in Watertown, from the Mill Street dam down to the Village of Dexter. Use egg sacs, single hook spinners, wet flies and streamers.

Central New York (DEC Region 7)

Steelhead anglers heading for tributaries to Lake Ontario do not have to wait until April 1, because there is no closed season for trout and salmon in these waters up to the first barrier impassable to fish. The peak of this run generally occurs in mid to late March with steelhead averaging eight to ten pounds and some as large as 20 pounds. The Salmon River at Pulaski is the best area steelhead stream. Other productive areas are Little Sandy Creek, Grindstone Creek and the Oswego River.

Lake Ontario shoreline fishing is expected to be productive. Hot spots will be at Fair Haven, Oswego Harbor, and Mexico Bay.

Trout fishing on the Finger Lakes also should be productive. Good fishing already is occurring and expected to carry through to mid April on Cayuga and Owasco Lakes. Both offer fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout and lake trout, with Cayuga also having landlocked salmon. Skaneateles Lake offers good fishing for lake trout and rainbow trout as well as landlocked salmon.

For good fishing on Finger Lake tributaries (which open to trout fishing on April 1) try Salmon Creek, Cayuga Inlet, Yawgers Creek and Fall Creek on Cayuga Lake; Hemlock Creek and Owasco Inlet on Owasco Lake; and Grout Brook on Skaneateles Lake.

Other streams provide excellent early trout fishing as well. Most notable are: Nine Mile, Limestone and Butternut Creeks in Onondaga County; Oquaga Creek in Broome County; the Otselic River in Chenango and Cortland Counties; Genegantslet Creek in Chenango County; Chittenango Creek in Madison County; the west branch of Tioughnioga River in Cortland County; Fall and Virgil Creeks in Tompkins County and the east and west branches of Owego Creek in Tioga County.

Anglers are reminded that most waters in Region 7 are managed under a five trout daily creel limit, with no more than two fish being than 12 inches. Anglers may keep five additional brook trout less than 8" in most Region 7 waters. Be sure to check the Fishing Regulations Guide for exceptions to these regulations.

Finger Lakes (DEC Region 8)

Early season Finger Lake tributary rainbow trout fishing should be good. For opening day, try fishing for rainbows throughout all reaches of tributaries such as Naples Creek and Catharine Creek. Stocked and wild brown trout can also be caught in a number of the region's streams. Quality fishing can be found at Oatka and Spring Creeks near Caledonia (Livingston and Monroe Counties), throughout the Cohocton River from Cohocton to Bath (Steuben County), and Cayuta Creek near Odessa (Schuyler and Chemung Counties). Anglers are reminded that a new regulation for Region 8 trout streams went into effect on October 1, 2002. The general limit on trout is now five fish per day of any size, with no more than two longer than 12 inches. Check the guide for other changes to the special regulations for other waters in the region.

Lake Ontario tributaries such as Oak Orchard Creek, Genesee River and Irondequoit Creek should provide good steelhead fishing prior to the traditional April 1 opener. Most Lake Ontario tributaries are open for fishing year round.

Early April should offer opportunity for near-shore fishing on Lake Ontario. Brown trout, rainbow trout, coho salmon and a few chinooks should be available near shore. Pier fishing and shallow water trolling in mid to late April should be very productive. Look for trout and salmon "hot spots" in warm water pockets from Rochester to Sodus and vicinity. Even small reaches having only two or three degree warmer surface temperatures attract these fish.

Western New York (DEC Region 9)

Best bets for the opener include the Genesee River, Ischua Creek, Goose Creek, East Koy Creek, Upper Cattaraugus Creek and the six inland trout lakes (Allen, Case, Harwood, New Albion, Quaker, and Red House).

Great Lakes waters, open year-round for salmon and trout, should continue to provide good angling. Steelhead and rainbows will be available in Twelve Mile Creek, Keg Creek, Eighteen Mile Creek and the Lower Niagara River in Niagara County. Lake Erie tributaries that will have steelhead and rainbow runs are Chautauqua Creek, Canadaway Creek, Cattaraugus Creek and Eighteen Mile Creek. Brown trout and coho salmon will be near shore in Lake Ontario, and in the harbors at Fort Niagara, Wilson and Olcott.

Anglers fishing the section of Cattaraugus Creek that runs through the Seneca Nation of Indian lands must have a Seneca Nation fishing license.

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03-29

Mary Young

Media Relations

NYS DEC

625 Broadway

Albany, NY 12233-1016

518-402-8000