The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a new proposed regulation for public review and comment that would require the use of circle hooks when recreational fishing for Atlantic striped bass. [Read more…] about DEC Proposes Circle Hook Requirement For Striped Bass
Fisheries
Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Creel Survey Planned
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the launch of an ice fishing creel survey that will be conducted on the New York waters of Lake Champlain starting this week through March. [Read more…] about Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Creel Survey Planned
Last Unprotected Shoreline of Thirteenth Lake Protected
The Adirondack Land Trust has conserved the last unprotected shoreline on Thirteenth Lake, a headwater of the Upper Hudson River and the largest water body surrounded by the Siamese Ponds Wilderness.
The lake is located in the Adirondack Park in Johnsburg, Warren County. [Read more…] about Last Unprotected Shoreline of Thirteenth Lake Protected
Comments Sought On Ashokan Reservoir Water Release Plans
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released of two draft documents related to water releases from New York City’s Ashokan Reservoir for public review and comment. DEC is also hosting a virtual public hearing on these draft documents on February 4th, 2021. [Read more…] about Comments Sought On Ashokan Reservoir Water Release Plans
State Seeks To Expand Artificial Reef Network
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a permit application to expand seven of the State’s 12 existing artificial reef sites and create four new sites. The application is now up for public review and comment. [Read more…] about State Seeks To Expand Artificial Reef Network
What Do Fisheries Staff Do During Winter?
The job of DEC’s Fisheries staff does not end in the winter.
Technicians are busy maintaining equipment and replenishing supplies needed for the next field season. That means everything from repairing boats and electrofishing gear, to tackling the never-ending job of building and repairing nets, to ordering replacements for holey waders. They also assist biologists with aging fish scales and finalizing field data. [Read more…] about What Do Fisheries Staff Do During Winter?
Comments Sought On Herkimer County Easement Plans
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced they are seeking public input on the development of a draft Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the Three Lakes Tract Conservation Easement, a privately-owned conservation easement encompassing approximately 3,350 acres in the town of Webb, Herkimer County. [Read more…] about Comments Sought On Herkimer County Easement Plans
Improving Brown Trout Genetics at Oriskany Creek
Staff from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), including staff from the State’s Rome Fish Disease Control Unit (Rome Lab), recently completed a wild brown trout collection on upper Oriskany Creek in Madison County.
That section of the creek has not been stocked since the early 1990s because of the healthy wild “Rome Strain” trout population present. [Read more…] about Improving Brown Trout Genetics at Oriskany Creek
Cayuga lnlet Boom Helps Fish Passage
Every Fall since 2017, the fishway (ladder) on Cayuga Inlet has been opened to allow landlocked Atlantic salmon and brown trout passage in hopes of improving fishing opportunities upstream.
In previous years the results have been mediocre, but a floating boom installed in fall 2020 has improved its effectiveness. The floating boom deflects leaves and debris over the dam, keeping the grates in the fishway clear. Cleaner grates pass water more efficiently, helping to attract fish into the fishway. [Read more…] about Cayuga lnlet Boom Helps Fish Passage
Statewide Trout Stream Management Plan Released
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the State’s final Trout Stream Management Plan for trout streams across the state. [Read more…] about Statewide Trout Stream Management Plan Released