According to a press release issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, on February 21st, Environmental Conservation Officer Klein found people keeping fish in an area of the Upper Hudson River considered polluted and designated for catch and release only. [Read more…] about Poachers Caught With 131 Possibly Toxic Fish
ice fishing
Burbot: New York’s Misunderstood Cod Cousin
In the midst of winter, the ice-covered lakes of the Northeast seem quiet. It may, however, be a bit noisy below the ice. Winter into early spring is the spawning season for burbot, when males produce sounds to attract mates. [Read more…] about Burbot: New York’s Misunderstood Cod Cousin
Three Ice Fishermen Die After Falling Through Champlain Ice
The 43rd Annual Islands Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Champlain was cancelled Saturday morning, February 11th, following warm weather that led to dangerously thin ice resulting in the deaths of three anglers.
Just as the derby was kicking off, the Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department issued a request that it be cancelled immediately due to poor ice conditions. “All ice anglers are asked to get off the ice,” event organizers posted to Facebook at 8 am. [Read more…] about Three Ice Fishermen Die After Falling Through Champlain Ice
Ice Fishing Safety Tips
Much of New York is experiencing a milder than usual winter leading to unsafe ice conditions on most waters, please be extra cautious when heading out for a day of ice fishing. [Read more…] about Ice Fishing Safety Tips
Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Creel Survey Planned
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the annual ice fishing creel survey will resume for its third year on the New York waters of Lake Champlain from January through March 2023. [Read more…] about Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Creel Survey Planned
The Northern Pike In Winter
Beneath the ice that covers our many lakes during winter, there exists an arena in which fish prowl their surroundings for something to eat and attempt to avoid being eaten by a larger predator.
One species, when fully grown, that never has to worry about being attacked and gulped down by another creature of the deep is the northern pike. This sizeable, torpedo-shaped beast reigns at the top of the food chain in most lakes and larger ponds. [Read more…] about The Northern Pike In Winter
Safely Ice Fishing This Winter
Safety is essential during ice fishing season and anglers should make sure the ice is thick enough before venturing out.
Four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. Ice thickness can vary from waterbody to waterbody and even within the same waterbody. [Read more…] about Safely Ice Fishing This Winter
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
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?
Fishhook Waterflea Infesting Lake Champlain
Boaters returning from the waters of Lake Champlain at Shelburne Bay have reported large quantities of invasive fishhook waterflea fouling their fishing lines.
First identified in Lake Champlain in 2018, masses of fishhook waterfleas began to appear on the 20th of June this year, as observed by trained Lake Champlain boat launch stewards.
No known control methods exist to eliminate fishhook or spiny waterflea once established in a water body. Efforts now focus on preventing the spread of this species to other bodies of water in the region. [Read more…] about Fishhook Waterflea Infesting Lake Champlain