Freshwater Fishing and Boating News

Trout Season is Here!

After what seemed like an endless winter the April 1 opener of trout and salmon season has finally arrived. Early season stream flows should provide for fishable conditions in most of the state as long as precipitation levels remain normal. Snow and ice cover will limit access to waters In the north country and higher elevations until temperatures remain consistently above freezing and significant melting occurs. Anglers looking for early season fishing in these areas should contact the DEC Regional Office covering the area they intend to fish for  early season fishing recommendations.

DEC has a number of resources to help plan your next coldwater fishing adventure, including trout stocking lists and a brand new tip strip describing a very effective technique for early season trout angling using synthetic bait. The 2018 Coldwater Fishing Forecast will also prove helpful to those seeking trout and salmon this year.

Steelhead are one of the best targets for early season trout anglers and DEC has produced a new brochure on fishing for these strong, acrobatic fighters in the Great Lakes tributaries they inhabit. Download your copy now.

Get Your 2018 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide

Anglers are reminded to obtain a copy of the new 2018 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide from any of the over 1250 sporting license agents in New York State. The 2018 guide highlights some of the top fishing waters in New York State. The guide can also be viewed or downloaded online.

Renew Your Fishing License

Now that your annual fishing license is good for 365 days from the date of purchase, it is very easy to forget when it expires. Be sure to check the expiration date before heading out. Anglers desiring to receive an e-mail reminder to renew their fishing license each year should be sure to add their e-mail address to their DECALS profile. This can be done online or by calling the DEC Call Center at 1-866-933-2257 (M-F 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).

DECinfo Locator - New Mapping Prototype Available

DEC is working to bring you valuable information in an easy-to-use map.

Try out our DECinfo Locator prototype and be sure to click on the "short feedback survey" link so we can create the best possible product for you to use.