Freshwater Fishing and Boating Newsletter

April 1 is the Opening of Trout Season

Getting out fishing is a great way to get fresh air, connect with nature, and have fun. During the public health crisis COVID-19, here are some helpful things to keep in mind when it comes to planning your next fishing trip.

Get your fishing license
With the closure of town clerks offices and many stores, you can purchase your fishing license online or over the phone, by calling 1-866-933-2257.

Know the Fishing Regulations
Yes, they still apply. Hardcopy requests will be delayed due to closures, but you can download a PDF version of the new 2020/2021 regulations guide from our website. To receive a hard copy, send an email to fwfish@dec.ny.gov and provide your mailing address.

Be Safe
Practice safe social distancing (at least six feet from another person), stay local and avoid crowded fishing spots.

Fish Hatchery Updates

• As a reminder, to help limit the spread of COVID-19, DEC’s Fish Hatcheries are currently closed to visitors. This includes visiting the Oneida Fish Hatchery in Constantia to observe the annual walleye egg take, which will begin tomorrow.
• To reduce transmission risks of COVID-19 to DEC Fish Hatchery staff, the annual Oneida Lake walleye egg take will be scaled back this year. The Oneida Lake walleye population, currently at a 30-year high, will not receive its annual allocation of 150 million fry this year. Priority will be given to collecting enough eggs for maintaining the walleye fingerling stocking program, with any collected in excess of this going to fulfill other fry stocking policies. You can find further details in DEC’s recent press release.