The Fishing Line - September 1st Issue

Freshwater Fishing, Fisheries Management, and Fishing Access News

In This Issue:

• Attention HuntFishNY App Users
• Sturgeon Summer Stress
• Lake Ontario Fishing Boat Survey Summer 2023 Report Now Available
• Fishing Plans This Weekend?
• Share Your Ideas: Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act

Attention HuntFishNY App Users

A recent change in app developer ownership created an issue in the HuntFishNY mobile app which was causing it to crash upon launch. However, an update to the app was released on August 21, 2023 that resolved the issue. If you have automatic updates enabled, the app should auto-update on its own. However, if you have automatic updates turned off, you will need to go into the Apple App Store or Google Play and tap the "update" button to manually update the app.

If you are experiencing issues logging into the app or have any other technical issues, please call the DECALS call center at 866-933-2257 or email DEC staff at FW.Information@dec.ny.gov.

The app is available through the Apple App Store or Google Play. For information on the HuntFishNY app, please visit our website.

Sturgeon Summer Stress

Did you know that like trout and salmon, sturgeon also experience heat stress during the summer?

Physical stress symptoms, including death, have been documented at about 75°F. In fact, we restrict research sampling when water temperatures reach 70°F. If you hook a sturgeon in warm water (70°F or above), please do not fight to land it. Cut the line and let the fish go.

Other tips for safe interactions with lake sturgeon:

• Keep the lake sturgeon in the water and release it as quickly as possible.
• Never lift a sturgeon by its head or tail. If it becomes necessary to hold it for any reason, support it horizontally.
• Cut the line or use pliers to remove the hook.
• Don’t touch their eyes or gills.

It is illegal to target sturgeon while angling or possess them, so release any sturgeon you catch immediately. You can help ensure the successful restoration of lake sturgeon in New York by practicing responsible angling.

Lake Ontario Fishing Boat Survey Summer 2023 Report Now Available

Lake Ontario provides anglers with a diverse world-class trout and salmon fishery worth an estimated $560 million dollars to NY's economy.

According to anglers surveyed this summer, there was:

• Above average Chinook salmon fishing quality in all lake areas. Angler catch rates for Chinook in 2023 are on track to be among the top five in the 37-year survey.
• A greater proportion of larger, older Chinook salmon compared to 2022 when small young “shakers” made up a significant part of the catch.
• Average or above average brown trout catch rates in the west central and east lake areas.
• Below average rainbow trout and lake trout catch rates across most lake areas; however, catch rates for these species often drop when Chinook salmon fishing is good since they are targeted less.
• Lower sea lamprey numbers compared to highs observed in 2022.

A more detailed report is available on our Lake Ontario Fisheries Management webpage.

Fishing Plans This Weekend?

Why not sneak one more fun activity in before the kids head back to school and take them fishing? Check out the following resources to help you plan your trip.

• Where to go - good fishing is closer than you think!
• Get your fishing license - for less than what it costs for a family trip to the movies, you can fish for a whole year! (Those under 16 years old, don't need a license.)
• What to bring (PDF) - fishing rods, lures/bait, and don't forget the snacks! No rod? No problem. Find a Fishing Rod Lending Program near you.
• "How to" Videos for beginners - learn about the fish you can catch, how to tie knots, cast a rod, and more.
• Catch a big fish? DEC's Angler Achievement Awards program recognizes anglers that catch fish that meet a minimum qualifying length or weight, depending on the category you enter into.
• Fishing Regulations - check the regulations before you head out.

If you go out fishing this weekend, we'd love to hear about. Send us your stories/images to fwfish@dec.ny.gov. Have a safe holiday weekend!

Share Your Ideas: Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act

This spring and summer, the public and potential funding applicants had the opportunity to learn more about the Bond Act at a series of educational listening sessions.

Missed out on attending a session? Check out the virtual session recordings.

Share your ideas for how the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act could help your community and environment. Complete a short survey to collect project ideas and other feedback. This survey will provide stakeholders and members of the public a place to share these ideas.

We need your input to help the New York State team select projects and deliver funds while also ensuring a transparent and collaborative process that benefits all New Yorkers.

The deadline for ideas and comments is September 15.