New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the finalization of changes to the state's freshwater fishing regulations which will become effective on Oct. 1, 2010.

"New York continues to provide some of the nation's best freshwater fishing, and these regulation changes will continue to sustain our robust fisheries, helping to ensure excellent fishing opportunities throughout New York for today and many years to come," Commissioner Grannis said.

The changes to the freshwater regulations are the result of a two-year process during which DEC solicited public feedback during the development of the proposals, and also provided a comment period for public input on the draft rules.

"All of us at DEC are grateful for the feedback from anglers and other stakeholders during the rulemaking process and their input is reflected in this final package," Grannis added.

Some of the changes apply to multiple waters in New York, while others are waterbody-specific. Modifications to enhance angling opportunities for a particular species or group of species and regulations that provide for the protection of vulnerable game fish species are among the changes. Several actions will eliminate "special regulations" (i.e. those different than the Statewide Angler Regulations) that are no longer needed based on the targeted species' population trends. Highlights of the changes include:

1. A special allowance (mostly in DEC Regions 5 and 7) for five extra brook trout less than eight inches has been eliminated. With the exception of certain water-specific regulations, the daily limit is now five trout of any size.
2. A 10-fish daily limit has been established for river herring (alewife and blueback herring) on the Delaware River and the West Branch Delaware River bordering Pennsylvania.
3. The regulation for walleye on Burden Lake and Dunham Reservoir in Rensselaer County and Muskellunge Lake in Jefferson County requiring an 18-inch minimum size, three fish daily limit has been eliminated. Statewide regulations now apply.
4. Fishing is seasonally prohibited on a section of the Oswegatchie River below the dam in Ogdensburg in St. Lawrence County to protect spawning walleye.

5. Fishing for or possessing river herring (alewife and blueback herring) on the Mohawk River in Saratoga County between Lock 2 and Guard Gate 2 (Waterford Flight) is now prohibited.
6. A 1.8-mile catch and release/artificial lures only section has been established for trout on the Chittenango Creek between Cazenovia and Chittenango in Madison County.
7. The baitfish use restriction in Weeds Mine Pond in Columbia County has been eliminated.

Selected Long Island Highlights of Changes

8. The catch and release regulation for all species at Hempstead Lake in Nassau County has been eliminated. County-wide regulations now apply.
9. The 15-inch minimum size limit for black bass in Fort Pond and Lake Ronkonkoma in Suffolk County has been reduced to 12 inches.
10. A year-round catch and release season has been established for black bass in Randall Pond in Suffolk County.

Selected Adirondack Highlights of Changes

11. Special regulations for chain pickerel in various Region 5 waters have been eliminated. Statewide regulations now apply.
12. Special regulations for northern pike on Adirondack Lake in Hamilton County have been eliminated. Statewide regulations now apply.
13. Special regulations for yellow perch and sunfish in Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton Counties, including Schroon Lake have been eliminated. Statewide regulations now apply.
14. The open season for trout on Glen Lake (Warren County) has been extended to allow ice fishing.
15. The minimum size limit for lake trout has been reduced from 21 inches to 18 inches in Lake Bonaparte, Lewis County.

The full text of the new 2010-2012 regulations can be viewed at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/34113.html on the DEC website. The "Assessment of Public Comment" is available on the Department of State website at http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register/2010.html by selecting "April 14, 2010." DEC reminds anglers to always check the regulations for the specific water where fishing is planned to make sure the regulations did not change.

Commissioner Grannis also encouraged all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp, an optional stamp that helps support the DEC's efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation. This year's stamp features a drawing of a pair of playful red fox. Buying a $5 stamp is a way to help conserve New York's fabulous wildlife heritage. More information about purchasing a Habitat Stamp is available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/329.html

Media Contact
Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000

With spring underway, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded anglers to be aware of spawning lake sturgeon in tributaries of the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes and Oneida Lake. Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), which are especially active at this time, are a threatened species in New York - meaning there is no open season for the fish and possession is prohibited.

Last year, DEC received numerous reports of lake sturgeon caught by anglers in the Upper Niagara River near Buffalo Harbor. Anglers who unintentionally hook a sturgeon should follow these practices to ensure that the fish are returned to the water unharmed:

∙ Avoid bringing the fish into the boat if possible.

∙ Use pliers to remove the hook; sturgeon are almost always hooked in the mouth.

∙ Always support the fish horizontally. Do not hold sturgeon in a vertical position by their head, gills, or tails -- even for taking photographs.

∙ Never touch their eyes or gills.

∙ Minimize their time out of the water.

Anglers should use caution when handling the fish as they have sharp scaly plates called scutes on their backs. Gloves or a damp towel should used to avoid injury.

Anglers are more likely to encounter sturgeon during the spring when the fish gather to spawn on clean gravel shoals and in stream rapids.

Lake sturgeon were once abundant in New York, but commercial fishing, dam building and habitat loss decimated populations. DEC's protection and stocking efforts have helped the species begin to recover. Since 1996, lake sturgeon have been periodically stocked by DEC into Black Lake, Cayuga Lake, the Genesee River, Oneida Lake, the Oswegatchie River, Raquette River, St. Lawrence River, and St. Regis River. They can also be fou

Sturgeon are often tagged as part of ongoing research efforts by state and federal agencies. If a tagged sturgeon is found, reporting instructions are on the tag or one can contact a regional DEC office for assistance. More information on lake sturgeon in New York and other threatened or endangered fish can be found on the DEC web site at:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/26035.html

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7008.html

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/26045.html

Media Contact
Lori Severino (518) 402-8000

Twenty-six Free Fishing events were announced today by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis. During these specially-designated activities in each DEC region, the agency waives the requirement to purchase a fishing license with the goal of encouraging new interest in fishing and educating the public about New York's unique natural resources.

"These events are a great way to take part in one of New York's oldest and most exciting outdoor recreational activities," Commissioner Grannis said. "Fishing is a wonderful way to spend time with family or to enjoy solace in nature, and we hope that young and old alike take part in these fun and educational events."

DEC's Free Fishing events provide participants with an opportunity to learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology in their communities. No fishing license is required to participate. Many activities, such as family fishing clinics, also provide equipment to use (check with the event contact to find out the specifics). Each of DEC's nine regions can sponsor up to four free fishing events per year. Most free fishing events occur during the period from April through October.

For a listing of currently posted events and contact information, visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html . Be sure to keep checking the list, as new events may also be added during the fishing season.

In addition, each year DEC designates the last weekend of June as "Free Fishing Weekend." For 2010, New York's Free Fishing days are Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27. During those two days, anyone can fish New York State waters and no fishing license is required. This event started in 1991 to allow people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York State has to offer. It is the perfect time to take a friend or relative fishing since no license is required.

Media Contact
Maureen Wren(518) 402-8000

In conjunction with spring break for many Capital Region schools, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) I FISH NY program will conduct a free youth fishing program at the City of Albany's Six Mile Waterworks April 5-9 from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m each day.

Six Mile Waterworks is home to Rensselaer Lake, which contains a variety of freshwater fish species including: largemouth bass, sunfish, yellow perch, chain pickerel, brown bullhead and most recently, rainbow trout. For the second year, DEC will be stocking the Waterworks with approximately 1,900 catchable size rainbow trout prior to the week-long program.

"Studies have shown that one of the barriers to learning to fish is the lack of fishing opportunities close to home," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "This week-long event will provide Albany area residents with an opportunity to learn more about the great fishing here in the Capital Region - which we hope will hook them on a lasting appreciation for the sport."

Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings said: "The sport of fishing is as popular as ever, and the stocking of Albany's Six Mile Waterworks provides a wonderful opportunity for people to utilize this beautiful natural resource. I especially hope that our younger people will take advantage of the free programs to be offered over the school vacation period which will provide more meaningful activities for their enjoyment and learning."

Expanding fishing opportunities in urban areas is just one of the I FISH NY program's objectives to increase fishing participation in New York State. DEC Fisheries staff will be on hand during the week in the late morning and early afternoon to offer advice and assist youth in learning about the sport. Loaner fishing rods, bait, bobbers and hooks will be available. Supplies are limited, so people are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment if they have it. Informational materials will also be available about local fishing resources, fishing basics and fish identification.

Library Fishing Rod Program

Albany residents can also participate in a program through the Albany Public Library that provides fishing rods for loan. The main branch at 161 Washington Avenue has a limited number of fishing rods that are available to library card holders. This initiative is also part of DEC's I FISH NY program to bring fishing resources to urban communities.

As a reminder, anyone over the age of 16 must possess a valid freshwater fishing license. Licenses can be purchased on-line ( www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html ), at town clerk offices, and DEC headquarters at 625 Broadway in Albany, as well as at most sporting goods stores.

Six Mile Waterworks is off of Fuller Road between Washington and Central avenues. For more information about the Six Mile Waterworks event, contact Greg Kozlowski with DEC's Bureau of Fisheries at (518) 402-8896.

Media Contact
Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000

COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 2, 2010) - The Berkley Conservation Institute (BCI) awarded the New York BASS Federation Nation Club Salt City Bassmasters the annual Berkley Angler Conservation Award. The $2000 award was presented at the BASS Federation Nation Appreciation Banquet Feb. 21 in Birmingham, Alabama. BASS Conservation Director Chris Horton made the announcement.

The Salt City Bassmasters, located in Syracuse, recognized the invasion of water chestnut plants to be a critical detriment to the local waterways. "The goal was to develop a multi-year project to prevent the spread of the non-native species in the Three Rivers Region of Central New York," said New York BASS Chapter Federation Conservation Director Burnie Haney. "Since 2007 the Salt City Bassmasters have committed time and resources to this cause and have removed by hand 10,000 pounds of water chestnuts from the area."

Assisting the Salt City club were anglers from other central New York clubs including the Salt City Bassmasters Juniors, Good Ole Boys Bassmasters and Juniors and the Northern NY Bassmasters II along with Cornell Cooperative Extension, Onondaga County Water Quality Management Program and Gander Mountain.

"Protecting and enhancing our waterways for the future of fishing is invaluable to our sport and our heritage," said Jim Martin, BCI Conservation Director. "The work of these dedicated anglers in New York exemplifies the character and commitment of anglers across our nation and it is my privilege along with the Berkley Conservation Institute to honor the New York BASS Federation Nation and the Salt City Bassmasters with our Berkley Angler Conservation Award."

BCI is a division of the Pure Fishing Company, the world's largest tackle company headquartered in Columbia, SC. The brand names of Pure Fishing include Abu Garcia, All Star Rods, Berkley, Fenwick, Mitchell, Penn, Pflueger, Shakespeare, Spiderwire and Stren.

Media Contact
Kevin Jarnagin
Blue Heron Communications
(800) 654-3766
Kevin@blueheroncomm.com

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that it has reopened more shellfishing areas in Suffolk County that had been closed because of heavy rains last week. The areas listed below are reopened effective at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 19:

∙ Towns of Riverhead and Southampton: All the normally certified shellfish lands in Flanders Bay and its tributaries.

∙ Town of Southampton: All the normally certified shellfish lands within Southampton, including the creeks, bays and harbors along the northern shore of the town situated between Red Cedar Point and the North Haven peninsula; and, all the normally certified areas of Mecox Bay, Quantuck Bay, Quantuck Canal and Shinnecock Bay and their tributaries.

∙ Town of Southold: All the normally certified shellfish lands within and adjacent to Southold, including West Harbor and other areas adjacent to Fishers Island; a portion of Cutchogue Harbor; and, a portion of Southold Bay.

∙ Town of Shelter Island: All the normally certified shellfish lands within the town, including Coecles Harbor, Menantic Creek, West Neck Bay, West Neck Creek and West Neck Harbor.

∙ Town of East Hampton: All the normally certified shellfish lands within the town, including Three Mile Harbor; Hog Creek; Acabonac Harbor; Napeague Harbor; and, Montauk Harbor (Montauk Lake).

These areas had been temporarily designated as uncertified (closed) for shellfish harvesting following heavy rainfall that affected Long Island last weekend that triggered a heavy volume of runoff. The areas were re-opened by DEC following the collection and examination of water samples which demonstrated that the areas again meet the bacteriological standards for certified (open) harvesting areas.

A recorded message advising harvesters of the status of shellfishing areas along the south shore of Nassau County that remain closed may be heard at (631) 444-0480. The message provides more detailed descriptions of the re-opened areas as well as the areas that remain closed. Additional information will be soon posted on the DEC website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7765.html .

Media Contact
Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000

With the traditional kickoff to New York's annual freshwater fishing seasons fast approaching, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has some tips and reminders for anglers in every region.

Trout, lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon and kokanee salmon seasons all begin on April 1. Best early season fishing can usually be found on Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley and Western New York, which tend to warm up earlier than other sections of the state. Other good bets are the smaller tributaries to major trout waters.

Most rivers and streams outside of Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley and Western New York are typically cold and swollen with runoff in early April - making early season fishing very difficult. Prime areas to fish are those that warm the earliest, including tributary mouths and areas along the shoreline and surface of lakes and ponds. Anglers are advised to fish deep and slow with bait, or weighted nymphs and streamers.

Those who enjoy dry fly fishing will find best success once the waters warm to at least 50 degrees. Best fishing in ponds can be found immediately after ice out, but anglers are reminded to scout out waters in advance - and that ice fishing is prohibited in most trout waters. Early season anglers are reminded to be extra cautious when wading or hiking along icy/snow-covered stream banks.

"The relatively wet and cool summer we experienced last year was excellent for trout survival and we anticipate that anglers will catch quite a few fish that survived the summer and winter months once the waters warm and stream flows become more manageable," said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. "Fishing is great in New York and I encourage anglers to take someone fishing this year and let them experience this wonderful way to get connected to the outdoors."

Stocking Programs

DEC's stocking of catchable-size trout generally commences in late March and early April in the lower Hudson Valley, Long Island, and western New York, and then proceeds to the Catskills and Adirondacks. This year, DEC plans to stock 2.34 million catchable-size brook, brown and rainbow trout in more than 300 lakes and ponds and roughly 2,990 miles of streams across the state. Spring stockings will include 1.78 million brown trout, 409,500 rainbow trout and 153,000 brook trout. Approximately 100,000 two-year-old brown trout 12-13 inches in length will also be stocked into lakes and streams across the state.

More than 2.1 million yearling lake trout, steelhead, landlocked salmon, splake and coho salmon will be stocked by DEC this spring to provide exciting opportunities over the next several years. Plans are to stock approximately 330,000 trout fingerlings in 342 lakes and ponds this fall, providing unique angling opportunities in future years. For a complete list of waters to be stocked with trout this spring, go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30465.html. A listing of waters stocked with all sizes of trout last year can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30467.html.

Maps and Hot Spots

Early-season hot spots, along with suggestions of where anglers may find opportunities to fish for wild trout can be found in the 2010 Coldwater Fishing Forecast at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/63598.html. Stream anglers are also reminded that maps of most of the agency's public fishing rights holdings are posted on the DEC website and can be downloaded at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html. DEC's Bureau of Fisheries web pages contain a wealth of information that anglers will find helpful. Anglers are also encouraged to contact the DEC Regional Office in the region they plan on fishing for additional information.

Buying a License

Anglers 16 years old and older must have a New York State fishing license. Licenses are available online at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html, by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS, or by purchasing one from the 1,500 license issuing agents located throughout the state (town and county clerks, some major discount stores and many tackle and sporting goods stores). To help people locate the most convenient license issuing agent, a new feature has been added to the DEC website that includes the location of all active license issuing agents: www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html.

Habitat Stamps

Commissioner Grannis urges all outdoor enthusiasts to please consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp to help fund important access and habitat projects. Recent projects of interest to trout anglers include an accessible fishing platform on the Salmon River in Malone and a fisherman parking area and footpath on Felts Mill Creek in Jefferson County. For more information on the Habitat/Access Stamp Program visit www.dec.state.ny.gov/public/329.html.

Preventing Invasive Species

Anglers are reminded to be sure to disinfect their fishing equipment, including waders and boots before entering a new body of water. This is the only way to prevent the spread of potentially damaging invasive plant and animal species and fish diseases such as didymo, zebra mussels, didymo, VHS and whirling disease. Methods to clean and disinfect fishing gear can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/50121.html.

Media Contact
Lori Severino (518) 402-8000