DEC adopts new freshwater fishing regulations

The slight changes to the current regulations will take effect starting Oct. 1, and will be in place through 2014.

 

“New York provides some of the best fishing in the nation and, periodically, DEC modifies existing freshwater sportfishing regulations to enhance fishing opportunities for anglers throughout New York,” said Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources Kathy Moser. “Input received from anglers and other stakeholders during the public comment period earlier this year resulted in some suggestions becoming incorporated in the final changes announced today.”

 

The new regulations are a result of a two-year process which included DEC assessment and evaluation of biological and ecological data, discussions with anglers, and a formal public review and comment period. Some of the adopted changes apply to all waters in New York, while many others apply only to specific waters.

 

Some of the final changes impact local waters. Here is a rundown of how the new regulations impact local waters and fish species. 

 

— Apply statewide black bass regulations for Allen Lake (Allegany County) and Cassadaga Lake (Chautauqua County). 

 

— Reduce the limit of rainbow trout from five to one in the western Finger Lakes and three to one in the tributaries. Western Finger Lakes include Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Canadice and Hemlock lakes.

— Remove the restriction of no more than three lake trout as part of the five trout limit in the western Finger Lakes.

— Change minimum length for salmonids in the Upper Niagara River to any size.  

Ice fishing

— Allow ice fishing on stocked trout lakes in Allegany, Niagara, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Erie and Cattaraugus counties unless otherwise stated. 

Walleye

— Change the walleye daily limit for Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River to six per day.

 

— More clearly specify that attempting to take fish by snagging is prohibited.

— Permit the use of multiple hooks with multiple points on Lake Erie tributaries. 

 

The complete list of freshwater sportfish regulation changes can be viewed under "Recently Adopted Regulations (Previous Twelve Months)" on the DEC's website at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html.

 

All comments received from the public were categorized and reviewed for substance, and staff responses were compiled. A summary of the “Assessment of Public Comment" is available on the Department of State website at www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register.htm.