DEC Announces Fishing Season Opens May 4 for Many Popular Coolwater Fish Species

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced on Monday April 29th, that the first Saturday in May marks the beginning of the fishing season for several popular coolwater sportfish species, including walleye, northern pike, pickerel, and tiger muskellunge. The coolwater conditions of early spring can render walleye and northern pike fishing particularly good and anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities New York has to offer.

"Exceptional fishing opportunities can be found across New York, with many lakes and rivers renowned for abundant walleye and aggressive pike and pickerel," said Commissioner Seggos. "I encourage all anglers to find the time to enjoy, and share with others, the great fishing that can be found here."

From Long Island to Lake Erie, walleye occur in every major watershed and more than 140 waters throughout New York State. Three of the state's top walleye fisheries: Lake Erie, Oneida Lake, and Chautauqua Lake, are projected to provide very good fishing again in 2019. In Lake Erie, four exceptional walleye year-classes have occurred since 2010, which should provide excellent walleye fishing this year and for several years to come. The Oneida Lake population is benefitting from lower than normal angler harvest since 2016 and a large 2014 year-class that recruited into the fishery in 2018. A combination of successful stocking and natural reproduction has significantly improved the fishing in Chautauqua Lake in recent years. Walleye from 18 to 21 inches are especially abundant in the lake as a result of large 2014 and 2015 year-classes. Read the 2018 Chautauqua Lake Annual Fall Walleye Survey Fisheries Technical Brief for details.

A complete listing of Fishing Hotspots recommendations can be found on the DEC website.

 

Where to Fish

Anglers searching for places to fish should visit the Places to Fish page on the DEC website. A variety of helpful fishing information can also be requested via the website. The New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App is another tool available that gives both novice and seasoned outdoorsmen and women essential information to plan and prepare for fishing trips with up-to-date access information on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching sites. The app also provides immediate access to species profiles, rules and regulations, and important permits and licensing details.

 Where to Fish

Anglers searching for places to fish should visit the Places to Fish page on the DEC website. A variety of helpful fishing information can also be requested via the website. The New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App is another tool available that gives both novice and seasoned outdoorsmen and women essential information to plan and prepare for fishing trips with up-to-date access information on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching sites. The app also provides immediate access to species profiles, rules and regulations, and important permits and licensing details.

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Submitted by Yorktown, NY

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