Posts Tagged ‘fishing’

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Walleye, Northern Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Muskellunge Season Opens May 1

On April 21, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that the fishing season for walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger muskellunge begins on May 1.

“Early spring can be an exceptional time for fishing in New York, with species like walleye and northern pike becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise,” said Commissioner Seggos. “I encourage all anglers to find the time to get out on the water this spring to enjoy, and share with others, the great fishing that can be found here in New York.”

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Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend set for Feb. 18-19

dec logoOn January 19, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos reminded anglers to be safe when venturing onto the ice this season, especially given recent variations in weather conditions.

“New York State has been experiencing wide-ranging temperatures and weather conditions, from freezing to fairly mild,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Given these unpredictable fluctuations in weather, it is critical that winter recreationists exercise extreme caution when doing anything on the ice, including fishing, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.”

Ice anglers should check the thickness of ice before leaving the shore. Four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure thickness. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Checking the ice can easily be done with an auger or spud bar at various spots. In addition, fishing with a family member or friend is also encouraged for safety. Local bait and tackle shops are a great source for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching.

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Monday, December 12, 2022

DEC Recreation Highlights: Give the Gift of an Adirondack Adventure and #LiveGreenNY

Looking for the perfect gift? Forget wrapping paper and bows. Instead, think outside of the box and gift an Adirondack adventure instead of material things. Need inspiration? If your recipient enjoys outdoor adventure, then they may like to go:

  • Hiking – Gift someone a day of quality time spent together on the trail. Pick a hike appropriate for the recipient and the weather, and remember to pack the 10 hiking essentials. Consider a DEC First Day Hike and get ready to enjoy the views.
  • Birdwatching – Gift a pair of binoculars or plan on visiting one of the many sites on the New York State Birding Trail. Don’t forget to take photos and log the types of feathered friends you encounter.

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Saturday, October 22, 2022

Reuniting with friends at Adirondack Wild meeting, Old Ranger Tales Lecture Series

I put some miles on the truck (and some on the ground) this week as I [traveled to] Paul Smith’s VIC three times, went brook trout fishing a couple times, and watched Loons on Lake Clear. [I also] photographed fall leaves, did some leaf blowing for several days, caught songbirds when the wind didn’t blow, and caught saw whet owls for four nights. Everyone asks [me] when I get the time to sleep and do all these things. I say, “I nap a lot.” I don’t know if I will get into all these [items in my column] as I must add a few politics this week, which I know you all like to hear just before Election Day.

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Friday, April 29, 2022

Fishing season kicks off statewide May 1 for most coolwater sportfish

This year (and every year after) May 1st will mark the official statewide season opener for most of the coolwater sportfish species in New York. This includes walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel, and tiger muskellunge. (Muskellunge season opens on June 1).

These sportfish species provide fun, yet challenging, fishing opportunities across the state.

If you’re targeting members of the Pike Family- northern pike, chain pickerel and tiger muskellunge, you should consider using a steel-leader tied to the end of your line. This will prevent the sharp teeth of these species from slicing your line and ultimately save you some frustration.

Knowing what the habitats are for sportfish will give you a better understanding of where you should fish for them. For example, chain pickerel are generally found year-round in shallow, weedy areas, whereas northern pike move from shallow water flats after spawning in the early spring to deeper, cooler water sections of lakes and rivers as temperatures rise through late spring and summer.

To learn more about fishing for these species in New York visit our website or see the links below.
How to Fish for Walleye
Walleye Fishing in New York
Pike, Pickerel and Tiger Musky Fishing in New York

Photo at top: A fisherman shows off his catch. DEC photo. 


Monday, April 25, 2022

DEC Launches 2nd Year of Lake Champlain Fishing Creel Survey

essexSurveys Conducted April through October 2022
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced open-water fishing creel surveys are being conducted for a second year on the New York waters of Lake Champlain through October 2022.

This open-water fishing survey, along with the ice fishing survey, provides DEC fisheries biologists with a better understanding of angler use, catch, harvest, and expectations to help inform management actions on Lake Champlain.

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Saturday, January 29, 2022

Comments sought for Proposed Fishing Regulation Changes

fishDEC is proposing to amend sportfishing regulations that include a multitude of changes to clarify, simplify and clean up fisheries regulations based on public feedback and fishery expert review of the regulations associated with management of the State’s fisheries.

Highlights of the proposals include:

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Friday, January 28, 2022

Bail bonds: Memories from an Adirondack Outlaw’s youth

bail bond

Author’s Note: This story appeared in Adirondack Life Magazine’s July/August 2019 issue. It began on page 77, under the heading “Shenanigans”.  It’s the only one of  my five “Adirondack Life” stories published under its original title, without major edit. It was also the last one of my stories that Adirondack Life Magazine ever published.

Saranac Lake-1975.  Before the Winter Olympics came back.  Before the village beach moved.  Before fast food and gas station mini-marts arrived.  Before “Saranac Lake Redskins” became The Red Storm.  Before Hotel Saranac closed.  Before Super Fund Clean Up Sites.  Before Aldi’s came.  Before St. Pius left.  Before.

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Friday, August 13, 2021

Dill Pickle Pike: A fast camp favorite

My brother and I, circa 1969, at our Dock on the Sacandaga by our boat with a stringer full of walleyes we caught with our dad. 

“While many a pickled pepper peck Peter Piper may have indeed picked, I ponder: How many pickled pecks would have Piper picked if perhaps Peter were picking dill pickle pike.”

     My first youthful pike encounter was actually with walleyed pike, as opposed to great northerns. I’m not even sure Walleyes are technically really a true “pike”. Pickled or otherwise, I believe they are more a cross between a pickerel and a perch.

My Dad, younger brother and I used to fish the walleye run on the Great Sacandaga. We’d troll up and down, back and forth on the river, near where we kept Dad’s boat tied to our floating dock, out behind our rented grey stucco house, just above the bridge.  We trolled with yellow bucktails in Dad’s little Starcraft, at first putt-putting along with my Grandad’s old 5 HP Scott-At-Water. Somewhere along the line, Dad upgraded to a new 20 HP Johnson that started a lot easier and worked a lot better.

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Friday, August 13, 2021

I FISH NY Guide to Freshwater Fishing Series Now Available

screen shotWhether you’re a first time angler or it’s been awhile and you could use a refresher, we’re here to help. Check out three new videos we recently posted on DEC’s YouTube channel. Adding to our debut video (Family Fishing Basics), this series provides the basic information you’ll need to get started in the sport of fishing.

Interested in more fishing content? Let us know! Email fwfish@dec.ny.gov.

How to cast to a spin casting (push-button) rod
Basic Fishing Knots
Bobber & Worm Rig


Monday, June 14, 2021

Long Lake Kids Fishing Derby Wrap Up

kids long lake fishing derby

The Long Lake Kids Fishing Derby was held in Long Lake, New York on Saturday, June 5, 2021. The event was staged at the Long Lake causeway overlooking Jennings Park Pond.  Over 46 children through age 15 registered for the event.  Jennings Park Pond had been stocked by the Long Lake Fish and Game Club and Town of Long Lake with trout provided by Avery’s Fish Hatchery.  In addition to the rainbow and brook trout two Golden Trout were stocked as part of the coveted catch.

A variety of sunfish, perch and trout were weighed in by Garrett Clark. Master of Ceremonies and Fish and Game Club volunteer Jimmy Waite and his trusty assistant Louie the Lobster were happy to get back to business collecting prizes and coordinating the event.  Jim Waite garnered over $800 in prizes and  donations from businesses in the community.  Volunteers Jim Swedberg and Marty Furlong handled bbq duties serving up hot dogs and hamburgers to all the participants. Bruce Jennings helped get the grill and tent to the staging area provided by Another Paradise Cove.

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Wednesday, June 2, 2021

4-H Camp Overlook – A Memorable Outdoor Experience

 girl on a zip line  
Would you like to give your child a truly remarkable gift this summer? How about a memorable outdoor experience in an informal and truly unique educational setting; an experience that enhances life-skills, stimulates interest, and challenges his or her abilities through training, education, and play?  

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Saturday, May 29, 2021

Muskellunge Fishing Season starts today


muskellunge The DEC has announced the opening of 2021 muskellunge fishing season, a fish also known as the muskie or musky. The season officially opens today in inland waters, and June 19 for the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie, Upper Niagara River, Lower Niagara River, and Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

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Friday, April 30, 2021

Coolwater fishing starts May 1


kid fishingMark Your Calendars for May 1st

May 1st marks the opening day for New York’s coolwater species – walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel and tiger muskellunge. (Just a reminder, muskellunge season opens the last Saturday in May.) For additional fishing regulations consult the 2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide (PDF).

Visit the following links for helpful advice on where to fish for these species:

Walleye Fishing Opportunities
Musky, Pike, Tiger Musky and Pickerel Fishing Opportunities

 


Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Camp improv: Lemonade Bass

The Monroe familyFor our family, like most firmly rooted within The Blue Line, the equation is simple:

Summer + Camping x Kids = FISHING!

When my son RJ was 4, he was out fishing one morning at Bull Rush Bay with his “Gramps”.

Gramps overheard RJ humming to himself, singing a little tune while they fished.  When they returned to camp, Gramps wrote RJ’s lyrics down.  They went like this:

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