The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding anglers that water levels statewide remain extremely low, creating conditions that are stressful to fish. This can be a great time of year to get out on the water, but fishing during these conditions can stress fish out even more.
Please consider giving fish a break until water levels rise back to more normal conditions. If wetting a line is part of your weekend plans, consider getting out for a hike, reorganizing your fishing gear from the summer months, or taking stock of your ice fishing gear for the upcoming season.
The following statewide fishing seasons closed on Wednesday, Oct. 15 for Brook Trout in lakes and ponds, Lake Trout Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Splake in Inland Trout Streams.
The trout harvest season on Inland Trout streams closed on October 15, but a catch-and- release season opened on Thursday, Oct. 16 and extends through March 31. During this time, only artificial lures are permitted.
Keep in mind, there are exceptions to the statewide seasons and limits, so check to see if there’s a special regulation for the water you plan to fish before heading out.