Trout and salmon season is upon us, and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provided information on how the current COVID-19 pandemic affects anglers this year. Here’s what Adirondack residents need to know to enjoy the hobby you love, while keeping you and those around you safe.
New York State Stocks Lakes, Ponds With Trout
New York anglers will be excited to hear the state is stocking more than 2.2 million catchable-size trout in the state’s waterbodies. Spring stockings include 1.68 million brown trout, 424,860 rainbow trout, and 156,970 brook trout. In the Adirondacks in particular, nearly 307,000 brook trout fingerlings will be stocked in more than 300 lakes and ponds this spring and fall. All told, the DEC states that nearly 1.6 million yearling lake trout, steelhead, landlocked salmon, splake, and coho salmon will be also be stocked this spring to provide exciting angling opportunities over the next several years.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement, “Water temperatures are rising, causing trout to feed more aggressively, and present a perfect opportunity for anglers. I encourage all anglers, novice and expert, to get outside and fish, but act responsibly by practicing social distancing and staying safe.”
Get trout stocking details by county >>
Fish Safely, Practice Social Distancing, Adhere to CDC Guidelines & Stop the Spread of COVID-19
While enjoying fishing and the great outdoors, the DEC asks us to continue to follow the CDC and New York State Department of Health’s guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19. Anglers and other recreationists should adhere to the following:
- Keep at least six feet of distance between you and others
- Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, and kissing
- Wash hands often or use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
- Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and playground equipment
In addition, when fishing, the DEC asks anglers to avoid busy waters. If you arrive at a parking lot and there are already several cars, consider going to another parking lot. If an angler is fishing upstream, fish downstream instead, or consider fishing another day. Anglers fishing from boats should be able to maintain at least six feet of distance between one another.
To further limit the spread of COVID-19 the DEC encourages anglers, hunters, and trappers to purchase their sporting licenses online. These can be purchased at any time and you may use your privileges immediately by carrying your transaction number (DEC-LS#) with you. Anglers, hunters, and trappers can also utilize the HuntFishNY mobile app to display an electronic copy of the license. Back tags and carcass tags must still be mailed, and customers should allow 10 to 14 days for receipt of tags.
Buy your sporting license online >>
Sources:
- NYS: DEC Announces New York’s Trout and Salmon Fishing Season Opens April 1
