Trout season opens with new regulations and snow

A friend accused me of jinxing today’s opening of the trout season by my column last week relating some past episodes that turned out to be an April Fool’s Joke. Hey, I was only trying to warn people what could, and often does, happen on this day. Don’t let the weather completely scare you away. Get out for a little while at least and you may be fooled with the results. Some advice for adverse weather conditions is discussed later in this column.

A second factor that may be limiting people going out is confusion over the new state regulations. They might seem intimidating but you can deal with them simpler than it sounds and for most of the anglers in this area it won’t affect our fishing if we don’t want it to. If you haven’t got into them yet, we

will try to give you a “Cliff Notes” version while you have an extra cup of coffee before going out.

I was part of a virtual meeting sponsored by NYS Outdoor Writers Association earlier this week that hosted Steve Hurst of DEC fisheries. He explained that the new regulations and policies were formulated over three years with new scientific findings by fisheries and many meetings with anglers. Essentially they call for protecting populations of wild trout, stocking larger trout, allowing year-round catch and release in many waters, and simplifying regulations.

You can find the complete explanation under “Trout Stream Management Plan” on the DEC website. They also have the new interactive “Trout Stream Fishing Map” that you can check and it works best on a desktop computer. A printed one will also suffice you for most of your excursions in this area. Remember that these regulations only apply to what they refer to as inland streams. They do NOT apply to Great Lakes tributaries or to ponds and lakes.

Streams are clearly marked or color coded as to categories depending on native populations and habitat. Note that a lot of streams, particularly many smaller ones are not categorized or marked yet. On any stream not color coded or marked, the statewide limits of five trout, with only two 12 inches or longer, will apply. Most of the streams in central New York are classified as “Stocked” and these same statewide limits will apply.

For a look at the map go to the DEC website (dec. ny.gov/outdoor/122444) and click on or search for “Decinfo Locator” and then go to “Trout Stream Fishing Map” which can zoom into areas by the buttons, scrolling the mouse, etc. Click the box to indicate inland fishing and moving the mouse to the colored waters will give you information on the regulations, stocking, etc. You will see that most are labelled red indicating “Stocked” as described above.

The few that are more restrictive are upper Oriskany (above Oriskany Falls) with a limit of one, any size or Chittenango Creek middle section which is catch & release only. Others nearby are a small portion of the Mohawk River or much of West Canada Creek which have a limit of three fish, only one of which can be 12 inches or longer.

Pick up a fishing guide at licensing agents, or download a copy. Most of your fishing in the area will not change from previous seasons but there will be opportunities to experience wild trout fishing, etc. in other areas. Play with the map or explore as the season progresses. There is lots of other info on this interactive map but don’t get confused or overwhelmed at first.

As I write this column early in the week there is cold weather, rain, and snow in the forecast. Snow melt can raise water levels and drop the temperature significantly.

Cold weather means that trout are usually lethargic, just like some fishermen we know.

Cold water temperatures will mean that the trout’s metabolism is slower in cold water, regardless of other conditions.

If the streams are high and fast, as well as cold, then fishing will be even tougher. In fast water the trout will seek shelter in side eddies, under cut banks, or behind boulders. The current at the bottom of deep pools is not as strong and there are usually rocks to break the current and provide shelter.

Temperature at the deeper areas of pools will be less affected by cold weather and run-offs from rain or snow. During midday the water in shallow eddies or the inside of bends in the stream may warm a few degrees. These areas will probably have temperatures closer to the optimum 60 - 65 degrees that trout prefer.

If the water is high, muddy, and fast, trout will not only seek shelter from swift current, but from the mud and silt which can clog their gills. Thus areas behind rocks or other protection are more likely to hold trout in early season high water conditions.

My advice is usually to fish smaller local waters, wait until mid morning before going fishing, and use natural bait such as nightcrawlers, worms, salmon eggs, or salted minnows. Use only a minimum of split shot to get your bait down and tumbling along the bottom slowly and naturally. If you use artificial lures, choose some such as Mepps spinners that work along the bottom at slow speeds. Work baits or lures slowly in deep areas, behind rocks, or in cover along the banks.

At this time of year the smaller streams are your best bet for finding fishable water conditions and cooperative trout. Streams like Oriskany Creek and the Chenango Canal, or similar waters are always popular spots.

Regardless of where you fish it is important to use stealth and cover when fishing. Wear drab clothing, avoid getting too close to the area you are targeting, and stay close to streamside brush or cover to disguise your outline. This is especially important at this time of year when there is no foliage along or over the streams.

But even if fishing is challenging it is an excuse to get out and look for changes in your favorite streams. It is a chance to see if your skills are as rusty as the hooks you forgot to take out of the pocket of your fishing vest. It whets the appetite and gets up your spirits for the season to come. Fishing season is here again! SHORT CASTS Independent Fur Harvesters of Central NY

The IFHCNY will resume their meetings with a meeting on Thursday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at the clubhouse. They will not be having any food served at the meetings. The Al Lafrance Memorial Annual Turkey Hunt will be held again this year. Details will be discussed and decided upon at the meeting. Al Burns (315-415-7509) announces that he has an extensive supply of traps and supplies if members are interested.

Pilot Reservation Program Adirondack Mountain Reserve

The DEC and Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) have agreed on a pilot reservation system for a particularly busy area of the high peaks on Rte 73 in Keene.

The AMR is a privately owned area with easements for several trails and trailhead access to Noonmark and Round Mountains. The AMR parking lot will be operated under a reservation system beginning May 1 to alleviate crowding, illegal parking on the road and other safety issues at this busy corner of Rte 73.

The agreement of a pilot reservation system is designed to provide reliable access at this particularly crowded area in Keene, improve public safety and planning for visitors by guaranteeing parking upon arrival. This should provide safer access to the trailheads through the AMR gate. Access will be available 5 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Reservations can be made through hikeamr.org beginning April 15 for two weeks in advance. Check the AMR page on the DEC website for more information. There are other high peaks trails and alternative hikes on public areas throughout the area but each year the number of hikers has been increasing greatly.

Be Safe! Whether it is fishing, hiking, or any other outdoor activity, be safe and courteous and considerate of others by following COVID procedures. The Pandemic is not over.

Cases of the virus are increasing! Even if you have had your vaccinations, be considerate of others as well as being cautious. Avoid crowds or gatherings of people at trailheads, fishing spots, etc. Practice social distancing, and wear your mask when around other people. Show that we care about safety and are not as stupid as some people in other states!