GO FISH!

On Friday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo welcomed the 2013 trout and salmon fishing season, which opens today (April 1), by inviting New Yorkers of all ages to participate in the many fishing opportunities offered at lakes, ponds, streams and creeks across the state and by expanding opportunities for groups or organizations to conduct free sportfishing clinics. These efforts are part of the Governor’s NY Open for Hunting and Fishing initiative, which was launched earlier this year.

“Fishing is a great activity to connect people to the outdoors and we are fortunate to have some of the finest and most diverse fishing opportunities in the country right here in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “With more clinics and events at our State Parks this year, many more groups and organizations can help pass the sport of fishing onto others. And as trout and salmon season opens, I remind New Yorkers that whether you’re an expert angler or fishing for the first time, you can be sure to enjoy yourself at our state’s beautiful lakes and streams.”

“In an effort to increase fishing participation in New York State, these additional clinics will offer a great opportunity to introduce someone to the sport of fishing,” said Joe Martens, commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). “I encourage New Yorkers to partake in one of these clinics to learn more about fishing and utilize the outstanding natural resources available here for prime fishing spots in the state.”

“From the miles of coastline on Long Island to the prized fishing spots in the Thousand Islands, New Yorkers have the great fortune of easy access to outstanding waterways in every region,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “It’s no wonder families and fishing enthusiasts alike find plenty of reasons to ‘get hooked’ on fishing and interacting with our natural surroundings in state parks each season.”

Each year, DEC sponsors free fishing clinics throughout the state to foster new interest and education about fishing opportunities. At these events, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology.

To support and encourage increased recreational fishing, last year, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to repeal the statutory restriction on the number of free sportfishing clinics that may be conducted. Previously, state law limited to four the number of clinics in each of DEC’s nine regions. In addition, DEC may now authorize designees to conduct such clinics, with or without direct DEC participation.

Groups and organizations that desire to conduct a clinic must follow guidelines developed by DEC. The guidelines and application to conduct a free Sportfishing Clinic can be found on DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov. Applications must be returned to DEC for review and approval at least 30 days prior to the date of the event.

In addition, the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is joining with DEC to host upcoming special angling events across the state:

• Six Mile Waterworks (City of Albany): A Free Sport Fishing Clinic will be held at the City of Albany’s Six Mile Waterworks on Monday, April 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A freshwater fishing license is not required to participate in this event.
• Saratoga Springs State Park (Saratoga County): Families are invited to help stock Geyser Creek with brown trout on Wednesday, April 3 at 11 a.m.
• Belmont Lake State Park (Nassau County): Spring Family Fishing Festival on Saturday, April 13 beginning at 10 a.m. Activities will include open fishing, fishing instruction, fly casting demonstrations, fish cleaning services and many activities for children. The freshwater fishing license requirement for anglers age 16 and older will be suspended for this event.
• Caleb Smith State Park Preserve (Nassau County): Fun for Kids Junior Anglers Clinic. Saturday April 13 and May 18. Morning and afternoon sessions. Kids 7-15 learn the basics on casting, safety and stream ethics. Reservations are required.
• Audubon Center at Prospect Park Lake (Kings County): As part of an Earth Day celebration, DEC will host a fun fishing clinic between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m on April 21.
• Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg (Dutchess County): DEC will host a free fishing clinic between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m on April 27 and May 11.
• LaGrange Park Pond (Dutchess County): DEC will host “Free Family Fishing Day,” a fishing clinics for new and experienced anglers between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on May 4.
• Concrete Park, Bronx (Bronx County): the “Bronx River Flotilla” event, hosted by DEC, will offer a free fishing clinic on May 11.
• Chadwick Lake, Newburgh (Orange County): will be the venue for “Free Family Fishing Day” between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on May 18.
• Letchworth State Park (Livingston/Wyoming Counties): Free ‘Learn to Catch a Fish’ family picnic. Saturday, May 25, from 11 to 4 p.m. The carnival-style event will feature games, activities, educational workshops, free fishing (no license required), free lunch and prizes.
• Kenneth Wilson State Park, Wilson Lake, Mt. Tremper (Orange County): DEC will host “Family Fun and Fishing Day” on June 8 between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Brookhaven Town Beach, Lake Ronkonkoma (Suffolk County): will host a fishing clinic on July 10 between 6 p.m. and sunset. Pre-registration is required.
• Governor’s Island, City (New York County): the “City of Water Day” will include a free fishing clinic on July 20 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Hempstead Lake State Park (Nassau County): will host a family fishing clinic on August 3 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pre-registration is required.
• West Meadow Beach, Stony Brook (Suffolk County): will be the site of the “Children’s Saltwater Fishing Clinic” on August 24 between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required.
• Corey Beach, Blue Point (Suffolk County): will host a saltwater family fishing clinic on Aug. 28 between 5:30 p.m. and sunset. Pre-registration is required.
• Hempstead Lake State Park (Nassau County): will host a Fall Family Fishing Festival on October 19 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The free sportfishing clinics and other events at State Parks are in addition to New York’s Free Fishing Days, June 29-30, 2013. During this period, any resident or non-resident of the state can fish the marine or freshwaters of New York State without a fishing license or enrolling in the recreational marine fishing registry.

This year, Governor Cuomo launched the NY Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state, while maintaining New York’s fishing and wildlife programs. This initiative includes streamlining hunting and fishing licenses and reducing license fees, improving access for fishing at various sites across the state, expanding fishing clinics and increase hunting opportunities in various regions. For more information on this initiative, visit http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/02202013-ny-open-for-fishing-and-hunting.

According to a recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey, in 2011, New York State was second in the nation in total angler spending on fishing-related items and sixth in non-residential angler spending. This spending generated an estimated $108 million in state and local taxes.

Moreover, New York State remains a clear leader in the number of angler licenses, at an estimated 1.88 million. This year, DEC estimates that it will stock as much as 900,000 pounds of fish in lakes and other waterways for the enjoyment of anglers across the state.