Syracuse.com - DEC announces proposes changes for freshwater fishing regulations

[HuntingNY-News]

Among the changes -- a no-kill fishing section of Ninemile Creek that would be open to fishing year-round. Anglers are encouraged to review and comment on the proposed changes.

The following is a DEC press release:

Proposed changes to the current freshwater fishing regulations were announced today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Based on the status of existing fish populations and discussions with anglers, fisheries biologists, and fisheries managers over the past year, DEC had identified potential changes to fishing regulations and is seeking additional angler feedback.

Changes being considered would adjust angling regulations to enhance angling experiences and enjoyment, consistent with the status of fish populations. Many changes under consideration are focused on eliminating special regulations that did not achieve their intended purpose.

Some highlights for trout anglers include: increasing year-round trout fishing opportunities at specifically chosen streams, adjusting daily creel limits and minimum size limits on select waters to help distribute larger size trout among anglers, and establishing catch and release fishing at a few additional streams.

Other changes include increasing the statewide minimum size limit for muskellunge and eliminating certain daily creel and minimum size limits for walleye that were temporarily established as part of DEC's multi-year effort to establish walleye populations in candidate waters.

Among a number of other changes being considered are adjustments to gear and equipment allowed to be used for angling.

Specific changes by county, include:

ONONDAGA:

Change: A "No-Kill" regulation for trout on Ninemile Creek. Implement a "No-Kill" regulation for trout on a two mile section of lower Ninemile Creek in Onondaga County which allow year-around access to a portion of the stream which has been historically been off limits to the public. This area currently supports both stream resident and lake-run brown trout which attain "trophy" size.

Rationale: There has been a strong interest to establish a "No Kill" section on part of Ninemile Creek in Onondaga County. The section of Ninemile Creek being considered to regulate under "No Kill" regulations is within the borders of property owned almost entirely by a private entity. This section has been open to angling in the past but the landowner has just recently begun to allow angler access, on a trial basis, to a portion of its lands and expectations are that angler access will be permanently granted to the entire section in the near future. Because access to this area never existed in the past, implementing a "No-kill" regulation on this section will essentially satisfy the desires of a portion of the local trout fishing community without taking away harvest opportunity from the rest of the angling public.

CAYUGA:

Change: Establish a 15- inch size limit for lake trout in Owasco Outlet, and clarify that the statewide regulations apply for other species.

Rationale: This change will continue to provide an opportunity to harvest lake trout in the "Owasco Lake Outlet" at a smaller size than the statewide minimum would allow. Given that these emigrant lake trout can't get back into Owasco Lake and will not reproduce in Owasco Outlet, there is no biological need to regulate their harvest under the more restrictive statewide regulation. Other trout species will be managed under the existing Cayuga County Special Regulation for trout (creel limit of 5 fish, "any size - but with no more than 2 longer than 12 inches).

To view all the proposed changes and to provide input, visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/91959.html.

Based on public feedback and after further evaluation this summer, DEC will advance proposals that will likely result in enhanced fisheries and fishing opportunity and have angler acceptance.

They will be made available for formal public comment in accordance with State Administrative Procedures Act. At this time, DEC is soliciting initial feedback on what may be proposed later this year. Input will be accepted through Aug. 16.

Hard copies of the list of changes being considered, as well as instructions on how to submit feedback by regular mail, can be obtained by contacting Shaun Keeler, at New York State DEC, Bureau of Fisheries, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4753.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog