Catch and release fishing only. All fish shall be returned to the water immediately. Baitfish listed may be possessed for use as fish bait. Use of tip-ups is permitted.
Waters and State Lands Where Baitfish are Prohibited
The use or possession of fish as bait is prohibited on many trout waters and on certain units of state land (listed in Special Regulations by County pages. These restrictions are necessary to preserve trout fishing and maintain native fish communities. Baitfish can become established if they escape from a bait pail or get off a hook alive. Natural reproduction of trout can be severely reduced or eliminated by competing fish. Aquatic insects and other food items are less available to trout in the presence of competitors. The result is a rapid and dramatic decline in the total weight of trout in a pond after competing fishes become established.
Attention Tournament Organizers
Be certain to follow proper tournament procedures to ensure that fish intended for release survive. A critical factor is water temperature and it is highly recommended that tournaments not be held during hot mid-summer periods. Also, be certain that boat livewells and other fish-holding equipment are properly disinfected after every event. This will help prevent the spread of fish diseases such as VHS and largemouth bass virus (LMBV). . Additional information on proper tournament procedures can be found at: .
If you conduct a tournament at a DEC boat launch, you need to obtain a temporary revocable permit from the regional fisheries office.
Attention Adirondack Boaters and Anglers:
Help Collar the Water Flea
The spiny water flea, an invasive zooplankton species first introduced into Lake Ontario, has found its way into the Adirondack Park. This species can outcompete native zooplankton which are an important food source of trout, salmon and other valuable fish species. Water fleas can also impair fishing by clogging rod guides and fishing reels. The water flea and other microscopic aquatic invasive species are commonly spread by boaters who do not adequately drain a boat’s bilge area, live well, bait well, or ballast tanks prior to use in another waterbody. They can also be spread on fishing lines, downrigger cables, anchor lines and other equipment previously used in waters containing spiny water flea.
Spiny or fishhook water-fleas have been confirmed in the following waters: Lake Champlain, Lake George, Indian Lake, Great Sacandaga Lake, Sacandaga Lake, Peck Lake, Lake Pleasant, Piseco Lake, Stewart Bridge Reservoir, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, Seneca Lake.
You can help stop the spread of this invasive species by:
- Completely drying fishing equipment and all water-holding areas of your boat. OR
- Decontaminating fishing equipment and all water-holding areas with hot water (at least 140° F). You can do it yourself or visit a boat wash station. Locations can be found at ADKcleanboats.com.
If drying or decontaminating are not possible, thoroughly flush your boat and equipment with water free of water fleas in an area that will not drain into the water body you will be fishing or boating on.For more information on how you can stop the spread of aquatic invasive species visit , or scan the QR Code with your smartphone.