Thursday, July 9, 2009
DEC Announces Completion of the Freshwater Angler Survey
Information Will Be Used To Help Make Fisheries Management Decisions
The 2007 New York State Freshwater Angler Survey, which provides valuable insight on fishing trends and resource management, is now available, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. The survey is conducted periodically in order to learn more about the current fishing experiences of anglers in New York State, their interests in different types of fishing opportunities, and their opinions on fisheries management issues.
The information contained in the survey resulted from a total of approximately 20,000 completed questionnaires from a random sample of licensed anglers. The results indicate that anglers spent an estimated 18.7 million days fishing New York's freshwaters in 2007. This is a slight increase from 1996's estimate of 18.6 million, though lower than the 1988 peak of approximately 21 million. Water bodies that had significant increases in the number of angler trips in 2007 included Oneida Lake and the Hudson River -- each had a jump of approximately 200,000 additional angler days over 1996's estimates. Smaller increases were also noted for Lake Erie, Cayuga Lake and Lake Champlain. Lake Ontario remained the top fishing water, though there was a 177,000-angler-day decrease compared to 1996's estimates.
Black bass continues to be a top favorite among many anglers. Other species, including walleye, yellow perch, and bluegill/sunfish, all saw increases from 1996 levels in the number of days they were pursued by anglers.
The survey gives insight not only into fishing preferences, but also the impact fishing has on state and local economies. New York's resident and non-resident anglers collectively spent an estimated $331 million at fishing sites, and an estimated $202 million en route to fishing sites. The Great Lakes fishery alone generated an estimated $98 million in at-location expenditures.
"New York has some of the finest freshwater fishing in the country, with a wide range of angling opportunities that are the backbone of a substantial economic engine," Commissioner Grannis said. "The angler survey is an important tool that will help build upon our success in managing fisheries and create new fishing opportunities. We thank the many anglers that participated in providing this information and look forward to working together to protect, restore and enhance freshwater fishing in New York."
The survey was carried out by Cornell University's Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with DEC's Bureau of Fisheries and was funded by a federal "Sport Fish Restoration" grant.
Results of the survey are compiled in four reports:
Report 1 contains estimates of angler effort (i.e. days fished) and expenditures made by anglers; statewide, by region, and by major water body. It also provides estimates of angler effort for specific game fish species such as black bass, trout and walleye.
Report 2 assesses angler preferences for freshwater fish species and water bodies, characteristics and preferences of anglers, as well as satisfaction levels associated with some specific fishery management objectives.
Report 3 provides estimates of angler effort and expenditures by county.
Report 4 provides an assessment of recall bias by comparing the results of the two survey methodologies used in 2007. The report also provides an analysis of trends in fishing effort.
Each of the four reports, as well as a summary report that highlights significant findings, are available on the DEC website (as PDF documents). Questions pertaining to the survey can be directed to Shaun Keeler in the Bureau of Fisheries at (518) 402-8928.
Fishy News ...sometimes other stuff sneaks in, so you might have to "fish" around
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
What a Cool Fishing Season
Fishing has remained good to excellent with some of the best summer hatches I've seen on the main stem in a long time. Stenos & Isonychias have been the bug du jour with fish on the duns and spinners.
With continued wet weather and higher flows than what we've seen in years, this spring like summer action could continue as long as the weather remains cool. This month's night temperatures have been in the forties to mid fifties, a definite help in keeping the water temperatures cool. The West & East Branches have also fished well with sulfur hatches in full swing.
Technical trout fishing on the Delaware and its branches gets seasoned with flat out fun light tackle and fly fishing for smallmouth bass further down river. This combination will continue into mid October along with the excitement of saltwater fishing that should go well into November. I'm really looking forward to the variety the rest of the season has to offer.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Membership is Free
Stripers Forever is a nonprofit organization working hard to have the striper declared a gamefish throughout its range along the Atlantic coast. Check out the information on their website and then sign on for your free membership.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Stand By You
Well, this is one of those posts that doesn't have anything to do with fishing... or does it?
Anyway, check out the following link Stand By Me and decide for yourself. Just be certain to turn up the sound and watch the whole video.
Anyway, check out the following link Stand By Me and decide for yourself. Just be certain to turn up the sound and watch the whole video.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
DEC Considers New Fishing Regulations to Protect Delaware River American Shad
Thursday, June 11, 2009
DEC Considers New Fishing Regulations to Protect Delaware River American Shad Meetings Announced to Obtain Public Input on Potential Reduction in Daily Creel Limits
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be holding two public information meetings on potential recreational fishing regulation changes being considered for Delaware River American shad. The shad population is in significant decline and in need of rebuilding, prompting DEC to pursue decreasing the current daily creel limit from six fish to three fish.
New York in cooperation with other Delaware River Basin states (Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey) and other coastal states recently completed a stock assessment of Delaware River shad that indicates the stock is at historic lows. The assessment was part of a coast-wide assessment of American shad stocks conducted under the coordination of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, of which New York is a member. The Delaware River shad abundance declined substantially in the early 1900s and has declined further since the early 1990s. Juvenile production has varied without trend since the late 1980s.
In New York, recreational fishing on the Delaware River usually takes place from late April through early June, when shad move into the river to spawn. Changes to the daily creel limit would help reduce the amount of adult shad taken by recreational fishing in the New York waters of the Delaware and its tributaries. Pennsylvania has already initiated a regulation change consistent with the changes DEC is considering.
Public scoping meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at the Port Jervis Council Chamber, 20 Hammond Street, Port Jervis in Orange County, and for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, at the Hancock Town Hall, 661 West Main Street, Hancock in Delaware County.
Following the input received at the meetings, DEC staff will discuss what changes may be formally proposed. Changes will likely be part of a proposed sportfishing regulation package being developed now and anticipated to be released later this summer. For further information regarding New York's current fishing regulations, please visit the DEC website.
For additional information on this meeting, please contact the Bureau of Marine Resources at (845)-256-3072, 845-256-3071 or r3hrf@gw.dec.state.ny.us .
DEC Considers New Fishing Regulations to Protect Delaware River American Shad Meetings Announced to Obtain Public Input on Potential Reduction in Daily Creel Limits
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be holding two public information meetings on potential recreational fishing regulation changes being considered for Delaware River American shad. The shad population is in significant decline and in need of rebuilding, prompting DEC to pursue decreasing the current daily creel limit from six fish to three fish.
New York in cooperation with other Delaware River Basin states (Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey) and other coastal states recently completed a stock assessment of Delaware River shad that indicates the stock is at historic lows. The assessment was part of a coast-wide assessment of American shad stocks conducted under the coordination of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, of which New York is a member. The Delaware River shad abundance declined substantially in the early 1900s and has declined further since the early 1990s. Juvenile production has varied without trend since the late 1980s.
In New York, recreational fishing on the Delaware River usually takes place from late April through early June, when shad move into the river to spawn. Changes to the daily creel limit would help reduce the amount of adult shad taken by recreational fishing in the New York waters of the Delaware and its tributaries. Pennsylvania has already initiated a regulation change consistent with the changes DEC is considering.
Public scoping meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at the Port Jervis Council Chamber, 20 Hammond Street, Port Jervis in Orange County, and for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, at the Hancock Town Hall, 661 West Main Street, Hancock in Delaware County.
Following the input received at the meetings, DEC staff will discuss what changes may be formally proposed. Changes will likely be part of a proposed sportfishing regulation package being developed now and anticipated to be released later this summer. For further information regarding New York's current fishing regulations, please visit the DEC website.
For additional information on this meeting, please contact the Bureau of Marine Resources at (845)-256-3072, 845-256-3071 or r3hrf@gw.dec.state.ny.us .
Friday, June 12, 2009
Decree Parties Take Steps to Improve Delaware River Flow Plan
Harrisburg, PA – Modifications to the Delaware River flow plan by the parties to the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decree on the Delaware River, announced Monday by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), represent a modest step toward meeting the needs of fish and aquatic organisms within our waters, the Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) said today.
"We recognize the national importance of the Delaware River fishery and the dependence of aquatic life on releases from New York City’s Delaware River reservoirs," said PFBC Executive Director Douglas Austen. “Recent developments by the Decree parties to begin increasing seasonal releases and to eliminate harmful flow fluctuations represent positive movement toward the Commission’s goal of optimizing the fishery by better management of water for downstream uses. But this is just the beginning and a lot of work still has to be done.”
On Monday the DEP announced that Pennsylvania, New York City and other states in the Delaware River Basin, known as the decree parties, had reached two agreements regarding the flow plan that governs New York City and Delaware Basin reservoir diversions and releases under the terms of a 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Decree.
The first agreement – in effect for this summer only - attempts to improve protection of trout from the stresses of high temperatures in the West Branch of the Delaware River by marginally increasing cold water releases this summer from NYC’s Cannonsville Reservoir during the period from June 1 through August 31.
The second agreement reduces the rapid increases or decreases in the reservoir conservation release rates (known as the yo-yo effect or bouncing) by allowing New York City the flexibility to more evenly adjust releases from the reservoirs over periods of up to seven consecutive days when reservoir storage levels are rapidly fluctuating in the spring and fall. The bouncing effect is harmful to wildlife in the river habitat.
“The Commission's long term goal is to work with the decree parties and the Delaware River Basin Commission to develop water release schedules that best benefit aquatic life within the Upper Delaware System consistent with safe and sustainable mandated uses of the reservoirs,” stated Norm Gavlick, PFBC Commissioner for District 7 which covers the eight northeast Pennsylvania counties. “The schedules would attempt to meet environmental needs consistent with changes in water availability due to changes in water supply demand, precipitation and reservoir storage in the upper Delaware system.”
The Flexible Flow Management Program was originally adopted in September 2007 and amended in December 2008. The program and its associated agreements are available at http://water.usgs.gov/osw/odrm/.
The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.
"We recognize the national importance of the Delaware River fishery and the dependence of aquatic life on releases from New York City’s Delaware River reservoirs," said PFBC Executive Director Douglas Austen. “Recent developments by the Decree parties to begin increasing seasonal releases and to eliminate harmful flow fluctuations represent positive movement toward the Commission’s goal of optimizing the fishery by better management of water for downstream uses. But this is just the beginning and a lot of work still has to be done.”
On Monday the DEP announced that Pennsylvania, New York City and other states in the Delaware River Basin, known as the decree parties, had reached two agreements regarding the flow plan that governs New York City and Delaware Basin reservoir diversions and releases under the terms of a 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Decree.
The first agreement – in effect for this summer only - attempts to improve protection of trout from the stresses of high temperatures in the West Branch of the Delaware River by marginally increasing cold water releases this summer from NYC’s Cannonsville Reservoir during the period from June 1 through August 31.
The second agreement reduces the rapid increases or decreases in the reservoir conservation release rates (known as the yo-yo effect or bouncing) by allowing New York City the flexibility to more evenly adjust releases from the reservoirs over periods of up to seven consecutive days when reservoir storage levels are rapidly fluctuating in the spring and fall. The bouncing effect is harmful to wildlife in the river habitat.
“The Commission's long term goal is to work with the decree parties and the Delaware River Basin Commission to develop water release schedules that best benefit aquatic life within the Upper Delaware System consistent with safe and sustainable mandated uses of the reservoirs,” stated Norm Gavlick, PFBC Commissioner for District 7 which covers the eight northeast Pennsylvania counties. “The schedules would attempt to meet environmental needs consistent with changes in water availability due to changes in water supply demand, precipitation and reservoir storage in the upper Delaware system.”
The Flexible Flow Management Program was originally adopted in September 2007 and amended in December 2008. The program and its associated agreements are available at http://water.usgs.gov/osw/odrm/.
The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Mid May Upper Delaware River Fishing Report
May 13, 2009
Mid May is here and I've just come off the river for the first day since April 15. The season has been very good up to this point, different for sure, but none the less good to excellent fishing.
The late April three day long heat wave that hit the Northeast resulted in the Hendrickson's blowing off the Main Stem of the Delaware rather quickly. By the end of April we were already fishing March browns on the Delaware and the East Branch. The Upper West Branch is still seeing some decent Hendrickson hatches.
Due to lack of rain (we are somewhere around a 6" deficit for the year) and the ridiculous water management plan that is currently in effect, the Delaware River System has been experiencing below normal water flows. You can check the real time flows of the upper river here: Delaware River Water Flows Fortunately, except for the short warm spell, air temperatures have been mostly below normal with most nights flirting with freezing temperatures. The daytime temperatures have also been below normal and the long term forecast shows this cool trend continuing.
We've been catching some giant browns and rainbows regularly, but more importantly I've been seeing more baby rainbows and browns in the main river than I've seen in quite a few years. It looks like the last two years have had some successful spawns. The lower than normal water flows are still high enough to allow us to float the river, but the low clear water makes getting close to rising fish a challenge that is usually reserved for sunny summer days. Twelve foot 6X leaders have been the minimum on the flatter water, especially on the brighter days.
Right now, if you have plans to fish the Upper Delaware System you'll need to have a variety of bugs with you to cover all the bases. Emergers, duns and spinners will cover the top, while nymphs and wet flies should keep you busy in between the hatches. On the Main Stem and East Branch look for March browns, Grey Fox, tan caddis, egg laying caddis and sulfurs. American shad have made their way from the ocean and can be real fun when offering sight fishing opportunities. The upper West Branch still has Henricksons hatching and still showing some apple caddis. As you go down river expect the West Branch to start exhibiting the same hatches as the main river. The wading angler will most likely do best on the branches. The wading is easy and there are more than enough fish around.
You can check what should be or could be hatching on this Hatch Chart
Mid May is here and I've just come off the river for the first day since April 15. The season has been very good up to this point, different for sure, but none the less good to excellent fishing.
The late April three day long heat wave that hit the Northeast resulted in the Hendrickson's blowing off the Main Stem of the Delaware rather quickly. By the end of April we were already fishing March browns on the Delaware and the East Branch. The Upper West Branch is still seeing some decent Hendrickson hatches.
Due to lack of rain (we are somewhere around a 6" deficit for the year) and the ridiculous water management plan that is currently in effect, the Delaware River System has been experiencing below normal water flows. You can check the real time flows of the upper river here: Delaware River Water Flows Fortunately, except for the short warm spell, air temperatures have been mostly below normal with most nights flirting with freezing temperatures. The daytime temperatures have also been below normal and the long term forecast shows this cool trend continuing.
We've been catching some giant browns and rainbows regularly, but more importantly I've been seeing more baby rainbows and browns in the main river than I've seen in quite a few years. It looks like the last two years have had some successful spawns. The lower than normal water flows are still high enough to allow us to float the river, but the low clear water makes getting close to rising fish a challenge that is usually reserved for sunny summer days. Twelve foot 6X leaders have been the minimum on the flatter water, especially on the brighter days.
Right now, if you have plans to fish the Upper Delaware System you'll need to have a variety of bugs with you to cover all the bases. Emergers, duns and spinners will cover the top, while nymphs and wet flies should keep you busy in between the hatches. On the Main Stem and East Branch look for March browns, Grey Fox, tan caddis, egg laying caddis and sulfurs. American shad have made their way from the ocean and can be real fun when offering sight fishing opportunities. The upper West Branch still has Henricksons hatching and still showing some apple caddis. As you go down river expect the West Branch to start exhibiting the same hatches as the main river. The wading angler will most likely do best on the branches. The wading is easy and there are more than enough fish around.
You can check what should be or could be hatching on this Hatch Chart
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
New Release Program Proposed to Stop Flawed FFMP
FRIENDS OF THE UPPER DELAWARE RIVER
PRESS RELEASE - May 5, 2009
New Release Program Proposed to Stop Flawed FFMP From Harming Upper Delaware River and Endangering Downstream Communities
Hancock, NY -- Friends of the Upper Delaware River called today for major changes to the schedule of releases from the New York City reservoirs. "The City's practice of hoarding water creates unnecessarily full reservoirs, deprives the river of flows needed to sustain the fishery and cold water ecosystem, and creates a dangerous flood risk potential all the way downstream to Trenton," said Dan Plummer, chairman of FUDR. Al Caucci, a noted author and expert on aquatic insects in the upper Delaware River and its tributaries, added, "The release pattern in April is especially damaging to aquatic life, fluctuating from 1500 cfs to 110 cfs and then back to 1500 cfs as the Cannonsville Reservoir goes from 100% to 99.9% and back to 100%. The last weekend in April releases to the West Branch were lower than they have been in years. Fishermen, businessmen, and flood victims wonder in amazement how officials could have come up with such a damaging plan!" Susan Alper, co-owner of the Bluestone Grill in Hancock lamented, "When the rivers go down, so does our business."
Low flows coupled with sunny hot weather over the last weekend of April caused temperatures downriver to climb to levels that stressed the trout and likely killed many of the cold water insects on which they feed. Dr. Robert Bachman, a fisheries biologist and commissioner of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, explained, "The trout begin to seek refuge in colder water and stop feeding as water temperatures reach or exceed 68 degrees F. Temperatures above this rapidly become lethal for cold water insects."
Commenting on New York City's reservoirs release program, Cathy Myers, deputy commissioner of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, said, "No one believes this schedule is ideal for fisheries management." She went on to state, "We remain committed to improving sustainability of this remarkable fishery," and noted that the fish commissions of both Pennsylvania and New York are working on joint recommendations, "to make better use of the water we have available for fish habitat enhancement."
Lee Hartman, vice president of FUDR, announced, "On April 20, we presented to New York City and the governors in the four basin states a comprehensive proposal for a new release schedule for the next year. This proposal does not rely on any water that the City needs for its water supply. For the sake of the river and the economy of this region, we urge the government parties to adopt and implement it as quickly as possible. The cold water ecosystem of this river cannot survive under the current management policies without the significantly greater releases provided by our proposal. In the past, the upper Delaware River has been a destination for thousands of anglers each year from across the country. The decline of this great fishery and its unique wild rainbow population would be a devastating loss for everyone."
For further information, contact Dan Plummer at (607) 363 -- 7848.
PRESS RELEASE - May 5, 2009
New Release Program Proposed to Stop Flawed FFMP From Harming Upper Delaware River and Endangering Downstream Communities
Hancock, NY -- Friends of the Upper Delaware River called today for major changes to the schedule of releases from the New York City reservoirs. "The City's practice of hoarding water creates unnecessarily full reservoirs, deprives the river of flows needed to sustain the fishery and cold water ecosystem, and creates a dangerous flood risk potential all the way downstream to Trenton," said Dan Plummer, chairman of FUDR. Al Caucci, a noted author and expert on aquatic insects in the upper Delaware River and its tributaries, added, "The release pattern in April is especially damaging to aquatic life, fluctuating from 1500 cfs to 110 cfs and then back to 1500 cfs as the Cannonsville Reservoir goes from 100% to 99.9% and back to 100%. The last weekend in April releases to the West Branch were lower than they have been in years. Fishermen, businessmen, and flood victims wonder in amazement how officials could have come up with such a damaging plan!" Susan Alper, co-owner of the Bluestone Grill in Hancock lamented, "When the rivers go down, so does our business."
Low flows coupled with sunny hot weather over the last weekend of April caused temperatures downriver to climb to levels that stressed the trout and likely killed many of the cold water insects on which they feed. Dr. Robert Bachman, a fisheries biologist and commissioner of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, explained, "The trout begin to seek refuge in colder water and stop feeding as water temperatures reach or exceed 68 degrees F. Temperatures above this rapidly become lethal for cold water insects."
Commenting on New York City's reservoirs release program, Cathy Myers, deputy commissioner of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, said, "No one believes this schedule is ideal for fisheries management." She went on to state, "We remain committed to improving sustainability of this remarkable fishery," and noted that the fish commissions of both Pennsylvania and New York are working on joint recommendations, "to make better use of the water we have available for fish habitat enhancement."
Lee Hartman, vice president of FUDR, announced, "On April 20, we presented to New York City and the governors in the four basin states a comprehensive proposal for a new release schedule for the next year. This proposal does not rely on any water that the City needs for its water supply. For the sake of the river and the economy of this region, we urge the government parties to adopt and implement it as quickly as possible. The cold water ecosystem of this river cannot survive under the current management policies without the significantly greater releases provided by our proposal. In the past, the upper Delaware River has been a destination for thousands of anglers each year from across the country. The decline of this great fishery and its unique wild rainbow population would be a devastating loss for everyone."
For further information, contact Dan Plummer at (607) 363 -- 7848.
Proposed Releases from New York City Delaware River Basin Reservoirs
The Friends of the Upper Delaware River, along with seven other conservation groups recently sent a letter to the Governors of NY, NJ, PA, DE and the Mayor of New York City, the Delaware Basin Commission and others with their proposal for water releases for 2009 & 2010.
The proposal would provide water to the Neversink, West Branch and East Branch rivers thereby also providing water to the Delaware River. Briefly, this proposal is based on NY City's planned shut down of of their Delaware aqueduct and utilizing excess water supplies for the benefit of the environment and the added relief from flooding that could occur. The complete letter is available at the following link: Proposed Releases from New York City Delaware River Basin Reservoirs for 2009-10
The proposal would provide water to the Neversink, West Branch and East Branch rivers thereby also providing water to the Delaware River. Briefly, this proposal is based on NY City's planned shut down of of their Delaware aqueduct and utilizing excess water supplies for the benefit of the environment and the added relief from flooding that could occur. The complete letter is available at the following link: Proposed Releases from New York City Delaware River Basin Reservoirs for 2009-10
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Some NY Stream Gauges to be Spared
At least eight United States Geologic Survey stream gauges of the fifty on the hit list to be discontinued are going to be kept operational. These USGS gauges were slated to be shut off due to New York City's budget crisis. NYC provided funding for them.
Important for flood prediction, one of the saved gauges is the 105 year old Port Jervis, NY gauge on the Delaware River. The eight saved gauges will be funded by the USGS with federal money.
Nine other stream gauges will also be spared for at last one year thanks to joint funding between several state and federal agencies. According to the USGS, all gauges used on the Delaware River by the National Weather Service will be kept operational, except the Callicoon, NY guage, which the USGS is still working to keep from closing.
Due to outrage by public officials, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection had previously agreed to keep two other stream gauges open, one in Delaware County and one in Ulster County.
Important for flood prediction, one of the saved gauges is the 105 year old Port Jervis, NY gauge on the Delaware River. The eight saved gauges will be funded by the USGS with federal money.
Nine other stream gauges will also be spared for at last one year thanks to joint funding between several state and federal agencies. According to the USGS, all gauges used on the Delaware River by the National Weather Service will be kept operational, except the Callicoon, NY guage, which the USGS is still working to keep from closing.
Due to outrage by public officials, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection had previously agreed to keep two other stream gauges open, one in Delaware County and one in Ulster County.
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