With summer well underway, many have had the chance to enjoy a summer sport or activity, and for many Central and Northern New Yorkers, the sport of choice is fishing. This region contains many lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds to cast a lure and enjoy the outdoors with some time away from home or the office. Besides providing a great way to enjoy nature and have fun, fishing is also beneficial to the local and state economy.

Officials at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) estimate that the overall annual economic impact of sport fishing in New York is $2.26 billion and those in the tourism industry believe this number is on the rise.

The DEC’s website features many ways that anglers and aspiring anglers can find out more about the sport including the best spots to fish nearby or general information on fishing conditions and stocking information. Technology has enabled anyone with a computer to download a detailed guide that teaches the basics about fishing and the 165 fish species in New York’s lakes, streams, and rivers. The guide called “I Fish NY, a Beginner’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing,” teaches beginners how to identify some of the many fish anglers can find from Chinook salmon to bullhead. Pictures of every kind are listed along with which types of waterways they prefer and their diets. You can find that guide at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/98506.html.

In 2014, the state also released a New York fishing, hunting & wildlife app called the “Pocket Ranger.” This app can be downloaded by most smart-phone users. It provides map information, has a built-in compass, provides information on current fishing conditions, gives information on fish species, and can let you keep track of where your friends are hunting or fishing.

The state also offers free fishing clinics throughout the year in an attempt to expose more people to the sport who do not have a license. In fact, during the last weekend in June, the state opened the sport up to anyone to try fishing during a free fishing weekend. Another free clinic is scheduled for Aug. 13 at Fair Haven State Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the park’s upcoming Paddle Festival. Fishing licenses are not required for this clinic. On Nov. 11, residents can fish anywhere again without a license during one of many free fishing days. Increasing access to fishing and including more free fishing dates throughout the year allows more people the opportunity to have some free fun with their families and friends.

The state has invested in its hatcheries in recent years, to make the sport more enjoyable and provide more opportunities to New Yorkers and more tourists.

According to the DEC, this year about 2.3 million brook, brown, and rainbow trout were stocked in lakes, ponds, and streams across the state. Nearly 2 million yearling lake trout, steelhead, landlocked salmon, splake, Chinook salmon, and coho salmon were also stocked.

Information on stockings is available by county here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30465.html. Central New York Public Fishing rights maps can be found here, http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/44869.html, and here is a link to the Northern New York Public Fishing rights maps: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/44864.html.

William (Will) A. Barclay is the Republican representative of the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses most of Oswego County, including the cities of Oswego and Fulton, as well as the town of Lysander in Onondaga County and town of Ellisburg in Jefferson County. Contact him at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us, or (315) 598-5185.