Go Fishing

FISHING UP FUN

WRITTEN BY DIANE WHITTEN, FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATOR,

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY

Get off the phones and get outside!

Fishing is a great summertime activity for any age, and it’s a great way for people of all ages to have fun together. Many people fondly remember being taught how to fish by a parent or grandparent, so dig out those fishing poles and nets, and find a fishing spot.

Some of the best places to fish include...

the Great Sacandaga Lake where the largest Pike caught in NYS came from, The Kayaderosseras aka Kaydeross Creek which is stocked with trout, Geyser Creek in the Saratoga Spa State Park, Moreau Lake State Park, Saratoga Lake, Ballston Lake and Round Lake. The Dept. of Environmental Conservation has maps that show access points with parking at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html.

Most anglers in Saratoga County practice Catch & Release fishing because they don’t intend to eat the fish they catch. You can enjoy the thrill of catching a fish, then let it back into the water. Make sure you handle the fish correctly, so it will survive when you put it back. Check out some videos online or read about the best practices to ensure fish survival.

THE HUDSON RIVER

The most critical body of water in our area where fish advisories are in place is the Hudson River. If you fish in the Hudson River between Hudson Falls Dam and the Federal Dam in Troy you must catch and release the fish you catch due to pollutants in the fish that could be harmful to your health. Check out the NYS DOH website for details on fish advisories for all public access water bodies at www.health.ny.gov/fish.

FISHING FOR FOOD

Fishing is fun and eating fish provides a healthy source of protein in the family meal plan. Some people go on annual fishing trips to catch enough fish to last the year, freezing or canning it for a quick meal at a later time. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County has resources on food preservation methods at www.ccesaratoga.org. Most of the fish you catch in New York State are healthy to eat, however not all. The NYS Dept. of Health (DOH) has advisories in place regarding certain fish from specific bodies of water.

FISHING LICENSE

Remember that anyone 16 and older must have a fishing license when fishing in waters open to public access. A license can be obtained from the DEC online at this website, Fishing Licenses - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation or www.dec.ny.gov/ permits, or by phone: 1-866-933-2257, Walmart also sells fishing licenses.

NY State Free Fishing Days:

June 25-26, 2022 – no license required. SS