Message from the Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources

As I complete my first year as the DEC Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources, I am continually amazed by all our state has to offer an angler and the commitment our Bureau of Fisheries puts into managing these opportunities. The Finger Lakes, featured in this guide, are a perfect example of the diverse fishing opportunities New York provides. Within these 11 waters one can find just about any freshwater sportfish they might desire. Our State is truly a great place to fish and the sport is not restricted to those living in more rural areas of New York. Quality fishing opportunities can also be enjoyed within or close to the more populated areas of New York. Whether you reside in a major city such as Buffalo, Rochester, New York or Albany, or the suburbs surrounding them, good fishing is not far away. Look for the Bureau of Fisheries to continue to improve these “close to home” fishing opportunities in future years.

Although DEC can and will work to provide better fishing opportunities, it is up to all of us to involve more people in the sport of fishing. Fishing is an outstanding way to get people of all ages out of the house, away from their various electronic devices and into the world of nature. Numerous studies have shown how involvement with outdoor sports such as fishing can provide various important health benefits. Unfortunately, without someone to introduce them to the sport, it is unlikely that newcomers will ever take it up. I encourage all anglers to take someone new fishing this year. The smile that you put on their face is something that you will never forget.

Kathy Moser, Assistant Commissioner of Natural Resources

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation