DEC Announces 2024 Mohawk River Angler Creel Survey

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the start of an angler creel survey of the Mohawk River and adjoining Erie (Barge) Canal from Rome to Waterford from May 1 through the end of October. This creel survey will only be conducted in 2024.

"The Mohawk River is one of New York's most complex and fished waters and this survey will allow angers to provide critical information that will help guide our management efforts in the years ahead," said Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. "DEC is committed to effectively managing the Mohawk River and New York's other world-class waters to better protect the environment and ensure angling opportunities for all."

The Mohawk River and the adjoining Erie (Barge) Canal east of Rome includes five permanent dams, nine seasonal/moveable dams, and five active hydropower plants. The river provides a warmwater fishery that contains smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, and a variety of panfish. However, little is known about the characteristics of the fishery throughout the various sections of the river and canal. To support efforts to learn more about the fishery, DEC creel agents will interview anglers at boat ramps and shoreline access sites along the entire surveyed portion of the study area. Creel agents will also provide anglers who have not yet completed their trip a catch card to help collect full trip information. Anglers will be asked to complete the questions on catch cards and deposit them in labeled DEC drop boxes available at many of the interview sites.

Data gathered during the survey will provide information needed to better understand angler use, expectations, and satisfaction. Anglers will be asked to participate by providing information about their day of fishing and allow DEC creel agents the opportunity to collect biological data on their catch. Participation in the survey gives anglers the opportunity to contribute to future Mohawk River fisheries management decisions. A summary of the results of the survey will be posted on DEC's website soon after the survey is completed.

DEC reminds New Yorkers that boats, trailers, waders, and other fishing equipment can spread harmful aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody unless properly cleaned after use. DEC regulations prohibit boats from launching or leaving sites without first draining the boat and cleaning the boat, trailer, and equipment. In addition, many New York counties, towns, and villages also have laws in place that prohibit the transport of aquatic invasive species on boats, trailers, and equipment.

To avoid spreading invasive species, New Yorkers are advised to follow the 'Clean. Drain. Dry.' method for properly disinfecting boats and equipment before launching. For boaters in need of assistance, many public boat launches have boat stewards on site to inspect watercraft and gear.

DEC also encourages anglers to commit to responsible fishing practices by following guidelines. To prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), anglers are advised to always clean, drain, and dry boat/fishing equipment and practice proper use and disposal of unwanted baitfish. Report any invasive species to the iMapInvasives website. DEC and partners, including the New York State Canal Corporation, are continuing to support comprehensive efforts to protect New York's waters.

Anglers who enjoy eating their catch are encouraged to check the latest New York State Department of Health Fish Advisories for 2024. Changes include more protective statewide advice for some species.

For information on freshwater fishing regulations, visit DEC's website. Information on fishing access is available through the DECinfo Locator and in the Tackle Box feature of the HuntFishNY app.

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