With thousands of miles of streams across the state, there are ample trout fishing opportunities in New York. Each year the DEC stocks around 2.3 million catchable-size brook, brown and rainbow trout in almost 300 lakes, ponds and roughly 3,100 miles of streams across the state. Many of these streams support wild populations of trout as well.
Brook or Speckled Trout
Brook trout are native to the state and are New York’s official state fish. Brook trout generally live in small-to-moderate-sized streams, lakes, and ponds, wherever cool (below 72 degrees Fahrenheit) water is available. They tend to prefer colder water than rainbow and brown trout, and they are often found in the headwaters of streams. The DEC stocks around 151,000 brook trout each spring.
Brown Trout
Brown trout were brought over from Europe in the 1880s and can now be found in waters all across New York. Browns can be found in streams, rivers, ponds and lakes and can tolerate higher water temperatures than brook trout. Many anglers feel that brown trout tend to be more wary and challenging to catch than brook or rainbow trout. Spring stocking include 1.8 million brown trout, 89,000 of which are two year old fish that average thirteen inches.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbows are native to the Pacific coast and were introduced into New York waters in the 1870s. Rainbows are found in streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. Like brown trout, they can tolerate higher water temperatures than brook trout. Around 392,000 rainbow trout are stocked each spring into streams and lakes.
Spin Fishing Equipment
Though any fishing rod and reel will work for stream trout, choosing equipment appropriate to the size fish you are after will improve your success. Light and ultra-light spinning rods from 4 1/2 to 8 1/2 feet in length work well. Shorter rods are easier to handle when dealing with overhanging trees and branches found along many trout streams, but are usually more difficult to hook fish with. Longer rods, however, are usually better for hooking and playing fish and for increased casting distance. Match the rod with a small to medium sized spinning reel spooled with four to eight pound monofilament line.
Lures and Baits
Good artificial lures to try are small spinners, spoons, jigs, stickbaits, and plastics (like 1-2” tube jigs and twister tails.) If using spinners and spoons, a small ball bearing snap swivel will help avoid line twist.
Natural baits that work for trout are worms, fish eggs, grasshoppers, salted or live minnows, corn, maggots and small marshmallows. Check current fishing regulations as some areas restrict the use of natural or live bait. Worms should be hooked once or twice, leaving a trailing tail that undulates in the water and helps attract fish. However, if fish are just nipping off this tail section, try a smaller piece of worm. Good hook sizes range from size 6 to 10, depending on the size of the bait being used. Use as little weight as possible; you want your bait to drift along naturally and just tick the bottom. Carry a few different sizes of small, removable split shot so you can adjust your weight. When fishing deep pools or long runs, try suspending your bait under a float (or bobber).
A third bait option is the artificial baits that are made of natural ingredients. They are biodegradable and available in a variety of shapes and styles such as worms, nuggets, maggots and twister tails. A nice thing about these baits is that they need no special care like natural baits do, and they stay on the hook well when casting.
Fly Fishing Equipment
Fly Rod
A good fly rod for stream fishing would be a 7½ to 9 foot 4 to 6 weight rod. Match this with a disc drag or single action fly reel spooled with 50 yards of Dacron backing; along with a weight forward floating line (matched to rod) with a 9 to 12 foot tapered leader with a 4X tippet.
Flies
A good all-around starter fly assortment for much of New York would be:
Dry Flies: Adams, Elk-Hair Caddis
Wet Flies: Royal Coachman, Black Gnat
Nymphs: Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, Prince Nymph
Streamers: Muddler Minnow, Wooly Bugger
Fishing Methods
When fishing for trout in streams, it’s best to work your way upstream (against the current) whenever possible. This is especially important when fishing for wild or spooky fish. Trout usually face into the current and will be less likely to see you approaching from behind. Wear camouflage clothing or “natural colors,” and try to avoid brightly colored clothing and hats. Move slowly and disturb the water as little as possible. Polarized glasses will aid you when wading and for seeing fish and fish-holding areas. A good option is to fish your way upstream with a fast moving bait like a spinner and then fish back downstream with a slower presentation like a worm or small jig. The faster bait allows you to cover water quickly and to catch aggressive fish. The slower bait works well for fish you may have spooked on your first pass or fish that are less aggressive.
When fishing for trout you will usually be fishing stream pockets, pools and runs.
Stream Etiquette
At times, the fishing pressures can be heavy and stream etiquette can go a long way in making everyone’s day pleasurable. Elbow room to fish is a common courtesy. The stationary or slow moving angler should be given room by overtaking them noiselessly out of the water and reentering as far away as practical. Wading right up to another angler could disturb a pod of feeding fish, and no one appreciates this type of conduct. Pleasant conversations are OK, so long as you don’t disturb other anglers. Remember, elbow room to fish is a common courtesy.
Catch and Release
There’s nothing wrong with keeping some fish for the frying pan. Fish are delicious and eating a few fresh fish is a great way of capping off a fun day of fishing. If you plan on releasing fish though, there are some steps you can take to help improve their survival.
Methods for Releasing Fish
• Use barbless hooks; they cause less damage to the fish.
• Playing a fish for just a short time increases its chance of survival. Do not play a fish longer than necessary.
• Wet your hands before touching a fish that is to be released. Dry skin will remove the mucous coating on trout. Avoid touching the gills.
• Use of a landing net also increases the survival rate of a trout.
• Gently push the hook out and cradle the fish in your hand, underwater and facing upstream. After a moment, allow the fish to swim free. If the fish turns upside down, catch it and revive it as stated above.
* courtesy of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
