FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 7, 2006
CAST A LINE ON NEW YORK’S CANALS
524 miles of waterways encompass some of the best fishing spots in the country
Brimming with bass, catfish, pike and many other varieties of fish, New York’s Canal System connects the State’s major rivers and lakes. Fishing enthusiasts will find that towns along the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca canals take their fishing seriously, offering bait shops, boat rentals and fishing events across 524 aquatic miles. Whether casting off from the shores or cruising from town to town in search of the biggest catch, New York’s Canals provide a one-stop fishing destination for all ages, skill levels and specialties.
The Great Lake Connection – Oswego Canal
Entering Lake Ontario in Oswego, NY, the Oswego Canal is one of the most popular
angling sites in the Canal System. According to nycanal.com, the Oswego Canal
attracts close to 150,000 anglers annually to catch Chinook salmon, winter
steelhead, brown trout and walleye – some exceeding 20 pounds in weight. Due to
its proximity to one of the Great Lakes, it is also possible to find a wide
variety of fish in the Oswego Canal. For a list of fishing guides, bait shops
and boat rentals, visit:
http://nyfisherman.net/oswegoriverguides.html. Be sure to check out the
harbor of Oswego, NY while traveling the Oswego Canal. The revitalized
waterfront features a paved walkway with railings, especially convenient for
children, elderly or handicapped fishing enthusiasts.
Northern Exposure – Champlain Canal
The Champlain Canal extends into the Adirondacks region, introducing travelers
to the six-million-acre preserve with approximately 3,000 ponds and lakes and
30,000 miles of rivers, brooks and streams. Fishing is allowed on the Canal
north of Fort Edward, NY and into Lake Champlain, New York's third largest lake.
Below Fort Edward, fishing is catch and release only. This waterway is home to
predominately smallmouth bass and catfish. In winter months, try ice fishing
along the Champlain Canal and on Lake Champlain. Close to Canada, it's common to
see our northern neighbors dropping a line in the ice.
East to West – Erie Canal
The historic Erie Canal is the main thoroughfare of New York fishing. Here, the
traveling fisherman comes across towns like Gasport, Fairport and Lockport,
municipalities built on the success of the Erie Canal who still hold a great
appreciation for the waterway. And thanks to the Canal’s lock system, great fish
can usually be found pooled around the base of the locks. For more information
about fishing on the Erie Canal visit:
www.canals.state.ny.us/exvac/places/travel.html and in western New York,
www.wnywebsite.com/wny_fishing.htm. For the competitive type, enter the
Annual Erie Canal Fishing Derby. Marking its 17th year in 2007, this event is
open to the entire family and includes small and large mouth bass, walleye,
northern pike, bullhead, carp, sheephead and catfish divisions. Visit
www.eriecanalderby.com for more
information.
Nature Lover’s Paradise – Cayuga-Seneca Canal
With fish plentiful enough to satisfy the bald eagles, pelicans and herons found
in the adjacent Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, the Cayuga-Seneca Canal is the
perfect place for nature lovers to relax with pole in hand. You can catch trout,
yellow perch, bluegill and more. If you are boating, be sure to stop in the
renowned Finger Lakes region, the end point for the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. For
more information on services for fishermen, visit:
www.visitsenecany.net/Pages/ThingsToDo.cfm?intSubHeadID=12#SE_FirstHeading.
Fish and camp out in Cayuga-Seneca Canal campgrounds. Find available campsites
at
www.nycanal.com/focusoncayugaseneca/camping.html
Regulations and Season Dates
Most fish are in season year-round. For select varieties, fishing seasons in New
York State are:
Additionally, anglers 16 years and older must obtain a fishing license in New
York through the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). These
licenses are available online at
https://nyfgisales.vansis.wcom.com/fgnyia/html/welcome.jsp. New registrants
may download an application at
www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/license/sportlic.pdf. The DEC website also
provides a list of fishing regulations at
www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/.
The New York State Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles across New York State, the waterway links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture. For more information on vacation opportunities along the Canal System, visit www.canals.state.ny.us or call 1-800-4CANAL4.