The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is inviting the public to learn more about the status of Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River fisheries at a public meeting on Thursday, April 23, from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Beach State Park’s Lodge in Blasdell, Erie County. 

“Anglers look forward to this event every spring because it provides an excellent opportunity to engage directly with the DEC biologists who manage the Lake Erie fishery,” said DEC Fisheries Chief Steve Hurst. “As always, DEC is committed to the sound management of Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River fisheries to maintain high-quality angling opportunities and associated economic benefits.” 

The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. with an informal discussion followed by presentations starting at 6:30 p.m. Topics include 2026 fishing outlook, 2025 fishing performance and survey results, consumption advisories, sturgeon restoration, and potential regulatory changes. 

All are welcome to attend this free event and registration is not required. This annual meeting is sponsored by DEC’s Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit and Region 9 Fisheries offices. Light refreshments will be provided. For those unable to attend the meeting in person, a recording will be made available on DEC’s website after the meeting. 

Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River rank among New York State’s top fishing destinations, especially for walleye, smallmouth bass, and steelhead with more than 900,000 angler days spent on these waters and an estimated value of more than $17 million to the local New York economy.