New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced open-water fishing creel surveys are being conducted for a second year on the New York waters of Lake Champlain through October 2022. 

“Lake Champlain is a natural resource that provides wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and is a critical economic driver for our North Country communities,” said Commissioner Seggos. “The data collected as part of this survey effort will provide DEC a better understanding of what anglers are targeting and catching so we can adjust our management practices as needed to maintain and enhance recreational fishing opportunities.”

This open-water fishing survey, along with the ice fishing survey, provide DEC fisheries biologists with a better understanding of angler use, catch, harvest, and expectations to help inform management actions on Lake Champlain.

The 2022 open-water fishing survey will take place at 12 access points: 

• Rouse’s Point boat launch 
• Great Chazy boat launch 
• Point au Roche boat launch 
• Wilcox Dock 
• Plattsburgh boat launch 
• Peru Dock 
• Port Douglas 
• Willsboro Bay boat launch 
• Westport boat launch 
• Port Henry boat launch 
• Ticonderoga boat launch 
• South Bay boat launch 

Anglers coming off the water will be asked to voluntarily participate in the survey by providing information about their day of fishing. Collected data will include target species, number caught, and size. Participation in the survey, which is not mandatory but strongly encouraged, gives anglers the opportunity to contribute to future Lake Champlain management decisions. DEC creel agents will also be collecting biological data on fish caught.

Raffle entries for two prize packages will be awarded to anglers who allow the clerk to measure some of their fish at the Fish Measuring Station. Package one includes a Berkley Big Game Digital Lip Grip and Bass Pro Shops tournament measuring board; prize package two includes an EGO S1 Genesis rubber-coated nylon landing net and Bass Pro Shops stainless steel hook remover. 

A copy of the Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Creel Survey plan can be found on DEC’s website. A report summary of the 2022 open-water fishing creel survey results will be made available in June 2022. The cumulative two-year report will be made available later in 2022. 

Anglers are reminded to always follow best practices for boating safety. For boating safety, a properly fitted, securely fastened life jacket is required in all boats less than 21 feet in length, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and motorboats, between November 1 and May 1. Life jackets are required in the vessel and strongly recommended to be worn the rest of the year.

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 iMapInvasives at www.imapinvasives.org. DEC and the Canal Corporation recently announced a comprehensive effort to protect New York’s waters, particularly Lake Champlain, from round goby and other AIS. For more information, go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/125018.html