New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the annual ice fishing creel survey will resume for its third year on the New York waters of Lake Champlain from January through March 2023. 

“Anglers are important partners when it comes to the management of the Lake Champlain fishery,” said Commissioner Seggos. “By participating in programs like the ice fishing creel survey, anglers provide us with information that ultimately benefits both our environment and the future of quality fishing in New York State.” 

This survey is part of an annual effort to survey both ice and open water anglers. Data gathered during these surveys will help DEC fisheries biologists better understand angler use and expectations, while also informing management actions on Lake Champlain. 

The 2023 ice fishing survey will take place at four access points: King’s Bay (Point au Fer Road); Willsboro Bay Boat Launch; Bulwagga Bay Campground; and South Bay Boat Launch. Anglers coming off the ice will be asked to participate in the creel survey by providing information about their day of fishing. They will be asked to allow the DEC creel agent to collect biological data on their catch. Collected data will include target species, number caught, and size. Voluntary participation in the survey gives anglers the opportunity to contribute to future Lake Champlain management decisions. 

A copy of the Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Creel Survey plan can be found on DEC’s website. Previous years’ reports can be found on the Adirondack/Lake Champlain Reports webpage. The 2023 ice fishing survey report will be made available later next year. 

Anglers are reminded to always follow best practices for ice safety and to Love Our New York Lands and Leave No Trace™. This includes carrying out all gear and fishing waste, especially lines and lures that could potentially harm wildlife and other users. Anglers are also encouraged to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and Clean. Drain. Dry. their equipment and boats before use in a new waterbody.

Photo attached courtesy of Steve Grausgruber: An ice angler holds a lake trout caught south of Westport on Lake Champlain in 2021. Data collected on catches like this helps DEC make management decisions that will affect the lake and its anglers for years to come.