The St. Lawrence River, otherwise known as the Thousand Islands region, is one of the best bass fisheries in the nation. It ranked No. 11 on last year’s 100 Best Bass Lakes list published by Bassmaster Magazine. However, you’d think the fishery was about to collapse if you listened to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
This group refuses to look at sound science that would allow catch and release fishing for recreational anglers throughout the year. As of now, there is a closed season on bass from Dec. 1 through the majority of the month of June.
The New York B.A.S.S. Nation leadership has been fighting for the DEC to relax this closed season so anglers can enjoy the world-class smallmouth fishery for more than five months out of the year. You can help!
The NY Department of Environmental Conservation Region 6 office announced they will be accepting public input until April 15 and it can be submitted via email or mail to the following addresses. Please take a minute to email the following:
In the subject line: C&R Bass Fishing in Region 6 waters
Body of the email: “I support C&R bass fishing in the in-land waters of Region 6.”
Email to:
Frank Flack (frank.flack@dec.ny.gov) and Judy Drabicki (jxdrabic@gw.dec.state.ny.us)
Cc Email to:
Shaun Keeler (sxkeeler@gw.dec.state.ny.us) and Phil Hulbert (pxhulber@gw.dec.state.ny.us)
Bc Email to:
Burnie Haney (bhaney@twcny.rr.com)