The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will conduct its annual rainbow trout sampling at Naples Creek in Ontario County on March 20, giving the public an opportunity to observe the process from a safe distance.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Naples Creek bridge on State Route 245, just east of Route 21 in the village. DEC officials encourage spectators to attend, calling it an educational and family-friendly experience.
“Naples Creek is a significant Finger Lakes tributary that offers a unique experience of fishing opportunities for sport anglers of any age,” said Timothy P. Walsh, DEC Region 8 Director. “Sampling rainbow trout is an important function of the region’s fisheries management practices and provides current data for the April 1 opening day fishing forecast, allowing for effective and efficient management of these bountiful waterways.”
Naples Creek and its tributaries are known for their spring runs of wild rainbow trout. The sampling results will be available to the public before the start of the Finger Lakes tributary fishing season on April 1. Until then, anglers are reminded that while catch-and-release fishing is allowed on inland streams, Finger Lakes tributaries remain closed to fishing. However, the main bodies of the Finger Lakes are open to fishing year-round.
DEC urges anglers to review current Finger Lakes fishing regulations before heading out to fish New York’s waterways.
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