Best bets for freshwater fishing in the Capital Region

In the mood to grab your fishing rod and tackle box? Click through the slideshow for tips on where to fish (and for what) in the Capital Region.

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale, Albany Times Union

Catskill Creek offers three distinct fishing experiences.

This creek flows for 37 miles through Schoharie, Albany and Greene counties. The five miles just upstream from Preston Hollow is abundant with wild brown and rainbow trout. The 13 miles downstream from Preston Hollow is stocked with 6,500 yearly and 400 two-year-old brown trout. And the 16 miles between Freehold and the creek’s mouth in Catskill is warm enough to sustain some bass. Check which portions of Catskill Creek are covered by public fishing rights here.

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Catskill Creek offers three distinct fishing experiences.

This creek flows for 37 miles through Schoharie, Albany and Greene counties. The five miles just upstream from Preston Hollow is abundant with

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Saratoga Lake is best fished by boat.

The majority of the lake’s shoreline is privately owned, so launching a boat at the state access point is the easiest way to enjoy the water. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, redbreast sunfish, black crappie, and pumpkinseed sunfish all live in this lake.

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Saratoga Lake is best fished by boat.

The majority of the lake’s shoreline is privately owned, so launching a boat at the state access point is the easiest way to enjoy the water. Largemouth and smallmouth

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Photo: Lori Van Buren

Family friendly fishing is not far.

Check out Buckingham Pond in Albany, which has benches and a playground, plus there are black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch waiting to be caught.

Family friendly fishing is not far.

Check out Buckingham Pond in Albany, which has benches and a playground, plus there are black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch waiting to be caught.

Catch a small or large fish in Ann Lee Pond in Colonie.

The pond is home to black crappie, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch.

Catch a small or large fish in Ann Lee Pond in Colonie.

The pond is home to black crappie, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch.

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Huge wild fish are swimming in the Hoosic River and Little Hoosic River in Rensselaer County.

These wild brown and rainbow trout streams that are not stocked by the state. The Little Hoosic River has wild brook trout in its headwaters. Large brown trout can be caught in either river, with 20-inch fish or larger not uncommon. Check which portions of these rivers are covered by public fishing rights here.

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Huge wild fish are swimming in the Hoosic River and Little Hoosic River in Rensselaer County.

These wild brown and rainbow trout streams that are not stocked by the state. The Little Hoosic River has

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Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI

Kayaderosseras Creek in Saratoga County is stocked by the state.

The state stocks this stream with brown trout. Large portions of the creek near Ballston Spa and Corinth are covered by public fishing rights. See the full map here.

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Kayaderosseras Creek in Saratoga County is stocked by the state.

The state stocks this stream with brown trout. Large portions of the creek near Ballston Spa and Corinth are covered by public fishing

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Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Take a trip to Featherstonhaugh Lake in Duanesburg.

Try for a black crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish or yellow perch.

Take a trip to Featherstonhaugh Lake in Duanesburg.

Try for a black crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish or yellow perch.

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Brown trout dominate most of the Wynants Kill but anglers can fish for wild trout in the 10 miles above Troy’s Burden Pond.

The Wynants Kill flows through Rensselaer County for 11 miles before entering the Hudson River in Troy. Migrant brook trout are also seen in the stream’s headwaters. The best wild trout populations overall are between West Sand Lake and Wynantskill, which the state stocks with 700 yearlings. Check which portions of the Wynants Kill is covered by public fishing rights here.

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Brown trout dominate most of the Wynants Kill but anglers can fish for wild trout in the 10 miles above Troy’s Burden Pond.

The Wynants Kill flows through Rensselaer County for 11 miles before entering

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Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

It’s best to use caution when fishing from the Hudson River bank.

Check out a designated fishing spot, which is safer in slippery conditions and during tide changes. Local options include the municipal launch, Corning Preserve and Island Creek Park in Albany; Green Island Riverside Park, Troy Riverside Park and the Rensselaer Boat Launch; the Hudson Shore Park in Watervliet, the Papsacnee Island Nature Preserve in East Greenbush and Henry Hudson Park in Bethlhem. Here’s a map.

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It’s best to use caution when fishing from the Hudson River bank.

Check out a designated fishing spot, which is safer in slippery conditions and during tide changes. Local options include the municipal launch,

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Photo: Philip Kamrass

Hit the upstream areas of Kinderhook Creek in Rensselaer County.

Kinderhook Creek is stocked annually with more than 10,000 brown trout. Some wild brown trout reproduce here, especially in the upstream areas, but is not a major contributor to the fishery. Check which portions of Kinderhook Creek are covered by public fishing rights here.

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Hit the upstream areas of Kinderhook Creek in Rensselaer County.

Kinderhook Creek is stocked annually with more than 10,000 brown trout. Some wild brown trout reproduce here, especially in the upstream

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Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Another family friendly fishing spot is Iroquois Lake in Schenectady’s Central Park.

Angle for black crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish or yellow perch.

Another family friendly fishing spot is Iroquois Lake in Schenectady’s Central Park.

Angle for black crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish or yellow perch.

Photo: Michael P. Farrell

Fish from the bank of the Mohawk River from various area locations.

Head to Freddies Park and Colonie Town Park in Albany County; Peebles Island State Park, Halfmoon Crescent Park, Riverview Road in Mohawk Landing Nature Park, Battery Park and Alcathy’s Boat Launch in Saratoga County; and Riverside Park, Maalwyck Park, Lock 9 State Canal Park, Aqueduct Park, Gateway Landing Part and Rotterdam Kiwanis Park in Schenectady County.

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Fish from the bank of the Mohawk River from various area locations.

Head to Freddies Park and Colonie Town Park in Albany County; Peebles Island State Park, Halfmoon Crescent Park, Riverview Road in Mohawk

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Lake George is among New York’s top five bass fishing destinations, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Lake George is stocked annually with landlocked salmon and it’s lake trout do an excellent job of naturally reproducing. Brook trout can also be found at the mouth of many of the lakes’ tributaries. Also found here are lake trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish and black crappie.

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Lake George is among New York’s top five bass fishing destinations, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Lake George is stocked annually with landlocked salmon and it’s

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Launch a boat or walk the bank of Lake Lonely in Saratoga County.

You’ll find smallmouth and largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch there.

Launch a boat or walk the bank of Lake Lonely in Saratoga County.

You’ll find smallmouth and largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch there.

Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN

The Poesten Kill and Quaken Kill in Rensselaer County have wild and stocked trout.

The Poesten Kill is stocked annually with over 6,000 brown trout and the wild brown trout population also boosts the fishery. There is a small wild brook trout population in the Poesten Kill’s headwaters.The Quaken Kill is not stocked but it does have a wild brown trout to challenge anglers. Check which portions of these streams are covered by public fishing rights here.

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The Poesten Kill and Quaken Kill in Rensselaer County have wild and stocked trout.

The Poesten Kill is stocked annually with over 6,000 brown trout and the wild brown trout population also boosts the

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Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Trout are more more abundant as you head upstream at Ten Mile Creek.

This stream flows for 10 miles through Albany County, until it meets Catskill Creek in Greene County. Brown and rainbow trout can both be caught in the lower five miles, but brown trout predominate in the upper five miles. Wild trout are found throughout this stream, although it isn’t stocked. Check which portions of Ten Mile Creek are covered by public fishing rights here.

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Trout are more more abundant as you head upstream at Ten Mile Creek.

This stream flows for 10 miles through Albany County, until it meets Catskill Creek in Greene County. Brown and rainbow trout can both

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Photo: Jeff J Mitchell

Visit Milton or Gansevoort for the Snook Kill.

The state stocks this stream with brown trout. Portions of the creek near Wilton and Gansevoort are covered by public fishing rights. See the full map here.

Visit Milton or Gansevoort for the Snook Kill.

The state stocks this stream with brown trout. Portions of the creek near Wilton and Gansevoort are covered by public fishing rights. See the full map here.

Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN

Head to West Milton to fish Glowegee Creek in Saratoga County.

Anglers can fish portions of this creek covered by public fishing rights, as shown in this map. The stream is stocked with brown trout.

Head to West Milton to fish Glowegee Creek in Saratoga County.

Anglers can fish portions of this creek covered by public fishing rights, as shown in this map. The stream is stocked with brown trout.

Photo: Lori Van Buren

Scoop up some black crappie, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish or yellow perch in Saratoga County.

Visit Round Lake, home of this gorgeous sunset.

Scoop up some black crappie, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish or yellow perch in Saratoga County.

Visit Round Lake, home of this gorgeous sunset.

Check out Rensselaer Lake, also known as Six Mile Waterworks, in Albany County.

It’s stocked with rainbow trout and also home to black crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch.

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Check out Rensselaer Lake, also known as Six Mile Waterworks, in Albany County.

It’s stocked with rainbow trout and also home to black crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow

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Photo: Paul Buckowski

Click through the slideshow for big (and sometimes little) catches in the state’s freshwater lakes and rivers.

41” Striped Bass caught in May 2018 in the Port of Albany. Submitted by Matthew Robbins.

Click through the slideshow for big (and sometimes little) catches in the state’s freshwater lakes and rivers.

41” Striped Bass caught in May 2018 in the Port of Albany. Submitted by Matthew Robbins.

Photo: Matthew Robbins

41” Striped Bass caught in May 2018 in the Port of Albany. Submitted by Matthew Robbins.

Photo: Matthew Robbins

Michele Heaton poses with the 36-inch striped bass she caught while on a charter boat out of Albany on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

Photo: Michele Heaton

Six-year-old Liam Murphy of Clifton Park seems a little apprehensive as he lands a bluegill during the NYSDEC and Town of Clifton Park Open Space, Trails & Riverfront Committee’s public learn-to-fish event Saturday May 5, 2018 in Clifton Park, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale/Times Union) less

Six-year-old Liam Murphy of Clifton Park seems a little apprehensive as he lands a bluegill during the NYSDEC and Town of Clifton Park Open Space, Trails & Riverfront Committee’s public learn-to-fish event … more

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Jason Bair with the 36 lb. freshwater drum he caught from Oneida Lake, Oneida County, on June 16, 2017. (Photo provided by State Department of Environmental Conservation)

Photo: Photo Provided By State Department Of Environmental Conservation

Eric Scordo with the 35 lb. 3 oz. channel catfish he caught from Lake Ontario, Jefferson County on April 29, 2017. (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation)

Photo: NYS Department Of Environmental Conservation

David McMahon of Rome, NY, caught a 41” northern pike using minnow as bait on May 6, 2018. He was fishing off the Muck Road Boat Launch in Rome, NY. (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation)

Photo: NYS Department Of Environmental Conservation Facebook

Erika Sausville shows off a 4-pound plus largemouth bass she caught before releasing it Thursday May 11, 2017 in Round Lake, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Joe Galante of Latham caught this 41-inch striped bass on the Hudson River May 14 2017, near the Congress Street bridge on the Troy side of the river.

Photo: Provided Photo

Photo submitted of eight and a half pound bass caught in Ballston Lake in May 2017 by Tony Mastrianni.

Photo: Tony Mastrianni

A summer flounder (fluke) photo provided by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. According to DEC, the record for that type of fish was a 22.44-oound fluke caught by Charles Nappi of Hicksville in 1975. (State Department of Environmental Conservation)

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A summer flounder (fluke) photo provided by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. According to DEC, the record for that type of fish was a 22.44-oound fluke caught by Charles Nappi of Hicksville

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Photo: State Department Of Environmental Conservation

Hubert Muckle, submitted by Sarah Kilduff via Facebook.

Photo: Sarah Kilduff

Germantown, N.Y. resident Patrick Hildenbrand caught an 8 lb. 4 oz. smallmouth bass from the St. Lawrence River on August 28, 2016, during a fishing tournament in the Thousand Islands Region, New York.

Photo: DEC

Vermont Warden Currier with a 6’9″ sturgeon found dead in Isle Lamotte in Lake Champlain on Aug. 12, 2016. (Vermont Game Warden Association)

A rainbow trout comes out a tube from a holding tank and into the lake at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s 10th Annual I Fish NY free fishing event at Six Mile Waterworks at Rensselaer Lake on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in Albany, N.Y. The lake was stocked with 1500 rainbow trout. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

A rainbow trout comes out a tube from a holding tank and into the lake at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s 10th Annual I Fish NY free fishing event at Six Mile Waterworks at … more

Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI

A rainbow trout comes out a tube from a holding tank and into the lake at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s 10th Annual I Fish NY free fishing event at Six Mile Waterworks at Rensselaer Lake on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in Albany, N.Y. The lake was stocked with 1,500 rainbow trout. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

A rainbow trout comes out a tube from a holding tank and into the lake at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s 10th Annual I Fish NY free fishing event at Six Mile Waterworks at … more

Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI

Julian Canavan posses with the alligator gar he caught in Iroquois Pond on July 17, 2016. State conservation officers were search the fish Wednesday Central Park pond in Schenectady. (Courtesy: Julian Canavan) less

Julian Canavan posses with the alligator gar he caught in Iroquois Pond on July 17, 2016. State conservation officers were search the fish Wednesday Central Park pond in Schenectady. (Courtesy: Julian … more

Julian Canavan posses with the alligator gar he caught in Iroquois Pond on July 17, 2016. State conservation officers were search the fish Wednesayd Central Park pond in Schenectady. (Courtesy: Julian Canavan) less

Julian Canavan posses with the alligator gar he caught in Iroquois Pond on July 17, 2016. State conservation officers were search the fish Wednesayd Central Park pond in Schenectady. (Courtesy: Julian … more

Julian Canavan posses with the alligator gar he caught in Iroquois Pond on July 17, 2016. State conservation officers were search the fish Wednesayd Central Park pond in Schenectady. (Courtesy: Julian Canavan) less

Julian Canavan posses with the alligator gar he caught in Iroquois Pond on July 17, 2016. State conservation officers were search the fish Wednesayd Central Park pond in Schenectady. (Courtesy: Julian … more

Julian Canavan of Schenectady, who caught and released an alligator gar in the lake at Central Park a couple days ago, holds a common carp caught by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation workers while talking to the press at Central Park on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 in Schenectady, N.Y. DEC workers Scott Wells and Marissa Charlebois take surveying notes at let. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less

Julian Canavan of Schenectady, who caught and released an alligator gar in the lake at Central Park a couple days ago, holds a common carp caught by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation … more

Photo: Lori Van Buren

Liz Taylor caught a striper on the Hudson River in Albany, NY, on Thursday, May 5, 2016. It weighed in at 24 pounds and was 40.5 inches long. (Submitted photo)

Robert Bigness with a striper at the Albany Yacht Club in spring 2016. (Provided photo)

State Department of Environmental Conservation biologists on Friday, April 15, 2016, caught a state-record 35.3-pound channel catfish in Black River Bay on Lake Ontario. Channel catfish are the largest member of the catfish family found in New York. Biologists measure and release the fish alive. The state Health Department recommends not eating any catfish from Lake Ontario. (State Department of Environmental Conservation photo) less

State Department of Environmental Conservation biologists on Friday, April 15, 2016, caught a state-record 35.3-pound channel catfish in Black River Bay on Lake Ontario. Channel catfish are the largest member … more

State Department of Environmental Conservation biologists on Friday, April 15, 2016, caught channel catfish in Black River Bay on Lake Ontario. Channel catfish are the largest member of the catfish family found in New York. Biologists measure and release the fish alive. The state Health Department recommends not eating any catfish from Lake Ontario. (State Department of Environmental Conservation photo) less

State Department of Environmental Conservation biologists on Friday, April 15, 2016, caught channel catfish in Black River Bay on Lake Ontario. Channel catfish are the largest member of the catfish family found … more

State Department of Environmental Conservation biologists on Friday, April 15, 2016, caught channel catfish in Black River Bay on Lake Ontario. Channel catfish are the largest member of the catfish family found in New York. Biologists measure and release the fish alive. The state Health Department recommends not eating any catfish from Lake Ontario. (State Department of Environmental Conservation photo) less

State Department of Environmental Conservation biologists on Friday, April 15, 2016, caught channel catfish in Black River Bay on Lake Ontario. Channel catfish are the largest member of the catfish family found … more

David Roberts with a 36-inch northern pike he caught and released from the Mohawk River, Oneida County.(Photo from state Department of Environmental Conservation)

Richard Meschino with a 21-inch largemouth bass he caught and released from Paradox Lake, Essex County. (Photo from state Department of Environmental Conservation)

Samantha Cash with a 32-inch steelhead (rainbow trout) she caught and released from Oak Orchard Creek, Orleans County. (Photo from state Department of Environmental Conservation)

Paul DiConza with a 40-inch tiger muskellunge caught from Otisco Lake, Onondaga County. (Photo from state Department of Environmental Conservation)

Ken Wieczerza of Albany shows off a 20-inch brown trout he snared in the Catskills-area Williwemoc Creek over opening weekend of the season. The fish “was worth the 4:30 a.m. drive from Albany and the morning rain,” he said. less

Ken Wieczerza of Albany shows off a 20-inch brown trout he snared in the Catskills-area Williwemoc Creek over opening weekend of the season. The fish “was worth the 4:30 a.m. drive from Albany and the morning … more

Jay Blaauboer of Menands works about 70 hours a week for a paving company, but makes as much time as he can for fishing. On a Sunday morning in summer 2015, he dropped his line in the Hudson River just south of the Federal Dam in Troy and caught the largest fish he’s ever caught: a 42-inch, 22-pound Tiger Musky. The fish is a hybrid between northern pike and muskellunge, and has been introduced into nearly all of New York’s lakes and large rivers by the state Department of Environmental Conservation since the 1970s. Blaauboer, 29, pulled the hybrid from the river using live bait, a 9-foot pole and 20-pound line. He described the catch as “a fish of 10,000 casts.” He returned it to the river. less

Jay Blaauboer of Menands works about 70 hours a week for a paving company, but makes as much time as he can for fishing. On a Sunday morning in summer 2015, he dropped his line in the Hudson River just south of … more

Times Union Staff photograph by Philip Kamrass — Al Baranowski of Clifton Park holds a sheepshead he caught while ice fishing just below Lock 2 at Waterford, NY Monday afternoon March 3, 2008. He and friend William Proctor, also of Clifton Park, was fishing with him. The friends have been fishing together for over 10 years, year round. They were both catching and releasing. less

Times Union Staff photograph by Philip Kamrass — Al Baranowski of Clifton Park holds a sheepshead he caught while ice fishing just below Lock 2 at Waterford, NY Monday afternoon March 3, 2008. He and friend … more

Photo: PHILIP KAMRASS

Eric Lester holding his 60 lb. 0 oz. state record inland striped bass he caught on May 14, 2014 from the Hudson River in Orange County. (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation)

Two-year-old Thomas Harrington of Mechanicville fishes from his stroller on Geyser Brook in Saratoga Spa State Park as today marks the traditional start of trout season in NYS Friday April 1, 2016 in Saratoga Springs, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union) less

Two-year-old Thomas Harrington of Mechanicville fishes from his stroller on Geyser Brook in Saratoga Spa State Park as today marks the traditional start of trout season in NYS Friday April 1, 2016 in Saratoga … more

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Kristy Moore, center, of North Greenbush casts for Atlantic striped bass in the Hudson River in Watervliet on April 13, 2016. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union)

Schenectady dentist and Albany Charters first mate Dr. David Gillenwalter holds a sample striped bass catch from 2000. (Courtesy of Albany Charters)

Photo: HAND-OUT

A small brown trout caught and released from the Kayaderosseras Creek on the start of trout season in NYS Friday April 1, 2016 in Ballston Spa, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Tony DeFelice of Rensselaer nets a striped bass in the Hudson River Tuesday May 11, 2004. (John Carl D’Annibale/Times Union)

Photo: JOHN CARL D’ANNIBALE

A copy of a photograph taken in April 2003 that shows Preston Lightsey from Ravena, N.Y., holding a striped bass.

Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI

Weekday firstmate for Albany Charters, Norm Nilsen, left, helps Fred Lebrun weight a 20 lb. striped bass caught in the Hudson River in 2001. (John Stoddard/Times Union)

Photo: JOHN STODDARD

Cynthia Roberts of the Colonie Seniors mimics the mouth movements of the Blue Gill she caught during a Department of Environmental Conservation Free Sport Fishing Clinic on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Six Mile Waterworks in Albany, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Cynthia Roberts of the Colonie Seniors mimics the mouth movements of the Blue Gill she caught during a Department of Environmental Conservation Free Sport Fishing Clinic on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Six Mile … more

Photo: Cindy Schultz

Marty Bayles of Edinburg brings in a brown trout on the Kayaderosseras Creek on the first day of trout season in NYS Friday April 1, 2016 in Ballston Spa, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Nicholas Spink, 5, of North Greenbush admires the rock bass he reeled in during the 32nd annual Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 17, 2006, at Colonie Town Park in Colonie, N.Y. The West Albany Rod and Gun Club co-sponsors the event with the Town of Colonie to get kinds interested in the sport of fishing. (Cindy Schultz/Times Union) less

Nicholas Spink, 5, of North Greenbush admires the rock bass he reeled in during the 32nd annual Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 17, 2006, at Colonie Town Park in Colonie, N.Y. The West Albany Rod and Gun … more

Photo: CINDY SCHULTZ

Joshua Wegner holding a 5 lb. 8 oz. state-record white sucker he caught from Cold Brook in Steuben County on April 24, 2015. (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation)

couple of the brown trout caught by John Matarazzo of Burnt Hills taken from the Kayaderosseras Creek in Rock City Falls Tuesday April 1, 2008. (John Carl D’Annibale/Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Al Dominick, 85, of Greenfield, with a brace of brook trout he took from Geyser Creek in Saratoga Spa State Park on April 27, 2007. 80-years a fisherman, Dominick’s been fishing here “since back when this stream was the way the Indians left it.” (John Carl D’Annibale/Times Union) less

Al Dominick, 85, of Greenfield, with a brace of brook trout he took from Geyser Creek in Saratoga Spa State Park on April 27, 2007. 80-years a fisherman, Dominick’s been fishing here “since back when this … more

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Jack Brant of Watervliet shows off a 29 lb. striped bass taken from the Hudson River on May 4, 2005, near Green Island. Brant released the fish. (John Carl D’Annibale/Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Paul Amado of South Glens Falls lands a largemouth bass at Moreau Lake State Park Friday morning May 27, 2011. The fish is not yet in season, and Amado released it and continued his quest for pickerel and pike. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union) less

Paul Amado of South Glens Falls lands a largemouth bass at Moreau Lake State Park Friday morning May 27, 2011. The fish is not yet in season, and Amado released it and continued his quest for pickerel and … more

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Susan and Bill Morrissey and 8-year-old son Rob Morrissey of Clifton Park pose with their first striped bass of the day aboard Captain John Stoddard’s Albany Charters boat Wednesday afternoon May 4, 2005, on the Hudson River near Green Island. Susan, who caught the fish, released it. (John Carl D’Annibale/Times Union) less

Susan and Bill Morrissey and 8-year-old son Rob Morrissey of Clifton Park pose with their first striped bass of the day aboard Captain John Stoddard’s Albany Charters boat Wednesday afternoon May 4, 2005, on … more

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Two-year-old Samuel Quidort of Delmar gets a look at a smallmouth bass during the fourth annual Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count at Peebles Island State Park Saturday, August 15, 2015, in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union) less

Two-year-old Samuel Quidort of Delmar gets a look at a smallmouth bass during the fourth annual Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count at Peebles Island State Park Saturday, August 15, 2015, in Cohoes, NY. … more

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Georgiy Kichuk, 14, of Utica holds a herring caught at Lock 2 while fishing with his family on the Erie Canal on Tuesday, May 30, 2006, in Waterford, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz/Times Union)

Photo: CINDY SCHULTZ

Stasia Grzyboski 13 years old, went trout fishing on July 14, 2007, with her grandfather George Shuhart. (Provided)

Ray Ryan of Rotterdam checks out his catch of the day, including a carp, a bullhead and a Northern pike, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, at Central Park in Schenectady, N.Y. Ryan said he likes to fish this pond in autumn because the park is quiet. (Cindy Schultz/Times Union) less

Ray Ryan of Rotterdam checks out his catch of the day, including a carp, a bullhead and a Northern pike, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, at Central Park in Schenectady, N.Y. Ryan said he likes to fish this pond in … more

Photo: CINDY SCHULTZ

Nathan Loughlin, 11, of Cohoes holds up a small mouth bass that he reeled in during the Falls View Park Fishing Derby on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at Falls View Park in Cohoes, N.Y. The event, for kids ages 16 and under, was presented by Brookfield Renewable Power, NYS Conservation Council and Rensselear County Conservation Alliance. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Nathan Loughlin, 11, of Cohoes holds up a small mouth bass that he reeled in during the Falls View Park Fishing Derby on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at Falls View Park in Cohoes, N.Y. The event, for kids ages 16 … more

Photo: Cindy Schultz

Rainbow trout are placed into a bucket before being dumped in the water at Six Mile Waterworks on Monday, April 1, 2013 in Albany, NY. DEC staff stocked the lake with nearly 2,000 rainbow trout on Monday. DEC staff also gave lessons on casting and about fishing in general. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Rainbow trout are placed into a bucket before being dumped in the water at Six Mile Waterworks on Monday, April 1, 2013 in Albany, NY. DEC staff stocked the lake with nearly 2,000 rainbow trout on Monday. DEC … more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

Paul Sefcik of Pattersonville hauls in a “double,” hooking both a bullhead and sucker while getting in some autumn fishing on the Mohawk River in Niskayuna Tuesday October 18, 2011.(John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union) less

Paul Sefcik of Pattersonville hauls in a “double,” hooking both a bullhead and sucker while getting in some autumn fishing on the Mohawk River in Niskayuna Tuesday October 18, 2011.(John Carl D’Annibale / Times … more

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Fish biologist Greg Kozlowski holds a Pumpkin Seed Sunfish before releasing it back into Rensselaer Lake during a Department of Environmental Conservation Free Sport Fishing Clinic on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Six Mile Waterworks in Albany, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Fish biologist Greg Kozlowski holds a Pumpkin Seed Sunfish before releasing it back into Rensselaer Lake during a Department of Environmental Conservation Free Sport Fishing Clinic on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at … more

Photo: Cindy Schultz

John LaFarge holds a 10-ound early season striped bass from the Hudson River on April 4, 2000. (Fred LeBrun/Times Union)

Photo: FRED LEBRUN

A stuffed striped bass is on display during a press conference near the Madison Street Fishing Pier on Thursday afternoon, April 14, 2011 in Troy. The press event was held to talk about the Sixth Annual Striped Bass Tournament put on by the Ale House in conjunction with the city, which will take place on Saturday May 7, 2011. This striped bass was caught by Bill Kested of Westerlo at the 2008 tournament. The fish weighed 29.38 pounds and is 42 inches long giving Kested a first place win that year. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

A stuffed striped bass is on display during a press conference near the Madison Street Fishing Pier on Thursday afternoon, April 14, 2011 in Troy. The press event was held to talk about the Sixth Annual … more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

Captain John Stoddard of Albany Charters holds up a striper caught by Susan Morrissey of Clifton Park Wednesday afternoon May 4, 2005, on the Hudson River near Green Island. John Carl D’Annibale/Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Carole Trifiletti of the Colonie Seniors, right, casts her line during a Department of Environmental Conservation Free Sport Fishing Clinic on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Six Mile Waterworks in Albany, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Carole Trifiletti of the Colonie Seniors, right, casts her line during a Department of Environmental Conservation Free Sport Fishing Clinic on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Six Mile Waterworks in Albany, N.Y. … more

Photo: Cindy Schultz

Ten-year-old McKenna Seyler of Guilderland casts for a rainbow during a DEC trout stocking and free fishing event at Six Mile WaterworksTuesday April 26, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union) less

Ten-year-old McKenna Seyler of Guilderland casts for a rainbow during a DEC trout stocking and free fishing event at Six Mile WaterworksTuesday April 26, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times … more

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

A rainbow trout caught during a DEC trout stocking and free fishing event at Six Mile WaterworksTuesday April 26, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Jason Bonn, 6, of Halfmoon gets some help from DEC chief of staff Peter Walke during a trout stocking and free fishing event at Six Mile WaterworksTuesday April 26, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union) less

Jason Bonn, 6, of Halfmoon gets some help from DEC chief of staff Peter Walke during a trout stocking and free fishing event at Six Mile WaterworksTuesday April 26, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / … more

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Twins Alex, left, and Max Shear of Glenville brave an icy rain during a DEC trout stocking and free fishing event at Six Mile WaterworksTuesday April 26, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union) less

Twins Alex, left, and Max Shear of Glenville brave an icy rain during a DEC trout stocking and free fishing event at Six Mile WaterworksTuesday April 26, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times … more

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

Rainbow trout being stocked during a DEC trout stocking and free fishing event at Six Mile Waterworks on Tuesday April 26, 2016 in Albany, NY. (John Carl D’Annibale / Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D’Annibale

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