ALBANY, NY — The current 2013-14 freshwater fishing regulations will extend through March 31, 2015, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced on August 25. New freshwater fishing regulations will take effect April 1, 2015 and a new regulations guide will be available from all license sale vendors at that time.

Martens said, “In the past, fishing licenses, like our hunting licenses, were effective October 1 through September 30. Fishing licenses are now effective 365 days from the date of purchase, and it made sense to adjust the effective dates of our fishing regulations to coincide with the April 1 opener of the statewide trout season, which is our traditional kickoff to the freshwater fishing season.”

Anglers should continue to refer to the 2013-14 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide for the fishing regulations in effect through March 31, 2015. The Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide is available from all license issuing agents, DEC regional offices and on-line at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html. The current regulations are also available on the new free New York Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife mobile app.

Anglers are reminded that combination licenses are no longer available. Persons desiring to fish in New York State must purchase a separate fishing license. Anglers should also be aware of the expiration date of their current fishing license, because expiration dates now vary depending upon when the license was purchased.

The New York Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state.