New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 6 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Chapter I - FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subchapter C - FISHING
Part 10 - SPORTFISHING REGULATIONS
Section 10.5 - Taking smelt or suckers with a scap or dip net

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 12, March 26, 2025

(a) No person shall take smelt or suckers:

(1) unless they possess a valid fishing license or are entitled to fish without a license;

(2) other than in specially designated waters listed in Table A of subdivision (b) of this section;

(3) with more than one net when taking smelt or suckers with a scap or dip net;

(4) with a net exceeding 14 inches in diameter if it is round form or exceeding 13 inches by 13 inches if it is square form, except that a scap or dip net of any size may be used in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and their tributaries where permitted by Table A of subdivision (b) of this section;

(5) in excess of the quantity specified in Table A of subdivision (b) of this section; and

(6) other than during the open season or daily time limits specified in Table A of subdivision (b) of this section.

(b) Table A-Taking smelt or suckers with a scap or dip net.

WatersSpecies Open Season Daily Hours and Limit Tributaries
(1)Tupper LakeSmeltAnytimeSunset to sunset 8 quartsLake and Bog River upstream to Route 421
(2)Canandaigua Lake Canadice Lake Hemlock Lake Keuka Lake Seneca LakeSmeltAnytimeSunset to sunset 8 quartsAll tributaries from lake upstream to first barrier impassable by fish except Catharine Creek (Seneca Lake); and upstream of the old Lehigh Valley Railroad Bridge in Naples Creek (Canandaigua Lake)
(3)Indian Lake Fulton Chain except Seventh Lake and its tributaries, East Caroga Lake, West Caroga Lake except Mead Creek from mouth upstream to State Route 29ASmeltApril 1 through May 155 a.m. to 10 p.m. 8 quartsAll tributaries from lake upstream to first barrier impassable by fish
(4)Hudson River upstream to Troy Dam and Mohawk River from Crescent Dam upstream to dam at junction of Barge Canal and Mohawk River in City of RomeSmelt and suckersAnytimeAnytime-any numberAll tributaries from river upstream to first barrier impassable by fish
(5)Marine DistrictSmeltAnytimeSunset to sunset 10 quartsAll tributaries upstream to extent of tidal influence
(6)Lake ErieSmeltAnytime8 quartsAll tributaries from lake upstream to first barrier impassable by fish
(7)Lake Ontario Niagara RiverSmeltAnytime8 quartsAll tributaries from lake upstream to first barrier impassable by fish
(8)Cayuga LakeSuckersAnytimeAny number All tributaries upstream to first barrier impassable by fish
(9)Seneca LakeSuckersAnytimeAny numberAll tributaries upstream to first barrier impassable by fish except Catharine Creek
(10)Canandaigua LakeSuckersAnytimeAny numberAll tributaries except Naples Creek where netting is prohibited upstream of the old Lehigh Valley Railroad bridge

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