Trout Fishing Season Opens in Ulster County: What Anglers Need to Know |
Trout fishing season opens April 1 in Ulster County. Here's where to fish, what you need, and local regulations for Kingston area anglers. |
April 1 is not just April Fools Day in New York.
It is the opening day of trout season, and thousands of anglers across the Hudson Valley are grabbing their rods and heading to the water.
In Ulster County, the Esopus Creek and Rondout Creek are already seeing heavy traffic as fishermen try to land the first trout of the year.
Where to Fish
The Esopus Creek winds through the county offering miles of accessible shoreline for anglers.
The Rondout Creek flows right through Kingston and holds plenty of trout, particularly near the city limits.
Smaller streams like the Wallkill River and Saw Kill offer quieter fishing away from the crowds.
For those who prefer still water, there are stocked ponds throughout Ulster County.
What You Need
New York requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older.
You can get one online through the DEC website or at local sporting goods stores in Kingston and New Paltz.
There are daily limits on how many trout you can keep, and some waters have special regulations.
Local bait shops can tell you which flies are working and where the fish are biting. |
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Did not realize you could still get a license at local stores in New Paltz. Was about to try to figure out the DEC website which is always a pain. Good to know, might actually make it out this weekend.
Been fishing the Esopus on opening day for probably 20 years now. It gets crowded near Phoenicia early in the morning but if you walk upstream a bit you can usually find a good spot to yourself. Water is going to be cold this year which honestly is great for the trout.
Mike TallericoSame experience here. Most people set up right near the road pulloffs and don't want to walk more than five minutes. Go another quarter mile upstream and it's almost like having the whole creek to yourself. Cold water is good news for sure, fish are way more active early season when it stays cold.