Published: March 31, 2008 04:00 am         

Trout season to begin

Although it officially began 11 days ago, the real start of spring for many outdoors enthusiasts is Tuesday, the opening day of trout season.

Anglers are usually impatient to wet their lines as April 1 approaches, said Al Carpenter, owner of Al's Sport Store in Downsville.

"Cabin fever starts to set in," Carpenter said.

Although fishing tends to be better once the water starts to warm up, many anglers like to get out just to say they fished opening day, he said.

But conditions are better now than in some years.

"The east branch (of the Delaware) is in pretty good shape right now," Carpenter said. "I'm expecting it to be a pretty good opener."

Carpenter also operates a motel and said he was full tonight and booked solid for today.

The influx of trout fishermen in April and through the rest of a season that wraps up Oct. 15 has an important economic impact on Delaware County, said Mary Beth Silano, executive director of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.

"We do have the best fishing in New York state," Silano said.

Motels, restaurants, sporting goods stores and convenience stores all benefit from anglers trying their luck in Delaware County streams and rivers, she said.

The Delaware River system in the southern portion of Delaware County is famous for its trout fishing opportunities, Silano said.

But the action won't be limited to just a few hotspots.

"They will be out in every waterway imaginable," Silano said.

The Pepacton Reservoir offers good shore fishing for brown trout early in the season, Carpenter said.

"The lower end by the dam is completely open," he said.

Anglers have luck catching big browns by casting spoons from shore, Carpenter said.

Those who fish the New York City reservoirs must have an access permit, Carpenter said.

But these may be obtained for free at www.nyc.gov/html/dep.

Although not as well known as Delaware County, Chenango, Otsego and Schoharie counties also have many good trout streams.

Walleye, pickerel and northern pike seasons open May 3. Bass season opens June 21, but there is currently a catch-and-release season in place.

More information on freshwater fishing in New York can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7752.html.