The DEC is every fisherman’s best friend. They have created an internet map user guide that works on a laptop or a phone where the streams and waterways are color-coded. Clicking on them reveals the name of the stream, access points, fish stocking quantities and sizes, and more. Submitted photo

Spring is unique when it comes to early-season fishing, especially inland trout fishing.

The inland trout streams have been recycled with the annual winter melt, a dry-out period, and rain, and the new weather cycle continues. The streams are healthy, and the beautiful spring water color reminds us that each year is a beneficial renewal process.

Rainstorms do impact our streams, but DEC Fisheries Biologist Mike Todd advises that drifting or running baits, lures and flies slow and close to the bottom is a good bet in cold water conditions.

The inland trout streams are a haven for kids to go fishing. It’s not as complicated as it may seem. A simple bobber, split shot, a hook and a little red worm are all that’s needed to outsmart the fish. Use a circle hook to make catch and release a breeze. You might also decide it’s time for a spring trout dinner. Pan-fried in butter, it’s a treat. While you’re on the stream with the little ones, don’t forget the hot chocolate, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and some happy jokes to share. Keep it light and enjoyable.

DEC Fish Hatchery staff have been busy stocking the area waterways with thousands of trout. For county lists of stocked waters and the anticipated number, sizes and species of stocked trout, visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/stocking/spring-trout-stocking, the Spring Trout Stocking page on the DEC website.

Those interested can also call the recorded Randolph Hatchery stocking hotline at 716-358-2050 for stocking updates. The following waters have been stocked: Allegany County: Little Genesee Creek (Bolivar), Root Creek (Bolivar), California Hollow Brook (Bolivar), Genesee River (Wellsville, Amity), Dodge Creek (Clarksville), Clarksville Town Pond (Clarksville), Dyke Creek (Andover), Cryder Creek (Independence), Canadea Creek (Almond). Black Creek (West Almond), Canaseraga Creek (Burns), Genesee River (second stocking); and Cattaraugus County: Elton Creek (Freedom), Ischua Creek (Franklinville), Franklinville Conservation Club Pond (Franklinville). Quaker Lake (Cold Spring), Science Lake (Red House), Little Conewango Creek (Conewango), Quaker Run (Cold Spring), Red House Brook (Red House), Forks Creek (Great Valley), Great Valley Creek (Great Valley, Ellicottville), Mansfield Creek (Mansfield), S. Branch Cattaraugus Creek (East Otto), Five Mile Creek (Allegany), County Ponds A&B (Randolph), Paisley Park Pond (Randolph).

In Chautauqua County: Goose Creek (N. Harmony, Harmony), Cassadaga Creek (Stockton). Canadaway Creek (Arkwright), Mill Creek (Gerry), Clay Pond (Poland); and Erie County: Little Buffalo Creek (Lancaster, Marilla), Ellicott Creek (Amherst), East Branch Cazenovia Creek (Aurora, Holland). Cayuga Creek (Lancaster).

When it comes to exploring where to fish and locations, the DEC is your best friend. They’ve created an internet map user guide that works on a laptop or a phone. The streams and waterways are color-coded, and clicking on them reveals the name of the stream, the access points, fish stocking quantities and sizes, and more. Visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing, click on places to fish, and then select Trout Stream User Map. The total number of stocked fish and stocking schedule appear in the pop-up windows.

With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams in New York, the DEC’s resources help us all to know where to go and what to fish for.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

April 5: King of Spring Perch Tournament, Cayuga Lake, heaviest perch, $100 team registration, Info: Drake at Doc’s Tackle, 585-229-2277, email: docdavid@229bass.com.

April 6: NYS Hunter Education, Evans Rod/Gun, Angola, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., register online at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/hunter-education.

April 9-10: NYS Hunter Education, Bear Lake Rod & Gun, 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Road, Stockton, 5:30-9:30 p.m. each night, register https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/226045. Info NYSDEC: 585-226-5463.

April 12: Erie County Federation of Sportsmen, Annual Banquet, $45, Kloc’s Grove, 1245 Seneca Creek Road, West Seneca. Info: 716-674-5944.

April 12: Niagara Musky Awards Banquet, Pearl Street Grill, $70, Contact Scott McKee, 716-225-3816, email: scotthenrymckee@yahoo.com.

April 12: WNY Walleye, monthly meeting, 9 a.m., Knights of Columbus Hamburg.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.