If you haven’t had a chance to provide input on the draft Adirondack Brook Trout Pond Management Plan (PDF), there’s still time! Written comments will be accepted through June 30, 2025.

If you’ve ever visited or fished on an Adirondack brook trout pond, you know how truly special an experience it is. Brook trout are not only New York’s state fish but also an iconic species of the Adirondacks. They have faced many challenges over the last several decades including acid precipitation and the introduction of incompatible fish species. Now, with the consequences of climate change, it’s time for an updated plan. Through sound, strategic management we can preserve the integrity of Adirondack brook trout and the ecological and recreational value they provide for years to come.

Expected benefits of the draft plan include:

• Protection of existing and establishment of new self-sustaining populations;
• Reduced spread of incompatible and detrimental fish, including baitfish;
• Greater structure in our approach to management that includes:

• • Consideration of climate change in management actions;
  • Management metrics for “put, grow, and take” fisheries;
  • Creation of a citizen science brook trout pond angler partnership program.

To share feedback, send an e-mail to fishplans@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “ADK Brook Trout Plan” or mail to: Fred Henson, Coldwater Fisheries Unit Leader, NYSDEC-Division of Fish and Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4753.