New York Fishing Guide Incorrectly Lists "The Gut" as Reciprocal Waters

Lake Champlain anglers should be aware that the "The Gut," a section of the lake at the north end of South Hero Island, is not part of the Lake Champlain reciprocal fishing license agreement between New York and Vermont. Therefore, anglers must possess a Vermont fishing license to fish that section.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was recently made aware that the "New York Freshwater Fishing - 2009-2010 Official Regulations Guide" mistakenly depicts The Gut as being covered by the reciprocal fishing license agreement. The actual boundary for the reciprocal license agreement runs along the western shore of South Hero Island to Tromp Point, then, following the railroad causeway, across The Gut to Bow Arrow Point on North Hero Island.

Anglers possessing only a New York fishing license can, and have been ticketed by Vermont game wardens when fishing in The Gut. A revised map has been posted on the NYSDEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/fish_marine_pdf/nyvtfishlic.pdf . The 2010-2011 regulations guide, which will be distributed by early fall, will properly depict The Gut as excluded from the reciprocal license agreement.

The Lake Champlain Reciprocal Fishing License, which became effective in 2004, allows for an angler to fish with either a Vermont or New York license in the main and southern portions of the lake. However, South Bay in New York, and the Inland Sea (including The Gut), Mallett's Bay and Missisquoi Bay in Vermont are excluded. Anglers fishing on these waters must have a fishing license from the state in which the waterway is located. Tributaries of Lake Champlain are excluded from the reciprocal agreement.

Anglers must abide by the fishing restrictions, such as species fished, length limits and seasons, of the state in which they are fishing. More information on fishing in New York can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html