Town of North East sees renewed interest in fishing licenses with start of trout season

Town of North East sees renewed interest in fishing licenses with start of trout season

George Brazee of Amenia wasn’t having much luck reeling them in at Rudd Pond on April 3 due to equipment failure, but he did have his fishing license on hand in case it was needed.

Photo by Krista A. Briggs

MILLERTON — For trout-fishing enthusiasts, the time has come to cast a line — or at least obtain a fishing license to do so.

Spring trout season began in New York State on April 1. Since it started, North East Town Clerk Tilly Strauss has observed a jump in the number of local fishing licenses being requested at town hall. Strauss reported that seven fishing licenses were issued in the month of March. As of April 4, the number stood at 10 with more anticipated to come.

Renewed interest in licensing at this time of year is not unusual. Fishing licenses can be issued at any time during the year, but particular fishing seasons drive the demand for licenses. According to Strauss, what has differed recently from seasons past is the range of people applying for fishing licenses. “With hunters, you get the same sort of guys,” Strauss said, pointing out the diversity of fishing license applicants who vary in age, gender and walk of life.

While there are no trout at nearby Rudd Pond, licensed local anglers looking to reel in this particular species of fish can head to Wassaic Creek/Tenmile River in Amenia, which is home to brown trout and brook trout. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, over 9,000 brown trout are stocked on an annual basis at Tenmile River. The DEC also lists largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegills, black crappie and yellow perch as fish which can be pulled out of Rudd Pond.

According to deputy town clerk Marcy Wheatley, 60 fishing licenses were issued at town hall in 2024. It remains to be seen whether this figure will fluctuate in any direction over the course of 2025.

For New York state residents, $25 is the current annual fee to obtain a fishing license for ages 16 to 69. Residents of the state who are 70 and older will pay an annual fee of $5. Licenses can be purchased online, over the phone or through a license issuing agent. For more information, go to www.dec.ny.gov, navigate to “Freshwater Fishing,” and click on “Get a Fishing License.”

Latest News

Governor Hochul implements temporary statewide burn ban

The LED sign in front of Amenia's Town Hall on Route 22 warns passing motorists of the current temporary burn ban, in effect from Oct. 2 to Oct. 15.

Photo by Nathan Miller

A statewide burn ban is in effect as of Thursday, Oct. 2, the New York State Governor's office announced in a press release.

The temporary ban is in effect until at least Oct. 15, and the statement released by the governor's office said the restrictions will be re-evaluated prior to the Oct. 15 deadline.

Keep ReadingShow less
Barbara Meyers DelPrete

LAKEVILLE, Conn. — Barbara Meyers DelPrete, 84, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 76 Sharon Rd., Lakeville.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stanford’s Haunted Fortress gearing up for opening day

Volunteers were hard at work putting the finishing touches on the crucial creepy decorations for the Haunted Fortress of Stanford on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Nathan Miller

STANFORD — Greg Arent led a devoted team of volunteers on Sunday, Sept. 28, in a final push to prepare Stanford’s Haunted Fortress for opening day.

Final touches included cleaning the bottomless pit, scrubbing the pirate ship, raking the graveyard and dressing the dolls. By 2 p.m., about 20 volunteers had assembled to creepify the beloved local landmark.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Public Works Superintendent resigns, Police Chief takes the job

From left, Jim Milton, Spencer Parks and William J. Clark stand with Joseph Olenik on their first day working under him as the head of Public Works on Monday, Sept. 29.

Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village announced a leadership change at the Highway Department on Friday following the resignation of Superintendent Peter Dellaghelfa. Police Chief Joseph Olenik will step into the role, effective immediately, officials said.

Olenik will continue to serve as Police Chief.

Keep ReadingShow less