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

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.”