The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is closing specific tributary waters to fishing in St. Lawrence County to protect spawning walleye. These tributaries feed Black Lake and the St. Lawrence River, which are popular for walleye fishing.

“Over the years there has been an increase in illegal harvesting of walleye in certain sections of waters in St. Lawrence County. Closing these waters to all fishing is an effort to allow spawning to take effect,” said Judy Drabicki, Regional Director.

The waters listed below are closed to fishing all species, beginning March 16th until the opening of walleye season in May:

Fish creek from downstream (west side) of the State Route 58 Bridge to the highest point upstream to Fish Creek Falls in Pope Mills;

Indian River at Rossie from downstream (west side) of County Route 8 Bridge to the highest point of Rossie Falls upstream; and

Grasse River in the village of Massena from the downstream side of the Alcoa Road Bridge to the Main Street Bridge upstream.

The modifications to the sport fishing regulations are a result of a two-year process that included biological assessment, discussions with anglers, and a formal 45-day public comment period. DEC used public input to finalize the changes. These regulations are published in the 2017-18 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide that is available at all license sales vendors and on the DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html.