The North Country’s recreational fishing received a boost on Friday that will make for a better fishing experience for local residents and visitors, according to Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.

The law, sponsored in the Assembly Russell and signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, will continue to allow anglers to use three lines while on freshwater bodies instead of two, giving them a greater probability of hooking a fish and returning to the area for another outing.

Russell’s “River District,” the 116th, includes all St. Lawrence County towns along the St. Lawrence River (Massena, Ogdensburg, Louisville, Waddington, Lisbon, Oswegatchie, Morristown, and Hammond) plus the towns of Canton, Potsdam, Rossie, Macomb, and DePeyster, and part of Jefferson County.

“We have been blessed with an abundance of world-class fishing destinations in the North Country,” Russell said. “This law ensures anglers who visit the region will come back by giving everyone the best shot possible to catch a big one!”

The law mirrors similar efforts underway in states like New Jersey and Michigan and won’t negatively impact local fish populations because catch limits will remain in place. Before Russell’s efforts, New York’s three-line rule was set to expire.

“I’m excited by this law,” Russell said. “We’ve made sure local and visiting anglers will have a great time in the North Country without hurting the quality of our fisheries.”