Anyone who goes fishing this year across New York is being warned about a dangerous fish and what to do if you catch one.

This time of year, many New Yorkers dedicate a large portion of their time to fishing on the numerous waterways across New York State. The Empire State has a wide variety of fish species that anglers attempt to reel in each year on both freshwater and saltwater, including largemouth bass, bluefish, striped bass, lake trout, and more.

Fishing in New York
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Fishing in New York

Anglers can begin fishing in freshwater bodies in April for most species, including trout, with popular options like rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Bass is another sought-after freshwater fish and is fishable most years from mid-June to the end of November 30 across New York, but did you know that there is one fish that, if you catch it, the Department of Environmental Conservation recommends you kill it?

Northern Snakehead in New York
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Northern Snakehead Fish in New York

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has issued an alert to warn folks about something that's been nicknamed the "Frankenfish", due to its scary look. It's officially identified as the northern snakehead, an invasive, predatory fish species that's native to Asia and is extremely dangerous to our local aquatic ecosystems.

According to the NYSDEC, the northern snakehead (below) can breathe air and survive for days out of water, and if it establishes itself in New York, it has the potential to wreak havoc by eating our native fish species. That's why the DEC recently issued an alert and asks anyone who believes they've caught one to kill it and never release it back in the water.

SEE ALSO: All New Yorkers Encouraged to Do This Daily 'Check'

The DEC asks that you take several photos of the fish from different angles, including the fins, and freeze it, then throw it in the trash after it has been identified. You can email photos, along with where it was caught, to isinfo@dec.ny.gov.

Snakehead Alert in New York
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Via Facebook
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What Does a Northern Snakehead Look Like?

If you think you might have caught one and are trying to identify it, it can be tricky, according to the DEC. They explained that the northern snakehead is often confused with bowfin and burbot, both native to New York. The DEC also said the northern snakehead tends to have a blotchy pattern along its sides and "can be distinguished by their long, thin body, flattened head, and a single dorsal (top) fin running the length of their backs".

New York State Free Fishing Days 2025

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the return of New York State's free fishing days for 2025. There are other programs offered like a rod loaner program and a learn to fish program. The license requirement will be waived for freshwater fishing on the following dates:

Gallery Credit: Canva

Camping Resorts in the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is a camping destination for so many people, including those of us who live locally. It is a great way to have a summer vacation every weekend close to home. Many places offer a seasonal rate for you to save money on your stay. You pull the trailer in for the summer and park it for the season, usually late April to the end of October. And now you can camp at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

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