For many years, October 15 (and previous to that, September 30) marked the end of the trout fishing season here in New York State. The reason for the end of the season coincided with the spawning activity of the brook trout and brown trout; brook trout usually spawn between September and November and brown trout a bit later, usually beginning in October, and continuing throughout the fall and early winter. (Rainbow trout spawn during the winter and early spring; thus the “traditional” fall closure until April 1, Opening Day of the trout fishing season.)

As with other fish species, such as striped bass, muskellunge and walleye, the fish were left alone to reproduce and were given a break, so to speak, to protect the adults from stress or injury and safeguard the eggs and young fry. And up until just a few years ago, trout were also similarly protected. 

The upper headwaters and tributaries of our rivers and streams were closed to fishing during this critical period, as these locations are where most of the wild trout spawn. And it is one of the main reasons that trout fishers today may enjoy wonderfully productive fishing in our Catskill streams, as well as a healthy population of wild fish.

The lower “Catch and Release” or “No-Kill” areas of the Beaverkill and Willowemoc allowed year-round fishing, as there were very few tributaries flowing into those sections, and spawning was practically non-existent.

However, in 2021, despite many anglers and others expressing strong opposition to fishing during the spawning season, the DEC imposed what is essentially “year-round” fishing in New York, including all our Catskill streams: from the closed season date of October 16 through March 31, catch-and-release fishing, artificial lures only are allowed. And so, another reminder goes out to those who wish to fish outside the “No-Kill” areas after October 15; please keep in mind that trout are actively spawning.

Spawning involves the mature fish traveling upstream in search of the headwaters and tributaries, seeking clean gravel in the riffles in which to construct their nests, which are called redds. The female trout will dig a “pit” in the gravel or sand. 

The pit is usually somewhat longer than the female’s body, and is as deep as or deeper than her greatest depth. It is first noticeable by the brightness of the clean, cleared area as compared to the neighboring streambed. She will shed her eggs in the bottom of the nest at the same time that a male trout sheds his milt, or sperm, over the eggs. Once this has occurred, the female moves upstream and covers the eggs in the redd by churning up gravel and sand with her body enough to cover them by a few inches. The incubation period varies according to water temperature and species of fish; for brown trout, an average incubation period in water of 57 degrees Fahrenheit is about 30+ days from spawning to hatching; for brook trout in 50-degree water, the eggs require about 50 days to hatch. The young fry will absorb their yolk sacs depending on water temperature in from one to three months; they will work themselves free of the gravel beds and begin feeding.

As with other species of trout, both male and female desert the redd once spawning is completed, which can take a few days.

An interesting phenomenon that occurs in breeding males is the development of a hook, or kype, at the midpoint of the lower jaw, and the deepening and darkening of their color. It is relatively easy to distinguish males from females during spawning season by observing these characteristics. 

It is believed that the kype develops in males because of their aggressive behavior during spawning. Males will often fight other males to join in the spawning process with a female. Sometimes this can even result in the death of one of the males.

Once spawning begins, the trout eggs are very vulnerable to predation. Even during the spawning process, other trout, usually immature trout (even from the same species) try to eat the eggs as they are being deposited. They attempt to dash in and grab the eggs, then drop down below the redd to repeat the process.

 At this time the spawning male will aggressively pursue the smaller fish, chasing them away from the area, but while he is occupied with chasing off one trout, another dashes in to seize the eggs before they are covered.

The redds are very fragile, and can easily be destroyed by anglers wading through the stream, walking unwittingly through trout redds, crushing, displacing and disturbing eggs that will not survive. Freshets, or sudden high waters that occur following the spawning season can destroy many redds, covering and smothering the eggs with sediment or gravel before they hatch.

As can be imagined, it is extremely stressful for spawning trout to be pursued, whether by anglers or predators. They are already in a highly compromised period of their lifecycle; the only thing on their minds now is spawning. Some will not survive the stresses of spawning. The males tend to fight with other males and are in a weakened state. A ripe female or male that is caught and released will often expel eggs or milt in the process – these are would-be fish that will never have the chance to survive.

The extended season does offer anglers the opportunity to catch larger mature trout - but anglers would do well to keep in mind the fragility of the fish they are seeking as well as the spawning process.

Thankfully, despite the perils associated with survival of the eggs and young-of-the-year fish, each season brings a new year-class of wild trout to our waters. But it is easy to understand why there is never an abundance of wild fish. We are fortunate to live in an area where the process of trout spawning occurs each year, and we can anticipate the sight of our beautiful wild trout in our Catskill waters.

Let’s work to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy these special gifts of nature - encourage your children to learn and ask questions, and consider joining one of our many conservation-minded organizations, such as the Catskill Fly Fishing Center, Catskill Mountain Keeper, the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild, or the Beamoc Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Our next Beamoc “Work Bee” is open to all, on November 1 at 10:00.

 We will be clearing some more tributaries to enable the trout easier access for spawning, as well as leading a tour of active trout redds for the purpose of monitoring trout spawning activity. For more information, or to join in, please email BeamocTroutUnlimited@gmail.com.

Streamside will return in the spring; wishing you all a healthy and happy winter season!

Judy Van Put is a long-time member of the NYS Outdoor Writers Association, and is the recipient of the New York State Council of Trout Unlimited’s Professional Communications Award.