DEC announces new record set for brook trout

Mayfield resident catches 6-pound "Brookie" from Adirondack's Silver Lake

Rick Beauchamp, of Mayfield, Fulton County, is the new holder of the state record for brook trout after catching a six-pound, 22.5-inch brook trout in Silver Lake on May 16, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Thursday.

Beauchamp reeled in the record-breaking fish while fishing Silver Lake in Hamilton County in the Adirondack's Silver Lake Wilderness. The new record brook trout, caught on a lake clear wabbler and worm, weighed in at slightly just more than 6 pounds, surpassing the previous state record set in 2012 by two ounces.

"Through Gov. Cuomo's 'NY Open for Hunting and Fishing' initiative, DEC is promoting and expanding access for anglers," said Commissioner Martens. "I'd like to congratulate Mr. Beauchamp on this new record catch and encourage all New Yorkers to continue to utilize the great natural resources and fishing opportunities the state has to offer."

The brook trout is not only a success for Beauchamp, it also reflects the ongoing recovery of Adirondack lakes from the effects of acid rain. Until a few years ago, Silver Lake was too acidified to support a trout population. In 1969, the lake was determined to be fishless and, in 1976, it had a pH of 5.0, which is too acidic for brook trout to thrive. After water chemistry samples indicated the pH of lake had risen to almost 6.0, DEC began an experimental stocking program for brook trout in 2002. Currently, DEC stocks Windfall strain native brook trout in Silver Lake and brook trout are the only fish species known to be present.

Beauchamp submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC's Angler Achievement Awards. Through this program, anglers can enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch and a distinctive lapel pin commemorating their achievement. The three categories that make up the program are "Catch & Release," "Annual Award" and "State Record."

Cuomo's "NY Open for Hunting and Fishing" initiative is an effort to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. This initiative includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, stocking as much as 900,000 pounds of fish, expanding fishing clinics and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions. 

Information about the Angler Achievement Awards Program, including past winners and a downloadable application form, can be found on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7727.html or by contacting DEC Bureau of Fisheries by phone at 518-402-8891 or email [email protected]. Program details and an official entry form can also be found in DEC's current Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide.