Probably a Dumb Question

[bogtrotter]

My buddies and I (from W Mass) would like to try Free Fishing weekend (02/18 & 02/19) in NY.

We were thinking of trying Tomhannock Reservoir.

I see that, in addition to the usual fishing license requirement (suspended during Free Fishing weekend), fishing the Tomhannock Reservoir also requires having a permit from the City of Troy.

The webpage for the permit indicates that, in order to get one, you need to pay $10 and produce a NYS fishing license.

So, here's my dumb question: 

Am I correct in understanding there's a "catch 21" insofar as fishing Tomhannock is concerned - - ie., you don't need a NYS  fishing license to fish it during Free Fishing weekend, but you do need a permit, and in order to get the permit, you need to produce a NYS fishing license?

[TheWasp74]

I would say you are correct. I fish this body of water on a regular basis in the winter and the City of Troy is very restrictive on rules. No gas augers, no erected structures including tents. There is a lot of debate whether pop ups count. It's all because it's drinking water, which I can see why. Your best bet would be to call the city and ask

[bogtrotter]

thanks!

[Ice Chipper]

Definitely not a dumb question!  I think it was great that you thought it all out. It probably won't be worth all the trouble and expense. The fishing on the Tom isn't that great any way?

[maddogg]

Does the city own the lake?

[adkRoy]

Does the city own the lake?

Yes it is a reservoir for their drinking water.

[xxxbeer247]

My buddies and I (from W Mass) would like to try Free Fishing weekend (02/18 & 02/19) in NY.

We were thinking of trying Tomhannock Reservoir.

I see that, in addition to the usual fishing license requirement (suspended during Free Fishing weekend), fishing the Tomhannock Reservoir also requires having a permit from the City of Troy.

The webpage for the permit indicates that, in order to get one, you need to pay $10 and produce a NYS fishing license.

So, here's my dumb question: 

Am I correct in understanding there's a "catch 21" insofar as fishing Tomhannock is concerned - - ie., you don't need a NYS  fishing license to fish it during Free Fishing weekend, but you do need a permit, and in order to get the permit, you need to produce a NYS fishing license?

I'm pretty sure that when I got mine they did ask for a valid nys fishing license. I know you need a permit to fish this body of water regardless of free fishing weekend. Like someone else said it's not really worth the hassle/second guessing the ice hasn't been the best this winter and the fishing is mostly the same. If u wanna chase flags that weekend hit up one of the Grafton lakes state park ponds that are nearby to where you are coming from.

[jiignut]

Yea, fish a different lake.