Trout and salmon fishing season in the North Country will open on April 1.

New York State residents and visitors may fish for free without a fishing license in any of the state’s lakes, ponds, rivers and streams during the weekend of June 27-28.

Unlike last year, when most of the state was languishing through an extended winter with much ice and snow, prospects for the 2016 opener look very promising, according to an announcement from the state.

Even with the expected fishable stream flows, trout will still be relatively lethargic until stream temperatures warm. Anglers will have best success using bait and lures such as spinners that can be fished slow and deep. Fishing will improve markedly once water temperatures move into the sixties later in the spring. The warming also encourages aquatic insect activity, which improves opportunities for those preferring to use fly fishing gear.

Ahead of the season opening, anglers can start planning their first spring outing on the I LOVE NY website. Anglers can also download DEC’s official New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App on the Apple App Store or Google Play store, or by going to the Pocket Ranger website at http://www.pocketranger.com/apps/Detail/b15f359d-6cd0-4ed2-888f-77f4d8fad012. This app provides up-to-date information on fishing, hunting and wildlife watching and serves as an interactive outdoor app using today's leading mobile devices.

Best early season angling opportunities for trout are typically in lakes and ponds, with some of the best fishing found immediately after ice out.

Early season trout fishing recommendations by DEC staff in each region can be found in the 2016 Coldwater Fishing Forecast at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/63598.html. The DEC website also includes a map of recommended fishing locations at http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/103457.html and specific locations on streams where DEC has purchased fishing easements at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html.

Anyone 16 years of age and older who desires to fish in New York must have a New York State fishing license. Anglers can purchase their license and print them for immediate use by visiting http://www.licensecenter.ny.gov/sporting-and-recreational-licenses. Anglers can also purchase their license by phone by calling 1-866-933-2257, or from the numerous license issuing agents across the state. Those purchasing by phone will receive a confirmation number that can be used as proof of purchase until they receive their actual license by mail. Fishing licenses are now valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Anglers interested in purchasing a lifetime fishing license should consider a New York State Adventure license which is incorporated on their NY Driver’s License and provides a free fishing-themed license plate. Additional information can be found at www.licensecenter.ny.gov/.