Each state in the US has a number of different state symbols. These include state animals, flowers and trees, among others. State animals often include birds, insects and fish. The freshwater state fish of New York is the brook trout, and the saltwater fish is the striped bass.
In 1975, the brook trout was designated as the state fish of New York. The scientific name of the brook trout is Salvelinus fontinalis. The fish is also known as the speckled trout, the brookie or the speckle. The species is native to the eastern US, with large numbers present in New York state. They typically inhabit small bodies of clean, clear water with temperatures below 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22.22 degrees Celsius).
The freshwater state fish of New York is relatively small, generally less than 12 inches (30.48 cm) long. On occasion, some brook trout may reach up to 8 pounds (3.63 kg) in weight, but most do not exceed 2 pounds (0.91 kg). Brook trout are olive green in color, with a lighter pattern on the back, spots along the sides and a red underbelly and lower fins. Their life spans are relatively short, typically five years or less.
Visitors to New York, particularly those who go to the Adirondack Mountains, may be able to catch the state fish of New York. Brook trout are favored by fishermen because they are easily caught on simple bait such as worms. The fish is also said to be delicious.
The saltwater, or marine, state fish of New York was designated as the striped bass in 2006. Other names for this fish include Morone saxatilis, striper and rockfish. Striped bass inhabit the Hudson River and waters off the coast of Long Island on a seasonal basis. The fish can survive in both fresh and salt water, moving from the ocean to freshwater locations in order to spawn.
Striped bass are much larger than brook trout. These fish may grow up to 55 inches (139.70 cm) long and weigh as much as 70 pounds (31.75 kg). Striped bass also live much longer than the freshwater state fish of New York, with many living up to 30 years or even longer.
Fishing for striped bass on the Hudson River is generally best from March to June. Boat fishing gives better odds of reeling in a large number of these fish, but fishing from the shore can also yield success. Striped bass are more likely to be caught at night, on cloudy days and at high tide.