Benjamin Ferguson – NY State Record Brook Trout
In July, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a new state record brook trout.
On July 5, 2025, Benjamin Ferguson, caught a six pound three ounce brook trout from the St. Regis Canoe Area. The fish was 22 inches in length.
An avid brook trout angler, Ferguson caught the record-breaking fish while slow trolling a Lake Clear Wabbler.
Ferguson’s brookie outweighed the previous New York state record fish by three ounces.
“This new State record brook trout is particularly special given our commitment to advancing the conservation of this iconic species,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Benjamin Ferguson’s record-setting catch further highlights this unique resource, which only the Adirondacks can provide.”
Angler Achievement Awards Program
Ferguson submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC’s newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks State record fish and recognizes anglers that catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species.
Anglers with qualifying catches receive official recognition, along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement.? The program’s three categories are: Angler Award; Youth Angler Award; and State Record.
As part of the program revamp, anglers are now able to submit entries for qualifying catches from the convenience of a smart phone through an online entry form.
For official program rules, eligible species, and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the?Angler Achievement Awards webpage on the DEC website.
Saint Regis Canoe Area
The 18,400-acre Saint Regis Canoe Area is the only designated Canoe Area in New York State. The area includes numerous lakes and ponds with remote and unconfined paddling opportunities in a wilderness setting.
Twenty of the waters contain brook trout and other cold water lakes support fishable populations of lake trout and splake.
In some waterways, brook trout populations are maintained through annual stocking. The remaining waters with brook trout are maintained by natural spawning.
source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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