Benjamin Ferguson, a brook trout angler from Lowville, Lewis County, caught a 22-inch, six-pound three-ounce brookie from the St. Regis Canoe Area on July 5, 2025, edging out the 2013 state record brook trout by three ounces.
The record-breaking fish was caught while slow trolling a Lake Clear Wabbler.
Ferguson submitted details of his winning catch as part of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (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.
Once ubiquitous on New York’s northern landscape, up to 90 percent of the lacustrine (relating to lakes) brook trout habitat has been lost due to anthropogenic factors, including poor silvicultural practices, acid-precipitation, and incompatible and detrimental fish species introductions.
The St. Regis Canoe Area in the Adirondack Park is the largest wilderness canoe area in the Northeastern United States and the only designated canoe area in New York state. It is closed to motorized vehicles. Among the 50 ponds and lakes are Upper Saint Regis Lake, part of the Seven Carries route, and Saint Regis Pond.
For official state record program rules, eligible species, and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler Achievement Awards webpage.
Photo of Benjamin Ferguson with his state record brook trout provided by DEC.
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