DEC Uses Drones During Salmon River Fishing Enforcement Patrol

OSWEGO COUNTY — Environmental Conservation Police officers used drones during an October 3 patrol along the Salmon River that resulted in tickets for after-hours fishing, according to an October 20, 2026, release from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Environmental Conservation Police Officer Brown requested assistance from DEC Division of Law Enforcement Unmanned Aircraft System drone pilots, ECO Noyes and Investigator Krueger, to patrol areas surrounding the river. The Salmon River draws thousands of anglers from across New York and the country during the annual salmon spawning run, DEC said.

According to the release, officers responded to several complaints about individuals fishing after hours and issued nine tickets to six anglers for after-hours fishing. Two individuals received additional tickets for fishing without a license and unlawfully using treble hooks to take fish.

DEC said fishing for salmon is prohibited from a half-hour after sunset until a half-hour before sunrise. The drones helped officers monitor activity in the dark using night imaging and cover additional ground in wooded areas.

All tickets were returnable to the Town of Albion Court, according to DEC. Tickets are allegations, not findings of guilt.