Hudson Valley field and stream

The Hudson Valley has become prime real estate for those looking to fish and hunt in the region. And why not? Between the mighty Hudson River and the Catskill mountains, the corridor between Westchester and Albany is picture perfect.

"The potential for fishing here in the Hudson Valley is tremendous,'' said Bill Conners, president of the Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs. "The Hudson River alone is burgeoning as a prime spot for perch, catfish, some sunfish in the coves, as well as largemouth bass. Beyond that, you have the striped bass fishery as well as numerous lakes and ponds.

"What you have is a world-class fishery right here in the Hudson Valley.''

In fact, a record 46-pound, 11-ounce striper was caught just south of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge recently. And that doesn't even count the trout fishing. The Department of Environmental Conservation has stocking programs all over the state, but particularly in this area. Dutchess County alone gets almost 60,000 trout each season.

The potential for hunting game is just as big, with the big draw being shotgun season for deer.

"There's a tremendous amount of state property available either through wildlife management or multiple use,'' Conners said. "I think the area has done a tremendous job of beginning to establish itself as place where people around the state will come to hunt and fish.''