Fishing in New York

Fishing Regulations in New York

Size limits, bag limits, and seasons by species in New York.

New York's Department of Environmental Conservation oversees a remarkable range, from Catskills and Adirondack trout to Great Lakes salmon and steelhead, the smallmouth of the big rivers, and Long Island's saltwater. Seasons and limits vary widely by region and water, with many special-regulation waters, so check the rules for your spot first.

49 species with limits160 special regulation bodies of water

Notable waters

Lake Champlain and TributariesLake OntarioOtisco LakeDelaware River and West Branch Delaware RiverHoneoye LakeLower Niagara River and TributariesLake Erie and TributariesUpper Niagara River and Tributaries

Statewide

Jun 15 – Nov 30

Min size12"Daily bag5Possession10

Catch-and-release with artificial lures only allowed Dec 1 - Jun 14. Some lakes have specific rules (Champlain, Erie, Oneida, etc.).

Black Bass Aggregate: 5 combined w/ Smallmouth Bass.

Specific bodies of water may have special regulations.

Always confirm with the official state agency before keeping a fish. Regulations can change and local exceptions may apply.

Check New York Regulations on the App

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