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New York's Statewide & Adirondack Fishing Seasons

There are many species of fish located throughout New York State and the Adirondacks. Certain species of fish can only be taken during their regular fishing seasons. Fishermen and women are responsible for knowing the state regulations, and obtaining a NYS fishing license prior to fishing.

New York State has statewide, general regulations pertaining to each species of fish. There are also specific fishing regulations that are unique to certain bodies of water inside and outside of the Adirondack Park. Check special fishing regulations by NYS County here ยป

fishing rod and fish

Trout Season

Open April 1 - October 15

trout
  • Brook Trout (in lakes and ponds): Any size, daily limit of 5
  • Brook, BrownRainbow, and Splake Trout (in inland trout streams): Any size, daily limit of 5 with only 2 longer than 12" 
  • Lake Trout: Min. length of 21", daily limit of 3

Open October 16 - March 31

  • Brook, BrownRainbow, and Splake Trout (in inland trout streams): Catch & Release Only through much of the state (check fishing regulations guide for specifics), *artificial lures only

Open All Year

  • BrownRainbow, and Splake (in lakes and ponds): Any size, daily limit of 5 with only 2 longer than 12"

Salmon Season

Open All Year

landlocked salmon

Walleye Season

Open May 1 - March 15

walleye
  • Walleye: Min. length of 15", daily limit of 5 

Perch Season

Open All Year

perch on ice

Pike & Pickerel Season

May 1 - March 15

perch on ice

Open June 1 - November 30

Bass Season

Open June 15 - November 30

largemouth bass

December 1 - June 14

  • Catch & Release Only through much of the state (check fishing regulations guide for specifics), *artificial lures only

See the 2024 freshwater fishing regulations 

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