Printer-friendlyGeneral Angling Regulations
See Special Regulations by County section for the individual waters that have exceptions to these general regulations
| Species | Open Season | Minimum Length | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (brook, brown and rainbow trout and hybrids of these species; and splake) | April 1 through October 15 | Any size | 5 |
| Lake Trout | April 1 through October 15 | 21" | 3 |
| Landlocked Atlantic Salmon | April 1 through October 15 | 15" | 3 |
| Kokanee | April 1 through October 15 | Any size | 10 |
| Coho, Chinook, Pink Salmon - See Great Lakes Regulations | |||
| Black Bass largemouth/smallmouth |
3rd Saturday in June through November 30 | 12" | 5 |
| Black Bass largemouth/smallmouth |
December 1 - Friday preceding the 3rd Saturday in June | Catch and release only | Artificial lures only |
| Muskellunge | 3rd Saturday in June through November 30 | 30" | 1 |
| Northern Pike | 1st Saturday in May through March 15 | 18" | 5 |
| Pickerel | 1st Saturday in May through March 15 | 15" | 5 |
| Tiger Muskellunge | 1st Saturday in May through March 15 | 30" | 1 |
| Walleye | 1st Saturday in May through March 15 | 15" | 5 |
| Crappie | All year | 9" | 25 |
| Atlantic, Shortnose & Lake Sturgeon; Paddlefish | Closed | Possession Prohibited | |
| Lake Whitefish | All year | Any size | 5 |
| Striped Bass in the Hudson River and tributaries north of George Washington Bridge | March 16 through November 30 | 18" | 1 |
| American Shad except Hudson River and all tributaries north of the George Washington Bridge | All year | Any size | 6 |
| American Shad - Hudson River and all tributaries north of the George Washington Bridge | All year | Catch and release only | |
| Yellow Perch | All year | Any size | 50 |
| Sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed and redbreast sunfish) | All year | Any size | 50 |
| American Eel- all waters except Hudson River | All year | 6" | 50 |
| American Eel- Hudson River from the Battery to Troy and all tributaries upstream to the first barrier | All year | Eels 6-14" only may be possessed in any number for bait. No eels greater than 14" may be possessed. No eels may be possessed for food. | |
| All other species (except endangered and threatened species) | All year | Any size | Any number |
Caution:
Dangerous Water Releases
Many rivers in New York State have dams on them. Some areas downstream have variable flows, including rapidly rising water that quickly creates conditions that are dangerous to anglers. Before fishing an unfamiliar river, become aware of the potential dangers or contact the Regional Bureau of Fisheries office for detailed information.
Also, keep in mind that almost any dammed or regulated water can be subject to quick increases in flow accompanied by rapidly increasing water depth and current speed.
When fishing on any river, if the water begins to rise unexpectedly, anglers should quickly move safely to shore.