Statewide Freshwater Fishing Seasons, Sizes, and Catch Limits
Exceptions may apply to the statewide freshwater fishing regulations below.
Check the Special Regulations to determine if other rules apply to the water you'll be fishing.
| Species | Open Season | Minimum Length | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brook Trout (in lakes and ponds) | April 1 - Oct 15 | None | 5 |
| Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Splake (in lakes and ponds) | All year | 5 (only 2 longer than 12") | |
| Trout in inland trout streams (see Definitions) | April 1 - Oct 15 | 5 (only 2 longer than 12") | |
| Oct 16 - Mar 31 | Catch and Release only | Artificial lures only | |
| Lake Trout | April 1 - Oct 15 | 21" | 3 |
| Atlantic Salmon (Landlocked) | All year | 15" | 3 |
| Coho and Chinook Salmon | See Great Lakes and Tributaries Special Regulations | ||
| Black Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth) | June 15 - Nov 30 | 12" | 5 |
| Dec 1 - June 14 | Catch and Release only | Artificial lures only | |
| Muskellunge | June 1 - Nov 30 | 40" | 1 |
| Northern Pike | May 1 - Mar 15 | 18" | 5 |
| Pickerel | May 1 - Mar 15 | 15" | 5 |
| Tiger Muskellunge | May 1 - Mar 15 | 30" | 1 |
| Walleye | May 1 - Mar 15 | 15" | 5 |
| Crappie (Black and White) | All year | 10" | 25 |
| Yellow Perch | All year | None | 50 |
| Sunfish (Bluegill, Redbreast, and Pumpkinseed) | All year | None | 25 |
| Lake Whitefish | All year | None | 5 |
| Paddlefish, Sauger | Closed | Fishing for (including Catch and Release) or possession prohibited | |
| Striped Bass | April 1 - Nov 30 | 1 (not less than 18" no greater than 28") |
|
| American Shad - Hudson River and Tributaries | Possession Prohibited | ||
| American Shad - All other inland waters, including Delaware River | All year | None | 3 |
| Hickory Shad | Aug 1 - Nov 30 | Any Size | 5 |
| American Eel | All year | 9" | 25 |
| All endangered or threatened fish species | Fishing for (including Catch and Release) or possession prohibited | ||
| Snakeheads (all species) | Live possession prohibited | ||
| All other species (except those listed in special regulations) | All year | None | Any number |